The cheapest and fastest trains from Bedford to Manchester
Cheapest price on Sep 18
€50
Average ticket price on Sep 18
€63
Fastest journey on Sep 18
2 h 54 m
Average journey duration on Sep 18
3 h 21 m
Trains on Sep 18
5
Distance
191 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Bedford to Manchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Bedford to Manchester will cost around €63 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €50.
On Fri, Sep 18, we found 5 trains from Bedford to Manchester, including 5 direct services.
On Fri, Sep 18 the direct trains cover the 191 km distance in an average of 3 h 21 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 54 m .
On Fri, Sep 18 the slowest trains will take 3 h 29 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.
7:11 AM3h24Bedford10:35 AMManchester€501One-way0 transfers
9:30 AM3h29Bedford12:59 PMManchester€571One-way0 transfers
8:30 AM3h29Bedford11:59 AMManchester€621One-way0 transfers
7:30 AM3h29Bedford10:59 AMManchester€621One-way0 transfers
8:11 AM2h54Bedford11:05 AMManchester€861One-way0 transfers
8:11 AM2h54Bedford11:05 AMManchester€861One-way0 transfers
7:11 AM3h24Bedford10:35 AMManchester€501One-way0 transfers
9:30 AM3h29Bedford12:59 PMManchester€571One-way0 transfers
7:30 AM3h29Bedford10:59 AMManchester€621One-way0 transfers
8:30 AM3h29Bedford11:59 AMManchester€621One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for Bedford to Manchester
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Bedford to Manchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of €40 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 2h 57m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €40, while a flight costs an average of €94.
Distance: 191 km
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
€74 Average price | €40 Average price Cheapest | €94 Average price | €56 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 10m Average total duration 2h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 59m Average total duration 3h 29m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 57m Average total duration Fastest 57m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 3h 11m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions | 0.6 - 1.1kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Bedford to Manchester:
A bus is €34 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Bedford to Manchester costing on average €74.
A bus is €54 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Bedford to Manchester costing on average €94.
Other travel options to Manchester take longer:
Train takes on average 2h 40m.
Bus takes on average 3h 29m.
Live departures
Bedford to Manchester train times
The table below shows live departures for Bedford to Manchester trains for tomorrow, Friday, September 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 7:11 AM Bedford | 3h24 | 10:35 AM Manchester | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:30 AM Bedford | 3h29 | 10:59 AM Manchester | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:11 AM Bedford | 2h54 | 11:05 AM Manchester | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:30 AM Bedford | 3h29 | 11:59 AM Manchester | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:30 AM Bedford | 3h29 | 12:59 PM Manchester | 0 transfersDirect |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Bedford to Manchester by bus, train, or flight
Compare bus, train, and flight 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.
Sep 18
Sep 19
Sep 20
Sep 21
Sep 22
Sep 23
Sep 24
Why should you book Bedford to Manchester 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 Avanti West Coast, Transpennine Express or Northern Rail to find the best option for your trip from Bedford to Manchester.
- 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 bus, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Bedford to Manchester.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu, Rome2rio or Raileurope?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Avanti West Coast, Transpennine Express or Northern Rail to find the best option for your trip from Bedford to Manchester.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Bedford to Manchester.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Bedford to Manchester
Trains from Bedford to Manchester run on average 6 times per day, taking around 2h 40m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €28 but you can travel from only €23 by bus.
The earliest train runs at 04:13, the last at 22:15. The fastest train covers the 191 km distance in 2h 54m.
Distance 191 km |
Average train duration 2h 40m |
Cheapest ticket price €28 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 2h 54m |
First train 4:13 AM |
Last train 10:15 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 21 days |
Train companies: East Midlands Railway, Avanti West Coast, Transpennine Express, Northern Rail from Bedford to Manchester trainsEast Midlands Railway, Avanti West Coast, Transpennine Express, Northern Rail trains will get you between Bedford and Manchester from €23. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
East Midlands Railway
Avanti West Coast
Transpennine Express
Northern Rail
FAQs: Trains from Bedford to Manchester
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bedford to Manchester 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 Manchester, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Bedford to Manchester
Most Bedford to Manchester trains use the Bedford to Manchester Piccadilly station pair, with some services arriving at Manchester Airport. Use this guide to compare Bedford and Manchester train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Which Bedford station do trains to Manchester leave from?
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.
Which Manchester station do trains from Bedford arrive at?
Getting to Manchester Piccadilly from Manchester city centre
Manchester Piccadilly train station facilities and services
Manchester Piccadilly has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food options include: Burger King, Caffè Nero, Carluccio’s, Hotel Chocolat, Starbucks, The Pasty Shop, Costa Coffee, Pret a Manger, Upper Crust, McDonald's, & more
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Pay as you go Wi-Fi is available through BT Wi-Fi. ATMs are there are ATM machines on the main concourse, Platform 10 and on the mezzanine level.
Tickets and information
The ticket office is open Mon - Sat: 04:30 - 22:30, Sun: 07:00 - 22:30. Information desks are located near the Fairfield Street entrance on the mezzanine level.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is operated by Excess Baggage Co. Llocated between Platforms 10 and 11 and open daily from 08:00 to 21:00.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Manchester Piccadilly: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Manchester Piccadilly: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Piccadilly: There is step-free access throughout the station. Ramps for train access and wheelchairs are also available.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Manchester - Piccadilly, Premier Inn Manchester City, Staycity Aparthotels - Manchester Piccadilly.
Getting to Manchester Airport from Manchester city centre
Manchester Airport is 13 km from Manchester city centre. Public transport options include:
Manchester Airport train station facilities and services
Manchester Airport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Manchester Airport.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Manchester Airport. ATMs are available at Manchester Airport.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Manchester Airport. Information desks are information available from staff: ,Yes - from help point,Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0800 107 2149, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Manchester Airport: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Manchester Airport: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Airport: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: re Step free access is provided from the Ground Transport Interchange to all platforms via lifts or ramps. This station is staffed for all services. This station is Category A. Station staff can provide assistance from Meeting Point 1 (adjacent to the Station Booking Office) and throughout the railway station, and with boarding and alighting the train. Customers requiring assistance should make themselves known to station staff no less than 20 minutes prior to the departure time of their train. Customers requiring assistance to access other services or to connect with terminals should request this from their airline or Manchester Airport Group. Assistance can be requested in advance by contacting the TransPennine Express Assisted Travel Team on 0800 107 2149 (18001 prefix for TextRelay). Please be aware that some platforms at this station have no or only partial tactile paving on the platform edge, Accessible public telephones: In the station cafe on platforms 2 and 3, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Getting to Manchester from Manchester city centre
Manchester train station facilities and services
Manchester has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Multiple food outlets and cafes available.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free public Wi-Fi available in the station. ATMs are several ATMs located near the entrance.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Manchester.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Manchester: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester: Step-free access throughout the station.
Most popular train connections from Bedford
More options for your journey from Bedford to Manchester
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
