Internationally recognised as the birthplace of John Bunyan, Bedford isn’t known for too much else. Although a charming and historically significant town, Bedford residents are more likely to look overseas than for flocks of tourists to head here to see Bedford Castle or the Panacea Museum. Bedford is, however, ideally situated for international travel, offering multiple convenient options by air, rail, ferry, and road.
In the spirit of this, and given our duty to inform, we put this handy guide together to give you all the latest tips and advice on travelling internationally when based in Bedford. We’re going to take a look at all forms of public transport available, as well as a few more exclusive options for those with generous budgets.
For those who prefer travelling by sea, the closest ferry ports provide an easy gateway to Europe.
Probably the simplest way to access mainland Europe without flying, the Eurostar is an excellent choice. While Bedford does not have a direct Eurostar connection, St Pancras International in London is easily accessible via Thameslink services, taking just over an hour.
Ferry
For those who prefer travelling by sea, the closest ferry ports provide an easy gateway to Europe.
- Harwich International Port (2 hours by car): Harwich provides ferry services to the Netherlands, with overnight crossings to the Hook of Holland.
- Dover Port (2.5 hours by car): The UK’s busiest ferry port, Dover provides frequent sailings to Calais, France.
- Portsmouth International Port (3 hours by car): Portsmouth has ferry routes to Spain and France, making it a convenient choice for those venturing further south into Western Europe.
The Eurostar
Probably the simplest way to access mainland Europe without flying, the Eurostar is an excellent choice. While Bedford does not have a direct Eurostar connection, St Pancras International in London is easily accessible via Thameslink services, taking just over an hour.
- London St Pancras to Paris: A direct Eurostar train to Paris takes approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes.
- London St Pancras to Brussels: A direct Eurostar to Brussels takes around 2 hours.
- London St Pancras to Amsterdam: A direct train journey takes around 3 hours and 50 minutes.
Catch a Flight
Bedford is well-connected to several major airports, allowing easy access to international flights.
- London Luton Airport (30-minute drive): The closest major airport, Luton, offers a range of budget flights across Europe, including destinations like Spain, Italy, and Poland.
- London Stansted Airport (1-hour drive): Another great option for low-cost European flights, with frequent departures to Germany, Portugal, and Scandinavia.
- London Heathrow Airport (1.5-hour drive): One of the world’s busiest airports, Heathrow provides long-haul flights to North America, Asia, and the Middle East.
- London Gatwick Airport (2-hour drive): Both budget and long-haul flights are available, including routes to the Caribbean and Africa.
- Birmingham Airport (1.5-hour drive): A useful alternative for European and transatlantic flights, including connections to New York and Dubai.
For those who’d rather opt for private jet hire, Cranfield Airport (only a 20-minute drive from Bedford) offers private jet services, allowing for flexible and luxurious international travel.
For travellers who enjoy the flexibility of driving, taking a car to Europe is a popular and convenient option. The Eurotunnel LeShuttle is one of the most efficient ways to cross the Channel, operating from Folkestone to Calais in just 35 minutes. The drive from Bedford to Folkestone takes approximately 2.5 hours.
Services such as National Express and FlixBus provide routes to popular European destinations via London. Admittedly, the coach does take longer than flying or the Eurostar, but it is a cost-effective and environmentally friendly option.
Coach tickets to Europe are generally affordable, with one-way fares starting as low as £20 to £30 for destinations like Paris or Brussels. Return tickets typically range from £40 to £80, depending on the operator and travel dates.
Coach journeys from London to Paris or Brussels take approximately 7 to 8 hours, including the Channel crossing via ferry or Eurotunnel. While this is longer than other modes of transport, coaches provide comfortable seating, onboard Wi-Fi, and power outlets.
Due to Bedford’s relatively central location in England, travellers have plenty of options when looking to travel internationally. While flying from London Luton is the most efficient option, coaches are an eco-friendly alternative.
Car Travel
For travellers who enjoy the flexibility of driving, taking a car to Europe is a popular and convenient option. The Eurotunnel LeShuttle is one of the most efficient ways to cross the Channel, operating from Folkestone to Calais in just 35 minutes. The drive from Bedford to Folkestone takes approximately 2.5 hours.
- Cost: Eurotunnel LeShuttle fares vary depending on the time of booking, vehicle size, and travel dates. A standard return ticket for a car typically ranges from £100 to £200. Book in advance or travel off-peak for the best prices.
- Fuel: The cost of fuel for a round trip from Bedford to Calais and back is approximately £80 to £120, depending on fuel efficiency and current fuel prices.
- Tolls and Additional Costs: Once in Europe, toll roads are common in countries like France and Spain. For example, driving from Calais to Paris incurs toll fees of around €20 to €30 each way. You should also budget for parking fees in cities, which can add up.
Popular Destinations by Car:
- Paris (3-hour drive from Calais): Explore iconic landmarks and eat like a local.
- Bruges (1.5-hour drive from Calais): Wander medieval streets, visit the Belfry of Bruges, and enjoy Belgian chocolates.
- Cologne (4-hour drive from Calais): Discover the stunning Cologne Cathedral and the Rhine River promenade.
Coach Travel
Services such as National Express and FlixBus provide routes to popular European destinations via London. Admittedly, the coach does take longer than flying or the Eurostar, but it is a cost-effective and environmentally friendly option.
Cost
Coach tickets to Europe are generally affordable, with one-way fares starting as low as £20 to £30 for destinations like Paris or Brussels. Return tickets typically range from £40 to £80, depending on the operator and travel dates.
Travel Time
Coach journeys from London to Paris or Brussels take approximately 7 to 8 hours, including the Channel crossing via ferry or Eurotunnel. While this is longer than other modes of transport, coaches provide comfortable seating, onboard Wi-Fi, and power outlets.
Popular Destinations by Coach:
- Paris: Witness the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and some of the world’s finest cuisine.
- Brussels: Known for its Grand Place, Atomium, and delicious waffles.
- Amsterdam: Head to one of Europe’s most vibrant cities, packed with museums, cultural experiences, and undeniable charm.
What Are You Waiting For?
Due to Bedford’s relatively central location in England, travellers have plenty of options when looking to travel internationally. While flying from London Luton is the most efficient option, coaches are an eco-friendly alternative.
And for those who like slow travel, catching the ferry allows you to experience a slower perspective!
