- Must visit
King Richard III Visitor Centre
Modern museum telling the story of Richard III through archaeology, history and the king’s Leicester burial site.
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Bedford to Leicester
Showing times and prices for 29 Aug
Cheapest price
£25
Average price
£25
Fastest journey
2 h 5 m
Average duration
2 h 12 m
Buses per day
12
Distance
72 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Bedford to Leicester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Bedford to Leicester will cost around £25 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £25.
Fast coaches
To travel from Bedford to Leicester you need to make at least one change.
UCX5 · NX23013:152h25Bedford, Bus Station15:40Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station£251One-way1 change- UCX5 · NX24010:152h10Bedford, Bus Station12:25Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station£251One-way1 change
- UCX5 · NX2309:152h15Bedford, Bus Station11:30Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station£251One-way1 change
- UCX5 · NX4407:052h50Bedford, Bus Station9:55Leicester, Braunstone£251One-way1 change
- UCX5 · NX4407:053h00Bedford, Bus Station10:05Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station£251One-way1 change
- UCX5 · NX23018:252h05Bedford, Bus Station20:30Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station£251One-way1 change
- UCX5 · NX23019:552h05Bedford, Bus Station22:00Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station£251One-way1 change
- UCX5 · NX24010:152h10Bedford, Bus Station12:25Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station£251One-way1 change
- UCX5 · NX2309:152h15Bedford, Bus Station11:30Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station£251One-way1 change
- UCX5 · NX23013:152h25Bedford, Bus Station15:40Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station£251One-way1 change
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Bedford to Leicester
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Bedford to Leicester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from £16. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 43m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £16, and a coach costs an average of £24.
Distance: 72 km
Compare bus with
| Coach | Most popular Train |
|---|---|
£28 Average Price | £24 Average Price Cheapest |
1h 53m Average total duration 1h 23m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 13m Average total duration Fastest 43m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions | 0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest |
Most popular bus company |  Most popular train company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Bedford to Leicester bus times
The table below shows live departures for Bedford to Leicester coaches for today, Friday 28 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7:35 Bedford | 2h45 | 10:20 Leicester | 0 changesdirect | |
| 16:15 Bedford | 2h20 | 18:35 Leicester | 0 changesdirect | |
| Saturday 29 August | |||||
| UCX5 · NX450 | 6:05 Bedford, Bus Station | 2h55 | 9:00 Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 1 change | |
| UCX5 · NX440 | 7:05 Bedford, Bus Station | 3h00 | 10:05 Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 1 change | |
| UCX5 · NX440 | 7:05 Bedford, Bus Station | 2h50 | 9:55 Leicester, Braunstone | 1 change | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Bedford to Leicester by train or coach
Compare train and coach prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
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29 Aug
29 Aug
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30 Aug
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31 Aug
31 Aug
Tue
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04 Sept
04 Sept
Why should you book Bedford to Leicester coaches with Omio?
National Express operates all coaches services from Bedford to Leicester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Bedford to Leicester.
Why book with Omio vs National Express?
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare National Express with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Bedford to Leicester.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Bedford to Leicester.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Bedford to Leicester
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Bedford to Leicester run on average 12 times per day, taking around 1h 23m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £24 but you can travel from only £16 by train.
The earliest coach runs at 03:45, the last at 23:43. The fastest coach covers the 72 km distance in 2h 10m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from £16
Distance 72 km |
Average bus duration 1h 23m |
Cheapest ticket price £24 |
Buses per day 12 |
Fastest bus 2h 10m |
First bus 3:45 |
Last bus 23:43 |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 1 day |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from £16
Bus providers: National Express from Bedford to LeicesterYou can travel by bus between Bedford to Leicester with National Express for as low as £16. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
National Express
About
National Express is the UK’s leading long-distance coach company, operating over 550 services per day and serving more than 900 destinations nationwide. It also runs frequent services to major UK airports — including Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, and Bristol — 24 hours a day. All National Express coaches are air-conditioned and offer free Wi-Fi and onboard entertainment. Most vehicles are equipped with seat belts and power outlets at every seat, allowing you to charge your phone or laptop during your journey. Ticket options include Restricted Fare, Standard Fare, and Fully Flexible Fare, with the latter providing maximum flexibility for cancellations or changes.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 10m
Cheapest Price
£24
National Express frequency
12 a day
Luggage included
Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Additional luggage
10€ per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a refund minus a cancellation fee. Changes can be up to 24 hours before departure for a fee.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Accessible toilets.
Bikes
Folding Bikes are allowed; non-folding bikes are not allowed.
Complete guide to Leicester
Things to do in Leicester
Discover the best of Leicester — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Leicester trip today.
- Recommended
Leicester Museum & Art Gallery
Leicester’s main art and history museum, with dinosaur galleries, fine art and displays on the city’s people and past.
- Recommended
Jewry Wall Museum
Museum beside Roman remains, exploring local archaeology from Roman Leicester to later city history in a compact setting.
- Recommended
St Martin's Square
Lively regenerated waterside with bars, boats, public art and an easy walk linking the city centre to the canal heritage area.
- Recommended
Victoria Park
Large central park with formal gardens, broad lawns and space to relax near the university and city centre.
- Recommended
Abbey Park
Attractive green space around abbey ruins and the River Soar, good for walks, wildlife and traces of medieval Leicester.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Red Leicester Cheese
Red Leicester is a crumbly orange cow’s milk cheese from Leicestershire, long linked to the county and traditionally coloured with annatto for its rich hue.
Melton Mowbray Pork Pie
Melton Mowbray pork pie is a hand-raised pie from Leicestershire with seasoned chopped pork and a distinctive free-form crust, traditionally eaten cold.
- Gluten-free
Stilton
Stilton is a famous English blue cheese historically traded through Leicestershire, prized for its creamy texture and strong savoury flavour on local cheeseboards.
Laguna
Popular Indian restaurant on the Golden Mile known for rich curries, tandoori dishes and a lively, family-friendly atmosphere.
Knight & Garter
Stylish modern British restaurant and bar in St Martins Square, known for seasonal plates, cocktails and a polished but relaxed dining room.
Shivalli
Long-running vegetarian Gujarati restaurant serving thalis, snacks and sweets in a simple, busy setting loved by local families.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for a UK city. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while local buses and casual meals remain fairly affordable for visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- £18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £50+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £2.80-4 for a coffee.
Tipping culture
Service may be included in restaurants; if not, 10-12.5% is common for good service. Round up taxi fares. Tipping in cafés is optional, often just small change.
FAQs: Bedford to Leicester coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bedford to Leicester by coach. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest coach, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Leicester, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap coach tickets from Bedford to Leicester can start from as little as £24 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Bedford to Leicester is £26; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by coach from Bedford to Leicester is 2h 10m to travel the 72 km long route. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest coach from Bedford to Leicester leaves at 3:45. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Bedford to Leicester leaves at 23:43.
There are 12 coaches a day from Bedford to Leicester which require at least one change with National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.
When taking a coach from Bedford to Leicester, you can count on National Express for the best way to get you to Leicester. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Bedford and Leicester and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
A trip to Leicester from Bedford is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 2h 10m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Bedford to Leicester is November.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Bedford and Leicester including taking a train and coach.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Bedford to Leicester:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Bedford to Leicester for coach company National Express.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Bedford to Leicester depends on the coach companies:
- National Express
- You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a refund minus a cancellation fee. Changes can be up to 24 hours before departure for a fee.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the coach with coach company National Express.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
No, there is no food available to purchase on board the coach from Bedford to Leicester.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Bedford to Leicester:
- National Express
- Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a coach ticket from Bedford to Leicester:
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Bedford to Leicester.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Bedford to Leicester with the following coach company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Bedford to Leicester with the following coach company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Bedford to Leicester with the following coach company: National Express.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Bedford and Leicester
Most Bedford to Leicester buses use the Bedford, Bus Station to Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station station pair, with some services arriving at Leicester, Braunstone. Use this guide to compare Bedford and Leicester bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Bedford
Arrival bus stations in Leicester
Bedford, Bus Station
City-centre transport
Getting to Bedford, Bus Station from Bedford city centre
Bus4 · 4m · £2 · every ~7 min
Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station
City-centre transport
Getting to Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station from Leicester city centre
BusHop · 0m · £2 · every ~14 min
26 · 1m · every ~10 min
21 · 4m
Leicester, BraunstoneBraunstone Town, Leicester, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Leicester, Braunstone from Leicester city centre
Leicester, Braunstone is 3 km from Leicester city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus153, 158 · 7m · £2 · every ~9 min
153, 158 · 11m · £2 · every ~9 min
Nd · 20m · every ~9 min
20 · 26m · £2 · every ~4 min
Leicester, Braunstone bus station facilities and services
Leicester, Braunstone has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Snack outlets in the nearby vicinity.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Leicester, Braunstone. ATMs are available at Leicester, Braunstone.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Leicester, Braunstone.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Leicester, Braunstone: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Leicester, Braunstone: Basic wheelchair accessibility.
More options for your journey from Bedford to Leicester
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Leicester and Bedford
Most popular bus connections
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