Bedford to Cardiff train with Great Western Railway

Fri 17 Jul
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Great Western Railway
east_midlands_trains
Thameslink
Avanti West Coast
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
Great Western Railway
east_midlands_trains
Thameslink
Avanti West Coast
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
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Travel Information

Compare train and coach for Bedford to Cardiff

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Bedford to Cardiff among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £15. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 1m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £15, and a train costs an average of £85.

Distance: 200 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach

£108

Average Price

£38

Average Price

Cheapest

3h 31m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 1m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

6h 50m

Average total duration

6h 20m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.2 - 0.5kg

CO2 emissions

Direct Options

Direct Options

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

Compare prices and tickets Bedford to Cardiff 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.

Fri
17 Jul
Sat
18 Jul
Sun
19 Jul
Mon
20 Jul
Tue
21 Jul
Wed
22 Jul
Thu
23 Jul

Why should you book Bedford to Cardiff trains with Omio?

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

Why book with Omio vs Great Western Railway?

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

Why book with Omio over Wanderu?

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

Journey information

Overview: Train from Bedford to Cardiff

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Bedford to Cardiff run on average 6 times per day, taking around 3h 1m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £85 but you can travel from only £15 by coach.

The earliest train runs at 02:15, the last at 21:30. The fastest train covers the 200 km distance in 3h 25m.

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
Coach from £15
Distance
200 km
Average train duration
3h 1m
Cheapest ticket price
£85
Trains per day
6
Fastest train
3h 25m
First train
2:15
Last train
21:30
Cheapest Month
Nov
Cheapest Day
Sun
High Season
Jul - Sept
Low Season
Oct - Dec
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
Coach from £15

Train companies: Great Western Railway, east_midlands_trains, Thameslink from Bedford to Cardiff trainsGreat Western Railway, east_midlands_trains, Thameslink trains will get you between Bedford and Cardiff from £15. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Great Western Railway

About
Great Western Railway is a train operating company in the United Kingdom. It operates services from London Paddington to the West of England, South Wales and the Cotswolds. It also operates services from London Paddington to Oxford, Reading and Bristol. It offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, air conditioning and catering services. The most popular routes for Great Western Railway are London Paddington to Bristol, Reading and Oxford.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 25m
Cheapest Price
£85
Luggage included
Two pieces of luggage and one piece of hand luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, dedicated luggage areas at 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
Cafe bar serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, sandwiches. First Class at-seat service on some routes
Seat reservation
Optional seat reservations available for a fee. Free in First Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
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
3h 3m
Cheapest Price
£172
Thameslink frequency
11 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

east_midlands_trains

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 59m
Cheapest Price
£183
east_midlands_trains frequency
7 a day

FAQs: Bedford to Cardiff train

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

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Bedford to Cardiff can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £85, while the average price tends to be around £108.
The train journey from Bedford to Cardiff covers a distance of 200 km and takes approximately 3h 25m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train distance from Bedford to Cardiff is 200 km.
The first train from Bedford to Cardiff leaves at 2:15.
The last train from Bedford to Cardiff departs at 21:30.
Trains from Bedford to Cardiff run approximately 6 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Bedford to Cardiff.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Bedford to Cardiff.
To get from Bedford to Cardiff, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Bedford to Cardiff.
The train station in Bedford that goes to Cardiff is Bedford station (BDM), and it arrives at Cardiff Central (CDF).
The cheapest way to get from Bedford to Cardiff is by coach, costing approximately £15.
Booking trains from Bedford to Cardiff 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 Cardiff offers a mix of urban and rural scenery, featuring views of the English countryside, lush green landscapes, and the rolling hills of the Cotswolds before reaching the vibrant cityscape of Cardiff.
A day trip from Bedford to Cardiff is not feasible as the journey duration is 3h 25m. However, trains run 5 times per day.
In Cardiff, you can enjoy performances at the Millennium Centre, explore the vibrant nightlife in the city centre, take a scenic boat tour around Cardiff Bay, and have an adventurous day at Cardiff International White Water. Visit Cardiff Market for shopping and dining, discover Cardiff Castle and St Fagans National Museum of History, explore Cardiff Bay's attractions, enjoy the National Museum Cardiff's collections, and relax in Bute Park.
Two to three days are ideal to explore Cardiff's main attractions, including Cardiff Castle, the National Museum Cardiff, and the revitalised Cardiff Bay area.
Yes, you can take the train from Bedford to Cardiff.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Bedford and Cardiff

Most Bedford to Cardiff trains use the Bedford to Cardiff Central station pair, with some services arriving at Cardiff Queen Street. Use this guide to compare Bedford and Cardiff 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 Cardiff

Which Bedford station do trains to Cardiff leave from?

Trains from Bedford to Cardiff 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 Cardiff

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

HomeTrainsTrain Times to Cardiff Bedford to Cardiff train

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