Train Bedford to London.

[wildoliver]

We're moving down to Bedford next year and are coming down next weekend to look at the area and find a bit out.

That's the plan for Saturday, Sunday we'd like to jump on the train to London (apparently there is no bus service). We can book online for around £14 each return, but there's half a chance we won't make it, I'd sooner not waste money, is it much more expensive to just turn up on spec and jump on the train?

Also does anyone know a reasonably priced B+B or hotel in the area, as close to Marston Moretaine (or however it's spelt) as possible, I stupidly missed the travelodge offer by a day!

[Pothole]

Where do you live now that it's unusual for there not to be a bus for a 50+ mile journey?

ETA very rare for tickets on the day to be cheaper than online.

Edited by Pothole on Sunday 10th October 00:22

[tomtom]

The fastest way from Bedford to London will be to take the Midland Mainline trains on their way south from Sheffield or Derby, instead of the slower Thameslink line. You may save money booking MM tickets in advance but wouldn't imagine you will for Thameslink.

[wildoliver]

Cheers lads we'll take the gamble then.

We currently live up in Yorkshire and to be honest it's pretty normal to have long range buses mirroring the trains up here (because were all tight you see).

[Pothole]

just for giggles I looked up the coach possibility. It goes via Milton Keynes, takes two and a half hours and costs £57!!!!

I'd say £14 on the train is a bargain!

[grahamn]

You could try the "Knife and Cleaver" in Houghton Conquest (I live just down the road), not sure on cost but I don't think it is that exspensive.

[mgtony]

Train prices seem to be about £20 each way bought on the day. Do you know how long in advance do you have to book to get the discounted price?

[Zippee]

We bought return tickets to London from Bedford the other week on a Sunday and they were £14 each return, that was using the fast inter city rather than the really slow FCC train.

As for Moreteyne, the only accomodation I can think of right by is the travel lodge. 5 minutes up the road (follow the A421) there is a holiday Inn express on the A6 junction. Alternatively theres loads of hotels/guest houses in Bedford itself.

[wildoliver]

Well we didn't end up going as I was too tight to pay full price!

But we are all booked up for the 10-11 of November. So happy days! Nice day in London seeing a few of the sights and a hunt around for workshops and houses in Bedford!