Bedford Bus Station Main - Bedford

Kathrine L.

A few years ago, my horse and cart broke down close to this very station. I reluctantly decided to enter. Being wholy unprepared, I asked passing fellow medieval merchants to help me in my plight.

One fair maid kindly aided in the interpreting of the partially updated flashing screens with bright text. Another supported with my understanding of a loud yet invisible lady who repeated locations, times and numbers. I am guessing this woman must have been projecting her voice. Judging by the frustrated and monotone vibes we picked up on, we mused that she must have been trapped for some time on the other side of the ceiling?

During my wait at the station, I noted a lot of non-tailored tracksuit ensembles and an excessive number of small wheeled shopping carts, some of which featured tartan.

The building is not a friendly place if you are a pigeon, yet there is a lot of evidence that it's a great place for spiders to live and work, spinning their webs and catching passing dust particles.

The bus I was waiting for did arrive in the end, yet very rudely didn't allow passage for my trusty steed. So, I bartered the horse in exchange for a month's unlimited travel card, allowing bus passage throughout the land of Bedfordshire (with occasional pilgrimage to Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire). Although most bus drivers have a MA, or PhD in the practice of patience (and put up with all kinds of shenanigans and low level constant abuse for the roads being impossible to drive), I regretted my bartering outcome a few weeks later, as my horse ran on time and mostly smelled more fragrant, in direct comparison.

I managed to get home in time to watch East Enders, so all in all, I would give a 3 out of 5.

TORQue T.

The Bedford Bus Station is okay overall, but there’s definitely room for improvement. It does the job if you’re just looking to catch a bus — it’s fairly central and most local and regional services run through here, so it’s convenient.

However, the station feels a bit tired and could use a proper refresh. The waiting area isn't the most comfortable, and when it's cold or rainy, it doesn’t feel very sheltered. Some of the seats are worn out, and the general cleanliness depends a lot on the time of day. I've also noticed the toilets are sometimes closed or not in the best condition, which is frustrating when you're waiting for a long time.

On the plus side, there’s a small shop and café nearby for snacks or a coffee, and electronic boards do help with checking departure times — when they’re working properly. Staff can be helpful, but there aren’t always many around if you need assistance.

In short: not terrible, but could be so much better with a little investment. It's functional, but not a place you'd want to hang around longer than necessary.

Ellie M.

On July 4, 2024, my younger brother tragically lost his life after being struck by a Stagecoach bus. His name and image have been widely circulated in the media, serving as a constant reminder of the circumstances surrounding his death. Despite multiple attempts to address this issue by my neighbor, my partner, the local parish councillor, and our local MP, Stagecoach has not taken action to reroute the bus involved in the incident.

It is deeply insensitive for Stagecoach to maintain the bus on the same route where my brother lost his life. This ongoing situation is particularly distressing for my mother, who is faced with the painful reminder of her son's death each day. I feel that the response from stagecoach is appalling.

Garry B. (.

Went last Sunday as last busses went through our little village, what a lovely day and the drivers were great.
I drive for a living but I don't think I'd be able to drive these.
It's an end of an era for our community as older,younger and students now have a very very limited service and I hope our councils are proud of saving a few quid and leaving us stranded it's bloody atrocious
The busses were lovely though,I thank you for the drivers whom were superb

ramesh K.

It seems a bit unsafe. Not clean at all. Always dirty. My opinion is that the bus station should be close to the railway station not like 7 to 10 min walk. I won't advise anyone to be there after dark.the sunshade glass panels are really dirty. I don't know why they had it in the first place. the bus timings are bit bad

Abel D.

The station needs a revamp to give it a more modern look. It's not the smartest of place and lighting needs improvement.

Neil B.

Sorry other than the bus drivers doing all they can do to make this service okay, it is not that much of positive review.

It is so cold, looks so run down (even though has been redone). The metal chairs and the concrete floor makes it feel so unwelcoming.

They have managed to take the space away so on busy periods it is packed.

Single decker buses for busy routes that having a baby with a pushchair you need to be there early to be first on.

Now they have put some kind of bird alarm That is constantly going off like an annoying high pitched beeping. Thanks for stopping maybe the birds but come on, how can someone really sit there with this going off?

A station that rarely picks up the phone so if there is an issue with a service or you need an update then good luck.

The manager there, any issues email the station and he is good at responding and looking in to concerns which is good.

John H.

You have full infomatin on bus times .as bus station,s go it as cafe's near by ...its a no smoking area so the smokers tend to use nearby area,s ..