- Must visit
The Higgins Bedford
Bedford's main museum covers local history, archaeology and communities. A strong first stop for understanding the town and wider county.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff to Bedford
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 29 Aug
Cheapest price on 29 Aug
£72
Average ticket price on 29 Aug
£100
Fastest journey on 29 Aug
3 h 32 m
Average journey duration on 29 Aug
3 h 32 m
Trains on 29 Aug
2
Distance
200 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cardiff to Bedford is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Bedford will cost around £100 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £72.
Fast trains
On Sat 29 Aug, we found 2 trains from Cardiff to Bedford, including 2 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 200 km distance in an average of 3 h 32 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 32 m .
The slowest trains will take 3 h 32 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
8:233h32Cardiff11:55Bedford£721One-way0 changes- 7:233h32Cardiff10:55Bedford£1291One-way0 changes
- 8:233h32Cardiff11:55Bedford£721One-way0 changes
- 7:233h32Cardiff10:55Bedford£1291One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare coach and train for Cardiff to Bedford
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Bedford among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £38 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 45m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £38, while a train costs an average of £96.
Distance: 200 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£96 Average Price | £38 Average Price Cheapest |
3h 45m Average total duration Fastest 3h 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 26m Average total duration 4h 56m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Cardiff to Bedford train times
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Bedford trains for tomorrow, Saturday 29 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7:23 Cardiff | 3h32 | 10:55 Bedford | 0 changesdirect | |
| 8:23 Cardiff | 3h32 | 11:55 Bedford | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cardiff to Bedford by coach or train
Compare coach and 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.
Sat
29 Aug
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30 Aug
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Why should you book Cardiff to Bedford trains with Omio?
Great Western Railway as well as Great Western Railway (GWR) offer trains services from Cardiff to Bedford.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cardiff to Bedford.
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 Great Western Railway (GWR) to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Bedford.
- 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 bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cardiff to Bedford.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Cardiff to Bedford.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cardiff to Bedford
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Cardiff to Bedford run on average 6 times per day, taking around 3h 15m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £67 but you can travel from only £34 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 02:15, the last at 21:30. The fastest train covers the 200 km distance in 4h 5m.
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 £34
Distance 200 km |
Average train duration 3h 15m |
Cheapest ticket price £67 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 4h 5m |
First train 2:15 |
Last train 21:30 |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sept |
Best time to book 5 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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £34
Train companies: Great Western Railway, Great Western Railway (GWR) from Cardiff to Bedford trainsGreat Western Railway, Great Western Railway (GWR) trains will get you between Cardiff and Bedford from £34. 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 Great Western Railway Duration
4h 5m
Cheapest Great Western Railway Price
£67
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
Great Western Railway (GWR)
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Great Western Railway (GWR) Duration
3h 4m
Cheapest Great Western Railway (GWR) Price
£175
Great Western Railway (GWR) frequency
16 a day
Complete guide to Bedford
Things to do in Bedford
Discover the best of Bedford — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Bedford trip today.
- Recommended
John Bunyan Museum
Compact museum inside John Bunyan Meeting telling the story of the Bedford writer and preacher. Useful for literary and religious history.
The Eagle Gallery
Small independent gallery showcasing changing contemporary exhibitions. Worth a visit for local creative talent and a quieter art stop in the town centre.
- Must visit
The Embankment
Tree-lined riverside promenade beside the Great Ouse. It is one of Bedford's classic walks, with bridges, memorials and broad views of the water.
- Recommended
Russell Park
Central urban park with lawns, play areas and riverside paths. A practical stop for relaxing between sights and enjoying the water's edge.
- Recommended
Priory Country Park
Spacious park with sports facilities, open grass and access to the river. Popular with locals and useful for a longer walk away from the busiest streets.
Bedford Clanger
A spiced puff pastry turnover filled with curried mutton or beef. Brought by Bedford’s Italian community, it is the town’s best-known speciality.
Sweet Bedford Clanger
The sweet version of the Bedford Clanger, usually filled with jam or apple. It reflects the town’s baking tradition and local lunchbox heritage.
Steak And Kidney Pudding
A rich steamed suet pudding with beef and kidney. A classic English comfort dish long associated with traditional pubs and family cooking in Bedfordshire.
Anatolia
Well-known Turkish restaurant with grilled meats, meze and a lively but polished atmosphere in Bedford town centre.
The River Room
Stylish riverside restaurant and bar serving modern British and European dishes in a relaxed setting by the Great Ouse.
Prego
Established Spanish tapas restaurant known for small plates, sangria and a warm, bustling atmosphere near the centre.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for England: stays and dining are usually cheaper than London, while local buses and casual meals remain fairly manageable for most visitors.
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 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service is sometimes included in restaurants; otherwise tip around 10% for good service. Taxi tips are optional, often rounding up. Cafés usually do not expect tips, but small change is appreciated.
Stagecoach Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £3.00
- Day pass
- £5.00
To the city centre
Bedford Railway Station -> Bedford Bus Station
- Distance
- 1 km
- Travel time
- 15 min
- Most local bus singles in England are capped at £3.00 where participating operators apply the national fare cap; check the operator before travel.
- Stagecoach sells Bedfordshire DayRider day tickets on its official app. Contactless payment is commonly available on buses, but check with the operator before boarding.
FAQs: Cardiff to Bedford train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Bedford 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 Bedford, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Cardiff to Bedford can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £67, while the average price tends to be around £96.
The train journey from Cardiff to Bedford covers a distance of 200 km and takes approximately 4h 5m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train distance from Cardiff to Bedford is 200 km.
The first train from Cardiff to Bedford leaves at 2:15.
The last train from Cardiff to Bedford departs at 21:30.
Trains from Cardiff to Bedford run approximately 6 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Cardiff to Bedford.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Cardiff to Bedford.
To get from Cardiff to Bedford, you can choose from several travel options including coach and train.
There is no night train service from Cardiff to Bedford.
The train station in Cardiff that goes to Bedford is Cardiff Central (CDF), and it arrives at Bedford station (BDM).
The cheapest way to get from Cardiff to Bedford is by coach, costing approximately £34.
Booking trains from Cardiff to Bedford in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Cardiff to Bedford offers a mix of scenic views, including the rolling Welsh countryside, picturesque towns, and glimpses of the River Severn, providing an enjoyable visual experience for travellers.
A day trip from Cardiff to Bedford is not feasible due to the travel time of 4h 5m. Trains run 5 times per day.
To fully explore Bedford's cultural sites, historical landmarks, and local attractions, a stay of 2 to 3 days is typically sufficient.
Yes, you can take the train from Cardiff to Bedford.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cardiff and Bedford
Most Cardiff to Bedford trains use the Cardiff Central to Bedford station pair, with some services arriving at Bedford St Johns. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Bedford train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Cardiff
Arrival train stations in Bedford
Cardiff CentralCentral Square, Cardiff CF10 1EP, United Kingdom+44 3457114141
City-centre transport
Getting to Cardiff Central from Cardiff city centre
Bus24, 25, 27, 86, 62, 30, 35, 21, 136, 7, 23, 63, 64 · 3m · £2 · every ~47 min
C1 · 5m · every ~8 min
Cardiff Central train station facilities and services
Cardiff Central 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 options include: Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen, Pret a Manger, Tesco Express
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are located outside of the main entrance.
Tickets and information
The ticket office is open Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30, Sat: 05:40 - 21:30, Sun: 07:30 - 21:30.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cardiff Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Cardiff Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff Central: There is step-free access in the whole station. There are also ramps for train access and elevators in the station.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Clayton Hotel Cardiff, Cardiff Marriott Hotel, Travelodge Cardiff Central.
Heath High LevelHeath High Level station, Heath Halt Road, Heath, Cardiff, CF23 5QT
City-centre transport
Getting to Heath High Level from Cardiff city centre
Heath High Level is 4 km from Cardiff city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainPenarth - Coryton, Penarth - Caerphilly, Bridgend - Rhymney, Barry Island - Bargoed, Barry Island - Rhymney, Barry Island - Caerphilly, Cardiff Central - Caerphilly, Cardiff Central - Coryton, Cardiff Central - Rhymney, Cardiff Central - Bargoed, Barry Island - Ystrad Mynach · 4m · £0.90 · every ~13 min
Penarth - Coryton, Penarth - Caerphilly, Bridgend - Rhymney, Barry Island - Bargoed, Barry Island - Rhymney, Barry Island - Caerphilly, Cardiff Central - Caerphilly, Cardiff Central - Coryton, Cardiff Central - Rhymney, Cardiff Central - Bargoed, Barry Island - Ystrad Mynach · 8m · £2 · every ~13 min
Bus28, 29 · 23m · £2 · every ~6 min
Heath High Level train station facilities and services
Heath High Level has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Heath High Level.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Heath High Level: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Heath High Level: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Heath High Level: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Category B3. The station is not suitable for wheelchair or powered mobility scooter users. Platform 1 (to Rhymney) has a long, steep access ramp. Platform 2 (to Cardiff) is only accessible via 41 steps. Customers travelling from the Rhymney Valley are advised to alight at Cardiff Queen Street and return to Heath Low Level, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machine(s) do not accept cash. Payment is by major debit and credit cards only, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
FairwaterFairwater station, Pwllmelin Road, Fairwater, South Glamorgan, CF5 3QE
City-centre transport
Getting to Fairwater from Cardiff city centre
Fairwater is 4 km from Cardiff city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainCardiff Central - Aberdare, Merthyr Tydfil - Aberdare, Cardiff Central - Radyr, Radyr - Radyr · 9m · £2 · every ~4 min
Bus62, 63, 64 · 28m · £4 · every ~8 min
101, 102 · 31m · £2 · every ~2 min
Fairwater train station facilities and services
Fairwater has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Fairwater.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Fairwater: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Fairwater: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Fairwater: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category B1. Step free access is available to Platform 1 (to Cardiff) via a long moderately shallow ramp from Pwllmelin Road. Step free access is available to Platform 2 (to Radyr) via a long moderately shallow ramp from Fairwater Road. Both platforms are connected via a footbridge with steps, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: This machine does not accept cash. Payment is by major debit and credit cards only, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Which Bedford station do trains from Cardiff arrive at?
Trains from Cardiff to Bedford most often arrive at Bedford. Some services arrive at Luton DART Parkway, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Bedford arrival station.
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.
More options for your journey from Cardiff to Bedford
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Bedford and Cardiff
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