- 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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The cheapest and fastest trains from Reading to Bedford
Showing times and prices for Aug 06
Cheapest price
$75
Average price
$75
Fastest journey
1 h 49 m
Average duration
1 h 49 m
Trains per day
1
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 $75 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $75.
Fast trains
Of the 1 trains that leave Reading for Bedford on Thu, Aug 06, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Aug 06 the direct trains cover the 83 km distance in an average of 1 h 49 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 49 m .
On Thu, Aug 06 the slowest trains will take 1 h 49 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.
8:36 AM1h49Reading10:25 AMBedford$751One-way0 transfers
- 8:36 AM1h49Reading10:25 AMBedford$751One-way0 transfers
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 but you can travel from only $72 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.
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $72
Distance 51 miles (83 km) |
Average train duration 1h 32m |
Cheapest ticket price $75 |
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 |
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $72
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.
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. 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 Duration
1h 49m
Cheapest Price
$75
East Midlands Railway frequency
3 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 12m
Cheapest Price
$76
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 (TfL)
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 10m
Cheapest Price
$111
Elizabeth Line (TfL) frequency
2 a day
Great Western Railway (GWR)
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 39m
Cheapest Price
$108
Great Western Railway (GWR) frequency
48 a day
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 $75, while the average price is around $76.
The train from Reading to Bedford takes 1h 49m and runs 6 per day.
The first train from Reading to Bedford leaves at 12:39 AM.
The distance by train from Reading to Bedford is 51 miles (83 km).
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, you can take the train from Reading to Bedford.
Popular day trips by train from Bedford include London, Luton, Leicester, Wellingborough, Harpenden.
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, 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.
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 most often arrive at Bedford. Some services arrive at Bedford St Johns, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Bedford arrival station.
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.
Bedford St JohnsBedford St Johns station, Melbourne Street, Bedford, Bedfordshire, MK42 9AN
City-centre transport
Getting to Bedford St Johns from Bedford city centre
Location for Rail Replacement ServicesIn 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.
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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