- 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 Northampton to Bedford
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 05
Cheapest price on Sep 05
€26
Average ticket price on Sep 05
€26
Fastest journey on Sep 05
2 h 35 m
Average journey duration on Sep 05
2 h 35 m
Buses on Sep 05
2
Distance
31 km
Cheap tickets
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 €26 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €26.
Fast buses
On Sat, Sep 05, we found 2 buses from Northampton to Bedford, including 2 direct services.
On Sat, Sep 05 the direct buses cover the 31 km distance in an average of 2 h 35 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 h 35 m .
On Sat, Sep 05 the slowest buses will take 2 h 35 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.
7:55 PM2h35Northampton10:30 PMBedford€261One-way0 transfers- 8:55 PM2h35Northampton11:30 PMBedford€271One-way0 transfers
- 8:55 PM2h35Northampton11:30 PMBedford€271One-way0 transfers
- 7:55 PM2h35Northampton10:30 PMBedford€261One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Northampton to Bedford
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Northampton to Bedford among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of €27 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 1h 28m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.0kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of €27, while a bus costs an average of €27.
Distance: 19 miles (31 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
€27 Average price | €27 Average price Cheapest | €7 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 45m Average total duration 1h 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 28m Average total duration Fastest 58m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 44m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions | 0.0 - 0.0kg 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 Northampton to Bedford is a train with an average price of €27.
This is compared to other travel options from Northampton to Bedford:
A train is €0.31 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Northampton to Bedford costing on average €27.
The fastest way to travel from Northampton to Bedford is by train with an average journey time of 58m.
Other travel options to Bedford take longer:
Bus takes on average 1h 15m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Northampton and Bedford including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Northampton 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 €27 compared to roughly €7 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about €-20.06. The journey takes 1h 15m versus 44m 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.
Northampton to Bedford Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:55PM | Arrival Time 03:35PM | Duration 2h40 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price €26 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:55PM | Arrival Time 04:35PM | Duration 2h40 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri | Cheapest price €25 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:55PM | Arrival Time 10:30PM | Duration 2h35 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price €26 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:55PM | Arrival Time 11:30PM | Duration 2h35 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price €27 |
Live departures
Northampton to Bedford bus times
The table below shows live departures for Northampton to Bedford buses for today, Friday, September 4. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7:55 PM Northampton | 2h25 | 10:20 PM Bedford | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Northampton 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.
Sat
Sep 05
Sep 05
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Why should you book Northampton to Bedford buses with Omio?
National Express operates all buses services from Northampton to Bedford.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Northampton 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 Northampton 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 Northampton to Bedford.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Northampton to Bedford
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Northampton to Bedford run on average 7 times per day, taking around 1h 15m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €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 2h 25m.
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
Distance 19 miles (31 km) |
Average bus duration 1h 15m |
Cheapest ticket price €26 |
Buses per day 7 |
Fastest bus 2h 25m |
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 |
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
Bus providers: National Express from Northampton to BedfordYou can travel by bus between Northampton to Bedford with National Express for as low as €26. 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
2h 25m
Cheapest National Express Price
€26
National Express frequency
2 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 Northampton to Bedford
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.
Cheap bus tickets from Northampton to Bedford can start from as little as €26 when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Northampton to Bedford is €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 Northampton to Bedford is 2h 25m to travel the 19 miles (31 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 Northampton to Bedford leaves at 12:15 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Northampton to Bedford leaves at 11:43 PM.
There are 7 buses a day from Northampton 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 Northampton 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 Northampton and Bedford and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Bedford from Northampton is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 2h 25m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Northampton to Bedford is May.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Northampton and Bedford including taking a train and bus.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Northampton to Bedford for bus company National Express.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Northampton to Bedford:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Northampton 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 Northampton to Bedford.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Northampton 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 Northampton to Bedford:
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Northampton to Bedford.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Northampton to Bedford with the following bus company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Northampton to Bedford with the following bus company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Northampton to Bedford with the following bus company: National Express.
Since neither Northampton 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 Northampton 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 Northampton to Bedford
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.
Departure bus stations in Northampton
Arrival bus stations in Bedford
Northampton, Town Centre
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 Northampton to Bedford
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Bedford and Northampton
Most popular bus connections to Bedford
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