Getting Here
Visiting Bedford
How to Get to Bedford
Bedford is centrally located in the UK and easily accessed. As such, it is popular both for visitors, businesses and for people who commute to London, Luton, Milton Keynes, Bletchley, Cambridge and beyond. It has excellent access to motorways, rail and bus links, airports, and is also ideal for ramblers and cyclists with many paths through the town and county of Bedfordshire.
Parking Options
You’ll be happy to hear that there is plenty of parking in Bedford. There are five large car parks which include three multi-storey car parks. There is also on-street, metered parking.
First 4 hours FREE in Allhallows Car Park (MK40 1LX) and Lurke Street Car Park (MK40 3HZ), plus:
- Up to 2 hours FREE every Saturday in all Council-owned town centre single and multi-storey car parks.
- FREE parking all day every Sunday in Council-owned town centre car parks.
- FREE parking every day after 6pm in all council-owned town centre car parks, except for River Street
- FREE parking all day every Sunday in the Harpur Centre car park.
Subject to change, check the Council website for more details.
By Bus
Bedford Bus Station is situated in the centre of the town, providing a convenient and direct service. Bedford Bus Station is also close to rail links and has a healthy supply of taxis.
£2 Fare Cap
Bedford Borough Council has welcomed a government scheme to provide affordable bus travel to residents with a £2 bus fare cap until December 2024.
Subject to change, check the Gov.uk website for more details.
By Train
Bedford’s bustling train station is serviced by Thameslink, East Midlands and London North Western railways. It is a short walk from the town centre with regular bus and taxi services available. Sat Nav: MK40 1DR
Taxi & Private Hire
Taxi and private hire businesses are both plentiful and reliable so you’re sure to get from A to B safe and sound.
By Air
Bedford has direct rail links to London Luton Airport and London Gatwick Airport. Along with these, Cranfield Airport for business aviation is also easily accessible from Bedford.
On Foot
Bedford strikes the perfect balance between being a walkable town and offering a wealth of sights and activities. The Bedford Walking Tours provide a fascinating array of guided excursions, including the popular “I Never Knew That!” tour, revealing the town’s hidden gems.
For those journeying to Bedford from afar, or using it as a base for exploration, the Ramblers Association is an excellent resource. It details all the walking paths leading to and from this charming town, ensuring a delightful and scenic route for every visitor.
By Bike
With cycle paths zig-zagging right across the UK, it’s inevitable that many of them will lead to Bedford and its surroundings. Cyclists in Bedford can have their cycles repaired at our cycle shops, and there is a bike lock-up in Harpur Square.
By Car
If you are driving to Bedford, there are a number of main roads and motorways to bring you here. These include the M1, A1, A421, A428 and the A6. Bedford has five large car parks in its busy town centre, including three multi-storey car parks. There is also a Park & Ride service at Elstow, located on the A6 just south of Bedford.
If you’re using what3words, bank.pose.films will bring you to St Paul’s Square.
