- Must visit
The Higgins Bedford
Bedford’s main museum explores local history, archaeology, and the Panacea story, making it the essential first stop for understanding the town.
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cambridge to Bedford among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $3. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 1h 20m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.0kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $3, and a train costs an average of $25.
Distance: 24 miles (40 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$3 Average price Cheapest | $67 Average price | $9 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 50m Average total duration Fastest 1h 20m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 17m Average total duration 1h 47m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 58m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions | 0.0 - 0.0kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Cambridge to Bedford:
A bus is $64 (€64) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cambridge to Bedford costing on average $67 (€67).
Other travel options to Bedford take longer:
Train takes on average 1h 47m.
Tickets start at around $3 (€3) compared to roughly $9 (€9) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $6 (€6). The journey takes 1h 20m versus 58m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Direct services are operated by Stagecoach East.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Stagecoach East | Departure Time 05:47AM | Arrival Time 07:07AM | Duration 1h20 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $3 |
Operator Stagecoach East | Departure Time 06:47AM | Arrival Time 08:07AM | Duration 1h20 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $3 |
Operator Stagecoach East | Departure Time 07:32AM | Arrival Time 08:52AM | Duration 1h20 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $3 |
Operator Stagecoach East | Departure Time 08:17AM | Arrival Time 09:37AM | Duration 1h20 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $3 |
Operator Stagecoach East | Departure Time 08:47AM | Arrival Time 10:07AM | Duration 1h20 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $3 |
Operator Stagecoach East | Departure Time 09:17AM | Arrival Time 10:37AM | Duration 1h20 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $3 |
Operator Stagecoach East | Departure Time 09:47AM | Arrival Time 11:07AM | Duration 1h20 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $3 |
Operator Stagecoach East | Departure Time 10:17AM | Arrival Time 11:37AM | Duration 1h20 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $3 |
Operator Stagecoach East | Departure Time 11:17AM | Arrival Time 12:37PM | Duration 1h20 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $3 |
Operator Stagecoach East | Departure Time 12:17PM | Arrival Time 01:37PM | Duration 1h20 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $3 |
Operator Stagecoach East | Departure Time 01:17PM | Arrival Time 02:37PM | Duration 1h20 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $3 |
Operator Stagecoach East | Departure Time 02:17PM | Arrival Time 03:37PM | Duration 1h20 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $3 |
Operator Stagecoach East | Departure Time 03:07PM | Arrival Time 04:27PM | Duration 1h20 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $3 |
Operator Stagecoach East | Departure Time 03:37PM | Arrival Time 04:57PM | Duration 1h20 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $3 |
Operator Stagecoach East | Departure Time 04:07PM | Arrival Time 05:31PM | Duration 1h24 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $3 |
Operator Stagecoach East | Departure Time 04:47PM | Arrival Time 06:11PM | Duration 1h24 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $3 |
Operator Stagecoach East | Departure Time 05:17PM | Arrival Time 06:41PM | Duration 1h24 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $3 |
Operator Stagecoach East | Departure Time 05:57PM | Arrival Time 07:21PM | Duration 1h24 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $3 |
Operator Stagecoach East | Departure Time 06:57PM | Arrival Time 08:21PM | Duration 1h24 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $3 |
Operator Stagecoach East | Departure Time 07:47PM | Arrival Time 09:03PM | Duration 1h16 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $3 |
Operator Stagecoach East | Departure Time 08:32PM | Arrival Time 09:48PM | Duration 1h16 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $3 |
Operator Stagecoach East | Departure Time 09:17PM | Arrival Time 10:33PM | Duration 1h16 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $3 |
Operator Stagecoach East | Departure Time 10:17PM | Arrival Time 11:33PM | Duration 1h16 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $3 |
Operator Stagecoach East | Departure Time 11:17PM | Arrival Time 12:33AM | Duration 1h16 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $3 |
Compare train and bus 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.
Buses from Cambridge to Bedford run on average 5 times per day, taking around 1h 20m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $3 (€3) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 03:15, the last at 23:18. The fastest bus covers the 24 miles (40 km) distance in 1h 16m.
Distance 24 miles (40 km) |
Average bus duration 1h 20m |
Cheapest ticket price $3 (€3) |
Buses per day 5 |
Fastest bus 1h 16m |
First bus 3:15 AM |
Last bus 11:18 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Best time to book 70 days |
Discover the best of Bedford — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Bedford trip today.
Bedford’s main museum explores local history, archaeology, and the Panacea story, making it the essential first stop for understanding the town.
Museum inside John Bunyan’s former church site, focused on The Pilgrim’s Progress, Bunyan’s life, and Bedford’s nonconformist heritage.
Small museum telling the story of the Panacea Society, a unique Bedford religious community, through preserved rooms and archives.
Bedford’s signature riverside promenade, ideal for walking, boating views, and seeing why the town is closely tied to the Great Ouse.
Historic central street lined with shops and civic landmarks, useful for exploring Bedford’s commercial heart on foot.
Characterful historic quarter with independent businesses, old buildings, and easy access to museums, churches, and the river.
A Bedfordshire classic with suet pastry and layers of bacon, onion, and potato. It is a long-standing county comfort food still linked to local home cooking.
A local suet pastry pudding filled with chopped apples, sugar, and spice. It is a traditional Bedfordshire dessert once made to use orchard fruit.
A rich yeasted fruit loaf with dried fruit and spice, associated with Bedfordshire baking traditions. Often served sliced with butter at tea time.
Popular Turkish and Mediterranean restaurant with generous grilled dishes, meze, and a smart casual atmosphere.
Well-regarded independent restaurant serving modern British and European dishes in a polished but relaxed town-centre setting.
Established riverside venue known for grilled meats, classic British dishes, and a lively pub atmosphere with broad appeal.
Moderate for the UK. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while local buses and casual meals stay fairly manageable for tourists.
Tipping is optional. Restaurants may add a 10-12.5% service charge; otherwise 10% is common. Taxi fares are often rounded up. Cafes usually do not expect tips.
Official public transport app
Bedford Bus Station -> Bedford St Johns
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cambridge to Bedford by bus. 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 bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Bedford, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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