- Recommended
Chelmsford Museum
Chelmsford’s main museum covers local history, archaeology, industry, and natural heritage in a restored house and galleries.
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Travel Information
Compare train and bus for London to Chelmsford
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from London to Chelmsford among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $7 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 1h 2m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $7, while a train costs an average of $26.
Distance: 29 miles (48 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$7 Average price Cheapest | $26 Average price | $31 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 30m Average total duration 1h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 2m Average total duration Fastest 32m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 17m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
 Most popular bus company |  Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from London to Chelmsford is a bus with an average price of $7 (€5).
This is compared to other travel options from London to Chelmsford:
A bus is $19 (€15) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from London to Chelmsford costing on average $26 (€21).
The fastest way to travel from London to Chelmsford is by train with an average journey time of 32m.
Other travel options to Chelmsford take longer:
Bus takes on average 1h 0m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between London and Chelmsford including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from London to Chelmsford among Omio's users.
Take the bus. On this route, it's both cheaper and quicker than driving.
You'll arrive about 17m sooner (1h 0m by bus vs 1h 17m by car) and save roughly $25 (€20) compared to fuel and tolls ($7 (€5) vs $31 (€25)). 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.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
London to Chelmsford Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greater Anglia | Departure Time 08:03AM | Arrival Time 09:08AM | Duration 1h05 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator Greater Anglia | Departure Time 08:15AM | Arrival Time 09:24AM | Duration 1h09 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:15PM | Arrival Time 09:15PM | Duration 1h00 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $6 |
Compare prices and tickets London to Chelmsford 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 London to Chelmsford
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from London to Chelmsford run on average 1 times per day, taking around 1h 0m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $6 (€4) if you book in advance.
There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:02, the last at 23:53. The fastest bus covers the 29 miles (48 km) distance in 1h 0m.
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
Distance 29 miles (48 km) |
Average bus duration 1h 0m |
Cheapest ticket price $6 (€4) |
Buses per day 1 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 1h 0m |
First bus 12:02 AM |
Last bus 11:53 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sun |
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
Complete guide to Chelmsford
Things to do in Chelmsford
Discover the best of Chelmsford — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Chelmsford trip today.
- Recommended
Sandford Mill Museum
Compact museum preserving the story of radio, radar, and electronics pioneers linked to Marconi’s world-changing work in Chelmsford.
Essex Regiment Museum
Volunteer-run military museum displaying Essex Regiment collections, medals, uniforms, and stories from local service history.
- Recommended
Hylands Estate
Major historic parkland and gardens with walking trails, seasonal events, and one of Chelmsford’s most popular open spaces.
- Recommended
Central Park
Central city park with lawns, events, riverside paths, and easy access from shopping streets and the station.
- Recommended
Writtle Green
Traditional village green near the city, known for duck pond views, old cottages, and a classic Essex setting.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
Tiptree Jam
Tiptree jam is a celebrated Essex preserve made from local fruit. It is a classic breakfast staple and a long-standing symbol of the county’s food heritage.
- Vegetarian
Essex Seed Cake
Essex seed cake is a traditional county bake flavoured with caraway seeds. It is especially linked with local tea tables and older Essex home baking.
- Gluten-free
Maldon Oysters
Maldon oysters from the Essex coast are prized for their clean, briny flavour. They reflect the county’s historic oyster fisheries and seafood culture.
The Blue Strawberry
Refined British tasting menus in an elegant setting. It is one of Chelmsford’s best-known fine dining destinations for seasonal cooking.
Acanteen
Established city-centre venue for Turkish and Mediterranean dishes, especially grilled meats and mezze. Warm, busy atmosphere and dependable service.
Middletons Steakhouse & Grill
Stylish modern British restaurant and bar known for steaks, grills, and cocktails. Lively but polished atmosphere in central Chelmsford.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for UK travel. Hotels and dining cost less than London, while local transit and casual meals are fairly manageable for most visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- £18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £50+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4.50 for cappuccino or latte.
Tipping culture
Tipping is modest. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is not included. Round up for taxis, and cafe tipping is optional.
First Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2
- Day pass
- £4.70
To the city center
Chelmsford Station (Stand VA) -> High Chelmer, Chelmsford
- Distance
- 0.8 km
- Travel time
- 4 min
- Most Chelmsford local buses accept contactless card and mobile payments; tap when boarding for adult single fares.
- Chelmsford city centre is walkable from the rail and bus stations, so check if walking is faster than waiting for a short bus trip.
FAQs: Bus from London to Chelmsford
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from London to Chelmsford 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 Chelmsford, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap bus tickets from London to Chelmsford can start from as little as $6 (€4) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for London to Chelmsford is $7 (€5) ; 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 London to Chelmsford is 1h 0m 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 London to Chelmsford leaves at 12:02 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from London to Chelmsford leaves at 11:53 PM.
When departing from London , you have various bus station options to start your journey from including London, Stratford City Bus Station, London, Wembley Stadium (First Way) . When arriving in Chelmsford , you can end your journey in bus stations like Chelmsford, Station (Stand VA) .Passengers board the bus most frequently from London, Stratford City Bus Station, which is located around away from the city centre, and they get off the bus at Chelmsford, Station (Stand VA), located 0 away from the city centre.
A day trip to Chelmsford from London is worth doing with a journey time of 1h 0m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from London to Chelmsford is June.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between London and Chelmsford including taking a train and bus.
No, the bus from London to Chelmsford has no accessibility options.
No, there are no bathrooms on board the bus from London to Chelmsford.
No, bikes are not allowed on board the bus from London to Chelmsford.
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 London to Chelmsford.
No, luggage for the bus from London to Chelmsford needs to be booked in addition.
No, there are no additional luggage options for the bus from London to Chelmsford.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from London to Chelmsford.
No, there are no USB plugs on board the bus from London to Chelmsford.
No, there is no WiFi on board the bus from London to Chelmsford.
Since neither London nor Chelmsford 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 London to Chelmsford 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 Chelmsford, travelers should be aware of occasional pickpocketing in crowded areas and be cautious when using unofficial taxi services to avoid overcharging. It's advisable to keep personal belongings secure and use licensed transportation options. There are no widespread scams specific to Chelmsford, but general vigilance against common travel scams is recommended.
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 London to Chelmsford
Most London to Chelmsford buses use the London, Stratford City Bus Station to Chelmsford, Station (Stand VA) station pair. Use this guide to compare London and Chelmsford bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in London
Arrival bus stations in Chelmsford
Which London station do buses to Chelmsford leave from?
Buses from London to Chelmsford leave from London, Stratford City Bus Station. The station is from London city centre at Montfichet Road, London E20 1EG, United Kingdom.
London, Wembley Stadium (First Way)Wembley HA9 0WS, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to London, Wembley Stadium (First Way) from London city centre
London, Wembley Stadium (First Way) is 11 km from London city centre. Public transport options include:
BusN118, N18 · 1h 2m · $5 · every ~6 min
206 · 1h 9m · $7 · every ~17 min
SubwayJubilee · 37m · $16 · every ~52 min
Bakerloo · 55m · $19 · every ~35 min
London, Wembley Stadium (First Way) bus station facilities and services
London, Wembley Stadium (First Way) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Food outlets are nearby.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at London, Wembley Stadium (First Way). ATMs are aTMs are located nearby at the stadium.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at London, Wembley Stadium (First Way).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at London, Wembley Stadium (First Way): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at London, Wembley Stadium (First Way): The area is accessible for individuals with disabilities.
Which Chelmsford station do buses from London arrive at?
Buses from London to Chelmsford arrive at Chelmsford, Station (Stand VA). Chelmsford, Station (Stand VA) is from Chelmsford city centre.
Chelmsford, Station (Stand VA)Chelmsford Station (Stand VA), Chelmsford CM1 1NY, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Chelmsford, Station (Stand VA) from Chelmsford city centre
TRUE
Chelmsford, Station (Stand VA) bus station facilities and services
Chelmsford, Station (Stand VA) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Chelmsford, Station (Stand VA). ATMs are available at Chelmsford, Station (Stand VA).
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Chelmsford, Station (Stand VA).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Chelmsford, Station (Stand VA): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Chelmsford, Station (Stand VA): Station is accessible for those with reduced mobility.
More options for your journey from London to Chelmsford
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Chelmsford and London
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