2,000+ travel companies
2,000+ travel companies
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
4.942K ratings
Google Play
4.6136K reviews
The cheapest and fastest trains from Colchester to Bedford
Showing times and prices for 31 May
Cheapest price
£73
Average price
£73
Fastest journey
2 h 18 m
Average duration
2 h 21 m
Trains per day
4
Distance
98 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Colchester to Bedford is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Colchester to Bedford will cost around £73 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £73.
Fast trains
To travel from Colchester to Bedford you need to make at least 2 changes.
8:302h24Colchester10:54Bedford£731One-way2 changes- 9:062h18Colchester11:24Bedford£731One-way2 changes
- 20:522h18Colchester23:10Bedford£731One-way2 changes
- 21:302h24Colchester23:54Bedford£731One-way2 changes
- 9:062h18Colchester11:24Bedford£731One-way2 changes
- 20:522h18Colchester23:10Bedford£731One-way2 changes
- 8:302h24Colchester10:54Bedford£731One-way2 changes
- 21:302h24Colchester23:54Bedford£731One-way2 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Colchester to Bedford
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Colchester to Bedford among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £50. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 59m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £50, and a train costs an average of £28.
Distance: 98 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£56 Average Price | £55 Average Price Cheapest |
2h 29m Average total duration Fastest 1h 59m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 25m Average total duration 6h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Colchester to Bedford train times
The table below shows live departures for Colchester to Bedford trains for today, Saturday 30 May. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 5:04 Colchester | 2h35 | 7:39 Bedford | 0 changesdirect | |
| 8:00 Colchester | 2h25 | 10:25 Bedford | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Colchester to Bedford 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.
Sun
31 May
31 May
Mon
01 Jun
01 Jun
Tue
02 Jun
02 Jun
Wed
03 Jun
03 Jun
Thu
04 Jun
04 Jun
Fri
05 Jun
05 Jun
Sat
06 Jun
06 Jun
Why should you book Colchester to Bedford trains with Omio?
Thameslink as well as Greater Anglia offer trains services from Colchester to Bedford.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Colchester to Bedford.
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 to find the best option for your trip from Colchester 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 Thameslink with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Colchester to Bedford.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Greater Anglia to find the best option for your trip from Colchester to Bedford.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Colchester to Bedford.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Colchester to Bedford
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Colchester to Bedford run on average 7 times per day, taking around 1h 59m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £28 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 03:15, the last at 23:02. The fastest train covers the 98 km distance in 2h 21m.
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 98 km |
Average train duration 1h 59m |
Cheapest ticket price £28 |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 2h 21m |
First train 3:15 |
Last train 23:02 |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Best time to book 7 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 from Colchester to Bedford trainsThameslink, Greater Anglia trains will get you between Colchester and Bedford from £28. 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 21m
Cheapest Price
£28
Greater Anglia frequency
3 a day
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 35m
Cheapest Price
£77
Thameslink frequency
4 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
FAQs: Colchester to Bedford train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Colchester 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 Colchester to Bedford can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £28, while the average price tends to be around £56.
The train journey from Colchester to Bedford covers a distance of 98 km and takes approximately 2h 21m. Trains run 7 per day.
The train distance from Colchester to Bedford is 98 km.
The first train from Colchester to Bedford leaves at 3:15.
The last train from Colchester to Bedford departs at 23:02.
Trains from Colchester to Bedford run approximately 7 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Colchester to Bedford.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Colchester to Bedford.
To get from Colchester to Bedford, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Colchester to Bedford.
The train station in Colchester that goes to Bedford is Colchester station (COL), and it arrives at Bedford station (BDM).
The cheapest way to get from Colchester to Bedford is by train, costing approximately £28.
Booking trains from Colchester 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 Colchester to Bedford offers glimpses of the picturesque English countryside, with rolling fields and charming villages, though it is not renowned as a particularly scenic route.
Yes, a day trip from Colchester to Bedford is possible, as the journey takes 2h 21m and trains run 5 times per day over a distance of 98 km.
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 Colchester to Bedford.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Colchester and Bedford
Colchester
Bedford
The major train station for departures in Colchester is Colchester. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Colchester for your trip from Colchester to Bedford.
Amenities at train station
Wifi
Shopping
Parking
Dining
ATM
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Lost and Found Office
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Information Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:00 - 22:00 Saturday 05:30 - 21:00 Sunday 06:00 - 21:00
Distance to city center
1 kmShopping
- Type of shops available: News agent Dry cleaner Passport Photo Booth
Parking
- Car Park: Premium Bays
Accessibility
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided
- Accessible taxis: Details of nearest taxis are shown on station information poster
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible toilets: Yes
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: Yes
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
WC
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on all platforms. The accessible (radar key) toilets are located on Platforms 2 and 4
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: Situated by the South entrance, and in the main car park by the North entrance. A secure 134-space cycle compound is also available (key fob required, speak to station staff for availability).
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Information Desk
- Information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 0800 028 28 78
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens
Public transport options for Colchester
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Replacement transport stop at the bus stop by main station entrance
Amenities at train station
WifiParkingDiningAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 06:10 - 20:15 Saturday 07:00 - 18:45 Sunday Closed
Parking
- Car Park: There is a Council managed car park behind the station
Accessibility
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided
- Accessible taxis: Details of nearest taxis are shown on station information poster
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
WC
- Toilets Location: Toilets are located alongside the ticket office and only open when the station is staffed.
- National key toilets: No
- Baby changing facilities: No
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: Within station, forecourt and on platform
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Information Desk
- Information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 0800 028 28 78
Public transport options for Colchester Town
- Onward travel information: Colchester Town Station is around 5 minutes walk from Colchester Bus Station
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Town Railway Station Bus Stops (stop B) for planned rail replacement only.
Amenities at train station
ParkingAccessibilityLost and Found OfficeBike Parkinginformation
Distance to city center
1 kmParking
- Car Park: No
Accessibility
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Accessible taxis: Details of nearest taxis are shown on station information poster
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: Platforms
- Storage CCTV: No
Public transport options for Hythe (Essex)
- Onward travel information: Local Colchester Town service Buses stop near station
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Replacement bus services stop at station entrance adjacent to level crossing
The major train station for arrivals in Bedford is Bedford. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Bedford for your journey to Bedford from Colchester.
Amenities at train station
WifiShoppingParkingDiningATM
TaxisAccessibilityWCHotel
LoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike Parkinginformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:45 - 21:00 Saturday 05:45 - 21:00 Sunday 07:15 - 21:15
Parking
- Car Park: Station Car Park
Taxis
- Taxi: Yes
Accessibility
- 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
WC
- Toilets Location: Available during staffing hours.
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
Lounge
- Waiting rooms location: Heated waiting areas are available
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: Front right hand side and station front
- Storage CCTV: Yes
More options for your journey from Colchester to Bedford
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Bedford and Colchester
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.
