- 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 Croydon to Bedford
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 18 Sept
Cheapest price on 18 Sept
£26
Average ticket price on 18 Sept
£35
Fastest journey on 18 Sept
1 h 17 m
Average journey duration on 18 Sept
1 h 23 m
Trains on 18 Sept
2
Distance
87 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Croydon to Bedford is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Croydon to Bedford will cost around £35 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £26.
Fast trains
On Fri 18 Sept, we found 2 trains from Croydon to Bedford, including 2 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 87 km distance in an average of 1 h 23 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 17 m .
The slowest trains will take 1 h 29 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.
7:011h29Croydon8:30Bedford£261One-way0 changes- 5:211h17Croydon6:38Bedford£451One-way0 changes
- 5:211h17Croydon6:38Bedford£451One-way0 changes
- 7:011h29Croydon8:30Bedford£261One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train for Croydon to Bedford
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Croydon to Bedford among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £48 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 1h 49m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £48, while a train costs an average of £48.
Distance: 87 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|
£48 Average Price Cheapest | £17 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 49m Average total duration Fastest 1h 19m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 16m 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 Croydon to Bedford is a train with an average price of £48.
The fastest way to travel from Croydon to Bedford is by train with an average journey time of 1h 19m.
Yes, you can take a train between Croydon and Bedford.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.
You'll arrive about 57m sooner (1h 19m by train vs 2h 16m by car). Tickets start at around £48 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.
Live departures
Croydon to Bedford train times
The table below shows live departures for Croydon to Bedford trains for today, Thursday 17 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8:33 Croydon | 1h36 | 10:09 Bedford | 0 changesdirect | |
| 9:01 Croydon | 1h24 | 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 Croydon to Bedford 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.
Fri
18 Sept
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19 Sept
19 Sept
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20 Sept
20 Sept
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21 Sept
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24 Sept
24 Sept
Why should you book Croydon to Bedford trains with Omio?
Thameslink operates all trains services from Croydon to Bedford.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Croydon to Bedford.
Why book with Omio vs Thameslink?
- 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 Croydon to Bedford
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Croydon to Bedford run on average 6 times per day, taking around 1h 19m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £36 if you book in advance.
There are 5 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:14, the last at 23:55. The fastest train covers the 87 km distance in 1h 19m.
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 19m |
Cheapest ticket price £36 |
Trains per day 6 |
Direct trains 5 |
Fastest train 1h 19m |
First train 0:14 |
Last train 23:55 |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
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 from Croydon to Bedford trainsThameslink trains will get you between Croydon and Bedford from £36. 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 19m
Cheapest Thameslink Price
£36
Thameslink frequency
51 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
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: Croydon to Bedford train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Croydon 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 Croydon to Bedford can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £36, while the average price tends to be around £48.
The train journey from Croydon to Bedford covers a distance of 87 km and takes approximately 1h 19m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train distance from Croydon to Bedford is 87 km.
The first train from Croydon to Bedford leaves at 0:14.
The last train from Croydon to Bedford departs at 23:55.
Trains from Croydon to Bedford run approximately 6 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Croydon to Bedford.
Yes, there is a direct train between Croydon and Bedford. The service operates 5 times per day, provided by Thameslink.
To travel from Croydon to Bedford, you can take a train.
There is no night train service from Croydon to Bedford.
The train station in Croydon that goes to Bedford is East Croydon (ECR), and it arrives at Bedford station (BDM).
The cheapest way to get from Croydon to Bedford is by train, costing approximately £36.
Booking trains from Croydon 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 Croydon to Bedford offers a mix of urban and countryside views, with notable scenic sections as it passes through the rolling landscapes and green fields of South East England, particularly as you approach the Bedfordshire area.
Yes, a day trip from Croydon to Bedford is feasible with a journey duration of 1h 19m and a distance of 87 km. 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 Croydon to Bedford.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Croydon and Bedford
Most Croydon to Bedford trains use the East Croydon to Bedford station pair, with some services arriving at Bedford St Johns. Use this guide to compare Croydon and Bedford train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Croydon
Arrival train stations in Bedford
Which Croydon station do trains to Bedford leave from?
Trains from Croydon to Bedford leave from East Croydon. The station is 1 km from Croydon city centre at East Croydon station, Station Approach, Croydon, Greater London, CR0 1LF.
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.
Which Bedford station do trains from Croydon arrive at?
Trains from Croydon to Bedford most often arrive at Bedford. Some services arrive at Bedford St Johns, 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 Croydon to Bedford
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Bedford and Croydon
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