Bedford to Swanley train with Thameslink

Tue 20 Oct
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Thameslink
East Midlands Railway
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
Thameslink
East Midlands Railway
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
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Journey information

Overview: Train from Bedford to Swanley

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Bedford to Swanley run on average 12 times per day, taking around 1h 35m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £29 if you book in advance.

The earliest train runs at 04:35, the last at 20:17. The fastest train covers the 93 km distance in 1h 22m.

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
93 km
Average train duration
1h 35m
Cheapest ticket price
£29
Trains per day
12
Fastest train
1h 22m
First train
4:35
Last train
20:17
Cheapest Month
Apr
Cheapest Day
Sat
High Season
Apr - Jun
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Sat
Least Busy Day
Sat
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

Why should you book Bedford to Swanley trains with Omio?

Thameslink as well as East Midlands Railway offer trains services from Bedford to Swanley.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Bedford to Swanley.

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 Railway to find the best option for your trip from Bedford to Swanley.
  • 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.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Rome2rio?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of East Midlands Railway to find the best option for your trip from Bedford to Swanley.

Train companies: Thameslink, East Midlands Railway from Bedford to Swanley trainsThameslink, East Midlands Railway trains will get you between Bedford and Swanley from £29. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

East Midlands Railway

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
Average East Midlands Railway Duration
1h 22m
Cheapest East Midlands Railway Price
£30
East Midlands Railway 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 Thameslink Duration
1h 29m
Cheapest Thameslink Price
£29
Thameslink frequency
9 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

Complete guide to Swanley

Things to do in Swanley

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

  • Recommended

Down House

Historic house museum where Charles Darwin lived and worked, with displays on his life, ideas and family home.

  • Recommended

Hall Place & Gardens

Historic manor house with period rooms and art displays, plus gardens and gallery spaces that host changing exhibitions.

Bromley Museum

Local history museum and heritage site with a medieval hall house, exhibitions and gardens that introduce Bromley’s past.

Pound sterling (£)

Moderate for south-east England. Dining and hotels cost more than smaller UK towns, but Swanley is usually cheaper than central London; local rail fares add to budgets.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-12 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 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Service is sometimes included in restaurants; otherwise tip around 10% for good service. Taxis are often rounded up or tipped 5-10%. Tipping in cafés is optional.

FAQs: Bedford to Swanley train

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

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Bedford to Swanley can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £29, while the average price tends to be around £35.
The train journey from Bedford to Swanley covers a distance of 93 km and takes approximately 1h 22m. Trains run 12 per day.
The train distance from Bedford to Swanley is 93 km.
The first train from Bedford to Swanley leaves at 4:35.
The last train from Bedford to Swanley departs at 20:17.
Trains from Bedford to Swanley run approximately 12 times per day.
Yes, there is a high-speed train service from Bedford to Swanley.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Bedford to Swanley.
There is no night train service from Bedford to Swanley.
The train station in Bedford that goes to Swanley is Bedford station (BDM), and it arrives at Swanley station (SAY).
Booking trains from Bedford to Swanley in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
Yes, you can take the train from Bedford to Swanley.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Bedford and Swanley

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

Which Bedford station do trains to Swanley leave from?

Trains from Bedford to Swanley 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 Swanley

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

Most popular train connections to Swanley

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