- 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 Nottingham to Bedford
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 10
Cheapest price on Sep 10
$37
Average ticket price on Sep 10
$42
Fastest journey on Sep 10
3 h 5 m
Average journey duration on Sep 10
3 h 24 m
Buses on Sep 10
10
Distance
102 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Nottingham to Bedford is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Nottingham to Bedford will cost around $42 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $37.
Fast buses
It's difficult to get from Nottingham to Bedford without transferring at least once.
NX230 · UCX53:35 PM3h30Nottingham, Broadmarsh Bus Station7:05 PMBedford, Bus Station$371One-way1 transfer- NX450 · UCX58:35 PM3h25Nottingham, Broadmarsh Bus Station12:00 AMBedford, Bus Station$391One-way1 transfer
- NX230 · UCX51:45 PM3h50Nottingham, Broadmarsh Bus Station5:35 PMBedford, Bus Station$411One-way1 transfer
- NX230 · UCX54:45 AM4h40Nottingham, Broadmarsh Bus Station9:25 AMBedford, Bus Station$411One-way1 transfer
- NX230 · UCX56:15 AM4h10Nottingham, Broadmarsh Bus Station10:25 AMBedford, Bus Station$411One-way1 transfer
- NX451 · UCX510:20 AM3h05Nottingham, Broadmarsh Bus Station1:25 PMBedford, Bus Station$501One-way1 transfer
- NX240 · UCX59:05 AM3h20Nottingham, Broadmarsh Bus Station12:25 PMBedford, Bus Station$411One-way1 transfer
- NX450 · UCX58:35 PM3h25Nottingham, Broadmarsh Bus Station12:00 AMBedford, Bus Station$391One-way1 transfer
- NX230 · UCX53:35 PM3h30Nottingham, Broadmarsh Bus Station7:05 PMBedford, Bus Station$371One-way1 transfer
- NX230 · UCX58:15 AM3h40Nottingham, Broadmarsh Bus Station11:55 AMBedford, Bus Station$441One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Nottingham to Bedford
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Nottingham to Bedford among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $43 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 1h 43m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.1kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $43, while a train costs an average of $54.
Distance: 63 miles (102 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$43 Average price Cheapest | $54 Average price | $29 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 18m Average total duration 2h 48m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 43m Average total duration Fastest 1h 13m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 47m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg 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 Nottingham to Bedford is a bus with an average price of $43 (€35).
This is compared to other travel options from Nottingham to Bedford:
A bus is $11 (€9) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Nottingham to Bedford costing on average $54 (€44).
The fastest way to travel from Nottingham to Bedford is by train with an average journey time of 1h 13m.
Other travel options to Bedford take longer:
Bus takes on average 2h 48m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Nottingham and Bedford including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Nottingham 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 $43 (€35) compared to roughly $29 (€24) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-13.85 (€-11.17). The journey takes 2h 48m versus 1h 47m 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.
Nottingham to Bedford Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:00AM | Arrival Time 08:05AM | Duration 5h05 | Departure days Mon, Thu | Cheapest price $39 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:45AM | Arrival Time 09:25AM | Duration 4h40 | Departure days Mon, Thu | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:15AM | Arrival Time 10:25AM | Duration 4h10 | Departure days Mon, Thu | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:15AM | Arrival Time 11:55AM | Duration 3h40 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $39 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:05AM | Arrival Time 12:25PM | Duration 3h20 | Departure days Mon, Thu | Cheapest price $41 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:20AM | Arrival Time 01:25PM | Duration 3h05 | Departure days Mon, Thu | Cheapest price $39 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:45PM | Arrival Time 04:35PM | Duration 3h50 | Departure days Mon, Thu | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:45PM | Arrival Time 05:35PM | Duration 3h50 | Departure days Mon, Thu | Cheapest price $39 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:35PM | Arrival Time 06:05PM | Duration 3h30 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $38 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:35PM | Arrival Time 07:05PM | Duration 3h30 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $34 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:50PM | Arrival Time 07:35PM | Duration 3h45 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:35PM | Arrival Time 11:00PM | Duration 3h25 | Departure days Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $40 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:35PM | Arrival Time 12:00AM | Duration 3h25 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $34 |
Live departures
Nottingham to Bedford bus times
The table below shows live departures for Nottingham to Bedford buses for today, Wednesday, September 9. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8:35 PM Nottingham | 3h25 | 12:00 AM Bedford | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Thursday, September 10 | |||||
| NX230 · UCX5 | 3:00 AM Nottingham, Broadmarsh Bus Station | 5h05 | 8:05 AM Bedford, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
| NX230 · UCX5 | 4:45 AM Nottingham, Broadmarsh Bus Station | 4h40 | 9:25 AM Bedford, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
| NX230 · UCX5 | 6:15 AM Nottingham, Broadmarsh Bus Station | 4h10 | 10:25 AM Bedford, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
| NX230 · UCX5 | 8:15 AM Nottingham, Broadmarsh Bus Station | 3h40 | 11:55 AM Bedford, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
| NX240 · UCX5 | 9:05 AM Nottingham, Broadmarsh Bus Station | 3h20 | 12:25 PM Bedford, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
| NX451 · UCX5 | 10:20 AM Nottingham, Broadmarsh Bus Station | 3h05 | 1:25 PM Bedford, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
| NX230 · UCX5 | 12:45 PM Nottingham, Broadmarsh Bus Station | 3h50 | 4:35 PM Bedford, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
| NX230 · UCX5 | 1:45 PM Nottingham, Broadmarsh Bus Station | 3h50 | 5:35 PM Bedford, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
| NX230 · UCX5 | 3:35 PM Nottingham, Broadmarsh Bus Station | 3h30 | 7:05 PM Bedford, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Nottingham 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.
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Sep 10
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Sep 16
Why should you book Nottingham to Bedford buses with Omio?
National Express as well as Kinchbus offer buses services from Nottingham to Bedford.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Nottingham to Bedford.
Why book with Omio vs National Express?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for National Express, but also compare tickets for the likes of Kinchbus to find the best option for your trip from Nottingham to Bedford.
- 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 Nottingham 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 Nottingham to Bedford.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Nottingham to Bedford
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Nottingham to Bedford run on average 9 times per day, taking around 2h 48m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $35 (€28) but you can travel from only $23 (€18) by train.
The earliest bus runs at 00:45, the last at 23:50. The fastest bus covers the 63 miles (102 km) distance in 2h 10m.
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 $23 (€18)
Distance 63 miles (102 km) |
Average bus duration 2h 48m |
Cheapest ticket price $35 (€28) |
Buses per day 9 |
Fastest bus 2h 10m |
First bus 12:45 AM |
Last bus 11:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 21 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 $23 (€18)
Bus providers: National Express, FlixBus from Nottingham to BedfordYou can travel by bus between Nottingham to Bedford with National Express, FlixBus for as low as $23 (€18). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
About
FlixBus is one of Europe’s leading low-cost bus companies, founded in Germany and now offering long-distance services across Europe and the United States. In addition to its extensive daytime network, FlixBus also operates overnight buses on select European routes. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets to charge devices, extra legroom, luggage space, and onboard toilets, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. FlixBus offers a single Standard ticket type for all routes, which includes one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. Additional fees apply for extra luggage and for reserving specific seats, such as Extra Seats, Table Seats, or Panorama Seats. This combination of affordability, comfort, and wide coverage makes FlixBus a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average FlixBus Duration
2h 40m
Cheapest FlixBus Price
$46 (€37)
FlixBus frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for a fee; must be booked.
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed; guide dogs travel for free.
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 10m
Cheapest National Express Price
$35 (€28)
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 Nottingham to Bedford
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Nottingham 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 Nottingham to Bedford can start from as little as $35 (€28) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Nottingham to Bedford is $43 (€35) ; 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 Nottingham to Bedford is 2h 10m to travel the 63 miles (102 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 Nottingham to Bedford leaves at 12:45 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Nottingham to Bedford leaves at 11:50 PM.
There are 9 buses a day from Nottingham to Bedford which require at least one change with National Express, Kinchbus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from Nottingham to Bedford, you can count on National Express, Kinchbus for the best way to get you to Bedford. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Nottingham and Bedford and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Bedford from Nottingham is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 2h 10m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Nottingham to Bedford is August.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Nottingham and Bedford including taking a train and bus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Nottingham to Bedford:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Nottingham to Bedford for bus company National Express.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Nottingham 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 Nottingham to Bedford.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Nottingham 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 Nottingham to Bedford:
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Nottingham to Bedford.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Nottingham to Bedford with the following bus company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Nottingham to Bedford with the following bus company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Nottingham to Bedford with the following bus company: National Express.
Since neither Nottingham 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 Nottingham 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 Nottingham to Bedford
Most Nottingham to Bedford buses use the Nottingham, Broadmarsh Bus Station to Bedford, Bus Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Nottingham and Bedford bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Nottingham
Arrival bus stations in Bedford
Which Nottingham station do buses to Bedford leave from?
Buses from Nottingham to Bedford leave from Nottingham, Broadmarsh Bus Station. The station is 0 miles (1 km) from Nottingham city centre at Canal Street, Nottingham NG1 7EH, United Kingdom.
Nottingham, Broadmarsh Bus StationCanal Street, Nottingham NG1 7EH, United Kingdom
City-centre transport
Getting to Nottingham, Broadmarsh Bus Station from Nottingham city centre
BusLc9 · 4m · $2 · every ~1 min
Nottingham, Broadmarsh Bus Station bus station facilities and services
Nottingham, Broadmarsh Bus Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Cafeteria Broadmarsh (in the station), Fast Food Express (in the station), Coffee Corner (in the station).
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Nottingham, Broadmarsh Bus Station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Nottingham, Broadmarsh Bus Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Nottingham, Broadmarsh Bus Station: Elevators, ramps.
Nottingham, University of Nottingham
City-centre transport
Getting to Nottingham, University of Nottingham from Nottingham city centre
BusSn · 6m · $5 · every ~12 min
18a · 11m · every ~1 min
Igo · 13m · $5 · every ~24 min
36U, 34C · 19m · every ~4 min
TramTram · 14m · $5 · every ~29 min
Tram · 16m · $5 · every ~29 min
Nottingham, University of Nottingham bus station facilities and services
Nottingham, University of Nottingham has practical services for this route, including Parking, ATM, WC, and Bike Parking.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are available at Nottingham, University of Nottingham.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Nottingham, University of Nottingham: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Nottingham, University of Nottingham: Bike Parking.
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 Nottingham
More options for your journey from Nottingham to Bedford
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Bedford and Nottingham
Most popular bus connections to Bedford
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