- Must visit
The British Museum
Vast world museum with the Rosetta Stone, Parthenon sculptures and global antiquities. Essential for history lovers.
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Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Chelmsford to London
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Chelmsford to London among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $15. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 45m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $15, and a train costs an average of $10.
Distance: 29 miles (48 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$16 Average price Cheapest | $18 Average price | $46 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 13m Average total duration 2h 43m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 15m Average total duration Fastest 45m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 16m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Chelmsford to London is a bus with an average price of $16 (€16).
This is compared to other travel options from Chelmsford to London:
A bus is $2 (€2) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Chelmsford to London costing on average $18 (€18).
The fastest way to travel from Chelmsford to London is by train with an average journey time of 45m.
Other travel options to London take longer:
Bus takes on average 2h 43m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Chelmsford and London including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Chelmsford to London among Omio's users.
Take the bus. On this route, it's both cheaper and quicker than driving.
You'll arrive about {timeSavings} sooner ({durationInMinutes} by bus vs {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car) and save roughly {savingsAmount} compared to fuel and tolls ({cheapestPrice} vs {drivingPriceInCents}). You also skip the drive itself — no traffic stress, no parking, and you can use the time to work, nap, or catch up on a series with the onboard Wi-Fi.
Direct coaches are operated by {directProviders}.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
Chelmsford to London Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greater Anglia | Departure Time 07:59PM | Arrival Time 11:47PM | Duration 3h48 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $15 |
Operator Greater Anglia | Departure Time 10:52PM | Arrival Time 12:29AM | Duration 1h37 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $16 |
Live departures
Chelmsford to London bus times
The table below shows live departures for Chelmsford to London buses for today, Sunday, July 26. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 7:59 PM Chelmsford | 3h48 | 11:47 PM London | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 10:52 PM Chelmsford | 1h37 | 12:29 AM London | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Chelmsford to London by train or bus
Compare train and bus prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
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Journey information
Overview: Bus from Chelmsford to London
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Chelmsford to London run on average 9 times per day, taking around 2h 43m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $15 (€15) but you can travel from only $10 (€10) by train.
The earliest bus runs at 00:02, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 29 miles (48 km) distance in 1h 37m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from $10 (€10)
Distance 29 miles (48 km) |
Average bus duration 2h 43m |
Cheapest ticket price $15 (€15) |
Buses per day 9 |
Fastest bus 1h 37m |
First bus 12:02 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 4 days |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from $10 (€10)
Complete guide to London
Things to do in London
Discover the best of London — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect London trip today.
- Must visit
The National Gallery
Leading art museum on Trafalgar Square with masterpieces from Van Gogh, Turner and da Vinci. Free and internationally renowned.
- Must visit
Victoria and Albert Museum
Grand museum of art, design and performance with fashion, sculpture and decorative arts collections in South Kensington.
- Must visit
South Bank
Lively riverside stretch linking major landmarks, markets and cultural venues. Ideal for walking, views and people-watching.
- Must visit
Hyde Park
Large royal park with the Serpentine, rose gardens and broad lawns. Excellent for relaxing, boating and central green space.
- Must visit
Greenwich
Historic Greenwich riverside district with maritime heritage, market streets and hilltop views near major cultural landmarks.
Fish and Chips
Classic English fish fried in batter with chips. A London staple tied to the city’s working-class food culture and best eaten fresh with salt and vinegar.
Steak and Kidney Pie
Slow-cooked beef, carrots, onions and herbs under a suet pastry lid. A comforting British pie long associated with London pubs and Sunday meals.
Full English Breakfast
A full cooked breakfast with eggs, sausages, bacon, beans, mushrooms and toast. A traditional morning meal served across London cafes and hotels.
Dinner by Heston Blumenthal
Celebrated fine dining restaurant by Heston Blumenthal showcasing historic British dishes in an elegant, high-end Knightsbridge room.
The Marksman
Well-known pub serving excellent pies, ales and British mains in a relaxed, polished gastropub setting near Victoria Park.
Rules
Historic Covent Garden restaurant famous for classic British pies in a lively, traditional setting popular with locals and visitors.
British Pound Sterling (£)
Very costly by European standards. Hotels, dining, and transit are pricier than in most UK and EU city breaks, especially in central areas.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fast food or casual takeaway.
- Mid-range
- £20-40 per person for a meal.
- Fine dining
- £70+ per person for upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- £3-5 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Restaurants often add 12.5% service; if not, tip 10-12%. Taxis: round up or 10%. Cafes: optional small change or none.
TfL Go
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £1.75
- Day pass
- £8.90
To the city center
London Victoria Coach Station -> Oxford Circus, London
- Distance
- 2.3 km
- Travel time
- 11 min
- Contactless cards and mobile payments work on London buses, trams, Tube, DLR, London Overground, Elizabeth line, and most National Rail services in London.
- Use Oyster or contactless instead of paper tickets for the cheapest pay as you go fares. Daily caps usually make a separate day pass unnecessary.
Buses from Chelmsford to London
National Express runs several buses a day from Chelmsford to London. The fastest journey takes just over 2 hours. Some journeys can take over 3 hours in some cases. The earliest bus leaves Chelmsford around 7:30 a.m. getting into London just before 10:00 a.m. National Express runs roughly 3 services a day, including at the weekends. The latest bus leaves Chelmsford around 4:30 p.m, arriving into London just before 6:30 p.m. The journey is direct with no changes and departs from Chelmsford Bus Station in the town centre, arriving at London Victoria Coach Station, a main National Express hub.
Taking the Bus from Chelmsford
Buses from Chelmsford to London usually set out from Chelmsford Bus and Coach Station, which is located on Duke Street. The station is centrally located, and well-served by local and national transport services. Along the same road is Chelmsford Rail Station. Local buses operate frequent services to the coach station. There are also limited night bus services, or travelers may opt to reach the coach station via cab.
Getting into London by Bus
London, the UK’s capital and largest city, is home to world-class shops, evening entertainment venues, eateries and historic monuments. Top attractions include the statue of Eros, the London Eye, and the fascinating exhibits at the Natural History Museum. Buses from Chelmsford to London usually arrive at London Victoria Coach Station. For onward travel, there are local bus services, including route numbers C1, 22, 211 and 239. There is also the Victoria underground and rail station, which is only 300 metres from the station. cab ranks are situated just across the road from the station.
FAQs: Bus from Chelmsford to London
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chelmsford to London by bus. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at London, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap bus tickets from Chelmsford to London can start from as little as $15 (€15) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Chelmsford to London is $16 (€16) ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by bus from Chelmsford to London is 1h 37m to travel the 29 miles (48 km) long journey. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest bus from Chelmsford to London leaves at 12:02 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Chelmsford to London leaves at 11:55 PM.
A day trip to London from Chelmsford is worth doing with a journey time of 1h 37m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Chelmsford to London is February.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Chelmsford and London including taking a train and bus.
No, the bus from Chelmsford to London has no accessibility options.
No, there are no bathrooms on board the bus from Chelmsford to London.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in London are:
- The British Museum, a world-renowned museum housing a vast collection of art and antiquities from around the globe
- The Tower of London, a historic castle and former royal residence known for its Crown Jewels and rich history
- Buckingham Palace, the official residence of the British monarch and a symbol of the British monarchy
- The Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, iconic landmarks representing the political heart of the United Kingdom
- St. Paul's Cathedral, an architectural masterpiece with a stunning dome and rich history.
The best things to do in London include:
- The London Eye, a giant Ferris wheel on the South Bank offering panoramic views of the city
- West End Theatre District, a vibrant area known for its high-quality theatrical productions and musicals
- Explore Camden Market, a bustling market known for its eclectic mix of food, fashion, and crafts
- Take a walk through Hyde Park, one of London's largest and most famous parks offering beautiful landscapes and recreational activities
- Visit the Tate Modern, a contemporary art museum housed in a former power station on the banks of the Thames.
No, bikes are not allowed on board the bus from Chelmsford to London.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
No, there is no food available to purchase on board the bus from Chelmsford to London.
No, luggage for the bus from Chelmsford to London needs to be booked in addition.
No, there are no additional luggage options for the bus from Chelmsford to London.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Chelmsford to London.
No, there are no USB plugs on board the bus from Chelmsford to London.
No, there is no WiFi on board the bus from Chelmsford to London.
Since neither Chelmsford nor London are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United Kingdom and United Kingdom. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Chelmsford to London among Omio's users.
The currency used in the United Kingdom is the British Pound Sterling (GBP). For travelers, using a card is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially in cities and for transportation tickets, though carrying some cash can be useful for small purchases or in rural areas.
In London, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like public transport, markets, and popular tourist sites. Common scams include fake charity collectors, overcharging by unlicensed taxi drivers, and distraction techniques used by thieves. Always use official black cabs or licensed minicabs booked through reputable apps, and keep personal belongings secure to reduce risks. Staying vigilant in busy locations and avoiding unsolicited offers helps ensure a safer visit.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Chelmsford to London
Most Chelmsford to London buses use the Chelmsford, Station (Stand VA) to London, Stratford City Bus Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Chelmsford and London bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Chelmsford
Arrival bus stations in London
Chelmsford, Station (Stand VA)Chelmsford Victoria Rd, Victoria Rd, CM1 1NY
Which London station do buses from Chelmsford arrive at?
Buses from Chelmsford to London most often arrive at London, Stratford City Bus Station. Some services arrive at London, Wembley Stadium (First Way), so check your ticket before travel to confirm your London arrival station.
London, Wembley Stadium (First Way)
City-centre transport
Getting to London, Wembley Stadium (First Way) from London city centre
BusN118, N18 · 1h 2m · $4 · every ~6 min
206 · 1h 9m · $6 · every ~17 min
SubwayJubilee · 37m · $13 · every ~52 min
Bakerloo · 55m · $15 · every ~35 min
More options for your journey from Chelmsford to London
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Most popular buses to and from London and Chelmsford
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