Bedford to Ipswich train with Thameslink

Sat 29 Aug
+ Add return
Thameslink
Greater Anglia
east_midlands_trains
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
2,000+ travel companies
Thameslink
Greater Anglia
east_midlands_trains
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
2,000+ travel companies
QR-Code
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
rate4.9
42K ratings
Google Play
rate4.6
136K reviews

Travel Information

Compare train and coach for Bedford to Ipswich

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Bedford to Ipswich among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from £23. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 29m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £23, and a coach costs an average of £46.

Distance: 111 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach

£43

Average Price

Cheapest

£58

Average Price

2h 59m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 29m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

7h 17m

Average total duration

6h 47m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

Direct Options

Direct Options

Live departures

Bedford to Ipswich train times

The table below shows live departures for Bedford to Ipswich trains for today, Friday 28 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Greater Anglia8:41 Bedford
2h43
11:24 Ipswich0 changesdirect
Greater Anglia13:40 Bedford
2h44
16:24 Ipswich0 changesdirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Bedford to Ipswich 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.

Sat
29 Aug
Sun
30 Aug
Mon
31 Aug
Tue
01 Sept
Wed
02 Sept
Thu
03 Sept
Fri
04 Sept

Why should you book Bedford to Ipswich trains with Omio?

Thameslink as well as Greater Anglia or east_midlands_trains offer trains services from Bedford to Ipswich.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Bedford to Ipswich.

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 Greater Anglia or east_midlands_trains to find the best option for your trip from Bedford to Ipswich.
  • 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 train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Bedford to Ipswich.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu?

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

Journey information

Overview: Train from Bedford to Ipswich

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Bedford to Ipswich run on average 8 times per day, taking around 2h 29m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £23 if you book in advance.

The earliest train runs at 00:05, the last at 22:43. The fastest train covers the 111 km distance in 2h 24m.

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
111 km
Average train duration
2h 29m
Cheapest ticket price
£23
Trains per day
8
Fastest train
2h 24m
First train
0:05
Last train
22:43
Cheapest Month
Oct
Cheapest Day
Sat
High Season
Jul - Sept
Low Season
Apr - Jun
Busiest Day
Mon
Least Busy Day
Mon
Best time to book
21 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, Greater Anglia, east_midlands_trains from Bedford to Ipswich trainsThameslink, Greater Anglia, east_midlands_trains trains will get you between Bedford and Ipswich from £23. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Greater Anglia

About
Greater Anglia is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates a wide range of services, from commuter trains to intercity services. The commuter trains run at regular intervals throughout the day, while the intercity services run at peak times. The train types include the InterCity 125, InterCity 225, Class 90, Class 91, Class 360 and Class 379. The ticket types available are Standard, First Class and Advance. Onboard facilities include Wi-Fi, power sockets, air conditioning and refreshment trolleys. The most popular routes for Greater Anglia are London Liverpool Street to Norwich, London Liverpool Street to Cambridge and London Liverpool Street to Ipswich.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 24m
Cheapest Price
£23
Luggage included
Two items of luggage per person included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar service on intercity routes with hot and cold drinks, snacks. No service on local routes.
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for a fee. Free for First Class tickets.
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs require a ticket (£6 flat fee). Guide dogs travel free.
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 49m
Cheapest Price
£46
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
2h 6m
Cheapest Price
£57
east_midlands_trains frequency
1 a day

Complete guide to Ipswich

Things to do in Ipswich

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

  • Must visit

Ipswich Museum

Ipswich’s main museum with natural history, archaeology and local collections, including Egyptian objects and displays on Suffolk’s past.

  • Must visit

Christchurch Mansion

Gallery in Christchurch Mansion showing works by Constable and Gainsborough, plus changing exhibitions in a historic setting.

  • Recommended

The Hold: Ipswich Waterfront

Museum on the redeveloped docks telling the story of Ipswich’s maritime trade, industry and local life through interactive displays.

Pound sterling (£)

Moderate by UK standards. Hotels and dining cost less than London, while buses and casual meals are fairly affordable for visitors.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-15 for fast food or a basic lunch.
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 is sometimes included in restaurants; otherwise tip about 10% for good service. Taxi fares can be rounded up. Tipping in cafés is optional.

FAQs: Bedford to Ipswich train

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

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Bedford to Ipswich can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £23, while the average price tends to be around £43.
The train journey from Bedford to Ipswich covers a distance of 111 km and takes approximately 2h 24m. Trains run 8 per day.
The train distance from Bedford to Ipswich is 111 km.
The first train from Bedford to Ipswich leaves at 0:05.
The last train from Bedford to Ipswich departs at 22:43.
Trains from Bedford to Ipswich run approximately 8 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Bedford to Ipswich.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Bedford to Ipswich.
To get from Bedford to Ipswich, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Bedford to Ipswich.
The train station in Bedford that goes to Ipswich is Bedford station (BDM), and it arrives at Ipswich station (IPS).
The cheapest way to get from Bedford to Ipswich is by train, costing approximately £23.
Booking trains from Bedford to Ipswich 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 Ipswich offers a varied landscape, featuring rolling countryside, quaint villages, and lush farmland, providing a pleasant and somewhat scenic experience for travellers.
A day trip from Bedford to Ipswich is not feasible as the journey duration is 2h 24m, exceeding the 120-minute limit for day trips. Trains run 6 times per day, with a distance of 111 km.
In Ipswich, you can enjoy a variety of activities such as catching a performance at the New Wolsey Theatre, exploring the scenic walking trails at Orwell Country Park, or learning about local transport history at the Ipswich Transport Museum. Dance enthusiasts can attend performances and workshops at DanceEast, while families might enjoy a visit to Jimmy's Farm & Wildlife Park. For sightseeing, visit the vibrant Ipswich Waterfront, the historic Christchurch Mansion, or the informative Ipswich Museum. Relax in the picturesque Holywells Park or savour local produce at the Suffolk Food Hall.
For a fulfilling visit to Ipswich, three to four days are typically recommended to explore its historic sites, enjoy the waterfront, and experience the local culture.
Yes, you can take the train from Bedford to Ipswich.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Bedford and Ipswich

Most Bedford to Ipswich trains use the Bedford to Ipswich station pair. Use this guide to compare Bedford and Ipswich 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 Ipswich

Which Bedford station do trains to Ipswich leave from?

Trains from Bedford to Ipswich 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.

More options for your journey from Bedford to Ipswich

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

HomeTrainsTrain Times to Ipswich Bedford to Ipswich train

The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy

We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.

ios-badge
android-badge
Hand With Phone