- Must visit
Leicester Museum & Art Gallery
Leicester's flagship museum and gallery, known for dinosaurs, German Expressionism and broad collections for first-time visitors.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Bedford to Leicester
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 20
Cheapest price on Sep 20
kr162
Average ticket price on Sep 20
kr243
Fastest journey on Sep 20
42 m
Average journey duration on Sep 20
44 m
Trains on Sep 20
3
Distance
72 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Bedford to Leicester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Bedford to Leicester will cost around kr243 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only kr162.
Fast trains
On Sun, Sep 20, we found 3 trains from Bedford to Leicester, including 3 direct services.
On Sun, Sep 20 the direct trains cover the 72 km distance in an average of 44 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 42 m .
On Sun, Sep 20 the slowest trains will take 47 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.
9:58 AM0h47Bedford10:45 AMLeicesterkr1621One-way0 transfers- 12:11 PM0h42Bedford12:53 PMLeicesterkr1661One-way0 transfers
- 11:42 AM0h43Bedford12:25 PMLeicesterkr4021One-way0 transfers
- 12:11 PM0h42Bedford12:53 PMLeicesterkr1661One-way0 transfers
- 11:42 AM0h43Bedford12:25 PMLeicesterkr4021One-way0 transfers
- 9:58 AM0h47Bedford10:45 AMLeicesterkr1621One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Bedford to Leicester
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Bedford to Leicester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of kr222 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 1h 13m. 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 kr222, while a train costs an average of kr247.
Distance: 44 miles (72 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
kr247 Average price | kr222 Average price Cheapest | kr124 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 13m Average total duration Fastest 43m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 10m Average total duration 1h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 23m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus 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 Bedford to Leicester is a bus with an average price of kr222.
This is compared to other travel options from Bedford to Leicester:
A bus is kr25 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Bedford to Leicester costing on average kr247.
The fastest way to travel from Bedford to Leicester is by train with an average journey time of 43m.
Other travel options to Leicester take longer:
Bus takes on average 1h 40m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Bedford and Leicester including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Bedford to Leicester among Omio's users.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.
You'll arrive about 40m sooner (43m by train vs 1h 23m by car). Tickets start at around kr247 compared to roughly kr124 in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Direct services run with east_midlands_trains.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
Live departures
Bedford to Leicester train times
The table below shows live departures for Bedford to Leicester trains for today, Saturday, September 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7:06 AM Bedford | 0h38 | 7:44 AM Leicester | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 8:56 AM Bedford | 0h49 | 9:45 AM Leicester | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 10:26 AM Bedford | 0h50 | 11:16 AM Leicester | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Bedford to Leicester 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 20
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Why should you book Bedford to Leicester trains with Omio?
East Midlands Railway operates all trains services from Bedford to Leicester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Bedford to Leicester.
Why book with Omio vs East Midlands Railway?
- 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 East Midlands Railway with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Bedford to Leicester.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Rome2rio?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Bedford to Leicester.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Bedford to Leicester
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Bedford to Leicester run on average 6 times per day, taking around 43m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at kr122 if you book in advance.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:41, the last at 23:49. The fastest train covers the 44 miles (72 km) distance in 38m.
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 44 miles (72 km) |
Average train duration 43m |
Cheapest ticket price kr122 |
Trains per day 6 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 38m |
First train 4:41 AM |
Last train 11:49 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Tue |
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
Train companies: East Midlands Railway from Bedford to Leicester trainsEast Midlands Railway trains will get you between Bedford and Leicester from kr122. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
East Midlands Railway
About
East Midlands Trains is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates services from London to the East Midlands, Yorkshire, and the North West. East Midlands Trains operates a fleet of Class 158, Class 156, Class 170, Class 222 and Class 180 diesel multiple units, as well as Class 222 Meridian electric multiple units. East Midlands Trains also offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. The most popular routes for East Midlands Trains are London to Nottingham, Sheffield, and Leeds.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average East Midlands Railway Duration
38m
Cheapest East Midlands Railway Price
kr122
East Midlands Railway frequency
6 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 piece of hand luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for a fee. Free for Advance ticket holders
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs must be on lead and require a ticket (£6 for day ticket)
Quiet zone
Complete guide to Leicester
Things to do in Leicester
Discover the best of Leicester — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Leicester trip today.
- Must visit
King Richard III Visitor Centre
Dedicated to the 2012 discovery of Richard III, this award-winning museum uses immersive displays to tell a remarkable royal story.
- Recommended
Abbey Pumping Station
A grand Victorian pumping station with working steam heritage displays, making industrial history surprisingly engaging for all ages.
- Must visit
Old Town
Revived historic quarter around Leicester Cathedral and the Richard III story, packed with lanes, heritage sites and independent venues.
- Must visit
Abbey Park
Leicester's best-known green space, offering formal gardens, boating, sports facilities and a lively urban park atmosphere.
- Recommended
Town Hall Square
Main civic square framed by key institutions and events, useful as a central meeting point and starting place for exploring.
Melton Mowbray Pork Pie
A flaky pastry pie from nearby Melton Mowbray, traditionally made with uncured pork. It is one of Leicestershire’s best-known foods and widely eaten in Leicester.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Red Leicester Cheese
A hard, crumbly red cheese from Leicestershire with a nutty, mellow flavour. It is one of England’s oldest named cheeses and a proud regional staple.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Stilton
A blue-veined Stilton-style cheese made in Leicestershire. Rich and creamy, it is strongly linked to the county’s cheesemaking tradition.
John's House
Modern British fine dining with tasting menus in an intimate setting. One of Leicester’s most acclaimed restaurants for special occasions.
Herb
Well-known modern Indian restaurant serving refined regional dishes and grills in a smart, contemporary dining room.
Shivalli
Long-established vegetarian Indian restaurant on the Golden Mile, known for Gujarati snacks, thalis and a lively casual atmosphere.
British pound sterling (£)
Moderate for the UK. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while buses and casual meals stay fairly affordable for most visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-12 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- £18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £50+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £2.50-4 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is not included. Round up for taxis. Cafe tipping is not expected, but small change is appreciated.
First Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2.00
- Day pass
- £4.80
To the city center
Leicester Railway Station -> Leicester City Centre
- Distance
- 1 km
- Travel time
- 8 min
- Most Leicester buses accept contactless card and mobile payments; tap or buy tickets in the official app before boarding.
- Leicester has no tram or metro system, so local public transport is mainly by bus operated by companies such as First Bus and Arriva.
FAQs: Trains from Bedford to Leicester
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bedford to Leicester by train. 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 train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Leicester, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Train ticket prices from Bedford to Leicester can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at kr122, while the average price is around kr247.
The train from Bedford to Leicester takes 38m and runs 6 per day.
The distance by train from Bedford to Leicester is 44 miles (72 km).
The first train from Bedford to Leicester leaves at 4:41 AM.
The last train from Bedford to Leicester leaves at 11:49 PM.
Yes, there is a high-speed train from Bedford to Leicester.
Yes, there is a direct train from Bedford to Leicester. This service operates 1 times per day, provided by east_midlands_trains.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Bedford to Leicester.
The train station in Bedford that goes to Leicester is Bedford station (BDM), which connects to Leicester station (LEI).
The cheapest way to get from Bedford to Leicester is by train, with a cost of around kr122.
The train journey from Bedford to Leicester offers a pleasant view of the English countryside, featuring rolling hills, open fields, and charming small towns, providing a scenic experience especially during the spring and summer months.
Yes, you can do a day trip from Bedford to Leicester. The journey takes 38m, with trains running 8 times per day, covering a distance of 44 miles (72 km).
Typically, 2 to 3 days are sufficient to explore Leicester's main attractions, including the King Richard III Visitor Centre, Leicester Cathedral, and the National Space Centre.
Yes, you can take the train from Bedford to Leicester.
Since neither Bedford nor Leicester 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.
Popular day trips by train from Leicester include Nottingham, Birmingham, Derby, Loughborough, Beeston.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Bedford to Leicester among Omio's users.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
Yes, rail passes such as the BritRail Pass are valid on most trains within the United Kingdom, offering unlimited travel on participating train operators for a set period.
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 Leicester, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like markets and public transport. Common scams include overcharging by taxi drivers who are not licensed and street vendors selling counterfeit goods. Staying vigilant in busy spots and using licensed services helps ensure a safer visit.
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 train stations
Popular train stations from Bedford to Leicester
Most Bedford to Leicester trains use the Bedford to Leicester station pair. Use this guide to compare Bedford and Leicester train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Bedford
Arrival train stations in Leicester
Which Bedford station do trains to Leicester leave from?
Trains from Bedford to Leicester leave from Bedford. The station is 0 miles (1 km) from Bedford city centre at Bedford station, Ashburnham Road, Bedford, Bedfordshire, MK40 1DS.
BedfordBedford station, Ashburnham Road, Bedford, Bedfordshire, MK40 1DS
Bedford train station facilities and services
Bedford has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Bedford.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Bedford. ATMs are available at Bedford.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Bedford.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Bedford: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Bedford: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Bedford: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category A station: This station has step-free level access to all platforms via lifts. Assistance Meeting Point is adjacent to the taxi rank at the front of the station, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All Thameslink ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. Ticket machines are of an accessible design, however their location and the station itself may not be so please check the station access note for further details, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: Wheelchairs may only be available when the station is staffed, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Which Leicester station do trains from Bedford arrive at?
Trains from Bedford to Leicester arrive at Leicester. Leicester is 0 miles (1 km) from Leicester city centre.
LeicesterLeicester station, London Road, Leicester, Leicestershire, LE2 0QB+44 8457125678
City-centre transport
Getting to Leicester from Leicester city centre
BusX7 · 4m · kr16 · every ~3 min
16 · 7m · every ~6 min
Hop · 11m · kr16 · every ~14 min
Leicester train station facilities and services
Leicester has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Leicester.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Leicester. ATMs are available at Leicester.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Leicester. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 08000 11 33 23, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Leicester: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Leicester: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Leicester: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category A access station. There is step free access to the main entrance and lifts to all platforms. Customers with wheelchairs who require assistance on graduated slopes should press the ticket gate 'assistance' button located at the bottom of the stairs near the self service ticket machines. To ensure availability of staff to assist, it is imperative that customers book assistance in advance. This station has tactile paving at the edge of all platforms and at the bottom of all staircases, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Most popular train connections from Bedford
More options for your journey from Bedford to Leicester
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Leicester and Bedford
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