- 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 Swindon to Bedford
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 12 Oct
Cheapest price on 12 Oct
£116
Average ticket price on 12 Oct
£117
Fastest journey on 12 Oct
2 h 4 m
Average journey duration on 12 Oct
2 h 9 m
Trains on 12 Oct
51
Distance
111 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Swindon to Bedford is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Swindon to Bedford will cost around £117 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £116.
Fast trains
To travel from Swindon to Bedford you need to make at least 2 changes.
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5:282h26Swindon7:54Bedford£1161One-way2 changes- 6:032h21Swindon8:24Bedford£1161One-way2 changes
- 6:292h15Swindon8:44Bedford£1161One-way2 changes
- 6:532h16Swindon9:09Bedford£1161One-way2 changes
- 6:572h17Swindon9:14Bedford£1161One-way2 changes
- 7:402h04Swindon9:44Bedford£1161One-way2 changes
- 16:532h05Swindon18:58Bedford£1161One-way2 changes
- 16:202h07Swindon18:27Bedford£1161One-way2 changes
- 8:252h14Swindon10:39Bedford£1161One-way2 changes
- 6:292h15Swindon8:44Bedford£1161One-way2 changes
Journey information
Overview: Train from Swindon to Bedford
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Swindon to Bedford run on average 6 times per day, taking around 2h 3m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £52 but you can travel from only £8 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 02:15, the last at 23:32. The fastest train covers the 111 km distance in 1h 42m.
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 £8
Distance 111 km |
Average train duration 2h 3m |
Cheapest ticket price £52 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 1h 42m |
First train 2:15 |
Last train 23:32 |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sept |
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £8
Live departures
Swindon to Bedford train times
The table below shows live departures for Swindon to Bedford trains for tomorrow, Monday 12 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5:28 Swindon | 2h26 | 7:54 Bedford | 2 changes | |
| 6:03 Swindon | 2h21 | 8:24 Bedford | 2 changes | |
| 6:29 Swindon | 2h15 | 8:44 Bedford | 2 changes | |
| 6:53 Swindon | 2h16 | 9:09 Bedford | 2 changes | |
| 6:57 Swindon | 2h17 | 9:14 Bedford | 2 changes | |
| 7:10 Swindon | 2h29 | 9:39 Bedford | 2 changes | |
| 7:40 Swindon | 2h04 | 9:44 Bedford | 2 changes | |
| 7:58 Swindon | 2h26 | 10:24 Bedford | 2 changes | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Why should you book Swindon to Bedford trains with Omio?
Thameslink as well as Great Western Railway offer trains services from Swindon to Bedford.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Swindon 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 Great Western Railway to find the best option for your trip from Swindon 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 Swindon to Bedford.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Great Western Railway to find the best option for your trip from Swindon to Bedford.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Swindon to Bedford.
Train companies: Thameslink, Great Western Railway from Swindon to Bedford trainsThameslink, Great Western Railway trains will get you between Swindon and Bedford from £8. 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
1h 42m
Cheapest Great Western Railway Price
£61
Great Western Railway frequency
3 a day
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
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
2h 9m
Cheapest Thameslink Price
£52
Thameslink frequency
3 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
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.
Best day trips from Bedford by train
The most popular day trips by train from Bedford are London, Cambridge, Brighton, St Albans and Luton. Find out what you can do in these day trip destinations and how to book your train from Bedford on Omio.
Day trip from Bedford to London by train
Why visit London for the day?
London blends royal history with modern city life, known for its museums, theatre and global food scene. Along the Thames, grand landmarks sit beside diverse neighbourhoods shaped by finance, fashion and contemporary culture.
How to get from Bedford to London by train?
There are 11 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 73 km distance in 34m.
Day trip from Bedford to Cambridge by train
Why visit Cambridge for the day?
Cambridge is a historic university city on the River Cam, known for its colleges and punting. Its compact centre, museums and green spaces give it an academic yet lively feel.
How to get from Bedford to Cambridge by train?
The earliest train runs at 00:40, the last at 23:53. The fastest train covers the 40 km distance in 1h 24m.
Day trip from Bedford to Brighton by train
Why visit Brighton for the day?
Brighton is a lively seaside city known for its pebble beach, Victorian pier and the Royal Pavilion. Its bohemian lanes, independent shops and strong arts scene give it a relaxed but energetic character.
How to get from Bedford to Brighton by train?
There are 5 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:02, the last at 23:44. The fastest train covers the 147 km distance in 1h 56m.
Day trip from Bedford to St Albans by train
Why visit St Albans for the day?
St Albans is a historic Hertfordshire city known for Roman Verulamium and its prominent cathedral. Its compact centre mixes ancient streets, markets and green spaces with an easy, well-kept feel.
How to get from Bedford to St Albans by train?
There are 25 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:02, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 44 km distance in 25m.
Day trip from Bedford to Luton by train
Why visit Luton for the day?
Luton is a large Bedfordshire town known for London Luton Airport and a diverse, practical urban character. Its past in hat making and car manufacturing still shapes the town, alongside parks, museums and a strong multicultural identity.
How to get from Bedford to Luton by train?
There are 8 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 29 km distance in 14m.
FAQs: Swindon to Bedford train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Swindon 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 Swindon to Bedford can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £52, while the average price tends to be around £81.
The train journey from Swindon to Bedford covers a distance of 111 km and takes approximately 1h 42m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train distance from Swindon to Bedford is 111 km.
The first train from Swindon to Bedford leaves at 2:15.
The last train from Swindon to Bedford departs at 23:32.
Trains from Swindon to Bedford run approximately 6 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Swindon to Bedford.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Swindon to Bedford.
There is no night train service from Swindon to Bedford.
The train station in Swindon that goes to Bedford is Swindon station (SWI), and it arrives at Bedford station (BDM).
Booking trains from Swindon 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 Swindon to Bedford offers a mix of urban and rural views. Travellers can enjoy the sight of the rolling countryside, charming villages, and some industrial landscapes, making it a varied but not particularly renowned scenic route.
Yes, you can take the train from Swindon to Bedford.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Swindon and Bedford
Most Swindon to Bedford trains use the Swindon to Bedford station pair. Use this guide to compare Swindon and Bedford train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Swindon
Arrival train stations in Bedford
Which Swindon station do trains to Bedford leave from?
Trains from Swindon to Bedford leave from Swindon. The station is 1 km from Swindon city centre at Swindon station, Station Road, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN1 1DQ.
SwindonSwindon station, Station Road, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN1 1DQ+44 3451652030
City-centre transport
Getting to Swindon from Swindon city centre
Bus82, 49 · 6m · £4 · every ~6 min
Swindon train station facilities and services
Swindon has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Swindon.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Swindon. ATMs are available at Swindon.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Swindon.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Swindon: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Swindon: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Swindon: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step Free Category A Station - This station has step free access to all platforms via subway and the lifts via the main entrance subway, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible public telephones: Accessible low-level Pay Phone is available at the station main concourse. Please request staff assistance if you need to, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available. Please request staff assistance, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Accessible ticket machines are located at the station entrance by the ticket office, 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 Swindon arrive at?
Trains from Swindon 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.
More options for your journey from Swindon to Bedford
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Bedford and Swindon
Most popular train connections to Bedford
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