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Trip Summary
There are 6 daily trains from Bedford to Manchester. Traveling by train from Bedford to Manchester usually takes around 3 hours and 35 minutes, but the fastest East Midlands Railway train can make the trip in 3 hours and 8 minutes.
| Distance | 119 mi (191 km) |
| Fastest train | 3h 8m |
| Lowest price | $160.96 |
| Most frequent service | East Midlands Railway |
| Train lines | 2 |
Which train should you take from Bedford to Manchester?
2 train services operate from Bedford to Manchester. East Midlands Railway usually has more trains scheduled, with 5 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| East Midlands Railway | 5 | 3h 29m | $333.72 |
| Thameslink | 1 | 4h 4m | $393.50 |
East Midlands Railway train tickets from Bedford to Manchester start from $161, and on average cost . Daily there are 5 East Midlands Railway schedules to Manchester. East Midlands Railway in Bedford leaves from Ashburnham Road . And in Manchester trains arrive at Manchester Piccadilly Station .
From Bedford to Manchester train travel on East Midlands Railway takes 3 hours and 29 minutes. If you are looking to get to Manchester faster, East Midlands Railway offers more express schedule options with a travel time of 3 hours and 8 minutes.
Thameslink services run 24 hours a day with trains usually every 20-30 minutes, and coverage between Kent, Surrey, Hertfordshire, and London. Thameslink has separate first-class cars, and standard-class seating may be standing room only during peak hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Bedford and Manchester is approximately 119 miles, or 191 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 3 hours and 35 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 3 hours and 8 minutes.
Looking for ways to pass the time? Most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, which means you can stream music, browse social media or get some work done during your ride. That said, in case your train has a spotty signal, or is among the few without Wi-Fi, we also recommend downloading TV shows and movies to your mobile device in advance of your trip. That way the ride will fly by whatever the Wi-Fi situation.
Tuesday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from Bedford to Manchester. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Tuesday than other days. If you are hoping to have more room on the train and even save some change check out travel options on Tuesday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.
The earliest train departs Bedford at 5:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 3:00pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
There are 6 scheduled trains on most days. Unfortunately, none of them are direct connections, so you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train during your journey. Don't forget to bring your carry-on luggage when you switch trains. In some instances, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Manchester to Bedford.
City Information
Manchester
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Most recognizable for its world-famous football team, Manchester is a modern, vibrant city with a diverse range of attractions that will appeal to explorers of all kinds. Often referred to as "The Capital of the North," Manchester is also known for being the birthplace of the industrial revolution. Visitors can relive this booming era by taking a trip to the Science and Industry Museum to see how this previously small town changed the world's ideas of industry and manufacturing forever. These days, Manchester is famous for its music and art scene, with it being the birthplace of bands like The Smiths and Oasis.
Art and music-lovers may want to visit Afflecks, a vast and eclectic emporium of all things indie and grunge, to purchase records, artwork, and memorabilia, among many other things. Manchester is also home to 15 parks and gardens, with Fletcher Moss Park and Botanical Gardens among the most popular. This park provides a beautiful setting for picnics and scenic walks, perfect for when you need an escape from the bustling city.
And if you really are only here for Man U, both Old Trafford and Etihad Stadium are stops on our itinerary to visit every premier league stadium in England.
With three large train stations—Piccadilly, Oxford Road, and Victoria—Manchester is easily accessible via rail. National Express and Megabus coaches also allow access from all over the country. In addition, Manchester Airport houses three large terminals, which provide global entry to the city.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Bedford?
Main departure station: Ashburnham Road
There is one train station in Bedford.
All train stations in Bedford:
Ashburnham Road
Where is the train station in Manchester?
Main arrival station: Manchester Piccadilly Station
Manchester has one train station.
Train stations in Manchester:
Manchester Piccadilly Station
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Need a return trip from Manchester to Bedford?
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