A train trip from Bedford to Reading takes about 2hrs 5 mins on average, covering roughly 51 miles (82 kilometres). With around 73 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 £48.50, making it a budget-friendly option for those who plan ahead.
Arrival Station | Reading |
|---|---|
Departure Station | Bedford |
Frequency | 73trains per day |
Journey Time | from1hrs 51 mins |
Changes | 2-2no direct trains |
First Train / Last Train | 01:15 / 00:53 |
Distance | 51miles (82 km) |
3 Routes | Via London St Pancras International & Ealing Broadway Via London St Pancras International & London Paddington Via Farringdon & London Paddington |
4 Train Operators | East Midlands Railway, Thameslink, GWR, Elizabeth Line |
Prices | from£48.50 |
Hop on a Train from Bedford to Reading – It’s Faster Than You Think!
Planning to travel from Bedford to Reading 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 2hrs 5 mins. But if you’re in a hurry (or just really eager to get to Reading), the fastest trains can whisk you there in just 1hrs 51 mins. With roughly 73 trains running every day, you're spoiled for choice. This scenic 51-mile (82 km) journey usually requires just one change. You’ll be in the good hands of East Midlands Railway, Thameslink, GWR, Elizabeth Line, 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 £48.50 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 Reading!
The travel time between Bedford and Reading by train varies depending on the type of train and the route, but the average journey time is 2hrs 5 mins & the fastest journey takes 1hrs 51 mins.
The fastest journey time by train from Bedford to Reading is 1hrs 51 mins.
Train ticket prices from Bedford to Reading can start from as little as £48.50 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.
The departure and arrival times for trains between Bedford and Reading vary depending on the day of the week and the type of train. Generally, there are around 73 departures and arrivals throughout the day. The first departure is 01:15, and the last train of the day leaves at 00:53.
First class tickets on trains between Bedford and Reading typically offer more space, complimentary food and drink, and other amenities compared to standard class.
Amenities on trains between Bedford and Reading can include free Wi-Fi, power outlets, onboard catering, and comfortable seating.
By booking your tickets on traintickets.com! There are many ways to save on the cost of train travel between Bedford and Reading. On traintickets.com, we do all the work for you to find the cheapest way possible to get to Reading, and can save you up to 90%! Simply search for your journey, and be assured we have found you the best possible price.
No, unfortunately there are no direct trains between Bedford & Reading. However, there are 73 possible journeys which require a change.
East Midlands Railway, Thameslink, GWR and Elizabeth Line are the main train operating companies running services between Bedford and Reading.
Yes, you can bring luggage on board trains between Bedford and Reading, but there may be limits on the number of bags or the size and weight of your luggage.
| Tuesday 29th April | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Departs | Arrives | Changes | Via Stations | Duration | Operator | |
| 11:48 Bedford | 13:46 Reading | 2 changes | Farringdon London Paddington | 1 hrs 58 mins | Get Tickets | |
| 12:10 Bedford | 14:11 Reading | 2 changes | London St Pancras International London Paddington | 2 hrs 1 min | Get Tickets | |
| 12:18 Bedford | 14:23 Reading | 2 changes | Farringdon London Paddington | 2 hrs 5 mins | Get Tickets | |
| 12:38 Bedford | 14:32 Reading | 2 changes | London St Pancras International London Paddington | 1 hrs 54 mins | Get Tickets | |
| 12:48 Bedford | 14:46 Reading | 2 changes | Farringdon London Paddington | 1 hrs 58 mins | Get Tickets | |
| 13:10 Bedford | 15:11 Reading | 2 changes | London St Pancras International London Paddington | 2 hrs 1 min | Get Tickets | |
| 13:18 Bedford | 15:17 Reading | 2 changes | Farringdon London Paddington | 1 hrs 59 mins | Get Tickets | |
| 13:40 Bedford | 15:38 Reading | 2 changes | London St Pancras International London Paddington | 1 hrs 58 mins | Get Tickets | |
| 13:48 Bedford | 15:46 Reading | 2 changes | Farringdon London Paddington | 1 hrs 58 mins | Get Tickets | |
| 14:10 Bedford | 16:11 Reading | 2 changes | London St Pancras International London Paddington | 2 hrs 1 min | Get Tickets | |
| 14:18 Bedford | 16:23 Reading | 2 changes | Farringdon London Paddington | 2 hrs 5 mins | Get Tickets | |
| 14:41 Bedford | 16:38 Reading | 2 changes | London St Pancras International London Paddington | 1 hrs 57 mins | Get Tickets | |
Welcome to Bedford Railway Station, a bustling hub located in the historic town of Bedfordshire. Known for its connections to major destinations and its prominent role in local transport, Bedford Station provides a vital link for daily commuters and travelers exploring the UK. If you’re planning a journey from Bedford, you’re in the right place to gather all the necessary information for a smooth start to your trip.
At Bedford Station, you'll find a range of facilities designed to make your travel experience as comfortable and convenient as possible. The ticket office is open every day, with hours extending from early morning to late evening, ensuring you can pick up your tickets easily. Automated ticket machines are available, providing the option to collect tickets purchased online.
The station is well-equipped to support travelers with accessibility needs. Step-free access is provided across all platforms, and accessible ticket machines accommodate those with the Disabled Persons Railcard. Though there’s no designated waiting room, the seating area ensures comfort while you wait for your train. For added convenience, an induction loop is available for those who require it.
Once you've reached Bedford, continuing your journey is straightforward with a variety of transport links. A taxi rank is conveniently located at the front of the station, allowing for easy and quick access to local areas. Looking to plan your journey by bus? There’s an onward travel information map to help with your plans. Should there be service disruptions, detailed information on rail replacement bus services is available to ensure you're never caught off guard.
Whether you're commuting for work or planning a leisure trip, Bedford Station offers seamless connections to numerous destinations. Popular routes include journeys to bustling London destinations such as St Pancras International, London Bridge, and London Blackfriars. Other convenient routes include travel to nearby towns like Luton, Flitwick, and Wellingborough. For those flying out, connections like Luton Airport Parkway are perfect for catching your next flight.
For a bit further afield, routes to Brighton and Nottingham are also available, offering an abundance of options no matter your destination.
Bedford Station offers a comprehensive travel experience for everyone, from the daily commuter to the adventurer seeking new towns to explore. With a variety of amenities and connections, it is well-suited to accommodate all travelers. Be sure to purchase your tickets ahead of time, and enjoy your journey from this wonderfully connected station. Happy travels!
Nestled in the heart of Berkshire, Reading Train Station serves as a key gateway for countless travelers. Balancing its historic charm with modern advancements, the station offers seamless connectivity across the UK. Conveniently positioned on the Great Western Main Line, it opens up quick travel interludes to both London and beyond. Whether you're a commuter, a tourist, or perhaps just someone wandering the British railways, Reading Station is geared to meet various travel needs.
Understanding the potential needs of its patrons, Reading Station furnishes extensive facilities. The ticket office operates from morning to night, opening from 06:15 to 22:00 during weekdays and Saturdays, and from 07:15 to 22:00 on Sundays. In addition, ticket machines are plentiful, and most importantly, accessible ticket machines are conveniently located for easy access. Reading Station also facilitates smart card validation, boasts an induction loop, and is reinforced with round-the-clock CCTV.
Accessibility, naturally, is a top priority here. The station provides step-free access throughout its vast span, making platforms easily reachable via lifts and bridges. Furthermore, accessible toilets, waiting rooms, and seating areas are maintained to high standards, ensuring comfort for everyone.
Shopping and dining options are abundant. Refreshment facilities, cash machines, and a selection of shops await travelers. Free public Wi-Fi adds to the comfort, making it easier to continue working or stay entertained while on the move.
Getting to your next destination is seamless with Reading Station's diverse travel connections. Taxi ranks are readily available at both station entrances, ensuring even those with accessibility needs are well-catered to. Buses, too, are nearby, although travelers should note that not all are accessible. For those traveling further afield, frequent connections to both Heathrow and Gatwick Airports are offered, with a luxurious 'RailAir' service to Heathrow and regular trains to Gatwick.
Meanwhile, cyclists can take advantage of plentiful bicycle storage options, although there's no hire facility at the station itself.
Reading's strategic location makes it a springboard for numerous journeys. For instance, you can plan rides between Reading and London Paddington, a route popular with both business travelers and tourists. If local travel is on your mind, consider the quick jaunts to locations such as Wokingham or a slightly longer trip to Oxford, famed for its prestigious university and serene landscapes.
Other notable routes include travels to Basingstoke and Gatwick Airport. Whether you're heading for a day out in the country or catching a flight, these connections speak volumes about the station's versatility.
In conclusion, Reading Train Station integrates tradition with contemporary demands, catering to an ever-growing community of travelers. With its rich array of services, useful amenities, and robust connectivity options, it’s undoubtedly an essential part of the UK's railway network. Should your next journey be one of the popular routes Reading offers—perhaps venturing towards bustling city life or serene countryside—you can rest assured that the station's comprehensive services will meet your needs splendidly. Don't miss the chance to explore what makes Reading not just a passageway, but a destination in its own right. Happy travels!