- 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 Sep 08
$30
Average ticket price on Sep 08
$31
Fastest journey on Sep 08
2 h 40 m
Average journey duration on Sep 08
2 h 52 m
Buses on Sep 08
14
Distance
73 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from London to Bedford is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from London to Bedford will cost around $31 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $30.
It's difficult to get from London to Bedford without transferring at least once.
NX541 · UCX5
NX541 · UCX5
NX541 · UCX5
NX540 · UCX5
NX540 · UCX5
NX541 · UCX5
NX541 · UCX5
NX450 · UCX5
NX540 · UCX5
NX540 · UCX5Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from London to Bedford among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of $32 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 1h 26m. 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 train costs an average of $32, while a bus costs an average of $33.
Distance: 45 miles (73 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$33 Average price | $32 Average price Cheapest | $38 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 45m Average total duration 2h 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 26m Average total duration Fastest 56m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 46m 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.
This is compared to other travel options from London to Bedford:
A train is $1 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from London to Bedford costing on average $33.
Other travel options to Bedford take longer:
Bus takes on average 2h 15m.
Tickets start at around $33 compared to roughly $38 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $6. The journey takes 2h 15m versus 1h 46m 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.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:30AM | Arrival Time 09:25AM | Duration 2h55 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:30AM | Arrival Time 10:25AM | Duration 2h55 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $30 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:00AM | Arrival Time 11:55AM | Duration 2h55 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $31 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:00AM | Arrival Time 12:55PM | Duration 2h55 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $31 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:30AM | Arrival Time 01:25PM | Duration 2h55 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:15AM | Arrival Time 02:25PM | Duration 3h10 | Departure days Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:30AM | Arrival Time 02:25PM | Duration 2h55 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $31 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:15PM | Arrival Time 03:25PM | Duration 3h10 | Departure days Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $31 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:30PM | Arrival Time 04:35PM | Duration 3h05 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $30 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:30PM | Arrival Time 05:25PM | Duration 2h55 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:45PM | Arrival Time 06:35PM | Duration 3h50 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $30 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:00PM | Arrival Time 06:35PM | Duration 3h35 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $31 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:30PM | Arrival Time 06:25PM | Duration 2h55 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $31 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:45PM | Arrival Time 07:05PM | Duration 3h20 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:00PM | Arrival Time 07:05PM | Duration 3h05 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:30PM | Arrival Time 07:35PM | Duration 3h05 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $30 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:00PM | Arrival Time 08:05PM | Duration 3h05 | Departure days Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $30 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:30PM | Arrival Time 08:35PM | Duration 3h05 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:15PM | Arrival Time 09:00PM | Duration 2h45 | Departure days Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:30PM | Arrival Time 09:30PM | Duration 3h00 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:00PM | Arrival Time 10:00PM | Duration 3h00 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $30 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:30PM | Arrival Time 10:30PM | Duration 3h00 | Departure days Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $30 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:30PM | Arrival Time 11:10PM | Duration 2h40 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $30 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:00PM | Arrival Time 01:00AM | Duration 3h00 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $30 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:30PM | Arrival Time 01:00AM | Duration 2h30 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $32 |
The table below shows live departures for London to Bedford buses for today, Monday, September 7. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NX541 · UCX5 | 3:00 PM London, Victoria Coach Station | 3h35 | 6:35 PM Bedford, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
NX540 · UCX5 | 4:00 PM London, Victoria Coach Station | 3h05 | 7:05 PM Bedford, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
NX451 · UCX5 | 4:30 PM London, Victoria Coach Station | 3h05 | 7:35 PM Bedford, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
NX541 · UCX5 | 5:30 PM London, Victoria Coach Station | 3h05 | 8:35 PM Bedford, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
NX540 · UCX5 | 6:30 PM London, Victoria Coach Station | 3h00 | 9:30 PM Bedford, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
NX541 · UCX5 | 7:00 PM London, Victoria Coach Station | 3h00 | 10:00 PM Bedford, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
NX541 · UCX5 | 8:30 PM London, Victoria Coach Station | 2h40 | 11:10 PM Bedford, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
NX540 · UCX5 | 10:00 PM London, Victoria Coach Station | 3h00 | 1:00 AM Bedford, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
| Tuesday, September 8 | |||||
NX450 · UCX5 | 6:30 AM London, Victoria Coach Station | 2h55 | 9:25 AM Bedford, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
NX540 · UCX5 | 7:30 AM London, Victoria Coach Station | 2h55 | 10:25 AM Bedford, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
NX440 · UCX5 | 7:30 AM London, Victoria Coach Station | 2h55 | 10:25 AM Bedford, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
NX540 · UCX5 | 9:00 AM London, Victoria Coach Station | 2h55 | 11:55 AM Bedford, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
NX540 · UCX5 | 10:00 AM London, Victoria Coach Station | 2h55 | 12:55 PM Bedford, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
NX541 · UCX5 | 10:30 AM London, Victoria Coach Station | 2h55 | 1:25 PM Bedford, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
NX540 · UCX5 | 11:30 AM London, Victoria Coach Station | 2h55 | 2:25 PM Bedford, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
NX541 · UCX5 | 1:30 PM London, Victoria Coach Station | 3h05 | 4:35 PM Bedford, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Buses from London to Bedford run on average 16 times per day, taking around 2h 15m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $25 but you can travel from only $9 by train.
The earliest bus runs at 00:11, the last at 23:58. The fastest bus covers the 45 miles (73 km) distance in 1h 55m.
Distance 45 miles (73 km) |
Average bus duration 2h 15m |
Cheapest ticket price $25 |
Buses per day 16 |
Fastest bus 1h 55m |
First bus 12:11 AM |
Last bus 11:58 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 14 days |
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
Catching buses from London to Bedford is quick and simple. Regular connections between the two cities are provided by National Express, which offers at least 10 journey options every day. All National Express services require a brief change in Milton Keynes, which is only a few minutes away from Bedford by bus. The quickest journey time is just over 2 hours 15 minutes. The earliest departure is at 7:30 a.m., and the last bus to Bedford leaves at 9:30 p.m.
Any buses from London to Bedford depart from London Victoria Coach Station. Victoria is situated on London's subway network, making it easy to reach from all corners of the city. Take the Northern Line from the north, the Victoria Line from the east, or the District Line from the west. Those coming from the centre of London can catch the 73 bus (which runs 24 hours a day), and overground rail connections link buses from London to Bedford with locations on the south bank of the River Thames. For very early or late buses, the best option will be a pre-booked cab, although night buses are usually available too.
With hundreds of years of history and lovely countryside nearby, Bedford is a great destination if you need to relax. Learn about famous local writer John Bunyan or enjoy the fresh air at the home of poet Willam Cowper in Olney. All buses to Bedford arrive at the town's new bus station, located in the All Hallows district. To get from there to the historic centre, simply use the pedestrianised city centre streets. To get to Olney, catch the 41 bus, which takes about 20 minutes.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from London 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 London to Bedford buses use the London, Victoria Coach Station to Bedford, Bus Station station pair. Use this guide to compare London and Bedford bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
London, Victoria Coach Station is 2 km from London city centre. Public transport options include:
London, Victoria Coach Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Pret a Manger (in the station), Starbucks (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance and inside the station.
Ticket office support is available at London, Victoria Coach Station.
Available at London, Victoria Coach Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at London, Victoria Coach Station: Elevators, ramps.
London, Heathrow Airport Terminals 2 & 3 has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Pret a Manger (in the station), Caffè Nero (in the station)
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located in the arrivals and departures areas, offering multiple currency options.
Ticket office support is available at London, Heathrow Airport Terminals 2 & 3.
Available at London, Heathrow Airport Terminals 2 & 3: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at London, Heathrow Airport Terminals 2 & 3: Ramps, assistance.
London, Heathrow Airport Terminal 5 is 2 km from London city centre. Public transport options include:
London, Heathrow Airport Terminal 5 has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: The Crown Rivers (in the station), Giraffe (in the station), Wagamama (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the arrivals and departures areas.
Ticket office support is available at London, Heathrow Airport Terminal 5.
Available at London, Heathrow Airport Terminal 5: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at London, Heathrow Airport Terminal 5: Elevators, ramps.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need