- 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 Maidstone to Bedford
Showing times and prices for 09 Aug
Cheapest price
£78
Average price
£85
Fastest journey
2 h 10 m
Average duration
2 h 24 m
Trains per day
3
Distance
118 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Maidstone to Bedford is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Maidstone to Bedford will cost around £85 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £78.
Fast trains
To travel from Maidstone to Bedford you need to make at least 2 changes.
20:002h10Maidstone22:10Bedford£781One-way2 changes- 21:002h13Maidstone23:13Bedford£781One-way2 changes
- 22:002h50Maidstone0:50Bedford£1001One-way2 changes
- 20:002h10Maidstone22:10Bedford£781One-way2 changes
- 21:002h13Maidstone23:13Bedford£781One-way2 changes
- 22:002h50Maidstone0:50Bedford£1001One-way2 changes
Compare prices and tickets Maidstone 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.
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Why should you book Maidstone to Bedford trains with Omio?
Thameslink as well as Southeastern or Southeastern offer trains services from Maidstone to Bedford.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Maidstone 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 Southeastern or Southeastern to find the best option for your trip from Maidstone 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.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Southeastern or Southeastern to find the best option for your trip from Maidstone to Bedford.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Maidstone to Bedford
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Maidstone to Bedford run on average 8 times per day, taking around 1h 49m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £71 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 01:40, the last at 23:13. The fastest train covers the 118 km distance in 2h 10m.
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 118 km |
Average train duration 1h 49m |
Cheapest ticket price £71 |
Trains per day 8 |
Fastest train 2h 10m |
First train 1:40 |
Last train 23:13 |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sept |
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, Southeastern from Maidstone to Bedford trainsThameslink, Southeastern trains will get you between Maidstone and Bedford from £71. 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 Duration
2h 23m
Cheapest Price
£64
Thameslink frequency
5 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
Southeastern
About
Southeastern is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates services from London to Kent, Sussex, Surrey and parts of East Anglia. It runs services from early morning until late at night, seven days a week. Southeastern has a range of train types, including high-speed Javelin trains, commuter-friendly Metro services, and the classic InterCity services. Ticket types include Advance, Off-Peak, Super Off-Peak, and Anytime tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. The most popular routes for Southeastern are London to Kent, London to Eastbourne, and London to Hastings.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 31m
Cheapest Price
£63
Southeastern frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small hand luggage
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage storage areas at the end of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train is canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on most services
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and ramps for boarding
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs allowed with ticket. Guide dogs free
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: Maidstone to Bedford train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Maidstone 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 Maidstone to Bedford can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £71, while the average price tends to be around £78.
The train journey from Maidstone to Bedford covers a distance of 118 km and takes approximately 2h 10m. Trains run 8 per day.
The train distance from Maidstone to Bedford is 118 km.
The first train from Maidstone to Bedford leaves at 1:40.
The last train from Maidstone to Bedford departs at 23:13.
Trains from Maidstone to Bedford run approximately 8 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Maidstone to Bedford.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Maidstone to Bedford.
To travel from Maidstone to Bedford, you can take a train.
There is no night train service from Maidstone to Bedford.
The train station in Maidstone that goes to Bedford is Maidstone East (MDE), and it arrives at Bedford station (BDM).
The cheapest way to get from Maidstone to Bedford is by train, costing approximately £71.
Booking trains from Maidstone 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 Maidstone to Bedford offers a mix of urban and rural scenery, with views of the Kent countryside, small towns, and stretches of picturesque landscapes.
A day trip from Maidstone to Bedford is not feasible as the travel duration is 2h 10m. However, there are 6 train journeys available per day for this route. The distance is 118 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 Maidstone to Bedford.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Maidstone and Bedford
Most Maidstone to Bedford trains use the Maidstone East to Bedford station pair. Use this guide to compare Maidstone and Bedford train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Maidstone
Arrival train stations in Bedford
Which Maidstone station do trains to Bedford leave from?
Trains from Maidstone to Bedford leave from Maidstone East. The station is 1 km from Maidstone city centre at Maidstone East station, Station Road, Maidstone, Kent, ME14 1QN.
Maidstone EastMaidstone East station, Station Road, Maidstone, Kent, ME14 1QN+44 3303339232
City-centre transport
Getting to Maidstone East from Maidstone city centre
Maidstone East is 1 km from Maidstone city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus150 · 14m
Maidstone East train station facilities and services
Maidstone East has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Maidstone East.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Maidstone East. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point, Helpline Contact: 0345 322 7021 or Text relay 18001 0345 322 7021 Freephone 0800 783 4524 or Text Relay 18001 0800 783 4524, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Maidstone East: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Maidstone East: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Maidstone East: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Category B1. This station has a degree of step-free access to the platform, which may be in both directions or in one direction only - please check details - Step free access to platform 1 for services towards London from the main side entrance. Step free access to platform 2 for services away from London. Step free access to platform 3, terminal platform, for services towards London. There is step free interchange via road and steep paths in excess of 200 metres. From the Ticket office the step free access to all platforms is via the station forecourt, Accessible public telephones: Public telephones are not wheelchair accessible, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available to book, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: platform 1, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: Monday - Friday 05:30 - 01:00 Saturday 05:30 - 01:00 Sunday 06:30 - 23:59, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Maidstone WestStation Approach, Maidstone, Kent, ME16 8RJ, United Kingdom+44 345 322 7021
City-centre transport
Getting to Maidstone West from Maidstone city centre
BusSeveral local bus services available
TrainSoutheastern services
Maidstone West train station facilities and services
Maidstone West has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Maidstone West.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Maidstone West. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Maidstone West. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Maidstone West: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Maidstone West: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Maidstone West.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Premier Inn Maidstone, Travelodge Maidstone Central, The Townhouse Hotel.
Maidstone BarracksMaidstone Barracks station, Buckland Hill, Maidstone, Kent, ME16 0SQ
City-centre transport
Getting to Maidstone Barracks from Maidstone city centre
Maidstone Barracks is 1 km from Maidstone city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainTonbridge - Strood, Paddock Wood - Strood, Maidstone West - Strood, Tonbridge - Gillingham · 2m · £0.90 · every ~4 min
Bus25A · 25m · £2
Maidstone Barracks train station facilities and services
Maidstone Barracks 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 Maidstone Barracks.
Tickets and information
Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point, Helpline Contact: 0345 322 7021 or Text relay 18001 0345 322 7021 Freephone 0800 783 4524 or Text Relay 18001 0800 783 4524, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Maidstone Barracks: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Maidstone Barracks: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Maidstone Barracks: Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Category C. This station does not have step free access.Steps to all platforms down from main road.Interchange between platforms via steps up to road bridge. Unstaffed station. There are no station staff but there are staff to assist on the trains, Accessible public telephones: Public telephones are not wheelchair accessible, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available to book, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: On platform 1, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Which Bedford station do trains from Maidstone arrive at?
Trains from Maidstone 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.
Most popular train connections from Maidstone
More options for your journey from Maidstone to Bedford
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Bedford and Maidstone
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