Bedford to Cambridge train with Thameslink

Wed 15 Jul
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Thameslink
Great Northern
east_midlands_trains
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Great Western Railway
2,000+ travel companies
Thameslink
Great Northern
east_midlands_trains
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Bedford to Cambridge

Showing times and prices for 15 Jul

Cheapest price

£73

Average price

£74

Fastest journey

2 h 25 m

Average duration

2 h 28 m

Trains per day

3

Distance

40 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Bedford to Cambridge will cost around £74 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £73.

Fast trains

Of the 3 trains that leave Bedford for Cambridge every day 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

These direct trains cover the 40 km distance in an average of 2 h 28 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 25 m .

The slowest trains will take 2 h 30 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.

  • Great Northern
    6:402h25
    Bedford
    9:05Cambridge
    £731One-way
    0 changes
  • Thameslink
    14:102h29
    Bedford
    16:39Cambridge
    £741One-way
    0 changes
  • Thameslink
    8:392h30
    Bedford
    11:09Cambridge
    £751One-way
    0 changes

Travel Information

Compare coach and train for Bedford to Cambridge

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Bedford to Cambridge among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £35. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 42m. 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 £35, and a train costs an average of £22.

Distance: 40 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach

£63

Average Price

£44

Average Price

Cheapest

2h 12m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 42m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 35m

Average total duration

4h 5m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.0 - 0.0kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.0 - 0.1kg

CO2 emissions

Thameslink

Most popular train company

National Express

Most popular bus company

Direct Options

Direct Options

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

Live departures

Bedford to Cambridge train times

The table below shows live departures for Bedford to Cambridge trains for today, Tuesday 14 July. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Great Northern6:40 Bedford
2h25
9:05 Cambridge0 changesdirect
Thameslink7:39 Bedford
2h30
10:09 Cambridge0 changesdirect
Thameslink8:39 Bedford
2h30
11:09 Cambridge0 changesdirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Bedford to Cambridge 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
15 Jul
Thu
16 Jul
Fri
17 Jul
Sat
18 Jul
Sun
19 Jul
Mon
20 Jul
Tue
21 Jul

Why should you book Bedford to Cambridge trains with Omio?

Thameslink as well as Great Northern or east_midlands_trains offer trains services from Bedford to Cambridge.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Bedford to Cambridge.

Why book with Omio vs Thameslink?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Thameslink, but also compare tickets for the likes of Great Northern or east_midlands_trains to find the best option for your trip from Bedford to Cambridge.
  • 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 Thameslink with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Bedford to Cambridge.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Great Northern or east_midlands_trains to find the best option for your trip from Bedford to Cambridge.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Bedford to Cambridge.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Bedford to Cambridge

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Bedford to Cambridge run on average 6 times per day, taking around 1h 42m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £22 if you book in advance.

The earliest train runs at 00:40, the last at 23:53. The fastest train covers the 40 km distance in 2h 3m.

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
40 km
Average train duration
1h 42m
Cheapest ticket price
£22
Trains per day
6
Fastest train
2h 3m
First train
0:40
Last train
23:53
Cheapest Month
Aug
Cheapest Day
Sun
High Season
Oct - Dec
Low Season
Jan - Mar
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

Train companies: Thameslink, Great Northern, east_midlands_trains from Bedford to Cambridge trainsThameslink, Great Northern, east_midlands_trains trains will get you between Bedford and Cambridge from £22. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Thameslink

About
Thameslink is a train service that operates in the United Kingdom. It is operated by Govia Thameslink Railway and serves the counties of Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, London, and Surrey. The trains run from early morning until late at night, with some services running 24 hours a day. There are a variety of train types available, including Class 700 Desiro City, Class 377 Electrostar, Class 387/1 Electrostar, and Class 319/0. Ticket types include Anytime, Off-Peak, Super Off-Peak, and Advance. Onboard facilities include Wi-Fi, power sockets, and air conditioning. The most popular routes for Thameslink are London to Brighton, London to Bedford, and London to Luton.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 29m
Cheapest Price
£23
Thameslink frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund available if service is canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service on some routes offering drinks and snacks
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating
Pets
Small pets free of charge. Dogs must be on a lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone
Family area

Great Northern

About
Great Northern is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It offers a wide range of services, including high-speed trains, regional trains, and sleeper services. The high-speed trains are called InterCity Express Trains and they offer a fast and comfortable journey between major cities. The regional trains are called Regional Express Trains and they provide a slower but more frequent service to smaller towns and villages. The sleeper services are called Caledonian Sleeper Trains and they offer overnight journeys with comfortable sleeping compartments. Great Northern offers a variety of ticket types, including single, return, and group tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a selection of snacks and drinks. The most popular routes for Great Northern are London to Cambridge, London to Peterborough, and London to Norwich. These routes offer a convenient and comfortable way to travel between the cities.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 3m
Cheapest Price
£22
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
See refund policy for ticket types
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some services
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating
Pets
Small pets free, maximum two dogs per passenger, must be on lead
Quiet zone

east_midlands_trains

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 58m
Cheapest Price
£73
east_midlands_trains frequency
14 a day

FAQs: Bedford to Cambridge train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bedford to Cambridge 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 Cambridge, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Bedford to Cambridge can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £22, while the average price tends to be around £63.
The train journey from Bedford to Cambridge covers a distance of 40 km and takes approximately 2h 3m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train distance from Bedford to Cambridge is 40 km.
The first train from Bedford to Cambridge leaves at 0:40.
The last train from Bedford to Cambridge departs at 23:53.
Trains from Bedford to Cambridge run approximately 6 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Bedford to Cambridge.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Bedford to Cambridge.
To get from Bedford to Cambridge, you can choose from several travel options including coach and train.
There is no night train service from Bedford to Cambridge.
The train station in Bedford that goes to Cambridge is Bedford station (BDM), and it arrives at Cambridge station (CBG).
The cheapest way to get from Bedford to Cambridge is by train, costing approximately £22.
Booking trains from Bedford to Cambridge 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 Cambridge offers pleasant views of the English countryside, including fields and small villages, making it a moderately scenic route.
A day trip from Bedford to Cambridge is not feasible, with a travel duration of 2h 3m. However, there are 6 trains available per day for this journey.
In Cambridge, you can enjoy punting on the River Cam for scenic views of the colleges and bridges, visit the interactive Cambridge Science Centre, explore the historic Market Square for local produce and crafts, attend a performance at the Cambridge Arts Theatre, or take a guided walking tour to discover the city's rich history. Some of the best sights include King's College Chapel, The Fitzwilliam Museum, The Backs, Trinity College, and the Cambridge University Botanic Garden.
Two to three days in Cambridge allows you to explore its historic university, enjoy punting on the River Cam, visit the Fitzwilliam Museum, and stroll around the city's beautiful gardens and colleges.
Yes, you can take the train from Bedford to Cambridge.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Bedford and Cambridge

Most Bedford to Cambridge trains use the Bedford to Cambridge station pair, with some services arriving at Cambridge North. Use this guide to compare Bedford and Cambridge 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 Cambridge

Which Bedford station do trains to Cambridge leave from?

Trains from Bedford to Cambridge 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 Cambridge

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

HomeTrainsTrain Times to Cambridge Bedford to Cambridge train

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