- 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 Manchester to Bedford
Showing times and prices for 26 Aug
Cheapest price
£32
Average price
£35
Fastest journey
4 h 10 m
Average duration
4 h 24 m
Buses per day
16
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 £35 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £32.
Fast coaches
To travel from Manchester to Bedford you need to make at least one change.
NX540 · UCX516:554h35Manchester, Coach Station21:30Bedford, Bus Station£321One-way1 change- NX541 · UCX513:205h15Manchester, Coach Station18:35Bedford, Bus Station£341One-way1 change
- NX540 · UCX514:404h25Manchester, Coach Station19:05Bedford, Bus Station£341One-way1 change
- NX540 · UCX55:154h10Manchester, Coach Station9:25Bedford, Bus Station£341One-way1 change
- NX421 · UCX52:455h20Manchester, Coach Station8:05Bedford, Bus Station£341One-way1 change
- NX540 · UCX55:154h10Manchester, Coach Station9:25Bedford, Bus Station£341One-way1 change
- NX540 · UCX514:404h25Manchester, Coach Station19:05Bedford, Bus Station£341One-way1 change
- NX540 · UCX59:004h25Manchester, Coach Station13:25Bedford, Bus Station£361One-way1 change
- NX540 · UCX519:304h30Manchester, Coach Station0:00Bedford, Bus Station£341One-way1 change
- NX540 · UCX518:004h30Manchester, Coach Station22:30Bedford, Bus Station£341One-way1 change
Travel Information
Compare coach, train 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 £28. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 6m. 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 £28, and a flight costs an average of £75.
Distance: 191 km
Compare bus with
Most popular Coach | Train | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£36 Average Price Cheapest | £47 Average Price | £98 Average Price |
4h 10m Average total duration 3h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 14m Average total duration 2h 44m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 6m Average total duration Fastest 1h 6m 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, Tuesday 25 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NX541 · UCX5 | 15:40 Manchester, Coach Station | 5h20 | 21:00 Bedford, Bus Station | 1 change | |
| NX540 · UCX5 | 16:55 Manchester, Coach Station | 4h35 | 21:30 Bedford, Bus Station | 1 change | |
| NX540 · UCX5 | 18:00 Manchester, Coach Station | 4h30 | 22:30 Bedford, Bus Station | 1 change | |
| NX540 · UCX5 | 19:30 Manchester, Coach Station | 4h30 | 0:00 Bedford, Bus Station | 1 change | |
| NX422 · UCX5 | 23:40 Manchester, Coach Station | 8h25 | 8:05 Bedford, Bus Station | 1 change | |
| NX421 · UCX5 | 2:45 Manchester, Coach Station | 5h20 | 8:05 Bedford, Bus Station | 1 change | |
| NX540 · UCX5 | 5:15 Manchester, Coach Station | 4h10 | 9:25 Bedford, Bus Station | 1 change | |
| NX541 · UCX5 | 5:45 Manchester, Coach Station | 5h10 | 10:55 Bedford, Bus Station | 1 change | |
| NX541 · UCX5 | 7:25 Manchester, Coach Station | 5h00 | 12:25 Bedford, Bus Station | 1 change | |
| NX540 · UCX5 | 9:00 Manchester, Coach Station | 4h25 | 13:25 Bedford, Bus Station | 1 change | |
| NX541 · UCX5 | 9:20 Manchester, Coach Station | 5h05 | 14:25 Bedford, Bus Station | 1 change | |
| NX541 · UCX5 | 10:20 Manchester, Coach Station | 5h05 | 15:25 Bedford, Bus Station | 1 change | |
| NX540 · UCX5 | 11:30 Manchester, Coach Station | 5h05 | 16:35 Bedford, Bus Station | 1 change | |
| NX541 · UCX5 | 12:25 Manchester, Coach Station | 5h10 | 17:35 Bedford, Bus Station | 1 change | |
| NX541 · UCX5 | 13:20 Manchester, Coach Station | 5h15 | 18:35 Bedford, Bus Station | 1 change | |
| NX540 · UCX5 | 14:40 Manchester, Coach Station | 4h25 | 19:05 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 coach, train or flight
Compare coach, train 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.
Wed
26 Aug
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Thu
27 Aug
27 Aug
Fri
28 Aug
28 Aug
Sat
29 Aug
29 Aug
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01 Sept
01 Sept
Why should you book Manchester to Bedford coaches with Omio?
National Express operates all coaches services from Manchester to Bedford.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Manchester 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 bus, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Manchester to Bedford.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Manchester to Bedford.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Manchester to Bedford
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Manchester to Bedford run on average 15 times per day, taking around 3h 40m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £28 but you can travel from only £23 by train.
The earliest coach runs at 00:05, the last at 23:55. The fastest coach covers the 191 km distance in 4h 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 £23
Distance 191 km |
Average bus duration 3h 40m |
Cheapest ticket price £28 |
Buses per day 15 |
Fastest bus 4h 10m |
First bus 0:05 |
Last bus 23:55 |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Fri |
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 £23
Bus providers: National Express from Manchester to BedfordYou can travel by bus between Manchester to Bedford with National Express for as low as £23. 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
£28
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.
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.
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.
Cheap coach tickets from Manchester to Bedford can start from as little as £28 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Manchester to Bedford is £36; 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 Manchester to Bedford is 4h 10m to travel the 191 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 Manchester to Bedford leaves at 0:05. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Manchester to Bedford leaves at 23:55.
There are 15 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.
When taking a coach from Manchester 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 Manchester and Bedford and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
A trip to Bedford from Manchester is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 4h 10m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Manchester to Bedford is April.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Manchester and Bedford including taking a coach, train and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Manchester to Bedford:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Manchester to Bedford for coach company National Express.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Manchester 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 Manchester to Bedford.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Manchester 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 Manchester to Bedford:
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Manchester to Bedford.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Manchester to Bedford with the following coach company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Manchester to Bedford with the following coach company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Manchester to Bedford with the following coach company: National Express.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Manchester and Bedford
Most Manchester to Bedford buses use the Manchester, Coach Station to Bedford, Bus Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Manchester and Bedford bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Manchester
Arrival bus stations in Bedford
Which Manchester station do buses to Bedford leave from?
Buses from Manchester to Bedford leave from Manchester, Coach Station. The station is from Manchester city centre at Chorlton St, Manchester M1 3JF, United Kingdom.
Manchester, Coach StationChorlton St, Manchester M1 3JF, United Kingdom
City-centre transport
Getting to Manchester, Coach Station from Manchester city centre
Bus42A, 43, 42, 101, 85, 85A, 111, 263, 142, 143, 87, 41, 18, 33, 86, 15, 250, 42B, 42C, 103, 102 · 1m · £2 · every ~231 min
Manchester, Coach Station bus station facilities and services
Manchester, 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: Café at the Station (in the station), Fast Food Express (in the station).
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located within the station for cash withdrawals.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Manchester, Coach Station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Manchester, Coach Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester, Coach Station: Ramps, assistance.
Manchester, Shudehill InterchangeShudehill Interchange, Manchester M4 2AF, United Kingdom
City-centre transport
Getting to Manchester, Shudehill Interchange from Manchester city centre
Bus163, 118, 119, 18, 112, 114, 117, 81 · 3m · £2 · every ~69 min
TramBlue Line, Navy Line, Green Line, Yellow Line · 2m · £2 · every ~23 min
Manchester, Shudehill Interchange bus station facilities and services
Manchester, Shudehill Interchange has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange: Elevators, ramps.
Manchester, AirportManchester Airport, Manchester M90 3RR, United Kingdom
City-centre transport
Getting to Manchester, Airport from Manchester city centre
Manchester, Airport is 2 km from Manchester city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainLiverpool Lime Street - Manchester Airport, Manchester Piccadilly - Crewe, Blackpool North - Manchester Airport, Barrow-in-Furness - Manchester Airport, Windermere - Manchester Airport, Manchester Piccadilly - Wilmslow, Manchester Piccadilly - Manchester Airport, Millom - Manchester Airport, Lancaster - Manchester Airport, Manchester Oxford Road - Manchester Airport, Corkickle - Manchester Airport, Preston - Manchester Airport · 17m · £4 · every ~9 min
BusUk980, Uk076, Uk074, Uk072, Ukn23 · 30m · £0.90 · every ~2 min
43, 103 · 1h 2m · £2 · every ~29 min
43, 103 · 1h 6m · £2 · every ~29 min
TramNavy Line · 51m · £4 · every ~16 min
Navy Line · 54m · £4 · every ~8 min
Manchester, Airport bus station facilities and services
Manchester, Airport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Burger King (in the station), Giraffe (in the station).
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located throughout the airport, offering multiple currency options.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Manchester, Airport.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Manchester, Airport: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester, Airport: Elevators, ramps, assistance.
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 Manchester
More options for your journey from Manchester to Bedford
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Bedford and Manchester
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