It is native to the northern hemisphere, where it is "one of the most widespread bumblebees in the world.

"[2] It occurs throughout Europe, Asia, and western North America.

[2] The complete distribution of the species is unclear due to taxonomic uncertainties.

It is part of a species complex of several bees in the subgenus Bombus sensu stricto, which are very similar and difficult to tell apart.

[7] Bombus cryptarum florilegus was found to have low genetic diversity in Japan and maintained their own population with immigration from Notsuke Peninsula to the Chishima (Kuril) Islands[6] In northern areas this bee lives on plains, especially in heather ecosystems.