- 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.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Leicester to Bedford
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Oct 25
Cheapest price on Oct 25
$34
Average ticket price on Oct 25
$34
Fastest journey on Oct 25
3 h 5 m
Average journey duration on Oct 25
3 h 5 m
Buses on Oct 25
2
Distance
72 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Leicester to Bedford is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Leicester to Bedford will cost around $34 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $34.
Fast buses
On Sun, Oct 25, we found 2 buses from Leicester to Bedford, including 2 direct services.
On Sun, Oct 25 the direct buses cover the 72 km distance in an average of 3 h 5 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 3 h 5 m .
On Sun, Oct 25 the slowest buses will take 3 h 5 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.
8:15 PM3h05Leicester11:20 PMBedford$341One-way0 transfers- 7:15 PM3h05Leicester10:20 PMBedford$351One-way0 transfers
- 8:15 PM3h05Leicester11:20 PMBedford$341One-way0 transfers
- 7:15 PM3h05Leicester10:20 PMBedford$351One-way0 transfers
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Leicester to Bedford
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Leicester to Bedford run on average 10 times per day, taking around 1h 50m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $31 (€26) but you can travel from only $22 (€19) by train.
The earliest bus runs at 03:45, the last at 22:45. The fastest bus covers the 44 miles (72 km) distance in 1h 30m.
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
Train from $22 (€19)
Distance 44 miles (72 km) |
Average bus duration 1h 50m |
Cheapest ticket price $31 (€26) |
Buses per day 10 |
Fastest bus 1h 30m |
First bus 3:45 AM |
Last bus 10:45 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Fri |
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from $22 (€19)
Frequently asked questions about your Leicester to Bedford trip
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Leicester to Bedford.
Cheap bus tickets from Leicester to Bedford can start from as little as $31 (€26) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Leicester to Bedford is $33 (€28) ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The earliest bus from Leicester to Bedford leaves at 3:45 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Leicester to Bedford leaves at 10:45 PM.
There are 10 buses a day from Leicester to Bedford which require at least one change with National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
Leicester to Bedford Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:00AM | Arrival Time 08:05AM | Duration 4h05 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:55AM | Arrival Time 09:25AM | Duration 3h30 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:25AM | Arrival Time 10:25AM | Duration 3h00 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:20AM | Arrival Time 11:55AM | Duration 2h35 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:40AM | Arrival Time 11:55AM | Duration 2h15 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:05AM | Arrival Time 12:25PM | Duration 2h20 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:20AM | Arrival Time 02:25PM | Duration 3h05 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:30AM | Arrival Time 02:25PM | Duration 2h55 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:50PM | Arrival Time 04:35PM | Duration 2h45 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:55PM | Arrival Time 05:35PM | Duration 2h40 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:40PM | Arrival Time 07:05PM | Duration 2h25 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:15PM | Arrival Time 09:30PM | Duration 2h15 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $34 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:15PM | Arrival Time 10:30PM | Duration 2h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $31 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:30PM | Arrival Time 11:00PM | Duration 2h30 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $36 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:30PM | Arrival Time 12:00AM | Duration 2h30 | Departure days Mon, Thu | Cheapest price $31 |
Live departures
Leicester to Bedford bus times
The table below shows live departures for Leicester to Bedford buses for today, Saturday, October 24. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7:15 PM Leicester | 2h15 | 9:30 PM Bedford | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 8:15 PM Leicester | 2h15 | 10:30 PM Bedford | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Why should you book Leicester to Bedford buses with Omio?
National Express operates all buses services from Leicester to Bedford.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Leicester to Bedford.
Why book with Omio vs National Express?
- 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 National Express with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Leicester to Bedford.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Leicester to Bedford.
Bus providers: National Express from Leicester to BedfordYou can travel by bus between Leicester to Bedford with National Express for as low as $22 (€19). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
National Express
About
National Express is the UK’s leading long-distance coach company, operating over 550 services per day and serving more than 900 destinations nationwide. It also runs frequent services to major UK airports — including Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, and Bristol — 24 hours a day. All National Express coaches are air-conditioned and offer free Wi-Fi and onboard entertainment. Most vehicles are equipped with seat belts and power outlets at every seat, allowing you to charge your phone or laptop during your journey. Ticket options include Restricted Fare, Standard Fare, and Fully Flexible Fare, with the latter providing maximum flexibility for cancellations or changes.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average National Express Duration
1h 30m
Cheapest National Express Price
$31 (€26)
National Express frequency
10 a day
Luggage included
Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Additional luggage
10€ per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a refund minus a cancellation fee. Changes can be up to 24 hours before departure for a fee.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Accessible toilets.
Bikes
Folding Bikes are allowed; non-folding bikes are not allowed.
Companies, tickets, and onboard amenities between Leicester and Bedford
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
When taking a bus from Leicester to Bedford, you can count on National Express for the best way to get you to Bedford. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Leicester and Bedford and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Leicester to Bedford for bus company National Express.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Leicester to Bedford:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Leicester to Bedford depends on the bus companies:
- National Express
- You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a refund minus a cancellation fee. Changes can be up to 24 hours before departure for a fee.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company {providersWithBike}.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from Leicester to Bedford.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Leicester to Bedford:
- National Express
- Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Leicester to Bedford:
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Leicester to Bedford.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Leicester to Bedford with the following bus company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Leicester to Bedford with the following bus company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Leicester to Bedford with the following bus company: National Express.
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
The John Bunyan Museum
Museum inside John Bunyan’s former church site, focused on The Pilgrim’s Progress, Bunyan’s life, and Bedford’s nonconformist heritage.
- Recommended
Panacea Museum
Small museum telling the story of the Panacea Society, a unique Bedford religious community, through preserved rooms and archives.
- Must visit
The Embankment
Bedford’s signature riverside promenade, ideal for walking, boating views, and seeing why the town is closely tied to the Great Ouse.
- Recommended
High Street
Historic central street lined with shops and civic landmarks, useful for exploring Bedford’s commercial heart on foot.
- Recommended
Castle Quarter
Characterful historic quarter with independent businesses, old buildings, and easy access to museums, churches, and the river.
Bedfordshire Clanger
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.
- Vegetarian
Apple Clanger
A local suet pastry pudding filled with chopped apples, sugar, and spice. It is a traditional Bedfordshire dessert once made to use orchard fruit.
- Vegetarian
Bedfordshire Lardy Cake
A rich yeasted fruit loaf with dried fruit and spice, associated with Bedfordshire baking traditions. Often served sliced with butter at tea time.
Anatolia
Popular Turkish and Mediterranean restaurant with generous grilled dishes, meze, and a smart casual atmosphere.
The Higgins Pantry
Well-regarded independent restaurant serving modern British and European dishes in a polished but relaxed town-centre setting.
The Embankment
Established riverside venue known for grilled meats, classic British dishes, and a lively pub atmosphere with broad appeal.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for the UK. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while local buses and casual meals stay fairly manageable for tourists.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-12 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- £15-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £50+ per person for fine dining.
- Coffee
- £2.80-4 for a coffee.
Tipping culture
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.
Stagecoach Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2.50
- Day pass
- £4.80
To the city center
Bedford Bus Station -> Bedford St Johns
- Distance
- 0.8 km
- Travel time
- 8 min
- Most local buses in Bedford accept contactless card payment; check with the driver if you are unsure.
- Buy tickets in the Stagecoach Bus app before boarding to save time and access mobile tickets.
Plan your visit to Bedford
Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in Bedford.
The currency used in the United Kingdom is the British Pound Sterling (GBP). For travelers, using a card is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially in cities and for transportation tickets, though carrying some cash can be useful for small purchases or in rural areas.
In Bedford, travelers should be cautious of petty theft, especially in crowded areas and near transportation hubs. Common scams include overcharging by unofficial taxi drivers and fraudulent ticket sellers. It's advisable to use licensed transportation services and verify ticket purchases through official channels to avoid these issues.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
FAQs: Bus from Leicester to Bedford
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Leicester 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.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Leicester and Bedford including taking a train and bus.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Leicester to Bedford
Most Leicester to Bedford buses use the Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station to Bedford, Bus Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Leicester and Bedford bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Leicester
Arrival bus stations in Bedford
Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station
City-centre transport
Getting to Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station from Leicester city centre
BusHop · 0m · $3 · every ~14 min
26 · 1m · every ~10 min
21 · 4m
Leicester, BraunstoneBraunstone Town, Leicester, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Leicester, Braunstone from Leicester city centre
Leicester, Braunstone is 3 km from Leicester city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus153, 158 · 7m · $3 · every ~9 min
153, 158 · 11m · $3 · every ~9 min
Nd · 20m · every ~9 min
20 · 26m · $3 · every ~4 min
Leicester, Braunstone bus station facilities and services
Leicester, Braunstone has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Snack outlets in the nearby vicinity.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Leicester, Braunstone. ATMs are available at Leicester, Braunstone.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Leicester, Braunstone.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Leicester, Braunstone: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Leicester, Braunstone: Basic wheelchair accessibility.
Bedford, Bus Station
City-centre transport
Getting to Bedford, Bus Station from Bedford city centre
Bus4 · 4m · $3 · every ~7 min
Most popular bus connections from Leicester
More options for your journey from Leicester to Bedford
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Bedford and Leicester
Most popular bus connections to Bedford
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