- 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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Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Colchester to Bedford
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Colchester to Bedford among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £50. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 59m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £50, and a train costs an average of £28.
Distance: 98 km
Compare bus with
| Coach | Most popular Train |
|---|---|
£55 Average Price Cheapest | £55 Average Price |
7h 25m Average total duration 6h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 29m Average total duration Fastest 1h 59m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Compare prices and tickets Colchester to Bedford 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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Journey information
Overview: Bus from Colchester to Bedford
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Colchester to Bedford run on average 5 times per day, taking around 6h 55m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £50 but you can travel from only £28 by train.
The earliest coach runs at 04:05, the last at 19:15. The fastest coach covers the 98 km distance in 6h 30m.
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 £28
Distance 98 km |
Average bus duration 6h 55m |
Cheapest ticket price £50 |
Buses per day 5 |
Fastest bus 6h 30m |
First bus 4:05 |
Last bus 19:15 |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from £28
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
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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: Colchester to Bedford coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Colchester 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.
Cheap coach tickets from Colchester to Bedford can start from as little as £50 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Colchester to Bedford is £55; 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 Colchester to Bedford is 6h 30m to travel the 98 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 Colchester to Bedford leaves at 4:05. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Colchester to Bedford leaves at 19:15.
A trip to Bedford from Colchester is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 6h 30m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Colchester to Bedford is May.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Colchester and Bedford including taking a train and coach.
No, there are no bathrooms on board the coach from Colchester to Bedford.
No, the coach from Colchester to Bedford has no accessibility options.
No, bikes are not allowed on board the coach from Colchester to 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.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the coach from Colchester to Bedford.
No, luggage for the coach from Colchester to Bedford needs to be booked in addition.
No, there are no additional luggage options for the coach from Colchester to Bedford.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Colchester to Bedford.
No, there are no USB plugs on board the coach from Colchester to Bedford.
No, there is no WiFi on board the coach from Colchester to Bedford.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Colchester and Bedford
Most Colchester to Bedford buses use the Colchester, East Hill / High Street to Bedford, Bus Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Colchester and Bedford bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Colchester
Arrival bus stations in Bedford
Colchester, East Hill / High Street
City-centre transport
Getting to Colchester, East Hill / High Street from Colchester city centre
Bus1, 2, 3 · 1m · £3 · every ~17 min
107, 105 · 7m · £0.90 · every ~3 min
Bedford, Bus Station
City-centre transport
Getting to Bedford, Bus Station from Bedford city centre
Bus4 · 4m · £2 · every ~7 min
More options for your journey from Colchester to Bedford
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Bedford and Colchester
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