No booking fees on the app
Best Price Promise
Delay Repay
24/7 customer support
Bedford to London Charing Cross train times and prices
* Note: Lowest prices are based on an analysis of recent historical pricing data. Live fares fluctuate based on demand and how far in advance you book.
7-day train ticket price trend
€25.25
On Thu 29
Live timetable and departures
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
12:16 Bedford | 1h 41m, 1 change | 13:57 London Charing Cross | Thameslink | Find tickets |
12:40 Bedford | 1h 20m, 1 change | 14:00 London Charing Cross | East Midlands Railway | Find tickets |
12:46 Bedford | 1h 41m, 1 change | 14:27 London Charing Cross | Thameslink | Find tickets |
13:10 Bedford | 1h 19m, 1 change | 14:29 London Charing Cross | East Midlands Railway | Find tickets |
13:16 Bedford | 1h 41m, 1 change | 14:57 London Charing Cross | Thameslink | Find tickets |
Compare train operators from Bedford to London Charing Cross
- Thameslink
- East Midlands Railway
Thameslink is the go-to national rail company for travel across the Capital, connecting counties like Cambridge with southern destinations like Brighton via central London. Whatever time of the day you’re travelling, its 24-hour service can take you to airports like Gatwick and Luton or on short hops across central London.
Standard
TrainPal's Travel Expert Experience
"The rear carriage on Thameslink trains are declassified First Class carriages, so anyone can sit in the larger, more spacious seats there. On some local routes you might also find that both First Class carriages are declassified. You can check on the screen in the carriage itself as it will usually indicate whether Standard Class ticket holders may sit there."
"Thameslink trains can suffer from delays that can easily compound due to the complex network and high-density of its departures. Check the status of your service on a live tracker before setting out."
Essential onboard policies
-
Luggage
- Most UK train operators allow passengers to bring a reasonable amount of luggage free of charge.
- This is commonly considered three items per passenger, typically 2 larger bags and 1 smaller bag. Larger items cover suitcases, backpacks, and other similarly-sized items.
- Bags go in overhead racks, under seats, or in designated floor-level luggage stacks.
- Occasionally, some providers have stricter policies, such as Lumo, which enforces a limit of 1 medium suitcase and 1 small under-seat bag per person.
-
Bicycle
- Standard bicycles and folding bikes are generally allowed.
- Bike reservations are required on some services and are usually free.
- Some operators also permit tandems and e-bikes.
- Please note that e-scooters, motorcycles, tricycles, and bicycle trailers are not permitted.
- We strongly recommend checking the specific cycle policy on your train operator's website before you travel.
-
Children
- Children under 5 usually travel free when accompanied by a fare-paying passenger.
- Children aged 5–15 get 50% off, and 16-year-olds can use the 16-17 Saver Railcard for 50% off.
-
Pets
- Each provider generally allows up to two animals per passenger free of charge, but individual operators can have additional restrictions.
- Throughout the journey, dogs must be on a lead, and any other pets must remain in their carrier.
- Animals are not permitted on seats or in restaurant carriages.
-
Passenger assistance
- Passengers with disabilities or additional needs can arrange free assistance with their train operator.
- This includes help at the station, boarding and leaving the train, and making connections. Assistance can also include ramps for wheelchair users and help finding accessible facilities or the correct platform.
- Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets are available on many trains, although facilities vary by service.
- To ensure support is available for your journey, this service should be booked in advance.
Arriving at London Charing Cross
Address:
The Strand, London, WC2N 5HF, United Kingdom
Onward Transit Options:
London Underground: London Charing Cross is served by two Tube stations at either end (both in Fare Zone 1). Charing Cross is on the Bakerloo and Northern lines, and Embankment is on the Bakerloo, Circle, District and Northern lines.
Bus: Plenty of buses stop along the Strand, on Charing Cross Road and around Trafalgar Square nearby. Routes run to/from Camden, Vauxhall, Waterloo, Hammersmith and other locations.
River bus: Embankment Pier (three-minute walk) is on two river bus routes between Barking Riverside Pier and Battersea Power Station Pier (RB1) and between Barking Riverside Pier and Putney Pier (RB6).
Taxi pick-up and drop-off: Licensed black cabs pick up and drop off passengers at the station forecourt.
Top Things to Do & Nearby Attractions:
British Optical Association Museum (1-min walk)
Trafalgar Square (3-min walk)
Covent Garden (7-min walk)
Somerset House (9-min walk)
St James’s Park (11-min walk)
TrainPal's Travel Expert Experience
"London Charing Cross features a bright main concourse equipped with ticket machines, coffee kiosks, and indoor seating. Located at London’s official geographic center, the station places you steps away from Trafalgar Square, The Strand, and the National Gallery. Its compact layout ensures clear navigation through ticket barriers, providing easy access between national rail platforms, street-level shops, and iconic West End landmarks."
FAQs: London Charing Cross Station
Is Charing Cross station open 24 hours?
The ticket office at Charing Cross rail station is open 24 hours from Monday to Sunday, but passengers should note that trains don’t run throughout the night.
What time is the last train from Charing Cross?
The last services from London Charing Cross typically depart around 23:25, Monday to Wednesday and around 00:50 from Thursday to Sunday.
Does Charing Cross station have toilets?
Yes, the toilets are on the lower level between two entryways leading to the Strand. Accessible toilets and baby changing facilities are around the corner.
What shops are in Charing Cross?
London Charing Cross has a selection of shops stocking travel essentials, books and refreshments. Options include WHSmith, M&S, Costa and Upper Crust.
Is Charing Cross station step-free?
Yes, there is level access to all six platforms, ramps to help passengers on and off the train and accessible toilets.
Delay Repay & Refund Policies from Bedford to London Charing Cross
Apply for Thameslink Delay Repay
If your Thameslink train is delayed, you can claim compensation depending on the length of your delay:
15-29 minutes: 25% of a single ticket, 25% of the affected portion of a return ticket or 25% of the % cost of a Season ticket journey.
30-59 minutes: 50% of a single ticket, 50% of the affected portion of a return ticket or 50% of the % cost of a Season ticket journey.
60-119 minutes: 100% of a single ticket, 50% of a return ticket or 100% of the % cost of a Season ticket journey.
120+ minutes: 100% of a single ticket, 100% of a return ticket or 100% of the % cost of a Season ticket return journey (a full day’s travel). (Note: Two separate Advance Single tickets do not count as a return; you can only claim for the specific delayed ticket).
Apply for East Midlands Railway Delay Repay
EMR bases Delay Repay compensation on the length of the delay when you reach your final destination, and not the delay to an individual train.
15 to 29 minutes: 25% of a single ticket or 12.5% of a return ticket
30 to 59 minutes: 50% of a single ticket or 25% of a return ticket
60 to 119 minutes: 100% of a single ticket or 50% of a return ticket
120 minutes or more: 100% of either a single or a return ticket
FAQ
-
How much is a train from Bedford to London Charing Cross?
Tickets from Bedford to London Charing Cross typically cost €40.82, but can be as cheap as €25.25 when booked in advance. Other factors that may affect the ticket price include time of day and ticket type, so be sure to research before purchasing.
-
How long is the train from Bedford to London Charing Cross?
The journey should take, on average, 1h 41m, though it can be as quick as 1h 19m when booking specific services. Be sure to click the "Fastest" tab when searching your route to find out.
-
Is there a direct train from Bedford to London Charing Cross?
There is no direct service between Bedford and London Charing Cross. Instead, when browsing routes, you will see our recommendations for changeover stations that are the most convenient and time-efficient.
-
How far in advance can I book my train from Bedford to London Charing Cross?
You can typically book tickets from Bedford to London Charing Cross up to 12 weeks before departure.
-
Do Bedford to London Charing Cross trains offer Wi-Fi?
Yes, most trains on the route from Bedford to London Charing Cross are equipped with Wi-Fi, as well as power sockets at your seat. However, please note that the availability of these services can vary depending on the train compan.
-
How far is Bedford from London Charing Cross?
The distance between Bedford and London Charing Cross is approximately 45 miles (73km), depending on the specific stations you travel between.
-
How frequent are trains from Bedford to London Charing Cross?
There is 10 train running from Bedford to London Charing Cross per day. Please note that trains run more regularly during peak hours.
-
How can I buy the cheapest tickets from Bedford to London Charing Cross?
To get the cheapest ticket, we recommend buying in advance, as early as 12 weeks before departure. We'd also strongly suggest travelling during off-peak hours where possible and getting a Railcard, which typically offers ⅓ off your ticket cost and is available to most travellers!
-
How do I check if my train is delayed or cancelled?
Keep a close eye on your journey via the TrainPal app, which offers real-time information on train status and notifications of any train strikes that will impact you.
-
Can my tickets be refunded or changed?
In the UK, refund and change policies for train tickets vary by type. Advance tickets are generally non-refundable but may be changeable for a fee. Flexible tickets, like Anytime and Off-Peak tickets, offer more options for refunds and changes. Review the specific terms and conditions of your ticket or refer to UK train ticket types for precise details.
More train routes
* Prices are dynamic and subject to change. Ticket prices vary based on time of day, route, and class. This pricing does not apply to discounted Split tickets and Railcards.
New user welcome pack