- 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.
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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 train, with an average ticket price of €62 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 6m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of €62, while a train costs an average of €62.
Distance: 51 miles (83 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|
€62 Average price Cheapest | €19 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 6m Average total duration Fastest 1h 36m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 36m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
 Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Reading to Bedford is a train with an average price of €62.
The fastest way to travel from Reading to Bedford is by train with an average journey time of 1h 36m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Reading and Bedford including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Reading to Bedford among Omio's users.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.
Tickets start at around €62 compared to roughly €19 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about €-42.65. The journey takes 1h 36m versus 1h 36m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
Live departures
Reading to Bedford train times
The table below shows live departures for Reading to Bedford 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
C02639+ C37505 | Delayed 6:16 AM 5:59 AMReading station (RDG) | 2h25 | 8:24 AM Bedford station (BDM) | 1 transfer | |
 W34852+ C41860+ Tube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International | On time 6:20 AM Reading station (RDG) | 2h04 | 8:24 AM Bedford station (BDM) | 2 transfers | |
| C02658+C37544 | Delayed 6:46 AM 6:29 AMReading station (RDG) | 2h25 | 8:54 AM Bedford station (BDM) | 1 transfer | |
| C02658+W34457+Tube from London Paddington to Farringdon | Delayed 6:46 AM 6:42 AMReading station (RDG) | 2h12 | 8:54 AM Bedford station (BDM) | 2 transfers | |
| C02599+W34854+Tube from London Paddington to Farringdon | Delayed 7:01 AM 6:58 AMReading station (RDG) | 2h11 | 9:09 AM Bedford station (BDM) | 2 transfers | |
| C02667+C37581 | Delayed 7:16 AM 6:59 AMReading station (RDG) | 2h25 | 9:24 AM Bedford station (BDM) | 1 transfer | |
| C02623+C37667 | Delayed 8:16 AM 7:59 AMReading station (RDG) | 2h25 | 10:24 AM Bedford station (BDM) | 1 transfer | |
| C02609+W35356+Tube from London Paddington to Farringdon | Delayed 8:01 AM 7:59 AMReading station (RDG) | 2h10 | 10:09 AM Bedford station (BDM) | 2 transfers | |
| C02689+C37711 | Delayed 8:46 AM 8:29 AMReading station (RDG) | 2h25 | 10:54 AM Bedford station (BDM) | 1 transfer | |
| C41872+Tube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International+C42240 | Delayed 8:39 AM 8:30 AMReading station (RDG) | 1h54 | 10:24 AM Bedford station (BDM) | 2 transfers | |
| C02689+C42299+Tube from London Paddington to Farringdon | Delayed 8:46 AM 8:35 AMReading station (RDG) | 2h19 | 10:54 AM Bedford station (BDM) | 2 transfers | |
| C02687+C37754 | Delayed 9:16 AM 8:59 AMReading station (RDG) | 2h25 | 11:24 AM Bedford station (BDM) | 1 transfer | |
| C02613+W35359+Tube from London Paddington to Farringdon | Delayed 9:01 AM 9:00 AMReading station (RDG) | 2h09 | 11:09 AM Bedford station (BDM) | 2 transfers | |
| C41878+Tube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International+C42241 | Delayed 9:39 AM 9:28 AMReading station (RDG) | 1h55 | 11:23 AM Bedford station (BDM) | 2 transfers | |
| C02674+C37795 | Delayed 9:46 AM 9:29 AMReading station (RDG) | 2h25 | 11:54 AM Bedford station (BDM) | 1 transfer | |
| C02674+Tube from London Paddington to Farringdon+W34556 | Delayed 9:46 AM 9:44 AMReading station (RDG) | 2h10 | 11:54 AM Bedford station (BDM) | 2 transfers | |
| W35172+C02596+Tube from London Paddington to Farringdon | On time 9:50 AM Reading station (RDG) | 2h19 | 12:09 PM Bedford station (BDM) | 2 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.
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Why should you book Reading to Bedford trains with Omio?
East Midlands Railway as well as Thameslink, Elizabeth Line (TfL), Great Western Railway (GWR) and more 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 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 36m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €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 18m.
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 36m |
Cheapest ticket price €62 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 1h 18m |
First train 12:39 AM |
Last train 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 5 days |
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: Thameslink, East Midlands Railway, Elizabeth line from Reading to Bedford trainsThameslink, East Midlands Railway, Elizabeth line trains will get you between Reading and Bedford. 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
1h 18m
Cheapest East Midlands Railway Price
€62
East Midlands Railway 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 Thameslink Duration
1h 41m
Cheapest Thameslink Price
€62
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
Elizabeth line
About
Tfl Rail is a railway service operated by Transport for London in the United Kingdom. It operates on the Great Western Main Line and the Heathrow branch of the London Underground. The service runs from Paddington in London to Reading, Maidenhead, Slough, and Heathrow Airport. It also serves the towns of Taplow, Burnham, Twyford, and Hayes & Harlington. All trains are air-conditioned and feature onboard Wi-Fi, power sockets, and digital information screens. Tfl Rail offers a range of ticket types, including single and return tickets, season tickets, and Oyster cards. Oyster cards are the most popular ticket type, allowing passengers to pay for their journey with a single card. The most popular routes for Tfl Rail are Paddington to Reading, Paddington to Maidenhead, and Paddington to Heathrow Airport. These routes offer frequent services and provide passengers with a convenient way to travel between London and the surrounding areas.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Elizabeth line Duration
1h 48m
Cheapest Elizabeth line Price
€62
Elizabeth line frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
Standard luggage allowance included with ticket
Luggage storage
Dedicated luggage storage areas in carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refunds available through TfL website or customer service
Refund
Full refund available for service cancellations
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
No dedicated dining car. Passengers can bring their own food and drinks
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Step-free access at most stations, wheelchair spaces on trains, priority seating
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be leashed. Guide dogs welcome
Quiet zone
Complete guide to Bedford
Things to do in Bedford
Discover the best of Bedford — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Bedford trip today.
- Recommended
The John Bunyan Museum
Museum inside John Bunyan’s former church site, focused on The Pilgrim’s Progress, Bunyan’s life, and Bedford’s nonconformist heritage.
- Recommended
Panacea Museum
Small museum telling the story of the Panacea Society, a unique Bedford religious community, through preserved rooms and archives.
- Must visit
The Embankment
Bedford’s signature riverside promenade, ideal for walking, boating views, and seeing why the town is closely tied to the Great Ouse.
- Recommended
High Street
Historic central street lined with shops and civic landmarks, useful for exploring Bedford’s commercial heart on foot.
- Recommended
Castle Quarter
Characterful historic quarter with independent businesses, old buildings, and easy access to museums, churches, and the river.
Bedfordshire Clanger
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.
- Vegetarian
Apple Clanger
A local suet pastry pudding filled with chopped apples, sugar, and spice. It is a traditional Bedfordshire dessert once made to use orchard fruit.
- Vegetarian
Bedfordshire Lardy Cake
A rich yeasted fruit loaf with dried fruit and spice, associated with Bedfordshire baking traditions. Often served sliced with butter at tea time.
Anatolia
Popular Turkish and Mediterranean restaurant with generous grilled dishes, meze, and a smart casual atmosphere.
The Higgins Pantry
Well-regarded independent restaurant serving modern British and European dishes in a polished but relaxed town-centre setting.
The Embankment
Established riverside venue known for grilled meats, classic British dishes, and a lively pub atmosphere with broad appeal.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for the UK. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while local buses and casual meals stay fairly manageable for tourists.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-12 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- £15-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £50+ per person for fine dining.
- Coffee
- £2.80-4 for a coffee.
Tipping culture
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.
Stagecoach Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2.40
- Day pass
- £4.60
To the city center
Bedford Railway Station -> Bedford Bus Station
- Distance
- 0.8 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Contactless card payment is accepted on Stagecoach buses in Bedford, and mobile tickets can be bought in the Stagecoach Bus app.
- Bedford has no tram or metro. For local travel, buses are the main public transport option.
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.
Train ticket prices from Reading to Bedford can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at €62, while the average price is around €62.
The train from Reading to Bedford takes 1h 18m and runs 6 per day.
The distance by train from Reading to Bedford is 51 miles (83 km).
The first train from Reading to Bedford leaves at 12:39 AM.
The last train from Reading to Bedford leaves at 11:55 PM.
Yes, there is a high-speed train from Reading to Bedford.
There is no direct train service currently available from Reading to Bedford.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Reading to Bedford.
The train station in Reading that goes to Bedford is Reading station (RDG), which connects to Bedford station (BDM).
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.
Yes, a day trip from Reading to Bedford is feasible with a travel time of 1h 18m and a distance of 51 miles (83 km). Trains run 6 times per day.
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.
Yes, you can take the train from Reading to Bedford.
Since neither Reading nor Bedford 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 Bedford include London, Luton, Leicester, Wellingborough, Harpenden.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Reading to Bedford 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 Bedford, travelers should be cautious of petty theft, especially in crowded areas and near transportation hubs. Common scams include overcharging by unofficial taxi drivers and fraudulent ticket sellers. It's advisable to use licensed transportation services and verify ticket purchases through official channels to avoid these issues.
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 Reading to Bedford
Most Reading to Bedford trains use the Reading to Bedford station pair. 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.
Departure train stations in Reading
Arrival train stations in Bedford
Which Reading station do trains to Bedford leave from?
Trains from Reading to Bedford leave from Reading. The station is from Reading city centre at Reading station, Station Hill, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1LZ.
ReadingReading station, Station Hill, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1LZ+44 3451652030
City-centre transport
Getting to Reading from Reading city centre
Bus26, 90, 87 · 2m · €2 · every ~15 min
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?
Trains from Reading to Bedford arrive at Bedford. Bedford is 0 miles (1 km) from Bedford city centre.
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.
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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