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Trains from Bedford St Johns to
Darwen

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Bedford St Johns to Darwen by train

A train trip from Bedford St Johns to Darwen takes about 4hrs 52 mins on average, covering roughly 136 miles (220 kilometres). With around 14 trains running each day, there's plenty of flexibility for your travel plans. If you book in advance, you can grab tickets starting from just £49.50, making it a budget-friendly option for those who plan ahead.

Bedford St Johns to Darwen Key Stats

Arrival Station

Darwen

Departure Station

Bedford St Johns

Frequency

14trains
per day

Journey Time

from4hrs 6 mins

Changes

4-4no direct
trains

First Train / Last Train

06:13 / 21:30

Distance

136miles
(220 km)

1 Routes

3 Train Operators

Prices

from£49.50

Travelling from Bedford St Johns to Darwen by Train

Hop on a Train from Bedford St Johns to Darwen – It’s Faster Than You Think!

Planning to travel from Bedford St Johns to Darwen by train? Well, you've come to the right place – and don’t worry, it won’t take forever!

On average, the journey takes around 4hrs 52 mins. But if you’re in a hurry (or just really eager to get to Darwen), the fastest trains can whisk you there in just 4hrs 6 mins. With roughly 14 trains running every day, you're spoiled for choice. This scenic 136-mile (220 km) journey usually requires just one change. You’ll be in the good hands of Northern Rail, West Midlands Trains, Avanti West Coast, all of whom offer comfy seats and plenty of luggage space – because, let’s face it, nobody likes a cramped train!

The best part? Tickets start from just £49.50 if you book in advance, which is a much better deal than scrambling for tickets on the day. Want to save even more? Travelling during Off-Peak hours or flashing a Railcard can help you keep more money in your wallet.

So, ready to snag those cheap tickets? Use our Journey Planner to find the latest prices and make your wallet happy. Keep scrolling for more travel tips, or check out our timetable above for live train times. Time to choo-choo your way to Darwen!

Journey Details

Frequently asked questions about journeys between Bedford St Johns and Darwen

Curious about your trip from Bedford St Johns to Darwen? We've put together answers to the most commonly asked questions from our customers to make planning your journey easier.

How long does it take to travel between Bedford St Johns and Darwen by train?

The travel time between Bedford St Johns and Darwen by train varies depending on the type of train and the route, but the average journey time is 4hrs 52 mins & the fastest journey takes 4hrs 6 mins.

What's the fastest journey time between Bedford St Johns and Darwen by train?

The fastest journey time by train from Bedford St Johns to Darwen is 4hrs 6 mins.

How much does the train from Bedford St Johns to Darwen cost?

Train ticket prices from Bedford St Johns to Darwen can start from as little as £49.50 when you book in advance. The cost of tickets can vary depending on the time of day, route and class you book and are usually more expensive if you book on the day.

What are the departure and arrival times for trains between Bedford St Johns and Darwen?

The departure and arrival times for trains between Bedford St Johns and Darwen vary depending on the day of the week and the type of train. Generally, there are around 14 departures and arrivals throughout the day. The first departure is 06:13, and the last train of the day leaves at 21:30.

What is the difference between first class and standard class on trains between Bedford St Johns and Darwen?

First class tickets on trains between Bedford St Johns and Darwen typically offer more space, complimentary food and drink, and other amenities compared to standard class.

What amenities are available on trains between Bedford St Johns and Darwen?

Amenities on trains between Bedford St Johns and Darwen can include free Wi-Fi, power outlets, onboard catering, and comfortable seating.

What is the cheapest way to travel from Bedford St Johns to Darwen by train?

By booking your tickets on traintickets.com! There are many ways to save on the cost of train travel between Bedford St Johns and Darwen. On traintickets.com, we do all the work for you to find the cheapest way possible to get to Darwen, and can save you up to 90%! Simply search for your journey, and be assured we have found you the best possible price.

Is it possible to take a direct train from Bedford St Johns to Darwen?

No, unfortunately there are no direct trains between Bedford St Johns & Darwen. However, there are 14 possible journeys which require a change.

What train companies run services from Bedford St Johns to Darwen?

Northern Rail, West Midlands Trains and Avanti West Coast are the main train operating companies running services between Bedford St Johns and Darwen.

Can I bring luggage on board trains between Bedford St Johns and Darwen?

Yes, you can bring luggage on board trains between Bedford St Johns and Darwen, but there may be limits on the number of bags or the size and weight of your luggage.

When are Bedford St Johns to Darwen Train Times?

Check out the upcoming trains from Bedford St Johns to Darwen on Monday 5th May 2025, with our handy timetable below.

Alternatively, you can view the full day's schedule or search for a different date here!

Monday 5th May
DepartsArrivesChangesVia StationsDurationOperator
10:23 Bedford St Johns14:26 Darwen4 changesBedford
Milton Keynes Central
Manchester Piccadilly
Bolton
4 hrs 3 mins Get Tickets
11:23 Bedford St Johns15:26 Darwen4 changesBedford
Milton Keynes Central
Manchester Piccadilly
Bolton
4 hrs 3 mins Get Tickets
12:23 Bedford St Johns16:26 Darwen4 changesBedford
Milton Keynes Central
Manchester Piccadilly
Bolton
4 hrs 3 mins Get Tickets
13:23 Bedford St Johns17:26 Darwen4 changesBedford
Milton Keynes Central
Manchester Piccadilly
Bolton
4 hrs 3 mins Get Tickets
14:23 Bedford St Johns18:27 Darwen4 changesBedford
Milton Keynes Central
Manchester Piccadilly
Bolton
4 hrs 4 mins Get Tickets
15:23 Bedford St Johns19:26 Darwen4 changesBedford
Milton Keynes Central
Manchester Piccadilly
Bolton
4 hrs 3 mins Get Tickets
16:23 Bedford St Johns20:26 Darwen4 changesBedford
Milton Keynes Central
Manchester Piccadilly
Bolton
4 hrs 3 mins Get Tickets
17:23 Bedford St Johns21:26 Darwen4 changesBedford
Milton Keynes Central
Manchester Piccadilly
Bolton
4 hrs 3 mins Get Tickets
18:23 Bedford St Johns22:26 Darwen4 changesBedford
Milton Keynes Central
Manchester Piccadilly
Bolton
4 hrs 3 mins Get Tickets
19:23 Bedford St Johns23:54 Darwen4 changesBedford
Milton Keynes Central
Manchester Piccadilly
Bolton
4 hrs 31 mins Get Tickets
Search all times & prices for today

What are my cheap ticket options for Bedford St Johns to Darwen journeys?

From booking in Advance, to our FairSplits, here are our tips for you to find the best price

Advance Tickets

A single ticket for one journey leaving at a specific date and time.

The rule is: the sooner you book the cheaper they are. Usually the cheapest, but least flexible.

Advance fares from Bedford St Johns to Darwen start from as little as £49.50

Off-Peak & Super Off-Peak Tickets

Offering greater flexibility than Advances, Off-Peak tickets offer travel during less busy times of day trading off more flexibility in the Off-Peak windows but for still discounted fares.

Off Peak fares from Bedford St Johns to Darwen start from £76.40 one way, or £109.20 return

Anytime Tickets

Anytime tickets are fully flexible allowing travel at any time of the day. Brilliant if you don’t want the pressure of clock watching, returning when you want

Anytime fares from Bedford St Johns to Darwen are available for £82.10 one way, or £164.20 return

With our FairSplit technology, you can save up to 90% on the cost of train travel.

Split ticketing means that instead of purchasing one rail ticket for your journey we automatically find and help you book two or more tickets instead, covering exactly the same journey. We call it our FairSplit.

Travelling in a group? We can save you even more!

Unlike other split ticketing sites, you can enter multiple railcards in a single search on traintickets.com. We will find you the best price using all possible combinations of your railcards in conjunction with our split ticketing technology & GroupSave.

When you do a search on traintickets.com we check all the cheapest prices automatically

Everything you need to know about Bedford St Johns Station

Exploring Bedford St Johns Train Station

Nestled in the charming town of Bedford, Bedford St Johns Train Station offers a glimpse into the quieter side of rail travel in the UK. While it may not boast the flurry of activity seen in larger stations, its simplicity serves the local community effectively. If you are planning on making this station a part of your journey, here's what you need to know to make your trip as smooth as possible.

Station Facilities

Travelers should note that Bedford St Johns operates as an unstaffed station, which means that there is no ticket office or ticket machines available on-site. However, smartcard holders don't need to worry about finding a validator here, as there are none. If you require assistance when planning your journey, there are help points available on the platforms to offer information and guidance.

Accessibility is a key focus, with step-free access available, although this may involve longer or steeper routes to platforms. Uniquely regarded as a category B1 station, step-free access is incorporated into all platforms, ensuring everyone can use the station with confidence. That said, there are no staff members to assist, so plan accordingly.

Transport Links

For those concerned about onward travel from Bedford St Johns, the station does provide a platform to access other modes of transportation. There are rail replacement services that operate from the Melbourne Street car park just a short distance from the station, ideal if you find your train connections disrupted. Additionally, bus services complement local travel needs—ensuring continued travel flexibility.

Popular Routes and Travel Tips

When looking to explore beyond Bedford St Johns, there are several popular routes that might catch your interest. The station provides services to nearby towns and larger hubs such as Bedford, Luton, and London St Pancras International. Whether for a short commute or a leisurely outing, you have options to traverse much of Bedfordshire and beyond. If you're heading to the airport, you can catch trains to Luton Airport Parkway, making your travel that much easier.

For those seeking a journey that encompasses both tranquility and utility, a trip from Bedford St Johns to destinations like Flitwick, Stewartby, or the iconic London Kings Cross might just be what you need. Remember, with services to places like St Albans City or Harpenden, your travel horizons from this humble station are wider than you might expect.

Final Thoughts

Though modest, Bedford St Johns Train Station plays a vital role in local commuting and offers an essential connectivity point with key locations both near and far. Without the distractions of bustling station amenities, you can focus on the scenic and essential aspects of your journey. As you prepare for travel, booking your tickets online in advance will ensure a seamless experience as you navigate the rail networks from Bedford St Johns.

With its emphasis on accessible travel and local integration, Bedford St Johns stands as a testament to functionality and simplicity within the UK's extensive rail network. Whether you're hopping on a train for the daily grind or embarking on a new adventure, the station offers a relaxed gateway and connection to your next destination.

Everything you need to know about Darwen Station

Discovering Darwen Station

Set amidst the rich history and picturesque landscapes of Lancashire, Darwen station offers a convenient hub for train travelers. This station, although modest in its offerings, acts as a gateway to some of the most popular destinations in the North West. Whether you're commuting for work, embarking on an adventure, or planning a spontaneous day out, understanding what Darwen Station has to offer can make your journey smoother and more enjoyable.

Facilities and Amenities at Darwen Station

Darwen station, while lacking a formal ticket office, provides user-friendly ticket machines on both the Bolton and Blackburn bound platforms, catering well to card payments. For those with accessibility needs, rest assured—these machines are designed to be accessible. Though the station doesn't offer waiting rooms or dedicated lounges, it has a seating area where passengers can relax while waiting for their train. Keep in mind, there are no toilets, baby changing facilities, or food and drink services, so plan ahead! If you need travel support, while staff help might not be available on-site, a helpline (08002006060) is ready to assist you.

Getting Around – Transport Links

Darwen Station is conveniently connected to various transport options, ensuring travelers can continue their journeys with ease. While there isn’t any dedicated bicycle storage or hire available at the station, Busline’s services, accessible at 0871 200 2233, offer seamless connections. Taxis are another reliable choice and can be arranged through Northern Railway’s cab service. During periods of rail maintenance, a rail replacement service operates from the station car park. This blend of transportation options makes traveling to and from Darwen both straightforward and flexible.

Top Routes from Darwen – Your Ticket to Adventure

From Darwen, you have access to a range of exciting destinations, ideal for both daily commuters and leisure travelers. Experience the vibrant cityscape by hopping on one of the frequent trains to Manchester Victoria or explore the historical charm of Blackburn. Want to head towards the coast? Trains to Blackpool North are a solid choice. Other popular trips include the quick jaunt to Bolton and scenic journeys to the iconic London Euston for a dose of the capital’s bustling energy.

Making the Most of Your Visit

Even though Darwen Station is snug and practical, it serves as a lifeline to larger networks, linking passionate travelers to the extensive rail system across the UK. With its charm and essential facilities, Darwen represents a step towards leisurely weekends in Manchester, historical adventures in Clitheroe, or business travels to bustling city centers. Whether you're stepping into the heart of London or embracing the vibrant shores of Blackpool, your journey from Darwen begins with the promise of discovery and enjoyable travel experiences. Ticket in hand, you're ready to embrace the open tracks and endless possibilities that await.

Looking for more inspiration?

Popular places to travel by train from Bedford St Johns