- 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 Manchester to Bedford
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 20
Cheapest price on Sep 20
€41
Average ticket price on Sep 20
€41
Fastest journey on Sep 20
4 h 45 m
Average journey duration on Sep 20
4 h 50 m
Buses on Sep 20
2
Distance
191 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Manchester to Bedford is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Manchester to Bedford will cost around €41 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €41.
Fast buses
On Sun, Sep 20, we found 2 buses from Manchester to Bedford, including 2 direct services.
On Sun, Sep 20 the direct buses cover the 191 km distance in an average of 4 h 50 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 4 h 45 m .
On Sun, Sep 20 the slowest buses will take 4 h 55 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.
4:40 AM4h45Manchester9:25 AMBedford€411One-way0 transfers- 8:30 AM4h55Manchester1:25 PMBedford€411One-way0 transfers
- 4:40 AM4h45Manchester9:25 AMBedford€411One-way0 transfers
- 8:30 AM4h55Manchester1:25 PMBedford€411One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for Manchester to Bedford
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Manchester to Bedford among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of €41 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 9m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €41, while a flight costs an average of €367.
Distance: 118 miles (191 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
€41 Average price Cheapest | €112 Average price | €367 Average price | €55 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 29m Average total duration 3h 59m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 9m Average total duration Fastest 2h 39m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 49m Average total duration 1h 49m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 3h 6m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.6 - 1.1kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Most popular bus company |  Most popular train company |  Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | 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 Manchester to Bedford is a bus with an average price of €41.
This is compared to other travel options from Manchester to Bedford:
A bus is €70 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Manchester to Bedford costing on average €112.
A bus is €325 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Manchester to Bedford costing on average €367.
The fastest way to travel from Manchester to Bedford is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 49m.
Other travel options to Bedford take longer:
Train takes on average 2h 39m.
Bus takes on average 3h 59m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Manchester and Bedford including taking a bus, train, and flight.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Manchester to Bedford among Omio's users.
Take the bus. It's the cheapest way to make this trip, and the price gap is usually bigger than people expect.
Tickets start at around €41 compared to roughly €55 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about €14. The journey takes 3h 59m versus 3h 6m 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.
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.
Manchester to Bedford Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:40AM | Arrival Time 09:25AM | Duration 4h45 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price €41 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:45AM | Arrival Time 09:55AM | Duration 5h10 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price €41 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:20AM | Arrival Time 12:55PM | Duration 4h35 | Departure days Tue, Fri | Cheapest price €40 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:30AM | Arrival Time 01:25PM | Duration 4h55 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price €41 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:30PM | Arrival Time 06:35PM | Duration 5h05 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price €37 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:00PM | Arrival Time 08:05PM | Duration 6h05 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price €48 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:45PM | Arrival Time 07:35PM | Duration 4h50 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price €38 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:45PM | Arrival Time 08:35PM | Duration 4h50 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price €39 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:55PM | Arrival Time 08:30PM | Duration 4h35 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price €41 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:45PM | Arrival Time 09:30PM | Duration 4h45 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price €42 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:00PM | Arrival Time 09:30PM | Duration 4h30 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price €42 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:45PM | Arrival Time 10:00PM | Duration 4h15 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price €39 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:30PM | Arrival Time 11:00PM | Duration 4h30 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price €45 |
Live departures
Manchester to Bedford bus times
The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Bedford buses for today, Saturday, September 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4:45 PM Manchester | 4h45 | 9:30 PM Bedford | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 5:45 PM Manchester | 4h45 | 10:30 PM Bedford | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Sunday, September 20 | |||||
| 4:40 AM Manchester | 4h45 | 9:25 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 Manchester to Bedford by bus, train, or flight
Compare bus, train, and flight 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 Manchester to Bedford buses with Omio?
National Express operates all buses services from Manchester to Bedford.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Manchester 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 bus, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Manchester to Bedford.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Manchester to Bedford.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Manchester to Bedford
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Manchester to Bedford run on average 14 times per day, taking around 3h 59m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €34 but you can travel from only €34 by train.
The earliest bus runs at 00:05, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 118 miles (191 km) distance in 3h 20m.
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 €34
Distance 118 miles (191 km) |
Average bus duration 3h 59m |
Cheapest ticket price €34 |
Buses per day 14 |
Fastest bus 3h 20m |
First bus 12:05 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
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 €34
Bus providers: National Express from Manchester to BedfordYou can travel by bus between Manchester to Bedford with National Express for as low as €34. 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
3h 20m
Cheapest National Express Price
€34
National Express frequency
16 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 Manchester to Bedford
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester 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 Manchester to Bedford can start from as little as €34 when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Manchester to Bedford is €41 ; 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 Manchester to Bedford is 3h 20m to travel the 118 miles (191 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 Manchester to Bedford leaves at 12:05 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Manchester to Bedford leaves at 11:55 PM.
There are 14 buses a day from Manchester 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 Manchester 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 Manchester and Bedford and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Bedford from Manchester is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 3h 20m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Manchester to Bedford is April.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Manchester and Bedford including taking a bus, train, and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Manchester to Bedford:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Manchester to Bedford for bus company National Express.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Manchester 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 National Express.
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 Manchester to Bedford.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Manchester 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 Manchester to Bedford:
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Manchester to Bedford.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Manchester to Bedford with the following bus company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Manchester to Bedford with the following bus company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Manchester to Bedford with the following bus company: National Express.
Since neither Manchester 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 bus as it is the most popular way to get from Manchester 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 Manchester to Bedford
Most Manchester to Bedford buses use the Manchester, Coach Station to Bedford, Bus Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Manchester and Bedford bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Manchester
Arrival bus stations in Bedford
Which Manchester station do buses to Bedford leave from?
Buses from Manchester to Bedford leave from Manchester, Coach Station. The station is from Manchester city centre at Chorlton St, Manchester M1 3JF, United Kingdom.
Manchester, Coach StationChorlton St, Manchester M1 3JF, United Kingdom
City-centre transport
Getting to Manchester, Coach Station from Manchester city centre
Bus42A, 43, 42, 101, 85, 85A, 111, 263, 142, 143, 87, 41, 18, 33, 86, 15, 250, 42B, 42C, 103, 102 · 1m · €2 · every ~231 min
Manchester, Coach Station bus station facilities and services
Manchester, Coach Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Café at the Station (in the station), Fast Food Express (in the station).
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located within the station for cash withdrawals.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Manchester, Coach Station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Manchester, Coach Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester, Coach Station: Ramps, assistance.
Manchester, Shudehill InterchangeShudehill Interchange, Manchester M4 2AF, United Kingdom
City-centre transport
Getting to Manchester, Shudehill Interchange from Manchester city centre
Bus163, 118, 119, 18, 112, 114, 117, 81 · 3m · €2 · every ~69 min
TramBlue Line, Navy Line, Green Line, Yellow Line · 2m · €2 · every ~23 min
Manchester, Shudehill Interchange bus station facilities and services
Manchester, Shudehill Interchange has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange: Elevators, ramps.
Manchester, AirportManchester Airport, Manchester M90 3RR, United Kingdom
City-centre transport
Getting to Manchester, Airport from Manchester city centre
Manchester, Airport is 2 km from Manchester city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainLiverpool Lime Street - Manchester Airport, Manchester Piccadilly - Crewe, Blackpool North - Manchester Airport, Barrow-in-Furness - Manchester Airport, Windermere - Manchester Airport, Manchester Piccadilly - Wilmslow, Manchester Piccadilly - Manchester Airport, Millom - Manchester Airport, Lancaster - Manchester Airport, Manchester Oxford Road - Manchester Airport, Corkickle - Manchester Airport, Preston - Manchester Airport · 17m · €5 · every ~9 min
BusUk980, Uk076, Uk074, Uk072, Ukn23 · 30m · €1 · every ~2 min
43, 103 · 1h 2m · €2 · every ~29 min
43, 103 · 1h 6m · €2 · every ~29 min
TramNavy Line · 51m · €4 · every ~16 min
Navy Line · 54m · €4 · every ~8 min
Manchester, Airport bus station facilities and services
Manchester, Airport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Burger King (in the station), Giraffe (in the station).
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located throughout the airport, offering multiple currency options.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Manchester, Airport.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Manchester, Airport: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester, Airport: Elevators, ramps, assistance.
Bedford, Bus Station
City-centre transport
Getting to Bedford, Bus Station from Bedford city centre
Bus4 · 4m · €2 · every ~7 min
More options for your journey from Manchester to Bedford
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Bedford and Manchester
Most popular bus connections to Bedford
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