Manchester to Bedford bus with National Express

Sat 22 Nov
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Manchester to Bedford

Showing times and prices for 24 Nov

Cheapest price

£34

Average price

£37

Fastest journey

4 h 35 m

Average duration

5 h 38 m

Buses per day

4

Distance

191 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Manchester to Bedford is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Manchester to Bedford will cost around £37 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £34.

Fast coaches

Of the 4 buses that leave Manchester for Bedford every day 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

These direct buses cover the 191 km distance in an average of 5 h 38 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 4 h 35 m .

The slowest buses will take 8 h 25 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.

National Express
14:454h50
Manchester
19:35Bedford
£341One-way
0 changes
National Express
15:454h40
Manchester
20:25Bedford
£351One-way
0 changes
National Express
16:454h35
Manchester
21:20Bedford
£381One-way
0 changes
National Express
22:408h25
Manchester
07:05Bedford
£391One-way
0 changes

Travel Information

Compare train, coach and flight for Manchester to Bedford

Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Manchester to Bedford among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £24. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 2m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £24, and a flight costs an average of £58.

Distance: 191 km

Compare bus with

Most popular
Coach
Train
Flight

£38

Average Price

Cheapest

£61

Average Price

£159

Average Price

4h 25m

Average total duration

3h 55m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 16m

Average total duration

2h 46m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 2m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 2m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

0.2 - 0.5kg

CO2 emissions

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.6 - 1.1kg

CO2 emissions

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

Manchester to Bedford bus times

The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Bedford coaches for today, Sunday 23 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.

Last updated at 05:47
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
national_expressNX540 · UCX5
Delayed
11:00 05:40Manchester, Coach Station
4h45
15:15 15:15Bedford, Bus Station
1 change
national_expressNX540 · UCX5
Delayed
11:00 07:30Manchester, Coach Station
3h55
15:15 15:15Bedford, Bus Station
1 change
national_expressNX540 · UCX5
Delayed
11:00 08:30Manchester, Coach Station
4h55
15:15 15:15Bedford, Bus Station
1 change
national_expressNX540 · UCX5
Delayed
11:00 10:15Manchester, Coach Station
4h10
15:15 15:15Bedford, Bus Station
1 change
national_expressNX540 · UCX5
On time
11:00 Manchester, Coach Station
4h25
15:25 Bedford, Bus Station
1 change
national_expressNX540 · UCX5
On time
11:45 Manchester, Coach Station
4h40
16:25 Bedford, Bus Station
1 change
national_expressNX540 · UCX5
On time
12:45 Manchester, Coach Station
4h40
17:25 Bedford, Bus Station
1 change
national_expressNX540 · UCX5
On time
13:30 Manchester, Coach Station
4h55
18:25 Bedford, Bus Station
1 change
national_expressNX540 · UCX5
On time
15:45 Manchester, Coach Station
4h35
20:20 Bedford, Bus Station
1 change
national_expressNX540 · UCX5
On time
16:45 Manchester, Coach Station
4h35
21:20 Bedford, Bus Station
1 change
national_expressNX540 · UCX5
On time
17:45 Manchester, Coach Station
4h35
22:20 Bedford, Bus Station
1 change
national_expressNX540 · UCX5
On time
19:15 Manchester, Coach Station
4h05
23:20 Bedford, Bus Station
1 change
national_expressNX422 · UCX5
On time
23:40 Manchester, Coach Station
8h25
08:05 Bedford, Bus Station
1 change

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Manchester to Bedford by train, coach or flight

Compare train, coach and flight 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.

Mon
24 Nov
Tue
25 Nov
Wed
26 Nov
Thu
27 Nov
Fri
28 Nov
Sat
29 Nov
Sun
30 Nov

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Manchester to Bedford

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Manchester to Bedford run on average 14 times per day, taking around 3h 55m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £24 if you book in advance.

The earliest coach runs at 00:05, the last at 23:55. The fastest coach covers the 191 km distance in 3h 20m.

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
191 km
Average bus duration
3h 55m
Cheapest ticket price
£24
Buses per day
14
Fastest bus
3h 20m
First bus
00:05
Last bus
23:55
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

Bus providers: National Express from Manchester to BedfordYou can travel by bus between Manchester to Bedford with National Express for as low as £24. 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
4h 10m
Cheapest Price
£30
National Express frequency
15 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.

FAQs: Manchester to Bedford coach

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester 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.

FAQs
Cheap coach tickets from Manchester to Bedford can start from as little as £33 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Manchester to Bedford is £38; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
On average the Manchester to Bedford coach travel time is 4 h 5 min   for the 118 mile long route, but the duration can vary if you travel on weekends and holidays.
The first coach from Manchester to Bedford leaves at 03: 00. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The last coach from Manchester to Bedford leaves at 23: 40.
There are 14 coaches a day from Manchester to Bedford which require at least one change with National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.
For the best Manchester to Bedford coach to buy, you can travel safely and comfortably with National Express. However, it's always good to check all possible coach companies with services to Bedford from Manchester to compare what amenities they may offer.
A trip to Bedford from Manchester is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 4 h 5 min each way. Check with Omio app   the best way to travel.
The cheapest month to travel from Manchester to Bedford by coach is September.
You have options as you can travel between Manchester and Bedford 3 different ways: train, coach or flight.
No, the coach from Manchester to Bedford has no accessibility options.
No, there are no bathrooms on board the coach from Manchester to Bedford.
No, bikes are not allowed on board the coach from Manchester to Bedford.

To find the cheapest bus tickets for your trip from Manchester to Bedford, follow these tips:

  • Book in advance: Tickets are often cheaper when booked early.
  • Be flexible with dates and times: Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money.
  • Use our search filters: Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options.
  • Look for special deals or discounts: Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
  • Start your search now and compare ticket prices to find the best deal!

    Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the coach from Manchester to Bedford.
    No, luggage for the coach from Manchester to Bedford needs to be booked in addition.
    No, there are no additional luggage options for the coach from Manchester to Bedford.
    Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Manchester to Bedford.
    No, there are no USB plugs on board the coach from Manchester to Bedford.
    No, there is no WiFi on board the coach from Manchester to Bedford.

    popular bus stations

    Important Stations and Airports in Manchester and Bedford

    Manchester
    Bedford
    The major coach station for departures in Manchester is Manchester, Shudehill Interchange. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange for your trip from Manchester to Bedford.
    Amenities at bus station
    WifiWifi
    ParkingParking
    ATMATM
    TaxisTaxis
    AccessibilityAccessibility
    WCWC
    Ticket OfficeTicket Office
    information
    ticketOfficeHours
    Ticket Office Hours
    • 05:00-23:30
    carConnection
    Car connection
    Shudehill
    Wifi
    Wifi
    • Free Wi-Fi
    Taxis
    Taxis
    • Available outside the interchange.
    Accessibility
    Accessibility
    • Elevators, ramps
    WC
    WC
    • Available in the station.
    Public transport options for Manchester, Shudehill Interchange
    • Bus: 42, 43, 135 Tram: Metrolink
    Amenities at bus station
    WifiWifi
    ParkingParking
    DiningDining
    ATMATM
    TaxisTaxis
    AccessibilityAccessibility
    WCWC
    Ticket OfficeTicket Office
    information
    ticketOfficeHours
    Ticket Office Hours
    • 06:00-22:00
    carConnection
    Car connection
    Chorlton Street
    Wifi
    Wifi
    • Free Wi-Fi
    Dining
    Dining
    • Café at the Station (in the station)
    • Fast Food Express (in the station).
    Taxis
    Taxis
    • Available outside the main entrance.
    Accessibility
    Accessibility
    • Ramps, assistance
    WC
    WC
    • Available in the station.
    Public transport options for Manchester, Coach Station
    • Bus: 50, 192, 201, 203, 205, 219, 255, 256 Train: Manchester Piccadilly Metro: Piccadilly Gardens
    Amenities at bus station
    WifiWifi
    ParkingParking
    DiningDining
    ATMATM
    TaxisTaxis
    AccessibilityAccessibility
    WCWC
    ShowerShower
    Ticket OfficeTicket Office
    information
    ticketOfficeHours
    Ticket Office Hours
    • 00:00-23:59
    ticketOfficeHours
    Distance to city center
    2 km
    carConnection
    Car connection
    Terminal Road North
    Wifi
    Wifi
    • Free Wi-Fi
    Dining
    Dining
    • Burger King (in the station)
    • Giraffe (in the station).
    Taxis
    Taxis
    • Available outside the terminal, with several companies offering services.
    Accessibility
    Accessibility
    • Elevators, ramps, assistance
    WC
    WC
    • Available in the station.
    Public transport options for Manchester, Airport
    • Bus: 43, 103 Train: Manchester Airport
    Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East
    information

    More options for your journey from Manchester to Bedford

    Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

    HomeCoachesCoach tickets to Bedford Manchester to Bedford bus

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