- 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 and prices for Jul 27
Cheapest price
$25
Average price
$26
Fastest journey
2 h 15 m
Average duration
2 h 20 m
Buses per day
3
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 $26 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $25.
Fast buses
Of the 3 buses that leave Leicester for Bedford on Mon, Jul 27, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Jul 27 the direct buses cover the 72 km distance in an average of 2 h 20 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 h 15 m .
On Mon, Jul 27 the slowest buses will take 2 h 30 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.
9:30 PM2h30Leicester12:00 AMBedford$251One-way0 transfers- 8:15 PM2h15Leicester10:30 PMBedford$261One-way0 transfers
- 9:40 AM2h15Leicester11:55 AMBedford$271One-way0 transfers
- 8:15 PM2h15Leicester10:30 PMBedford$261One-way0 transfers
- 9:40 AM2h15Leicester11:55 AMBedford$271One-way0 transfers
- 9:30 PM2h30Leicester12:00 AMBedford$251One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Leicester to Bedford
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Leicester to Bedford among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $25. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 45m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $25, and a train costs an average of $16.
Distance: 44 miles (72 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$27 Average price Cheapest | $30 Average price | $15 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 16m Average total duration 1h 46m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 15m Average total duration Fastest 45m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 23m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions | 0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
Most popular bus company |  Most popular train 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 Leicester to Bedford is a bus with an average price of $27 (€27).
This is compared to other travel options from Leicester to Bedford:
A bus is $2 (€2) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Leicester to Bedford costing on average $30 (€30).
The fastest way to travel from Leicester to Bedford is by train with an average journey time of 45m.
Other travel options to Bedford take longer:
Bus takes on average 1h 46m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Leicester and Bedford including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Leicester to Bedford among Omio's users.
Take the bus. On this route, it's both cheaper and quicker than driving.
You'll arrive about {timeSavings} sooner ({durationInMinutes} by bus vs {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car) and save roughly {savingsAmount} compared to fuel and tolls ({cheapestPrice} vs {drivingPriceInCents}). You also skip the drive itself — no traffic stress, no parking, and you can use the time to work, nap, or catch up on a series with the onboard Wi-Fi.
Direct coaches are operated by {directProviders}.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
Leicester to Bedford Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:40AM | Arrival Time 11:55AM | Duration 2h15 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:30AM | Arrival Time 02:25PM | Duration 2h55 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:15PM | Arrival Time 09:30PM | Duration 2h15 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:15PM | Arrival Time 10:30PM | Duration 2h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $25 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:30PM | Arrival Time 11:00PM | Duration 2h30 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:30PM | Arrival Time 12:00AM | Duration 2h30 | Departure days Mon, Thu | Cheapest price $25 |
Live departures
Leicester to Bedford bus times
The table below shows live departures for Leicester to Bedford buses for today, Sunday, July 26. 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 | 3h05 | 10:20 PM Bedford | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 8:15 PM Leicester | 3h05 | 11:20 PM Bedford | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Monday, July 27 | |||||
| 9:40 AM Leicester | 2h15 | 11:55 AM Bedford | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Leicester to Bedford by train or bus
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.
Mon
Jul 27
Jul 27
Tue
Jul 28
Jul 28
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Aug 02
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.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Leicester to Bedford
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Leicester to Bedford run on average 12 times per day, taking around 1h 46m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $25 (€25) but you can travel from only $16 (€16) 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 2h 15m.
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 $16 (€16)
Distance 44 miles (72 km) |
Average bus duration 1h 46m |
Cheapest ticket price $25 (€25) |
Buses per day 12 |
Fastest bus 2h 15m |
First bus 3:45 AM |
Last bus 10:45 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 2 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
Train from $16 (€16)
Bus providers: National Express from Leicester to BedfordYou can travel by bus between Leicester to Bedford with National Express for as low as $16 (€16). 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 Duration
2h 15m
Cheapest Price
$25 (€25)
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.
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.
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.
Cheap bus tickets from Leicester to Bedford can start from as little as $25 (€25) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Leicester to Bedford is $27 (€27) ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by bus from Leicester to Bedford is 2h 15m to travel the 44 miles (72 km) long journey. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
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 12 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.
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.
A trip to Bedford from Leicester is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 2h 15m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Leicester to Bedford is November.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Leicester and Bedford including taking a train and bus.
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.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company National Express.
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.
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.
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.
Since neither Leicester nor Bedford are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United Kingdom and United Kingdom. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Leicester to Bedford among Omio's users.
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.
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 · $2 · every ~14 min
26 · 1m · every ~10 min
21 · 4m
Leicester, Braunstone
City-centre transport
Getting to Leicester, Braunstone from Leicester city centre
Bus153, 158 · 7m · $2 · every ~9 min
153, 158 · 11m · $2 · every ~9 min
Nd · 20m · every ~9 min
20 · 26m · $2 · every ~4 min
Bedford, Bus Station
City-centre transport
Getting to Bedford, Bus Station from Bedford city centre
Bus4 · 4m · $2 · 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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