- 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.
Cheapest price on Oct 20
$32
Average ticket price on Oct 20
$32
Fastest journey on Oct 20
2 h 40 m
Average journey duration on Oct 20
2 h 40 m
Buses on Oct 20
2
Distance
31 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Northampton to Bedford is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Northampton to Bedford will cost around $32 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $32.
On Tue, Oct 20, we found 2 buses from Northampton to Bedford, including 2 direct services.
On Tue, Oct 20 the direct buses cover the 31 km distance in an average of 2 h 40 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 h 40 m .
On Tue, Oct 20 the slowest buses will take 2 h 40 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.




Buses from Northampton to Bedford run on average 7 times per day, taking around 1h 14m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $31 (€26) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 00:15, the last at 23:43. The fastest bus covers the 19 miles (31 km) distance in 1h 5m.
Distance 19 miles (31 km) |
Average bus duration 1h 14m |
Cheapest ticket price $31 (€26) |
Buses per day 7 |
Fastest bus 1h 5m |
First bus 12:15 AM |
Last bus 11:43 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 2 days |
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:15AM | Arrival Time 08:05AM | Duration 1h50 | Departure days Mon, Fri | Cheapest price $31 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:45AM | Arrival Time 10:55AM | Duration 2h10 | Departure days Mon, Fri | Cheapest price $31 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:25AM | Arrival Time 01:25PM | Duration 2h00 | Departure days Mon, Fri | Cheapest price $31 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:55PM | Arrival Time 03:35PM | Duration 2h40 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $31 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:55PM | Arrival Time 04:35PM | Duration 2h40 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $31 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:10PM | Arrival Time 06:35PM | Duration 2h25 | Departure days Mon, Fri | Cheapest price $31 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:40PM | Arrival Time 08:35PM | Duration 1h55 | Departure days Mon, Fri | Cheapest price $31 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:55PM | Arrival Time 10:30PM | Duration 2h35 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $31 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:55PM | Arrival Time 11:30PM | Duration 2h35 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $31 |
The table below shows live departures for Northampton to Bedford buses for today, Monday, October 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NX707 · UCX5 | 8:55 PM Northampton, Town Centre | 2h15 | 11:10 PM Bedford, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
| Tuesday, October 20 | |||||
![]() | 12:55 PM Northampton | 2h40 | 3:35 PM Bedford | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 1:55 PM Northampton | 2h40 | 4:35 PM Bedford | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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 Northampton 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.

Most Northampton to Bedford buses use the Northampton, Town Centre to Bedford, Bus Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Northampton and Bedford bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need