- 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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The cheapest and fastest buses from Manchester to Chelmsford
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 20
Cheapest price on Sep 20
€63
Average ticket price on Sep 20
€63
Fastest journey on Sep 20
8 h 46 m
Average journey duration on Sep 20
8 h 46 m
Buses on Sep 20
1
Distance
267 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Manchester to Chelmsford is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Manchester to Chelmsford will cost around €63 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €63.
Fast buses
It's difficult to get from Manchester to Chelmsford without transferring at least 2 times.
11:40 PM8h46Manchester8:26 AMChelmsford€631One-way2 transfers
- 11:40 PM8h46Manchester8:26 AMChelmsford€631One-way2 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, flight, and bus for Manchester to Chelmsford
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Manchester to Chelmsford among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of €117 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 34m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of €117, while a flight costs an average of €346.
Distance: 165 miles (267 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
€117 Average price Cheapest | €346 Average price | €75 Average price (fuel + tolls) | |
3h 34m Average total duration Fastest 3h 4m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 54m Average total duration 1h 54m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 4h 17m Average total duration (door-to-door) | |
- CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.8 - 1.6kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The cheapest way to travel from Manchester to Chelmsford is a train with an average price of €117.
This is compared to other travel options from Manchester to Chelmsford:
A train is €229 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Manchester to Chelmsford costing on average €346.
The fastest way to travel from Manchester to Chelmsford is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 54m.
Other travel options to Chelmsford take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 4m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Manchester and Chelmsford including taking a train, flight, and bus.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Manchester to Chelmsford among Omio's users.
Manchester to Chelmsford Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:45AM | Arrival Time 10:53AM | Duration 8h08 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price €63 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:15AM | Arrival Time 12:54PM | Duration 7h39 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price €63 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:35AM | Arrival Time 12:56PM | Duration 6h21 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price €63 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:30AM | Arrival Time 04:53PM | Duration 7h23 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price €63 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:45AM | Arrival Time 06:24PM | Duration 6h39 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price €63 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:15PM | Arrival Time 06:15AM | Duration 11h00 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price €63 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:40PM | Arrival Time 08:26AM | Duration 8h46 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price €63 |
Live departures
Manchester to Chelmsford bus times
The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Chelmsford buses for today, Saturday, September 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2:45 AM Manchester | 8h08 | 10:53 AM Chelmsford | 2 transfers | |
| 6:35 AM Manchester | 6h21 | 12:56 PM Chelmsford | 2 transfers | |
| 9:30 AM Manchester | 7h23 | 4:53 PM Chelmsford | 2 transfers | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Manchester to Chelmsford by train, flight, or bus
Compare train, flight, 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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Why should you book Manchester to Chelmsford buses with Omio?
National Express operates all buses services from Manchester to Chelmsford.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Manchester to Chelmsford.
Why book with Omio vs National Express?
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare National Express with all available travel options, which are train, flight and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Manchester to Chelmsford.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, flight and bus to find the ideal travel option from Manchester to Chelmsford.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Manchester to Chelmsford
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Take a bus from Manchester to Chelmsford and enjoy the approximately 165 miles (267 km) long journey. Find schedules and pricing options for a convenient and affordable trip.
The earliest bus runs at 04:55, the last at 21:55.
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 €67
Distance 165 miles (267 km) |
First bus 4:55 AM |
Last bus 9:55 PM |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 84 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 €67
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 Manchester to Chelmsford
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester 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.
More options for your journey from Manchester to Chelmsford
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Chelmsford and Manchester
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