- 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 Derby to Bedford
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 18 Sept
Cheapest price on 18 Sept
£20
Average ticket price on 18 Sept
£37
Fastest journey on 18 Sept
1 h 37 m
Average journey duration on 18 Sept
1 h 38 m
Trains on 18 Sept
3
Distance
111 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Derby to Bedford is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Derby to Bedford will cost around £37 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £20.
Fast trains
On Fri 18 Sept, we found 3 trains from Derby to Bedford, including 3 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 111 km distance in an average of 1 h 38 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 37 m .
The slowest trains will take 1 h 39 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.
19:321h39Derby21:11Bedford£201One-way0 changes- 7:321h37Derby9:09Bedford£381One-way0 changes
- 6:021h37Derby7:39Bedford£531One-way0 changes
- 6:021h37Derby7:39Bedford£531One-way0 changes
- 7:321h37Derby9:09Bedford£381One-way0 changes
- 19:321h39Derby21:11Bedford£201One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Derby to Bedford
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Derby to Bedford among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £27 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 1h 41m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.1kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £27, while a train costs an average of £28.
Distance: 111 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£28 Average Price | £27 Average Price Cheapest | £22 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 41m Average total duration Fastest 1h 11m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 56m Average total duration 3h 26m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 44m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The cheapest way to travel from Derby to Bedford is a coach with an average price of £27.
This is compared to other travel options from Derby to Bedford:
A coach is £1 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Derby to Bedford costing on average £28.
The fastest way to travel from Derby to Bedford is by train with an average journey time of 1h 11m.
Other travel options to Bedford take longer:
Coach takes on average 3h 26m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Derby and Bedford including taking a train and coach.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.
You'll arrive about 33m sooner (1h 11m by train vs 1h 44m by car). Tickets start at around £28 compared to roughly £22 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 east_midlands_trains.
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
Derby to Bedford train times
The table below shows live departures for Derby 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4:28 Derby | 1h38 | 6:06 Bedford | 0 changesdirect | |
| 7:32 Derby | 1h37 | 9:09 Bedford | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Derby 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.
Fri
18 Sept
18 Sept
Sat
19 Sept
19 Sept
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20 Sept
20 Sept
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21 Sept
21 Sept
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22 Sept
22 Sept
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24 Sept
24 Sept
Why should you book Derby to Bedford trains with Omio?
East Midlands Railway as well as east_midlands_trains offer trains services from Derby to Bedford.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Derby to Bedford.
Why book with Omio vs East Midlands Railway?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for East Midlands Railway, but also compare tickets for the likes of east_midlands_trains to find the best option for your trip from Derby 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 East Midlands Railway with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Derby to Bedford.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Rome2rio?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Derby to Bedford.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Derby to Bedford
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Derby to Bedford run on average 5 times per day, taking around 1h 11m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £15 if you book in advance.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 03:48, the last at 23:46. The fastest train covers the 111 km distance in 1h 37m.
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 1h 11m |
Cheapest ticket price £15 |
Trains per day 5 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 1h 37m |
First train 3:48 |
Last train 23:46 |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 1 day |
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: East Midlands Railway, east_midlands_trains from Derby to Bedford trainsEast Midlands Railway, east_midlands_trains trains will get you between Derby and Bedford from £15. 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 37m
Cheapest East Midlands Railway Price
£15
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
east_midlands_trains
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average east_midlands_trains Duration
1h 15m
Cheapest east_midlands_trains Price
£35
east_midlands_trains frequency
1 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: Derby to Bedford train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Derby 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 Derby to Bedford can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £15, while the average price tends to be around £28.
The train journey from Derby to Bedford covers a distance of 111 km and takes approximately 1h 37m. Trains run 5 per day.
The train distance from Derby to Bedford is 111 km.
The first train from Derby to Bedford leaves at 3:48.
The last train from Derby to Bedford departs at 23:46.
Trains from Derby to Bedford run approximately 5 times per day.
Yes, there is a high-speed train service from Derby to Bedford.
Yes, there is a direct train between Derby and Bedford. The service operates 1 times per day, provided by east_midlands_trains.
To get from Derby to Bedford, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Derby to Bedford.
The train station in Derby that goes to Bedford is Derby station (DBY), and it arrives at Bedford station (BDM).
The cheapest way to get from Derby to Bedford is by train, costing approximately £15.
Booking trains from Derby 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 Derby to Bedford offers a mix of urban and rural landscapes, featuring views of the English countryside, small towns, and occasional glimpses of fields and woodlands, making parts of the trip quite scenic.
Yes, you can do a day trip from Derby to Bedford. The journey takes 1h 37m and covers 111 km. There are 6 trains 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 Derby to Bedford.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Derby and Bedford
Most Derby to Bedford trains use the Derby to Bedford station pair. Use this guide to compare Derby and Bedford train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Derby
Arrival train stations in Bedford
Which Derby station do trains to Bedford leave from?
Trains from Derby to Bedford leave from Derby. The station is 1 km from Derby city centre at Derby station, Railway Terrace, Derby, Derbyshire, DE1 2RU.
DerbyDerby station, Railway Terrace, Derby, Derbyshire, DE1 2RU+44 3457125678
City-centre transport
Getting to Derby from Derby city centre
Derby is 1 km from Derby city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus70A · 4m
Sky · 4m · £2 · every ~14 min
U1, Dp1 · 10m · £0.90 · every ~2 min
Derby train station facilities and services
Derby has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Car Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Derby.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are available at Derby.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Derby.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Derby: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Derby: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Derby: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A step free station. This station has step free access. There are lifts to all platforms. There is a subway to platforms 2,3,4 and 5. Platforms 6 and 7 are accessed by lift only. This station has tactile paving at the edges of all platforms and at the foot and top of stairwells, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, 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: Yes.
Which Bedford station do trains from Derby arrive at?
Trains from Derby to Bedford arrive at Bedford. Bedford is 1 km from Bedford city centre.
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.
More options for your journey from Derby to Bedford
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Bedford and Derby
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