The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff to Bedford
Cheapest price
$109
Average price
$113
Fastest journey
3 h 36 m
Average duration
3 h 41 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
200 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cardiff to Bedford is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Bedford will cost around $113 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $109.
Of the 2 trains that leave Cardiff for Bedford on Fri, Nov 07, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Nov 07 the direct trains cover the 200 km distance in an average of 3 h 41 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 36 m .
On Fri, Nov 07 the slowest trains will take 3 h 45 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.




Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Cardiff to Bedford
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Bedford among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €38. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 8m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €38, and a train costs an average of €66.
Distance: 124 miles (200 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus |
|---|---|
€79 Average price | €46 Average price Cheapest |
3h 38m Average total duration Fastest 3h 8m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 41m Average total duration 5h 11m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Cardiff to Bedford train times
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Bedford trains for tomorrow, Friday, November 7. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 4:54 AM Cardiff | 3h36 | 8:30 AM Bedford | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:37 AM Cardiff | 3h45 | 11:22 AM Bedford | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cardiff 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.
Nov 07
Nov 08
Nov 09
Nov 10
Nov 11
Nov 12
Nov 13
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cardiff to Bedford
Trains from Cardiff to Bedford run on average 5 times per day, taking around 3h 8m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $82 (€66) but you can travel from only $47 (€38) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 02:15, the last at 21:30. The fastest train covers the 124 miles (200 km) distance in 3h 34m.
Distance 124 miles (200 km) |
Average train duration 3h 8m |
Cheapest ticket price $82 (€66) |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 3h 34m |
First train 02:15 |
Last train 21:30 |
Train companies: Great Western Rail, first_great_western from Cardiff to Bedford trainsGreat Western Rail, first_great_western trains will get you between Cardiff and Bedford from $47 (€38). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Great Western Rail
first_great_western
FAQs: Trains from Cardiff to Bedford
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Bedford 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 Bedford, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Cardiff to Bedford
- Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 07:30 - 18:30 Saturday 09:30 - 15:30 Sunday Closed
- Car Park: No
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: No
- Step free access note: Category B3. While both platforms are step-free, there is no facility for wheelchair users, mobility scooter users or persons with reduced mobility to cross between Platform 1 and 2 due to a steep footbridge. Customers who have travelled from the Valleys and wish to access the University or the Civic Centre are advised to travel to Queen Street station, change onto a North-bound service and alight at Cathays on the return service.
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machine(s) take cash, and major debit and credit cards. The machine on the Cardiff-bound platform is only available during staffing hours. The machine on the Pontypridd-bound platform is available all the time.
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
- Travelodge
- Information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 03333 211202
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Arrival screens
- Onward travel information: The nearest bus stop is on Park Place
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: At the bus stops adjacent to the Cardiff University Students' Union on Park Place
- Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday 07:40 - 18:00 Sunday 10:00 - 15:30 Temporary opening hours due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Car Park: No
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machines are near the main entrance and take cash and major debit and credit cards.
- Accessible toilets: Yes
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platform 4. The National key toilets are located on the Main Concourse to the right of the Ticket Office; these toilets are operated by a radar key and are only available during staffing hours.
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: No
- Travelodge
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: to the right of the station front
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 03333 211202
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens
- Onward travel information: Limited service from stop outside station Mondays to Fridays
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: For services towards Cardiff Central use the bus stop at the front of the station. For services towards Cathays use the bus stop in front of the shop opposite the station entrance. Please ask a member of station staff if you are unsure of which stop to use.
- Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sat: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sun: 07:30 - 21:30
- Free Wi-Fi in the station.
- Type of shops available: News agent and convenience store
- Car Park: Brewery Car park
- Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen
- Pret a Manger
- Tesco Express
- Taxi: Taxi rank is on the right as you exit the main station entrance
- There is step-free access in the whole station. There are also ramps for train access and elevators in the station.
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platforms 1 to 8. The National Key toilets are located in the East Subway near the lifts and on Platform 8; these toilets are operated by a radar key and are only available during staffing hours.
- National key toilets: Yes
- National key toilets location: The National Key/Accessible toilets are located in the East Subway near the lifts and on Platform 8; these toilets are operated by a RADAR key and are only available during staffing hours.
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
- Clayton Hotel Cardiff
- Cardiff Marriott Hotel
- Travelodge Cardiff Central
- Waiting rooms location: On platforms 1/2, 3/4, 6/7 and 8.
- Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sat: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sun: 07:30 - 21:30
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: East end of platforms 1 and 2, 3 and 4, 6 and 7 - also at the front and rear of the station.
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Commuter rail lines: City Line, Rhondda Line, Rhymney Line, Valley Line, South Wales Main Line
- Train lines: Transport for Wales, CrossCountry, Great Western Railway
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: At the rear car park (Penarth Road entrance)
- Car Park: No
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: Category B1. Step free access is available to Platform 1 (to Cardiff) via a long moderately shallow ramp from Pwllmelin Road. Step free access is available to Platform 2 (to Radyr) via a long moderately shallow ramp from Fairwater Road. Both platforms are connected via a footbridge with steps.
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible ticket machines note: This machine does not accept cash. Payment is by major debit and credit cards only.
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: At the top of the ramp to the Cardiff bound platform on Fairwater Road
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:45 - 21:00 Saturday 05:45 - 21:00 Sunday 07:15 - 21:15
- Car Park: Station Car Park
- Taxi: Yes
- 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
- Toilets Location: Available during staffing hours.
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
- Waiting rooms location: Heated waiting areas are available
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: Front right hand side and station front
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Car Park: Bedford St Johns (Council Managed)
- Staff help available: No
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station
- Accessible public telephones: Public telephones are not accessible
- Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
- Information available from staff: Yes - from help point
- Helpline Contact: 0800 0248 997
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: In the event of engineering the bus/coach will collect from the Medbourne Road car park, by the path leading to the platform. Please check the direction of travel before boarding.
More options for your journey from Cardiff to Bedford
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

