- 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
$49
Average price
$66
Fastest journey
1 h 19 m
Average duration
1 h 21 m
Trains per day
51
Distance
87 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Croydon to Bedford is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Croydon to Bedford will cost around $66 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $49.
Of the 51 trains that leave Croydon for Bedford on Wed, Aug 05, 35 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Aug 05 the direct trains cover the 87 km distance in an average of 1 h 21 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 19 m .
On Wed, Aug 05 the slowest trains will take 1 h 22 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.










Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Croydon to Bedford among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $28. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 19m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $28, and a train costs an average of $28.
Distance: 54 miles (87 km)
Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|
$44 Average price Cheapest | $23 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 49m Average total duration Fastest 1h 19m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 16m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
You'll arrive about 57m sooner (1h 19m by train vs 2h 16m by car). Tickets start at around $44 compared to roughly $23 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 Thameslink.
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.
The table below shows live departures for Croydon to Bedford trains for tomorrow, Wednesday, August 5. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 11:51 AM Croydon | 1h33 | 1:24 PM Bedford | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 12:03 PM Croydon | 1h22 | 1:25 PM Bedford | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 12:03 PM Croydon | 1h36 | 1:39 PM Bedford | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 12:21 PM Croydon | 1h33 | 1:54 PM Bedford | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 12:33 PM Croydon | 1h22 | 1:55 PM Bedford | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 12:33 PM Croydon | 1h36 | 2:09 PM Bedford | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 12:51 PM Croydon | 1h33 | 2:24 PM Bedford | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 1:03 PM Croydon | 1h22 | 2:25 PM Bedford | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 1:03 PM Croydon | 1h36 | 2:39 PM Bedford | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 1:21 PM Croydon | 1h33 | 2:54 PM Bedford | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 1:33 PM Croydon | 1h22 | 2:55 PM Bedford | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 1:33 PM Croydon | 1h36 | 3:09 PM Bedford | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 1:51 PM Croydon | 1h33 | 3:24 PM Bedford | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 2:03 PM Croydon | 1h22 | 3:25 PM Bedford | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 2:03 PM Croydon | 1h36 | 3:39 PM Bedford | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 2:21 PM Croydon | 1h33 | 3:54 PM Bedford | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 2:33 PM Croydon | 1h22 | 3:55 PM Bedford | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 2:33 PM Croydon | 1h36 | 4:09 PM Bedford | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 2:51 PM Croydon | 1h33 | 4:24 PM Bedford | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 3:03 PM Croydon | 1h23 | 4:26 PM Bedford | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 3:03 PM Croydon | 1h36 | 4:39 PM Bedford | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 3:21 PM Croydon | 1h33 | 4:54 PM Bedford | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 3:33 PM Croydon | 1h24 | 4:57 PM Bedford | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 3:33 PM Croydon | 1h36 | 5:09 PM Bedford | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 3:51 PM Croydon | 1h33 | 5:24 PM Bedford | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 4:03 PM Croydon | 1h24 | 5:27 PM Bedford | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 4:03 PM Croydon | 1h36 | 5:39 PM Bedford | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 4:21 PM Croydon | 1h33 | 5:54 PM Bedford | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 4:33 PM Croydon | 1h24 | 5:57 PM Bedford | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 4:33 PM Croydon | 1h36 | 6:09 PM Bedford | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 4:51 PM Croydon | 1h33 | 6:24 PM Bedford | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 5:03 PM Croydon | 1h24 | 6:27 PM Bedford | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 5:10 PM Croydon | 1h19 | 6:29 PM Bedford | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 5:10 PM Croydon | 1h31 | 6:41 PM Bedford | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 5:21 PM Croydon | 1h23 | 6:44 PM Bedford | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 5:23 PM Croydon | 1h42 | 7:05 PM Bedford | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 5:33 PM Croydon | 1h25 | 6:58 PM Bedford | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 5:40 PM Croydon | 1h19 | 6:59 PM Bedford | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 5:40 PM Croydon | 1h32 | 7:12 PM Bedford | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 5:51 PM Croydon | 1h33 | 7:24 PM Bedford | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 6:03 PM Croydon | 1h24 | 7:27 PM Bedford | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 6:03 PM Croydon | 1h36 | 7:39 PM Bedford | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 6:21 PM Croydon | 1h33 | 7:54 PM Bedford | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 6:33 PM Croydon | 1h22 | 7:55 PM Bedford | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 6:33 PM Croydon | 1h38 | 8:11 PM Bedford | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 6:51 PM Croydon | 1h24 | 8:15 PM Bedford | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 6:53 PM Croydon | 1h35 | 8:28 PM Bedford | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:03 PM Croydon | 1h22 | 8:25 PM Bedford | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 7:21 PM Croydon | 1h33 | 8:54 PM Bedford | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:33 PM Croydon | 1h22 | 8:55 PM Bedford | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 7:51 PM Croydon | 1h33 | 9:24 PM Bedford | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train 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.
Trains from Croydon to Bedford run on average 6 times per day, taking around 1h 19m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $28 if you book in advance.
There are 5 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:14, the last at 23:55. The fastest train covers the 54 miles (87 km) distance in 1h 17m.
Distance 54 miles (87 km) |
Average train duration 1h 19m |
Cheapest ticket price $28 |
Trains per day 6 |
Direct trains 5 |
Fastest train 1h 17m |
First train 12:14 AM |
Last train 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Best time to book 2 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 Railway Station -> Bedford Bus Station
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Croydon 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.

Most Croydon to Bedford trains use the East Croydon to Bedford station pair, with some services arriving at Bedford St Johns. Use this guide to compare Croydon and Bedford train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
East Croydon is 1 km from Croydon city centre. Public transport options include:
East Croydon has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Car Rental.
Food and drink options are available at East Croydon.
Wi-Fi is available at East Croydon. ATMs are available at East Croydon.
Ticket office support is available at East Croydon.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at East Croydon: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at East Croydon: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at East Croydon: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category A station: This station has step-free access to all platforms. Lifts to overbridge from all platforms and side entrance. Long steep ramps to platforms from main entrance. (over 1:10 gradient). Assistance Meeting Point is the Information Point on station concourse, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All Southern 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.
Purley is 5 km from Croydon city centre. Public transport options include:
Purley has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Purley.
Wi-Fi is available at Purley. ATMs are available at Purley.
Ticket office support is available at Purley.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Purley: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Purley: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Purley: 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. Assistance Meeting Point is on platform 6 above the waiting room, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All Southern 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.
West Croydon has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Car Rental.
Food and drink options are available at West Croydon.
Wi-Fi is available at West Croydon.
Ticket office support is available at West Croydon.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at West Croydon: Parking.
Available at West Croydon: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at West Croydon: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: B2 station category. Step free access available for platform 1 and 3 using the London Road car park entrance . This side gate is kept locked but has help buttons to request use. Step-free access via separate entrance to platform 4 (to Sutton), Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
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 options are available at Bedford.
Wi-Fi is available at Bedford. ATMs are available at Bedford.
Ticket office support is available at Bedford.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Bedford: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Bedford: Bike Parking.
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.
Bedford St Johns has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Bike Parking, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Bedford St Johns.
Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point, Helpline Contact: 0800 0248 997, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Available at Bedford St Johns: Parking.
Available at Bedford St Johns: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bedford St Johns: 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.
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