- Must visit
The Higgins Bedford
Bedford's main museum covers local history, archaeology and communities. A strong first stop for understanding the town and wider county.
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Journey information
Overview: Bus from Canterbury to Bedford
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Canterbury to Bedford run on average 26 times per day, taking around 4h 43m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £27 if you book in advance.
The earliest coach runs at 04:05, the last at 23:04. The fastest coach covers the 143 km distance in 3h 47m.
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
Distance 143 km |
Average bus duration 4h 43m |
Cheapest ticket price £27 |
Buses per day 26 |
Fastest bus 3h 47m |
First bus 4:05 |
Last bus 23:04 |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sept |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 7 days |
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
Frequently asked questions about your Canterbury to Bedford trip
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Canterbury to Bedford.
Cheap coach tickets from Canterbury to Bedford can start from as little as £27 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Canterbury to Bedford is £30; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The earliest coach from Canterbury to Bedford leaves at 4:05. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Canterbury to Bedford leaves at 23:04.
There are 26 coaches a day from Canterbury to Bedford which require at least one change with National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.
Why should you book Canterbury to Bedford coaches with Omio?
National Express operates all coaches services from Canterbury to Bedford.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Canterbury to Bedford.
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.
Bus providers: National Express from Canterbury to BedfordYou can travel by bus between Canterbury to Bedford with National Express for as low as £27. 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 National Express Duration
3h 47m
Cheapest National Express Price
£27
National Express frequency
26 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.
Companies, tickets, and onboard amenities between Canterbury and Bedford
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
When taking a coach from Canterbury to Bedford, you can count on National Express for the best way to get you to Bedford. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Canterbury and Bedford and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Canterbury to Bedford:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Canterbury to Bedford for coach company National Express.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Canterbury to Bedford 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 {providersWithBike}.
No, there is no food available to purchase on board the coach from Canterbury to Bedford.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Canterbury to Bedford:
- 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 Canterbury to Bedford:
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Canterbury to Bedford.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Canterbury to Bedford with the following coach company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Canterbury to Bedford with the following coach company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Canterbury to Bedford with the following coach company: National Express.
Complete guide to Bedford
Things to do in Bedford
Discover the best of Bedford — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Bedford trip today.
- Recommended
John Bunyan Museum
Compact museum inside John Bunyan Meeting telling the story of the Bedford writer and preacher. Useful for literary and religious history.
The Eagle Gallery
Small independent gallery showcasing changing contemporary exhibitions. Worth a visit for local creative talent and a quieter art stop in the town centre.
- Must visit
The Embankment
Tree-lined riverside promenade beside the Great Ouse. It is one of Bedford's classic walks, with bridges, memorials and broad views of the water.
- Recommended
Russell Park
Central urban park with lawns, play areas and riverside paths. A practical stop for relaxing between sights and enjoying the water's edge.
- Recommended
Priory Country Park
Spacious park with sports facilities, open grass and access to the river. Popular with locals and useful for a longer walk away from the busiest streets.
Bedford Clanger
A spiced puff pastry turnover filled with curried mutton or beef. Brought by Bedford’s Italian community, it is the town’s best-known speciality.
Sweet Bedford Clanger
The sweet version of the Bedford Clanger, usually filled with jam or apple. It reflects the town’s baking tradition and local lunchbox heritage.
Steak And Kidney Pudding
A rich steamed suet pudding with beef and kidney. A classic English comfort dish long associated with traditional pubs and family cooking in Bedfordshire.
Anatolia
Well-known Turkish restaurant with grilled meats, meze and a lively but polished atmosphere in Bedford town centre.
The River Room
Stylish riverside restaurant and bar serving modern British and European dishes in a relaxed setting by the Great Ouse.
Prego
Established Spanish tapas restaurant known for small plates, sangria and a warm, bustling atmosphere near the centre.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for England: stays and dining are usually cheaper than London, while local buses and casual meals remain fairly manageable for most 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
- £3-4 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service is sometimes included in restaurants; otherwise tip around 10% for good service. Taxi tips are optional, often rounding up. Cafés usually do not expect tips, but small change is appreciated.
Traveline
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
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- Day pass
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To the city centre
Bedford Bus Station -> St Paul's Square, Bedford
- Distance
- 0.6 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Bedford Borough Council states bus services are run by independent operators, so fares vary by operator and route.
- Bedford Bus Station is a short walk from both Bedford town centre and Bedford railway station.
FAQs: Canterbury to Bedford coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Canterbury to Bedford 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 Bedford, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Yes, you can take a train between Canterbury and Bedford.
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.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Canterbury and Bedford
Most Canterbury to Bedford buses use the Canterbury, University Of Kent to Bedford, Bus Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Canterbury and Bedford bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Canterbury
Arrival bus stations in Bedford
Which Canterbury station do buses to Bedford leave from?
Buses from Canterbury to Bedford leave from Canterbury, Bus Station. The station is from Canterbury city centre at Canterbury bus station, Canterbury CT1 2SY, UK.
Canterbury, Bus StationCanterbury bus station, Canterbury CT1 2SY, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Canterbury, Bus Station from Canterbury city centre
Bus21, 400, 401, Uni1, Uni2 · 14m · £3 · every ~22 min
Canterbury, Bus Station bus station facilities and services
Canterbury, Bus Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Cafes and eateries within a short walk.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Canterbury, Bus Station. ATMs are aTM located outside the entrance.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Canterbury, Bus Station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Canterbury, Bus Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Canterbury, Bus Station: Wheelchair accessible with assistance.
Canterbury, University Of KentUniversity of Kent, Canterbury CT2 7NZ, United Kingdom
City-centre transport
Getting to Canterbury, University Of Kent from Canterbury city centre
Canterbury, University Of Kent is 1 km from Canterbury city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus4, 4X, 5, 6, 6A
Canterbury, University Of Kent bus station facilities and services
Canterbury, University Of Kent has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Accessibility and WC.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located on campus, near the student union.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Canterbury, University Of Kent: Parking, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Canterbury, University Of Kent: Elevators, ramps.
Bedford, Bus Station
City-centre transport
Getting to Bedford, Bus Station from Bedford city centre
Bus4 · 4m · £2 · every ~7 min
Most popular bus connections from Canterbury
More options for your journey from Canterbury to Bedford
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Bedford and Canterbury
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