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Bedford to Macclesfield by train

First train

05:10

Last train

22:59

Departure station

Bedford

Arrival station

Macclesfield

Journey time

From 2h 9m

Distance

104 miles (167 km)

Frequency

25 trains per day

Changes

2 changes

Train operators

CrossCountry, TransPennine Express, East Midlands Railway, Avanti West Coast

About the train journey from Bedford to Macclesfield

Want to travel from Bedford to Macclesfield by train? Start your journey with us.

The train from Bedford to Macclesfield usually takes 4 hours 36 minutes on average to travel 104 miles (167 km), although the quickest services can take as little as 2 hours 9 minutes. You can expect to find 25 trains per day running on this popular route. You'll need to make 2 changes during the journey to Macclesfield, as there currently aren't any direct services on this route. During your journey, you're likely to be travelling with Avanti West Coast, East Midlands Railway or TransPennine Express, as these are the main train operators on this route.

You can save money on train tickets from Bedford to Macclesfield if you book in advance, travel Off-Peak – tickets are usually cheaper during quieter times on weekdays and weekends – or get a Railcard and save up to 1/3 on eligible journeys for a whole year. Use our Journey Planner at the top of the page to compare ticket prices and get the cheapest fares.

If you want to know more about the journey, scroll up for timetables and live train times, or keep reading for tips on finding cheap tickets and FAQs. Want to go straight to booking? Start a search with us today!

Journey details

Want to know more about your journey from Bedford to Macclesfield? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.

How long does the train from Bedford to Macclesfield take?

The average journey time by train between Bedford and Macclesfield is 4 hours and 36 minutes, with around 25 trains per day. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.

What's the fastest journey time between Bedford and Macclesfield by train?

The fastest journey time by train from Bedford to Macclesfield is 2 hours and 9 minutes.

Is there a direct train from Bedford to Macclesfield?

No, there are no direct train services from Bedford to Macclesfield. Travelling from Bedford to Macclesfield by train will require a minimum of 2 changes.

What time does the first train from Bedford to Macclesfield leave?

The first train from Bedford to Macclesfield leaves at 05:10. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.

What time does the last train from Bedford to Macclesfield leave?

The last train from Bedford to Macclesfield leaves at 22:59. Trains that depart in the early morning hours or very late evening may be sleeper services, time and services may also vary during weekends and holidays.

What's the distance between Bedford and Macclesfield by train?

Trains travelling from Bedford to Macclesfield cover a distance of around 104 miles (167 km) during the journey.

Looking for more information?

If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Macclesfield to Bedford.

Cheap train tickets from Bedford to Macclesfield

Book in advance

Look out for Advance tickets – they usually come out up to 12 weeks before the departure date and can be cheaper than buying on the day. If you’re here a tad early, sign up for our Advance ticket alert today to get notified when your tickets are released.

Consider a Season Ticket

If you catch this train more than 3 times per week, you could save money with a Season Ticket. With annual, monthly and weekly options available, find out if a season ticket for Bedford to Macclesfield is right for you.

Use your Railcard

National Railcards offer a 1/3 off eligible train tickets in the UK and can be a great investment if you travel a few times or more in a year. Find out how you can save with a National Railcard here.

Split your tickets

Download our app to find split tickets — courtesy of SplitSave, our handy feature which 'splits' your train tickets where possible to find you a better deal. Learn more about the clever tech behind split tickets, and how to spot SplitSave discounts in our app.

For more money-saving tips on UK and European train travel, read our cheap train tickets guide.

† Average savings on advance fares booked at least one week before day of travel vs Anytime fares purchased on day of travel. Subject to availability. Excludes coach.

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