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4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest trains from Reading to Bedford
Cheapest price
$76
Average price
$76
Fastest journey
2 h 53 m
Average duration
2 h 58 m
Trains per day
6
Distance
83 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Reading to Bedford is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Reading to Bedford will cost around $76 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $76.
It's difficult to get from Reading to Bedford without transferring at least 3 times.
X64131+
EM798100+
C50038+
Tube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross10:27 AM2h53Reading station (RDG)1:20 PMBedford station (BDM)$761One-way3 transfers- X64130+EM797700+Tube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross+C0067711:24 AM2h56Reading station (RDG)2:20 PMBedford station (BDM)$761One-way3 transfers
- G88788+EM798700+C00669+Tube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross8:56 AM2h54Reading station (RDG)11:50 AMBedford station (BDM)$761One-way3 transfers
- X64132+EM798500+C06050+Tube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross9:09 AM3h11Reading station (RDG)12:20 PMBedford station (BDM)$761One-way3 transfers
- G88802+EM798300+C06051+Tube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross9:46 AM3h04Reading station (RDG)12:50 PMBedford station (BDM)$761One-way3 transfers
- X64131+EM798100+C50038+Tube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross10:27 AM2h53Reading station (RDG)1:20 PMBedford station (BDM)$761One-way3 transfers
- G88788+EM798700+C00669+Tube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross8:56 AM2h54Reading station (RDG)11:50 AMBedford station (BDM)$761One-way3 transfers
- X64130+EM797700+Tube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross+C0067711:24 AM2h56Reading station (RDG)2:20 PMBedford station (BDM)$761One-way3 transfers
- G88802+EM798300+C06051+Tube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross9:46 AM3h04Reading station (RDG)12:50 PMBedford station (BDM)$761One-way3 transfers
- G88816+EM797900+Tube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross+W3521110:45 AM3h05Reading station (RDG)1:50 PMBedford station (BDM)$761One-way3 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Reading to Bedford
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Reading to Bedford among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $72. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 32m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $72, and a train costs an average of $75.
Distance: 51 miles (83 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$76 Average price | $74 Average price Cheapest | $23 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 2m Average total duration Fastest 1h 32m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 2m Average total duration 4h 32m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 36m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Reading to Bedford:
A bus is $2 (€2) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Reading to Bedford costing on average $76 (€62).
Other travel options to Bedford take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 32m.
You'll arrive about 4m sooner (1h 32m by train vs 1h 36m by car). Tickets start at around $76 (€62) compared to roughly $23 (€19) 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.
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
Reading to Bedford train times
The table below shows live departures for Reading to Bedford trains for tomorrow, Sunday, June 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| G88788+EM798700+C00669+Tube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross | 8:56 AM Reading station (RDG) | 2h54 | 11:50 AM Bedford station (BDM) | 3 transfers | |
| X64132+EM798500+C06050+Tube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross | 9:09 AM Reading station (RDG) | 3h11 | 12:20 PM Bedford station (BDM) | 3 transfers | |
| G88802+EM798300+Tube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross+C06051 | 9:46 AM Reading station (RDG) | 3h04 | 12:50 PM Bedford station (BDM) | 3 transfers | |
| X64131+EM798100+C50038+Tube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross | 10:27 AM Reading station (RDG) | 2h53 | 1:20 PM Bedford station (BDM) | 3 transfers | |
| G88816+EM797900+Tube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross+W35211 | 10:45 AM Reading station (RDG) | 3h05 | 1:50 PM Bedford station (BDM) | 3 transfers | |
| X64130+EM797700+C00677+Tube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross | 11:24 AM Reading station (RDG) | 2h56 | 2:20 PM Bedford station (BDM) | 3 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Reading 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.
Jun 21
Jun 22
Jun 23
Jun 24
Jun 25
Jun 26
Jun 27
Why should you book Reading to Bedford trains with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs East Midlands Railway?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for East Midlands Railway, but also compare tickets for the likes of Thameslink, Elizabeth Line (TfL) or Great Western Railway (GWR) to find the best option for your trip from Reading 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 East Midlands Railway with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Reading to Bedford.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Rome2rio?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Thameslink, Elizabeth Line (TfL) or Great Western Railway (GWR) to find the best option for your trip from Reading to Bedford.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Reading to Bedford.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Reading to Bedford
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Reading to Bedford run on average 6 times per day, taking around 1h 32m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $75 (€61) but you can travel from only $72 (€59) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:39, the last at 23:55. The fastest train covers the 51 miles (83 km) distance in 1h 49m.
Distance 51 miles (83 km) |
Average train duration 1h 32m |
Cheapest ticket price $75 (€61) |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 1h 49m |
First train 12:39 AM |
Last train 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 7 days |
Train companies: East Midlands Railway, Thameslink, Elizabeth Line (TfL), Great Western Railway (GWR) from Reading to Bedford trainsEast Midlands Railway, Thameslink, Elizabeth Line (TfL), Great Western Railway (GWR) trains will get you between Reading and Bedford from $72 (€59). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
East Midlands Railway
Thameslink
Elizabeth Line (TfL)
Great Western Railway (GWR)
FAQs: Trains from Reading to Bedford
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Reading 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 Reading to Bedford
Most Reading to Bedford trains use the Reading to Bedford station pair, with some services arriving at Bedford St Johns. Use this guide to compare Reading and Bedford train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Which Reading station do trains to Bedford leave from?
Getting to Reading from Reading city centre
Reading train station facilities and services
Reading has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Car Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Reading.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are available at Reading.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Reading.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Reading: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Reading: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Reading: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: platforms can be reached via lift and bridge, ticket office is step free, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible public telephones: Accessible low-level Pay Phone is available at the station main concourse. Please request staff assistance if you need to, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxi are available at the station entrance. please request staff assistance if you need to, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Accessible ticket machines are located at the station entrance by the ticket office and at the car park, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Which Bedford station do trains from Reading arrive at?
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.
Getting to Bedford St Johns from Bedford city centre
Bedford St Johns train station facilities and services
Bedford St Johns has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Bike Parking, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Bedford St Johns.
Tickets and information
Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point, Helpline Contact: 0800 0248 997, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Bedford St Johns: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Bedford St Johns: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
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.
Most popular train connections from Reading
More options for your journey from Reading to Bedford
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Bedford and Reading
Most popular train connections to Bedford
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