- 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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The cheapest and fastest coaches from London to Bedford
Showing times and prices for 17 Aug
Cheapest price
£22
Average price
£26
Fastest journey
2 h 40 m
Average duration
2 h 52 m
Buses per day
16
Distance
73 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from London to Bedford is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from London to Bedford will cost around £26 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £22.
Fast coaches
To travel from London to Bedford you need to make at least one change.
NX540 · UCX522:003h00London, Victoria Coach Station1:00Bedford, Bus Station£221One-way1 change- NX440 · UCX57:302h55London, Victoria Coach Station10:25Bedford, Bus Station£231One-way1 change
- NX450 · UCX56:302h55London, Victoria Coach Station9:25Bedford, Bus Station£231One-way1 change
- NX541 · UCX520:302h40London, Victoria Coach Station23:10Bedford, Bus Station£241One-way1 change
- NX540 · UCX57:302h55London, Victoria Coach Station10:25Bedford, Bus Station£271One-way1 change
- NX541 · UCX520:302h40London, Victoria Coach Station23:10Bedford, Bus Station£241One-way1 change
- NX540 · UCX511:302h55London, Victoria Coach Station14:25Bedford, Bus Station£291One-way1 change
- NX540 · UCX57:302h55London, Victoria Coach Station10:25Bedford, Bus Station£271One-way1 change
- NX440 · UCX57:302h55London, Victoria Coach Station10:25Bedford, Bus Station£231One-way1 change
- NX540 · UCX510:002h55London, Victoria Coach Station12:55Bedford, Bus Station£271One-way1 change
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for London to Bedford
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from London to Bedford among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from £7. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 25m. 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 £7, and a coach costs an average of £19.
Distance: 73 km
Compare bus with
| Coach | Most popular Train |
|---|---|
£22 Average Price | £21 Average Price Cheapest |
2h 6m Average total duration 1h 36m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 55m Average total duration Fastest 1h 25m 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
London to Bedford bus times
The table below shows live departures for London to Bedford coaches for today, Sunday 16 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NX540 · UCX5 | 14:30 London, Victoria Coach Station | 2h55 | 17:25 Bedford, Bus Station | 1 change | |
| NX540 · UCX5 | 15:30 London, Victoria Coach Station | 2h55 | 18:25 Bedford, Bus Station | 1 change | |
| NX451 · UCX5 | 16:30 London, Victoria Coach Station | 2h50 | 19:20 Bedford, Bus Station | 1 change | |
| NX541 · UCX5 | 17:00 London, Victoria Coach Station | 3h20 | 20:20 Bedford, Bus Station | 1 change | |
| NX541 · UCX5 | 18:15 London, Victoria Coach Station | 3h05 | 21:20 Bedford, Bus Station | 1 change | |
| NX541 · UCX5 | 19:30 London, Victoria Coach Station | 2h50 | 22:20 Bedford, Bus Station | 1 change | |
| NX541 · UCX5 | 20:30 London, Victoria Coach Station | 2h50 | 23:20 Bedford, Bus Station | 1 change | |
| Monday 17 August | |||||
| NX450 · UCX5 | 6:30 London, Victoria Coach Station | 2h55 | 9:25 Bedford, Bus Station | 1 change | |
| NX540 · UCX5 | 7:30 London, Victoria Coach Station | 2h55 | 10:25 Bedford, Bus Station | 1 change | |
| NX440 · UCX5 | 7:30 London, Victoria Coach Station | 2h55 | 10:25 Bedford, Bus Station | 1 change | |
| NX540 · UCX5 | 9:00 London, Victoria Coach Station | 2h55 | 11:55 Bedford, Bus Station | 1 change | |
| NX540 · UCX5 | 10:00 London, Victoria Coach Station | 2h55 | 12:55 Bedford, Bus Station | 1 change | |
| NX541 · UCX5 | 10:30 London, Victoria Coach Station | 2h55 | 13:25 Bedford, Bus Station | 1 change | |
| NX540 · UCX5 | 11:30 London, Victoria Coach Station | 2h55 | 14:25 Bedford, Bus Station | 1 change | |
| NX541 · UCX5 | 13:30 London, Victoria Coach Station | 3h05 | 16:35 Bedford, Bus Station | 1 change | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets London 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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Why should you book London to Bedford coaches with Omio?
National Express operates all coaches services from London to Bedford.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from London 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.
- 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 London to Bedford.
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 London to Bedford.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from London to Bedford
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from London to Bedford run on average 18 times per day, taking around 1h 36m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £19 but you can travel from only £7 by train.
The earliest coach runs at 00:11, the last at 23:58. The fastest coach covers the 73 km distance in 1h 46m.
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 £7
Distance 73 km |
Average bus duration 1h 36m |
Cheapest ticket price £19 |
Buses per day 18 |
Fastest bus 1h 46m |
First bus 0:11 |
Last bus 23:58 |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 14 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 £7
Bus providers: National Express from London to BedfordYou can travel by bus between London to Bedford with National Express for as low as £7. 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 30m
Cheapest Price
£19
National Express frequency
16 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 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
- :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
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.
Buses from London to Bedford: Journey Details
Catching buses from London to Bedford is quick and simple. Regular connections between the two cities are provided by National Express, which offers at least 10 journey options every day. All National Express services require a brief change in Milton Keynes, which is only a few minutes away from Bedford by bus. The quickest journey time is just over 2 hours 15 minutes. The earliest departure is at 7:30 a.m., and the last bus to Bedford leaves at 9:30 p.m.
Taking the Bus from London
Any buses from London to Bedford depart from London Victoria Coach Station. Victoria is situated on London's Tube network, making it easy to reach from all corners of the city. Take the Northern Line from the north, the Victoria Line from the east, or the District Line from the west. Those coming from the centre of London can catch the 73 bus (which runs 24 hours a day), and overground rail connections link buses from London to Bedford with locations on the south bank of the River Thames. For very early or late buses, the best option will be a pre-booked cab, although night buses are usually available too.
Getting into Bedford by Bus
With hundreds of years of history and lovely countryside nearby, Bedford is a great destination if you need to relax. Learn about famous local writer John Bunyan or enjoy the fresh air at the home of poet Willam Cowper in Olney. All buses to Bedford arrive at the town's new bus station, located in the All Hallows district. To get from there to the historic centre, simply use the pedestrianised city centre streets. To get to Olney, catch the 41 bus, which takes about 20 minutes.
FAQs: London to Bedford coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from London 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 London to Bedford can start from as little as £19 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for London to Bedford is £22; 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 London to Bedford is 1h 46m to travel the 73 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 London to Bedford leaves at 0:11. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from London to Bedford leaves at 23:58.
There are 18 coaches a day from London to Bedford which require at least one change with National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.
When taking a coach from London 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 London and Bedford and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
A day trip to Bedford from London is worth doing with a journey time of 1h 46m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from London to Bedford is January.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between London and Bedford including taking a train and coach.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from London to Bedford:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from London to Bedford for coach company National Express.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from London 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 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 London to Bedford.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from London 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 London to Bedford:
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from London to Bedford.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from London to Bedford with the following coach company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from London to Bedford with the following coach company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from London to Bedford with the following coach company: National Express.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in London and Bedford
Most London to Bedford buses use the London, Victoria Coach Station to Bedford, Bus Station station pair. Use this guide to compare London and Bedford bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in London
Arrival bus stations in Bedford
Which London station do buses to Bedford leave from?
Buses from London to Bedford leave from London, Victoria Coach Station. The station is 2 km from London city centre at 164 Buckingham Palace Road, London SW1W 9TP, United Kingdom.
London, Victoria Coach Station164 Buckingham Palace Road, London SW1W 9TP, United Kingdom
City-centre transport
Getting to London, Victoria Coach Station from London city centre
London, Victoria Coach Station is 2 km from London city centre. Public transport options include:
BusN11, N44 · 9m · £10 · every ~4 min
148 · 17m · £2 · every ~30 min
24 · 25m · £2 · every ~25 min
38, N38 · 30m · £2 · every ~46 min
A8 · 30m · £0.90 · every ~10 min
390 · 35m · £2 · every ~26 min
London, Victoria Coach Station bus station facilities and services
London, Victoria Coach Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Pret a Manger (in the station), Starbucks (in the station).
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance and inside the station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at London, Victoria Coach Station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at London, Victoria Coach Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at London, Victoria Coach Station: Elevators, ramps.
London, Heathrow Airport Terminals 2 & 3Heathrow Airport Terminals 2 & 3, Hounslow, TW6 1EW, London, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to London, Heathrow Airport Terminals 2 & 3 from London city centre
TrainElizabeth, London Paddington - Heathrow Terminal 4, London Paddington - Heathrow Terminal 5 · 21m · £31 · every ~3 min
Elizabeth · 41m · £15 · every ~8 min
BusUkn14, Ukn02, Uk043, Uk042, Ukn23, Ukxn10, Ukn49 · 50m · £2 · every ~1 min
Ukxn10 · 50m · £3 · every ~1 min
Ukxn10 · 50m · £3 · every ~1 min
N9 · 1h 11m · £2 · every ~4 min
SubwayPiccadilly · 48m · £19 · every ~27 min
London, Heathrow Airport Terminals 2 & 3 bus station facilities and services
London, Heathrow Airport Terminals 2 & 3 has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Pret a Manger (in the station), Caffè Nero (in the station)
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located in the arrivals and departures areas, offering multiple currency options.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at London, Heathrow Airport Terminals 2 & 3.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at London, Heathrow Airport Terminals 2 & 3: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at London, Heathrow Airport Terminals 2 & 3: Ramps, assistance.
London, Heathrow Airport Terminal 5Heathrow Airport Terminal 5, Longford, Hounslow TW6 2GA, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to London, Heathrow Airport Terminal 5 from London city centre
London, Heathrow Airport Terminal 5 is 2 km from London city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainElizabeth, London Paddington - Heathrow Terminal 5 · 22m · £31
Elizabeth, London Paddington - Heathrow Terminal 5 · 22m · £31
BusUk061 · 1h 5m · £3 · every ~1 min
035, 025, 030, 032, A40 · 1h 10m · £4 · every ~12 min
025, 030, 032, 035, A40 · 1h 10m · £4 · every ~12 min
N9 · 1h 22m · £2 · every ~4 min
SubwayPiccadilly · 53m · £21 · every ~27 min
London, Heathrow Airport Terminal 5 bus station facilities and services
London, Heathrow Airport Terminal 5 has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: The Crown Rivers (in the station), Giraffe (in the station), Wagamama (in the station).
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the arrivals and departures areas.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at London, Heathrow Airport Terminal 5.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at London, Heathrow Airport Terminal 5: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at London, Heathrow Airport Terminal 5: Elevators, ramps.
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 London to Bedford
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Bedford and London
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