- Recommended
Museum of Croydon
Local history museum in a medieval house, covering Croydon’s people, suburbs and civic story through compact displays.
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Travel Information
Compare train for Bedford to Croydon
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Bedford to Croydon among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £22 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 4m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £22, while a train costs an average of £22.
Distance: 87 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|
£22 Average Price Cheapest | £17 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 4m Average total duration Fastest 1h 34m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 4m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
 Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Bedford to Croydon is a train with an average price of £22.
The fastest way to travel from Bedford to Croydon is by train with an average journey time of 1h 34m.
Yes, you can take a train between Bedford and Croydon.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.
You'll arrive about 30m sooner (1h 34m by train vs 2h 4m by car). Tickets start at around £22 compared to roughly £17 in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Direct services run with Thameslink.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
Compare prices and tickets Bedford to Croydon by train
Compare 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.
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Why should you book Bedford to Croydon trains with Omio?
Thameslink as well as east_midlands_trains offer trains services from Bedford to Croydon.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Bedford to Croydon.
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 east_midlands_trains to find the best option for your trip from Bedford to Croydon.
- 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.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Bedford to Croydon
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Bedford to Croydon run on average 6 times per day, taking around 1h 34m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £22 if you book in advance.
There are 5 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:03, the last at 23:55. The fastest train covers the 87 km distance in 1h 40m.
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 87 km |
Average train duration 1h 34m |
Cheapest ticket price £22 |
Trains per day 6 |
Direct trains 5 |
Fastest train 1h 40m |
First train 0:03 |
Last train 23:55 |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Apr - Jun |
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, east_midlands_trains from Bedford to Croydon trainsThameslink, east_midlands_trains trains will get you between Bedford and Croydon 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 Thameslink Duration
1h 32m
Cheapest Thameslink Price
£54
Thameslink frequency
17 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
east_midlands_trains
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average east_midlands_trains Duration
1h 21m
Cheapest east_midlands_trains Price
£36
east_midlands_trains frequency
15 a day
Complete guide to Croydon
Things to do in Croydon
Discover the best of Croydon — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Croydon trip today.
- Recommended
Stanley Arts Gallery
Independent gallery and artist studios hosting contemporary exhibitions, talks and events in a converted industrial building.
South Norwood and Anerley Past
Volunteer-run heritage centre in South Norwood exploring Crystal Palace, local railways and the area’s social history.
- Must visit
Addington Hills
Nature reserve and former medieval hunting ground with heathland, woodland and broad views, popular for longer walks.
- Recommended
Wandle Park
Large town-centre green with formal gardens, a café, playground and events, ideal for a break between central sights.
- Recommended
South Norwood Country Park
Wide open common with ponds, paths and sports areas, valued by locals for walking, birdlife and relaxed suburban scenery.
Full English Breakfast
A full English breakfast of eggs, bacon, sausages, beans, mushrooms and toast. A staple across Greater London and a classic local start to the day.
Steak and Kidney Pie
Pie filled with steak and kidney in rich gravy, baked in pastry. A traditional British pub dish long associated with London and the South East.
Fish and Chips
Battered cod or haddock with chunky chips. This enduring London favourite is a go-to takeaway and pub meal across Croydon.
The Store
Stylish restaurant and bar known for steaks, grills and cocktails in central Croydon. Smart but relaxed for lunch or dinner.
The Swan and Sugarloaf
Established pub and dining room serving British favourites, Sunday roasts and cask ales in a traditional setting near South Croydon.
BOXPARK Croydon
Popular South London market with diverse street food traders, casual seating and a lively atmosphere. Good for sampling local and international bites.
British pound sterling (£)
Moderate for Greater London. Hotels, dining and rail fares are often cheaper than central London, but still higher than many UK cities.
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
- £3-4.50 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service may be included in restaurants; otherwise tip 10-12.5% for good service. Taxis are often rounded up. Tipping in cafés is optional, usually small change.
TfL Go
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £1.75
- Day pass
- £6.00
To the city centre
East Croydon -> Croydon Town Centre, Katharine Street
- Distance
- 1 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Contactless and Oyster work on Croydon trams and London buses; touch in at the reader before boarding or on the platform.
- TfL Go is the official app for live departures, disruption updates and journey planning across trams, buses and rail in London.
FAQs: Bedford to Croydon train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bedford to Croydon 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 Croydon, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Bedford to Croydon can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £22, while the average price tends to be around £22.
The train journey from Bedford to Croydon covers a distance of 87 km and takes approximately 1h 40m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train distance from Bedford to Croydon is 87 km.
The first train from Bedford to Croydon leaves at 0:03.
The last train from Bedford to Croydon departs at 23:55.
Trains from Bedford to Croydon run approximately 6 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Bedford to Croydon.
Yes, there is a direct train between Bedford and Croydon. The service operates 5 times per day, provided by Thameslink.
To travel from Bedford to Croydon, you can take a train.
There is no night train service from Bedford to Croydon.
The train station in Bedford that goes to Croydon is Bedford station (BDM), and it arrives at East Croydon (ECR).
The cheapest way to get from Bedford to Croydon is by train, costing approximately £22.
Booking trains from Bedford to Croydon 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 Croydon offers a mix of urban and rural scenery. As it travels through the English countryside, passengers can enjoy views of rolling fields and quaint villages, while also experiencing the bustling landscapes of London suburbs.
Yes, a day trip from Bedford to Croydon is feasible. The journey takes 1h 40m each way, covers 87 km, and there are 4 trains per day.
For a visit to Croydon, 2 to 3 days is generally sufficient to explore its main attractions, shopping areas, and enjoy local dining experiences.
Yes, you can take the train from Bedford to Croydon.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Bedford and Croydon
Most Bedford to Croydon trains use the Bedford to East Croydon station pair, with some services arriving at Purley. Use this guide to compare Bedford and Croydon 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 Croydon
Which Bedford station do trains to Croydon leave from?
Trains from Bedford to Croydon 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 1DS
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 9AN
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.
Which Croydon station do trains from Bedford arrive at?
Trains from Bedford to Croydon most often arrive at East Croydon. Some services arrive at Purley, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Croydon arrival station.
East CroydonEast Croydon station, Station Approach, Croydon, Greater London, CR0 1LF
City-centre transport
Getting to East Croydon from Croydon city centre
East Croydon is 1 km from Croydon city centre. Public transport options include:
BusN68 · 11m · £2 · every ~2 min
East Croydon train station facilities and services
East Croydon has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Car Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at East Croydon.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at East Croydon. ATMs are available at East Croydon.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at East Croydon.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at East Croydon: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at East Croydon: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at East Croydon: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category A station: This station has step-free access to all platforms. Lifts to overbridge from all platforms and side entrance. Long steep ramps to platforms from main entrance. (over 1:10 gradient). Assistance Meeting Point is the Information Point on station concourse, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All Southern 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.
PurleyPurley station, Station Approach, Whytecliffe Road, Purley, London, CR2 2AP
City-centre transport
Getting to Purley from Croydon city centre
Purley is 5 km from Croydon city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainLondon Bridge - Caterham, London Victoria - Reigate, Tulse Hill - Caterham, London Bridge - Tattenham Corner, London Victoria - Brighton, London Victoria - Three Bridges, London Victoria - Ore, London Victoria - Horsham, London Bridge - Purley, London Victoria - Redhill, East Croydon - Caterham, London Victoria - Bognor Regis, London Victoria - Portsmouth Harbour · 8m · £2 · every ~9 min
Bus407, N68 · 19m · £2 · every ~21 min
60 · 20m · £2 · every ~24 min
439 · 22m · £2 · every ~6 min
289 · 47m · £2 · every ~20 min
Purley train station facilities and services
Purley has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Purley.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Purley. ATMs are available at Purley.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Purley.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Purley: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Purley: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Purley: 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. Assistance Meeting Point is on platform 6 above the waiting room, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All Southern 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.
More options for your journey from Bedford to Croydon
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Croydon and Bedford
Most popular train connections to Croydon
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