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The cheapest and fastest trains from Reading to Bedford
Showing times and prices for Dec 23
Cheapest price
$71
Average price
$74
Fastest journey
1 h 49 m
Average duration
1 h 51 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
83 km
Cheap tickets
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 $74 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $71.
Fast trains
Of the 2 trains that leave Reading for Bedford on Tue, Dec 23, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, Dec 23 the direct trains cover the 83 km distance in an average of 1 h 51 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 49 m .
On Tue, Dec 23 the slowest trains will take 1 h 52 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.
02:05PM1h52
Reading03:57PMBedford
$711One-way
0 transfers
07:36AM1h49
Reading09:25AMBedford
$781One-way
0 transfers
07:36AM1h49
Reading09:25AMBedford
$781One-way
0 transfers
02:05PM1h52
Reading03:57PMBedford
$711One-way
0 transfers
Compare prices and tickets Reading to Bedford by train
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.
Tue
Dec 23
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Dec 29
Why should you book Reading to Bedford trains with Omio?
East Midlands Trains as well as Thameslink offer trains services from Reading to Bedford. Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Reading to Bedford.
Why book with Omio vs East Midlands Trains?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for East Midlands Trains, but also compare tickets for the likes of Thameslink 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.
Why book with Omio over Trainline and Rail Europe?
- Multiple travel company options: While East Midlands Trains tickets can be bought on East Midlands Trains's website or third party sellers, Omio allows you to compare with the likes of Thameslink to help you choose the right option for your journey 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 $77 (€62) if you book in advance.
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.
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 51 miles (83 km) |
Average train duration 1h 32m |
Cheapest ticket price $77 (€62) |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 1h 49m |
First train 00:39 |
Last train 23:55 |
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 Trains, Thameslink from Reading to Bedford trainsEast Midlands Trains, Thameslink trains will get you between Reading and Bedford from $77 (€62). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
East Midlands Trains
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 Duration
1h 49m
Cheapest Price
$71 (€57)
East Midlands Trains frequency
2 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
Thameslink
About
Thameslink is a train service that operates in the United Kingdom. It is operated by Govia Thameslink Railway and serves the counties of Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, London, and Surrey. The trains run from early morning until late at night, with some services running 24 hours a day. There are a variety of train types available, including Class 700 Desiro City, Class 377 Electrostar, Class 387/1 Electrostar, and Class 319/0. Ticket types include Anytime, Off-Peak, Super Off-Peak, and Advance. Onboard facilities include Wi-Fi, power sockets, and air conditioning. The most popular routes for Thameslink are London to Brighton, London to Bedford, and London to Luton.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 10m
Cheapest Price
$78 (€63)
Thameslink frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund available if service is canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service on some routes offering drinks and snacks
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating
Pets
Small pets free of charge. Dogs must be on a lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone
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.
Typically, spending 1-2 days in Bedford allows you to explore its key attractions, such as the Higgins Bedford Museum, Bedford Park, and the historic Embankment area.
The distance by train from Reading to Bedford is 51 miles (83 km).
Train ticket prices from Reading to Bedford can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $77 (€62), while the average price is around $77 (€62).
The first train from Reading to Bedford leaves at 12:39 AM.
Yes, a day trip from Reading to Bedford is feasible with a travel time of 1h 49m and a distance of 51 miles (83 km). Trains run 6 times per day.
The cheapest way to get from Reading to Bedford is by train, with a cost of around $77 (€62).
The last train from Reading to Bedford leaves at 11:55 PM.
The train from Reading to Bedford takes 1h 49m and runs 6 per day.
The train journey from Reading to Bedford offers a mix of scenic views, including glimpses of the English countryside, charming towns, and stretches of green fields, providing a pleasant travel experience.
The train station in Reading that goes to Bedford is Reading station (RDG), which connects to Bedford station (BDM).
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Reading to Bedford.
There is no direct train service currently available from Reading to Bedford.
Yes, there is a high-speed train from Reading to Bedford.
Yes, you can take the train from Reading to Bedford.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Reading to Bedford
Reading
Bedford
The major train station for departures in Reading is Reading. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Reading for your trip from Reading to Bedford.
Amenities at train station
Shopping
Parking
Dining
ATM
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Lounge
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Bike Rental
Car Rentalinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:15 - 22:45 Saturday 05:30 - 22:45 Sunday 07:15 - 22:45 Please note: Reservations and tickets requiring reservations are sold at the following times only: Mon - Sat 08:00 - 20:00 and Sun 09:00 - 20:00
Parking
- Car Park: Multi Storey Car Park
Accessibility
- 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
WC
- Toilets Location: Toilets are located on Station Platforms and in The Brunel Arcade building
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: Front of station, underground short stay car park and long stay car park.
- Storage CCTV: No
Public transit options for Reading
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: At the North side of the station
The major train station for arrivals in Bedford is Bedford. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Bedford for your journey to Bedford from Reading.
Amenities at train station
WifiShoppingParkingDiningATM
TaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLounge
Lost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike Parkinginformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:45 - 21:00 Saturday 05:45 - 21:00 Sunday 07:15 - 21:15
Parking
- Car Park: Station Car Park
Taxis
- Taxi: Yes
Accessibility
- 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
WC
- Toilets Location: Available during staffing hours.
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
Lounge
- Waiting rooms location: Heated waiting areas are available
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: Front right hand side and station front
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Amenities at train station
ParkingDiningAccessibilityHotelBike ParkingCar Rental
Information Deskinformation
Parking
- Car Park: Bedford St Johns (Council Managed)
Accessibility
- 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 Desk
- Information available from staff: Yes - from help point
- Helpline Contact: 0800 0248 997
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements
Public transit options for Bedford St Johns
- 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.
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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