- 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 Southampton to Bedford
Showing times and prices for 26 Aug
Cheapest price
£49
Average price
£49
Fastest journey
4 h 42 m
Average duration
5 h 13 m
Buses per day
13
Distance
151 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Southampton to Bedford is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Southampton to Bedford will cost around £49 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £49.
Fast coaches
To travel from Southampton to Bedford you need to make at least 2 changes.
4:155h07Southampton9:22Bedford£491One-way2 changes- 5:355h52Southampton11:27Bedford£491One-way2 changes
- 7:005h27Southampton12:27Bedford£491One-way2 changes
- 8:454h42Southampton13:27Bedford£491One-way2 changes
- 10:055h22Southampton15:27Bedford£491One-way2 changes
- 8:454h42Southampton13:27Bedford£491One-way2 changes
- 4:155h07Southampton9:22Bedford£491One-way2 changes
- 10:055h22Southampton15:27Bedford£491One-way2 changes
- 8:555h26Southampton14:21Bedford£501One-way2 changes
- 7:005h27Southampton12:27Bedford£491One-way2 changes
Travel Information
Compare coach and train for Southampton to Bedford
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Southampton to Bedford among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £29. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 22m. 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 coach costs an average of £29, and a train costs an average of £20.
Distance: 151 km
Compare bus with
| Coach | Most popular Train |
|---|---|
£35 Average Price Cheapest | £38 Average Price |
5h 11m Average total duration 4h 41m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 52m Average total duration Fastest 2h 22m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.2 - 0.4kg 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
Southampton to Bedford bus times
The table below shows live departures for Southampton to Bedford coaches for tomorrow, Wednesday 26 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4:15 Southampton | 5h07 | 9:22 Bedford | 2 changes | |
| 5:35 Southampton | 5h52 | 11:27 Bedford | 2 changes | |
| 7:00 Southampton | 5h27 | 12:27 Bedford | 2 changes | |
| 8:45 Southampton | 4h42 | 13:27 Bedford | 2 changes | |
| 8:55 Southampton | 5h26 | 14:21 Bedford | 2 changes | |
| 10:05 Southampton | 5h22 | 15:27 Bedford | 2 changes | |
| 12:15 Southampton | 6h17 | 18:32 Bedford | 2 changes | |
| 13:30 Southampton | 6h12 | 19:42 Bedford | 2 changes | |
| 15:00 Southampton | 5h42 | 20:42 Bedford | 2 changes | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Southampton to Bedford by coach or train
Compare coach and train 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
26 Aug
Thu
27 Aug
27 Aug
Fri
28 Aug
28 Aug
Sat
29 Aug
29 Aug
Sun
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30 Aug
Mon
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Tue
01 Sept
01 Sept
Why should you book Southampton to Bedford coaches with Omio?
National Express operates all coaches services from Southampton to Bedford.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Southampton 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 and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Southampton to Bedford.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Southampton to Bedford.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Southampton to Bedford
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Southampton to Bedford run on average 21 times per day, taking around 4h 41m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £29 but you can travel from only £20 by train.
The earliest coach runs at 02:05, the last at 23:37. The fastest coach covers the 151 km distance in 6h 0m.
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 £20
Distance 151 km |
Average bus duration 4h 41m |
Cheapest ticket price £29 |
Buses per day 21 |
Fastest bus 6h 0m |
First bus 2:05 |
Last bus 23:37 |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 1 day |
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 £20
Bus providers: National Express from Southampton to BedfordYou can travel by bus between Southampton to Bedford with National Express for as low as £20. 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
6h 0m
Cheapest Price
£29
National Express frequency
21 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: Southampton to Bedford coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Southampton 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 Southampton to Bedford can start from as little as £29 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Southampton to Bedford is £35; 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 Southampton to Bedford is 6h 0m to travel the 151 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 Southampton to Bedford leaves at 2:05. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Southampton to Bedford leaves at 23:37.
There are 21 coaches a day from Southampton 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 Southampton 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 Southampton and Bedford and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
A trip to Bedford from Southampton is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 6h 0m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Southampton to Bedford is May.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Southampton and Bedford including taking a coach and train.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Southampton to Bedford:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Southampton to Bedford for coach company National Express.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Southampton 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 Southampton to Bedford.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Southampton 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 Southampton to Bedford:
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Southampton to Bedford.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Southampton to Bedford with the following coach company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Southampton to Bedford with the following coach company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Southampton to Bedford with the following coach company: National Express.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Southampton and Bedford
Most Southampton to Bedford buses use the Southampton, Coach Station to Bedford, Bus Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Southampton and Bedford bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Southampton
Arrival bus stations in Bedford
Which Southampton station do buses to Bedford leave from?
Buses from Southampton to Bedford leave from Southampton, Coach Station. The station is from Southampton city centre at Harbour Parade, Southampton SO15 1BA, United Kingdom.
Southampton, Coach StationHarbour Parade, Southampton SO15 1BA, United Kingdom
City-centre transport
Getting to Southampton, Coach Station from Southampton city centre
BusX4, X5 · 5m · £2 · every ~20 min
Southampton, Coach Station bus station facilities and services
Southampton, 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 Express (in the station), Sandwich Bar (in the station).
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance for cash withdrawals.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Southampton, Coach Station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Southampton, Coach Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Southampton, Coach Station: Elevators, ramps.
Southampton, UniversityUniversity Rd, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Southampton, University from Southampton city centre
Southampton, University is 3 km from Southampton city centre. Public transport options include:
BusU2b, U2 · 11m · £2 · every ~6 min
U1a, U1n, U1e · 25m · £2 · every ~37 min
U1a, U1n, U1e · 29m · £2 · every ~37 min
Southampton, University bus station facilities and services
Southampton, University has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Southampton, University. ATMs are available at Southampton, University.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Southampton, University.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Southampton, University: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Southampton, University: Basic accessibility features are available for passengers.
Southampton, Burgess Rd / Broadlands Rd (Southampton University)University Rd, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Southampton, Burgess Rd / Broadlands Rd (Southampton University) from Southampton city centre
Southampton, Burgess Rd / Broadlands Rd (Southampton University) is 3 km from Southampton city centre. Public transport options include:
BusU2b, U2 · 13m · £2 · every ~6 min
U1a, U1n, U1e · 24m · £2 · every ~37 min
U1a, U1n, U1e · 28m · £2 · every ~37 min
Southampton, Burgess Rd / Broadlands Rd (Southampton University) bus station facilities and services
Southampton, Burgess Rd / Broadlands Rd (Southampton University) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Southampton, Burgess Rd / Broadlands Rd (Southampton University). ATMs are available at Southampton, Burgess Rd / Broadlands Rd (Southampton University).
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Southampton, Burgess Rd / Broadlands Rd (Southampton University).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Southampton, Burgess Rd / Broadlands Rd (Southampton University): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Southampton, Burgess Rd / Broadlands Rd (Southampton University): Bus stop is accessible for individuals with disabilities.
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 Southampton
More options for your journey from Southampton to Bedford
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Bedford and Southampton
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