- 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 Northampton to Bedford
Showing times and prices for 29 Aug
Cheapest price
£23
Average price
£24
Fastest journey
2 h 35 m
Average duration
2 h 35 m
Buses per day
2
Distance
31 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Northampton to Bedford is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Northampton to Bedford will cost around £24 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £23.
Fast coaches
Of the 2 buses that leave Northampton for Bedford every day 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct buses cover the 31 km distance in an average of 2 h 35 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 h 35 m .
The slowest buses will take 2 h 35 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.
19:552h35Northampton22:30Bedford£231One-way0 changes- 20:552h35Northampton23:30Bedford£241One-way0 changes
- 20:552h35Northampton23:30Bedford£241One-way0 changes
- 19:552h35Northampton22:30Bedford£231One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Northampton to Bedford
Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Northampton to Bedford among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £23. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 58m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.0kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £23, and a train costs an average of £24.
Distance: 31 km
Compare bus with
Most popular Coach | Train |
|---|---|
£24 Average Price Cheapest | £43 Average Price |
1h 45m Average total duration 1h 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 28m Average total duration Fastest 58m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions | 0.0 - 0.0kg 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
Northampton to Bedford bus times
The table below shows live departures for Northampton to Bedford coaches for today, Friday 28 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12:55 Northampton | 2h40 | 15:35 Bedford | 0 changesdirect | |
| 13:55 Northampton | 2h40 | 16:35 Bedford | 0 changesdirect | |
| 19:55 Northampton | 2h25 | 22:20 Bedford | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Northampton 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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29 Aug
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Why should you book Northampton to Bedford coaches with Omio?
National Express operates all coaches services from Northampton to Bedford.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Northampton 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 Northampton 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 Northampton to Bedford.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Northampton to Bedford
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Northampton to Bedford run on average 7 times per day, taking around 1h 15m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £23 if you book in advance.
The earliest coach runs at 00:15, the last at 23:43. The fastest coach covers the 31 km distance in 1h 55m.
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 31 km |
Average bus duration 1h 15m |
Cheapest ticket price £23 |
Buses per day 7 |
Fastest bus 1h 55m |
First bus 0:15 |
Last bus 23:43 |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 2 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
Bus providers: National Express from Northampton to BedfordYou can travel by bus between Northampton 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
1h 55m
Cheapest Price
£23
National Express frequency
7 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
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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: Northampton to Bedford coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Northampton 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 Northampton to Bedford can start from as little as £23 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Northampton to Bedford is £24; 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 Northampton to Bedford is 1h 55m to travel the 31 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 Northampton to Bedford leaves at 0:15. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Northampton to Bedford leaves at 23:43.
There are 7 coaches a day from Northampton 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 Northampton 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 Northampton and Bedford and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
A day trip to Bedford from Northampton is worth doing with a journey time of 1h 55m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Northampton to Bedford is May.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Northampton and Bedford including taking a train and coach.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Northampton to Bedford for coach company National Express.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Northampton to Bedford:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Northampton 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 Northampton to Bedford.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Northampton 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 Northampton to Bedford:
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Northampton to Bedford.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Northampton to Bedford with the following coach company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Northampton to Bedford with the following coach company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Northampton to Bedford with the following coach company: National Express.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Northampton and Bedford
Most Northampton to Bedford buses use the Northampton, Town Centre to Bedford, Bus Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Northampton and Bedford bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Northampton
Arrival bus stations in Bedford
Northampton, Town Centre
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 Northampton
More options for your journey from Northampton to Bedford
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Bedford and Northampton
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