Bedford to Birmingham train with CrossCountry

Thu 15 Oct
+ Add return
West Midlands Trains
CrossCountry
Avanti West Coast
Chiltern Railways
Great Western Railway
2,000+ travel companies
West Midlands Trains
CrossCountry
Avanti West Coast
Chiltern Railways
Great Western Railway
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Bedford to Birmingham

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 15 Oct

Cheapest price on 15 Oct

£8

Average ticket price on 15 Oct

£46

Fastest journey on 15 Oct

1 h 59 m

Average journey duration on 15 Oct

2 h 7 m

Trains on 15 Oct

10

Distance

105 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Bedford to Birmingham will cost around £46 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £8.

Fast trains

To travel from Bedford to Birmingham you need to make at least one change.

  • West Midlands TrainsW88039 · Y80826
    9:272h47
    Bedford St Johns (BSJ)
    12:14Birmingham New Street (BHM)
    £81One-way
    1 change
  • West Midlands TrainsW88025 · Y80800
    7:132h32
    Bedford St Johns (BSJ)
    9:45Birmingham New Street (BHM)
    £231One-way
    1 change
  • West Midlands TrainsW88034 · Y80809
    8:112h33
    Bedford St Johns (BSJ)
    10:44Birmingham New Street (BHM)
    £231One-way
    1 change
  • West Midlands TrainsW88020 · Y80791
    6:132h31
    Bedford St Johns (BSJ)
    8:44Birmingham New Street (BHM)
    £281One-way
    1 change
  • CrossCountryG00959+East Midlands RailwayC41866 · W70858
    9:302h08
    Bedford station (BDM)
    11:38Birmingham New Street (BHM)
    £441One-way
    2 changes

Journey information

Overview: Train from Bedford to Birmingham

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Bedford to Birmingham run on average 5 times per day, taking around 1h 57m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £8 if you book in advance.

The earliest train runs at 03:43, the last at 23:25. The fastest train covers the 105 km distance in 1h 29m.

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
105 km
Average train duration
1h 57m
Cheapest ticket price
£8
Trains per day
5
Fastest train
1h 29m
First train
3:43
Last train
23:25
Cheapest Month
Apr
Cheapest Day
Fri
High Season
Oct - Dec
Low Season
Apr - Jun
Busiest Day
Wed
Least Busy Day
Wed
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

Live departures

Bedford to Birmingham train times

The table below shows live departures for Bedford to Birmingham trains for tomorrow, Thursday 15 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
West Midlands TrainsW88020 · Y807916:13 Bedford St Johns (BSJ)
2h31
8:44 Birmingham New Street (BHM)1 change
CrossCountryG01046+East Midlands RailwayW708477:11 Bedford station (BDM)
2h04
9:15 Birmingham New Street (BHM)1 change
West Midlands TrainsW88025 · Y808007:13 Bedford St Johns (BSJ)
2h32
9:45 Birmingham New Street (BHM)1 change
CrossCountryG00955+East Midlands RailwayW708507:39 Bedford station (BDM)
1h59
9:38 Birmingham New Street (BHM)1 change
CrossCountryG66941+East Midlands RailwayC41858 · W708527:59 Bedford station (BDM)
2h16
10:15 Birmingham New Street (BHM)2 changes
West Midlands TrainsW88034 · Y808098:11 Bedford St Johns (BSJ)
2h33
10:44 Birmingham New Street (BHM)1 change
CrossCountryG00956+East Midlands RailwayC41862 · W708548:30 Bedford station (BDM)
2h08
10:38 Birmingham New Street (BHM)2 changes
CrossCountryG66942+East Midlands RailwayW70856 · C418638:57 Bedford station (BDM)
2h18
11:15 Birmingham New Street (BHM)2 changes
West Midlands TrainsW88039 · Y808269:27 Bedford St Johns (BSJ)
2h47
12:14 Birmingham New Street (BHM)1 change
CrossCountryG00959+East Midlands RailwayC41866 · W708589:30 Bedford station (BDM)
2h08
11:38 Birmingham New Street (BHM)2 changes

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Why should you book Bedford to Birmingham trains with Omio?

West Midlands Trains as well as CrossCountry, Avanti West Coast, Chiltern Railways and more offer trains services from Bedford to Birmingham.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Bedford to Birmingham.

Why book with Omio vs West Midlands Trains?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for West Midlands Trains, but also compare tickets for the likes of CrossCountry, Avanti West Coast or Chiltern Railways to find the best option for your trip from Bedford to Birmingham.
  • 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 West Midlands Trains with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Bedford to Birmingham.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Raileurope?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of CrossCountry, Avanti West Coast or Chiltern Railways to find the best option for your trip from Bedford to Birmingham.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Bedford to Birmingham.

Train companies: CrossCountry, West Midlands Trains, Avanti West Coast, Chiltern Railways from Bedford to Birmingham trainsCrossCountry, West Midlands Trains, Avanti West Coast, Chiltern Railways trains will get you between Bedford and Birmingham from £8. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

CrossCountry

About
CrossCountry is a fast-speed train operator in the United Kingdom, offering both express and regional services across the country. Express services, such as the CrossCountry Voyager and XC Trains, provide quick and comfortable journeys with amenities like free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a selection of snacks and drinks. Regional services, including the CrossCountry Regional and Regional Express, make more local stops for a leisurely trip. Ticket options include Standard Class and First Class, as well as Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak fares to suit different budgets and schedules. Popular routes include London to Birmingham, Manchester to Edinburgh, and Bristol to Reading.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average CrossCountry Duration
1h 29m
Cheapest CrossCountry Price
£29
CrossCountry frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage storage areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled services
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require ticket
Quiet zone

West Midlands Trains

About
West Midlands Trains is a train operator based in the United Kingdom, providing services across the West Midlands region. It operates a variety of train types, including the Class 350 Desiro, Class 323 Electrostar, Class 170 Turbostar, and Class 172 Turbostar. These trains offer a range of onboard facilities, such as free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and air conditioning. Passengers can purchase a range of tickets, including single, return, and season tickets. The most popular routes operated by West Midlands Trains include Birmingham to London Euston, Birmingham to Wolverhampton, and Birmingham to Coventry.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average West Midlands Trains Duration
1h 50m
Cheapest West Midlands Trains Price
£8
West Midlands Trains frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas
Cancellation Policy
According to ticket conditions
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for an additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs require a ticket at 50% of adult fare. Guide dogs travel free
Quiet zone

Avanti West Coast

About
Avanti West Coast is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates high-speed trains between London and major cities in the UK, including Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow and Edinburgh. The company offers a range of ticket types, including Standard, First Class and Advance tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, comfortable seating and a range of food and drinks. The most popular routes for Avanti West Coast are London to Birmingham, London to Manchester and London to Glasgow. The company operates a fleet of Pendolino and Super Voyager trains, which offer a smooth and comfortable journey.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Avanti West Coast Duration
1h 40m
Cheapest Avanti West Coast Price
£34
Avanti West Coast frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
First Class: Complimentary meals and drinks. Standard Class: Onboard shop with drinks and snacks
Seat reservation
First Class: Included in ticket price. Standard Class: Optional reservation for £8-12
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance for boarding/alighting available
Pets
Small pets free in carriers. Dogs £30 per single journey. Guide dogs free
Quiet zone

Chiltern Railways

About
Chiltern Railways is a regional train company in the United Kingdom. Check the different ticket types for your next journey: Duo, Anytime, Season, Super Off Peak, Off Peak and Advance. It operates services from London Marylebone to Birmingham Snow Hill, Oxford, Banbury, Aylesbury, High Wycombe, and Stratford-upon-Avon. It also runs services from Birmingham Moor Street to Stratford-upon-Avon. Chiltern Railways offers a range of train types, including InterCity 125, Class 165 and Class 168 trains. These trains are equipped with comfortable seating, air conditioning, power sockets, and free Wi-Fi. The company offers a variety of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, Off-Peak, and Super Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include a café bar, a shop, and a quiet coach. The most popular routes for Chiltern Railways are London Marylebone to Birmingham Snow Hill, Oxford, and High Wycombe.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Chiltern Railways Duration
3h 5m
Cheapest Chiltern Railways Price
£38
Chiltern Railways frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
According to ticket conditions
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Optional seat reservation for £3. Free for Advance tickets
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating
Pets
Small pets free in carriers. Dogs allowed with lead
Quiet zone

Complete guide to Birmingham

Things to do in Birmingham

Discover the best of Birmingham — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Birmingham trip today.

  • Must visit

Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery

Major museum and gallery with fine art, local history, decorative arts and changing exhibitions in the city centre.

  • Must visit

Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum

Science museum with interactive galleries on industry, transport and invention, making it a strong family-friendly visit.

  • Recommended

Pen Museum

Independent museum in a converted factory, exploring Birmingham's pen trade with demonstrations and hands-on exhibits.

Pound sterling (£)

Moderate for UK city breaks: hotels and dining sit below London, while local transport and casual meals are fairly manageable for most tourists.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-15 for fast food or casual eats.
Mid-range
£20-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
£60+ per person at upscale restaurants.
Coffee
£3-4.50 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Service may be included in restaurants; otherwise tip around 10%. Taxis are often rounded up or tipped 10%. Tipping in cafés is optional, usually just small change.

Best day trips from Birmingham by train

The most popular day trips by train from Birmingham are London, Manchester, Liverpool, Oxford and Stratford-upon-Avon. Find out what you can do in these day trip destinations and how to book your train from Birmingham on Omio.

A view of London

Day trip from Birmingham to London by train

Why visit London for the day?

London blends royal history with modern city life, known for its museums, theatre and global food scene. Along the Thames, grand landmarks sit beside diverse neighbourhoods shaped by finance, fashion and contemporary culture.

How to get from Birmingham to London by train?

There are 87 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:07, the last at 23:40. The fastest train covers the 163 km distance in 1h 17m.

A view of Manchester

Day trip from Birmingham to Manchester by train

Why visit Manchester for the day?

Manchester is known for its industrial heritage, influential music and deep football culture. Red-brick canalside areas, major museums and lively nightlife give it an energetic northern character.

How to get from Birmingham to Manchester by train?

There are 26 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 01:53, the last at 23:36. The fastest train covers the 113 km distance in 1h 24m.

A view of Liverpool

Day trip from Birmingham to Liverpool by train

Why visit Liverpool for the day?

Liverpool is known for The Beatles, football and a waterfront shaped by its maritime past. Its grand docks, museums and lively city centre give it a proud, creative character.

How to get from Birmingham to Liverpool by train?

There are 8 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:04, the last at 22:37. The fastest train covers the 126 km distance in 1h 24m.

A view of Oxford

Day trip from Birmingham to Oxford by train

Why visit Oxford for the day?

Oxford is known for its historic university, elegant colleges and long academic tradition. Its medieval streets, museums and riverside setting give the city a thoughtful but lively character.

How to get from Birmingham to Oxford by train?

There are 7 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:32, the last at 23:00. The fastest train covers the 92 km distance in 1h 2m.

A view of Stratford-upon-Avon

Day trip from Birmingham to Stratford-upon-Avon by train

Why visit Stratford-upon-Avon for the day?

Stratford-upon-Avon is best known as Shakespeare’s birthplace, with Tudor streets and a strong theatre scene. Its riverside setting and historic centre give the town a cultured, easy-paced feel.

How to get from Birmingham to Stratford-upon-Avon by train?

There are 7 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:34, the last at 23:34. The fastest train covers the 35 km distance in 32m.

FAQs: Bedford to Birmingham train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bedford to Birmingham by train. 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 train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Birmingham, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Bedford to Birmingham can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £8, while the average price tends to be around £42.
The train journey from Bedford to Birmingham covers a distance of 105 km and takes approximately 1h 29m. Trains run 5 per day.
The train distance from Bedford to Birmingham is 105 km.
The first train from Bedford to Birmingham leaves at 3:43.
The last train from Bedford to Birmingham departs at 23:25.
Trains from Bedford to Birmingham run approximately 5 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Bedford to Birmingham.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Bedford to Birmingham.
There is no night train service from Bedford to Birmingham.
The train station in Bedford that goes to Birmingham is Bedford station (BDM), and it arrives at Birmingham New Street (BHM).
Booking trains from Bedford to Birmingham in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Bedford to Birmingham offers a mix of urban and rural views, with sections passing through the scenic countryside of the Midlands, featuring rolling hills, fields, and quaint villages, providing a pleasant visual experience.
Yes, you can take the train from Bedford to Birmingham.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Bedford and Birmingham

Most Bedford to Birmingham trains use the Bedford to Birmingham New Street station pair, with some services arriving at Birmingham Moor Street. Use this guide to compare Bedford and Birmingham train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Bedford
Arrival train stations in Birmingham

Which Bedford station do trains to Birmingham leave from?

Trains from Bedford to Birmingham leave from Bedford. The station is 1 km from Bedford city centre at Bedford station, Ashburnham Road, Bedford, Bedfordshire, MK40 1DS.
BedfordBedford station, Ashburnham Road, Bedford, Bedfordshire, MK40 1DSWifiShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike Parking

Bedford train station facilities and services

Bedford has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office and Bike Parking.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Bedford.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Bedford. ATMs are available at Bedford.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Bedford.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Bedford: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Bedford: Bike Parking.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Bedford: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category A station: This station has step-free level access to all platforms via lifts. Assistance Meeting Point is adjacent to the taxi rank at the front of the station, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All Thameslink ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. Ticket machines are of an accessible design, however their location and the station itself may not be so please check the station access note for further details, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: Wheelchairs may only be available when the station is staffed, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.

Bedford St JohnsBedford St Johns station, Melbourne Street, Bedford, Bedfordshire, MK42 9ANParkingDiningAccessibilityHotelBike ParkingCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Bedford St Johns from Bedford city centre

Location for Rail Replacement ServicesIn the event of engineering the bus/coach will collect from the Medbourne Road car park, by the path leading to the platform. Please check the direction of travel before boarding.

Bedford St Johns train station facilities and services

Bedford St Johns has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Bike Parking, Car Rental and Information Desk.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Bedford St Johns.

Tickets and information

Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point, Helpline Contact: 0800 0248 997, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Bedford St Johns: Parking.

Bike and car services

Available at Bedford St Johns: Bike Parking, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Bedford St Johns: Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible public telephones: Public telephones are not accessible, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.

More options for your journey from Bedford to Birmingham

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

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