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Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Bedford to Canterbury
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Bedford to Canterbury among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £33. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 47m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £33, and a train costs an average of £29.
Distance: 143 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£55 Average Price | £36 Average Price Cheapest |
2h 17m Average total duration Fastest 1h 47m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 46m Average total duration 6h 16m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Bedford to Canterbury train times
The table below shows live departures for Bedford to Canterbury trains for today, Saturday 20 December. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at 06:06
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 08:50 Bedford | 3h50 | 12:40 Canterbury | 0 changesdirect | |
 | 16:15 Bedford | 2h19 | 18:34 Canterbury | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Bedford to Canterbury 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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Journey information
Overview: Train from Bedford to Canterbury
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Bedford to Canterbury run on average 6 times per day, taking around 1h 47m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £29 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 05:07, the last at 23:04. The fastest train covers the 143 km distance in 2h 8m.
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 143 km |
Average train duration 1h 47m |
Cheapest ticket price £29 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 2h 8m |
First train 05:07 |
Last train 23:04 |
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, Southeastern, East Midlands Trains, east_midlands_trains from Bedford to Canterbury trainsThameslink, Southeastern, East Midlands Trains, east_midlands_trains trains will get you between Bedford and Canterbury from £29. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
East Midlands Trains
About
East Midlands Trains is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates services from London to the East Midlands, Yorkshire, and the North West. East Midlands Trains operates a fleet of Class 158, Class 156, Class 170, Class 222 and Class 180 diesel multiple units, as well as Class 222 Meridian electric multiple units. East Midlands Trains also offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. The most popular routes for East Midlands Trains are London to Nottingham, Sheffield, and Leeds.
Luggage & cancellation policy
East Midlands Trains frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 piece of hand luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for a fee. Free for Advance ticket holders
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs must be on lead and require a ticket (£6 for day ticket)
Quiet zone
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 19m
Cheapest Price
£72
Thameslink frequency
3 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
Southeastern
About
Southeastern is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates services from London to Kent, Sussex, Surrey and parts of East Anglia. It runs services from early morning until late at night, seven days a week. Southeastern has a range of train types, including high-speed Javelin trains, commuter-friendly Metro services, and the classic InterCity services. Ticket types include Advance, Off-Peak, Super Off-Peak, and Anytime tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. The most popular routes for Southeastern are London to Kent, London to Eastbourne, and London to Hastings.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 47m
Cheapest Price
£61
Southeastern frequency
4 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small hand luggage
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage storage areas at the end of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train is canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on most services
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and ramps for boarding
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs allowed with ticket. Guide dogs free
Quiet zone
east_midlands_trains
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 53m
Cheapest Price
£69
east_midlands_trains frequency
10 a day
FAQs: Bedford to Canterbury train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bedford to Canterbury 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 Canterbury, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
To fully explore Canterbury's historic sites, such as Canterbury Cathedral, St. Augustine's Abbey, and the Canterbury Roman Museum, a visit of two to three days is recommended.
In Canterbury, you can explore the historic streets on a guided walking tour, enjoy a punting tour on the River Stour, and visit the Canterbury Tales attraction. Attend a performance at The Marlowe Theatre or discover the local food scene on a culinary tour. Key sights include the Canterbury Cathedral, St. Augustine's Abbey, the Westgate Towers Museum & Viewpoint, the Canterbury Roman Museum, and Westgate Gardens.
A day trip from Bedford to Canterbury is not feasible as the journey takes 2h 8m. However, there are 6 trains per day.
The train distance from Bedford to Canterbury is 143 km.
Booking trains from Bedford to Canterbury in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
To get from Bedford to Canterbury, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
The cost of a train ticket from Bedford to Canterbury can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £29, while the average price tends to be around £55.
The train journey from Bedford to Canterbury covers a distance of 143 km and takes approximately 2h 8m. Trains run 6 per day.
The cheapest way to get from Bedford to Canterbury is by train, costing approximately £29.
The first train from Bedford to Canterbury leaves at 5:07.
The train station in Bedford that goes to Canterbury is Bedford station (BDM), and it arrives at Canterbury West (CBW).
The last train from Bedford to Canterbury departs at 23:04.
Yes, you can take the train from Bedford to Canterbury.
Trains from Bedford to Canterbury run approximately 6 times per day.
Yes, there is a high-speed train service from Bedford to Canterbury.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Bedford to Canterbury.
There is no night train service from Bedford to Canterbury.
The train journey from Bedford to Canterbury offers a mix of urban and rural scenery, showcasing the picturesque English countryside. Passengers can enjoy views of rolling hills, quaint villages, and lush fields as the train travels through the heart of England.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Bedford and Canterbury
Bedford
Canterbury
The major train station for departures in Bedford is Bedford. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Bedford for your trip from Bedford to Canterbury.
Amenities at train station
Wifi
Shopping
Parking
Dining
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Lounge
Lost and Found Office
Ticket Office
Bike Parkinginformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:45 - 21:00 Saturday 05:45 - 21:00 Sunday 07:15 - 21:15
Parking
- Car Park: Station Car Park
Taxis
- Taxi: Yes
Accessibility
- 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
WC
- Toilets Location: Available during staffing hours.
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
Lounge
- Waiting rooms location: Heated waiting areas are available
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: Front right hand side and station front
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Amenities at train station
ParkingDiningAccessibilityHotelBike Parking
Car Rental
Information Deskinformation
Parking
- Car Park: Bedford St Johns (Council Managed)
Accessibility
- 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
Information Desk
- Information available from staff: Yes - from help point
- Helpline Contact: 0800 0248 997
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements
Public transport options for Bedford St Johns
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: In 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.
The major train station for arrivals in Canterbury is Canterbury West. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Canterbury West for your journey to Canterbury from Bedford.
Amenities at train station
ParkingDiningAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike Parking
Bike RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 06:15 - 19:30 Saturday 06:15 - 19:30 Sunday 08:30 - 17:00 Assistance/Help available from station staff from First to Last trains.
Parking
- Car Park: Station Car Park
Accessibility
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: Category A. This station has step free access to all platforms - Access to all platforms and interchange via lifts and stairs.
- Accessible public telephones: Public telephones are not wheelchair accessible
- Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available to book
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible ticket machines note: two within concourse.
- Accessible toilets: Yes
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: Yes
- Wheelchairs available open hours: Assistance/Help available from station staff from First to Last trains.
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes
WC
- Toilets Location: Platform 1 - Available during staffing hours
- National key toilets: Yes
- National key toilets location: Platform 1 - Available during staffing hours
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
- Baby changing facilities location: Only available when staff present
Lounge
- Waiting rooms location: Heated waiting room on platforms 1 and 2 Only available when staff present
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: downside platform - London end
- Storage CCTV: No
Information Desk
- Information available from staff: Yes - from help point
- Helpline Contact: 0345 322 7021 or Text relay 18001 0345 322 7021 Freephone 0800 783 4524 or Text Relay 18001 0800 783 4524
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements
Public transport options for Canterbury West
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Station forecourt
Amenities at train station
ParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 06:10 - 20:20 Saturday 06:10 - 20:20 Sunday 07:30 - 19:00 This station is not continuously staffed please see staffing times for details of when staff are available.
Parking
- Car Park: Station Car Park
Accessibility
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: Category A. This station has step free access to all platforms - Access to all platforms and interchange via lifts and stairs.
- Accessible public telephones: Public telephones are not wheelchair accessible
- Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available to book
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible ticket machines note: The Ticket Vending Machines's can only be accessed when the station building is open as they are in the booking hall
- Accessible toilets: Yes
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: Yes
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
WC
- Toilets Location: Platform 2 - Available during staffing hours
- National key toilets: Yes
- National key toilets location: Platform 2 - Available during staffing hours
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
- Baby changing facilities location: Only available when staff present
Lounge
- Waiting rooms location: Heated waiting room on both platforms Only available when staff present
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: Platform 2
- Storage CCTV: No
Information Desk
- Information available from staff: Yes - from help point
- Helpline Contact: 0345 322 7021 or Text relay 18001 0345 322 7021 Freephone 0800 783 4524 or Text Relay 18001 0800 783 4524
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements
Public transport options for Canterbury East
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Replacement bus stop in Station Road East, opposite the station entrance.
Most popular train connections from Bedford
More options for your journey from Bedford to Canterbury
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Canterbury and Bedford
Most popular train connections to Canterbury
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