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Trains from Southend to Bedford

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East Midlands Railway
Greater Anglia

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  1. Home
  2. Train times
  3. Southend to Bedford

Trains to Bedford from Southend

First train

02:45

Last train

23:35

Departure stationSouthend
Arrival stationBedford
Journey time

From 2h 13m

Distance

65 miles (105 km)

Frequency

188 trains per day

Changes

2 changes

Train operators

East Midlands Railway, Greater Anglia, London Overground, Thameslink, c2c

Plan your journey from Southend to Bedford

Considering a trip to Bedford and need more information on how to take the train from Southend to Bedford? Start your search with us today!

Usually, the train from Southend to Bedford takes around 2 hours 55 minutes. Every day, there are around 188 trains running on this popular route.

There will be 2 changes on your journey from Southend to Bedford, as there are no direct trains.

Trains on this route are operated by Greater Anglia, East Midlands Railway, Thameslink and c2c.

Booking tickets in advance can be cheaper than buying on the day of travel.

Use our Journey Planner to pick the dates and times you want to travel, and we’ll give you all the options.

What do people frequently ask about the train journey from Southend to Bedford?

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

How do I travel from Southend to Bedford?

You can get from Southend to Bedford by train in 2 hours and 55 minutes on average, with the fastest journeys taking just 2 hours and 13 minutes. Check out our Journey Planner for more details.

How long does the train from Southend to Bedford take?

The average journey time by train between Southend and Bedford is 2 hours and 55 minutes, with around 188 trains per day running on this route. 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 Southend and Bedford by train?

The fastest journey time by train from Southend to Bedford is 2 hours and 13 minutes.

Can you take a train directly from Southend to Bedford?

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

How do I find cheap train tickets from Southend to Bedford?

As most UK train companies increase their prices as the departure date approaches, our Trainline team of experts have put together these tips to help you find the cheapest tickets.

1. Sign up to Ticket Alert

If you're planning a trip more than 12 weeks ahead, sign up to our Ticket Alert to get notified when Advance tickets are released for your travel date.

2. Use a Railcard

National Railcards offer a 1/3 off eligible train tickets in the UK and can be a great investment if you travel throughout the year. Buy one with us and you'll be able to store it digitally in our app, so you'll always have it on your travels.

3. Book split tickets

Our handy feature SplitSave will 'split' your train journey into multiple tickets, which can be much cheaper than buying a single ticket. Find out more about split tickets.

4. Travel Off-Peak

If you can be flexible with your travel times, Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak tickets are usually cheaper in the UK. Generally, Off-Peak times are any time at weekends and outside of Monday to Friday morning and evening rush hours.

5. Consider a Season Ticket

Best for commuters, if you catch a train on the same route more than 3 times per week, you could save money with a Season Ticket. With annual, monthly, weekly and flexi options available, find out if a Season Ticket for Southend to Bedford is right for you.

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

§Advance adult single fare. Excludes booking fee. Prices seen by Trainline customers in the last 30 days. Availability limited.
† 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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