- Must visit
Valentines Mansion
Historic country house museum with period rooms, exhibitions, and stories of Redbridge life, set in landscaped park grounds.
Cheapest price on Sep 20
€11
Average ticket price on Sep 20
€11
Fastest journey on Sep 20
38 m
Average journey duration on Sep 20
43 m
Trains on Sep 20
5
Distance
34 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Chelmsford to Ilford is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Chelmsford to Ilford will cost around €11 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €11.
It's difficult to get from Chelmsford to Ilford without transferring at least once.
C38396+
P01073
C38373+
P01647
C38421+
P01197
C37011+
P67196
C38346+
P01646
C38421+
P01197
C38396+
P01073
C38373+
P01647
C38346+
P01646
C37011+
P67196Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Chelmsford to Ilford among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of €14 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 1h 6m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of €14, while a train costs an average of €14.
Distance: 21 miles (34 km)
Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|
€14 Average price Cheapest | €22 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 6m Average total duration Fastest 36m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 44m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
The journey is about 8m faster (36m by train vs 44m by car) and roughly €7 cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls (€14 vs €22). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
Compare train 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.
Trains from Chelmsford to Ilford run on average 4 times per day, taking around 36m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €11 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 00:05, the last at 23:55. The fastest train covers the 21 miles (34 km) distance in 35m.
Distance 21 miles (34 km) |
Average train duration 36m |
Cheapest ticket price €11 |
Trains per day 4 |
Fastest train 35m |
First train 12:05 AM |
Last train 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 2 days |
Discover the best of Ilford — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Ilford trip today.
Historic country house museum with period rooms, exhibitions, and stories of Redbridge life, set in landscaped park grounds.
National museum in nearby Greenwich covering maritime history, navigation, and exploration through engaging family-friendly displays.
Local heritage museum inside a former fire station, presenting exhibitions on Redbridge history, people, and everyday life.
Popular town park with lakes, rose garden, playgrounds, and the mansion, ideal for walks and relaxed local sightseeing.
Large historic parkland with woodland, lakes, and broad paths, loved for scenic walks and traces of an old grand estate.
Large metropolitan green space with woods and meadows, offering one of the best nearby walking escapes from the town centre.
Pie and mash is a classic East London meal of minced beef pie with mashed potato and parsley liquor, long tied to working-class food culture nearby.
Jellied eels are a historic Thames Estuary specialty, served cold in savory stock. They remain a traditional East London dish with deep local roots.
Fish and chips features battered fried fish with chips, often enjoyed with mushy peas. It is a staple takeaway and pub meal across Greater London.
Established Indian restaurant with classic curries, tandoori dishes and a comfortable dine-in setting suited to groups and families.
Popular South Indian vegetarian restaurant known for dosas, thalis and sweets. Casual, busy and well regarded by locals.
Reliable Turkish and Mediterranean venue serving grilled meats, meze and flatbreads in a modern casual setting.
Moderate for Greater London. Dining and hotels cost more than many UK towns, but local transit is good value and budget food options are common.
Restaurants may add a 12.5% service charge; if not, tip 10-12% for good service. Taxis: round up or add 10%. Cafes: no tip expected, but small change is appreciated.
Official public transport app
Ilford Station -> London Liverpool Street
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chelmsford to Ilford by train. 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 train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Ilford, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Chelmsford to Ilford trains use the Chelmsford to Ilford station pair. Use this guide to compare Chelmsford and Ilford train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Chelmsford has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Chelmsford.
Wi-Fi is available at Chelmsford. ATMs are available at Chelmsford.
Ticket office support is available at Chelmsford.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Chelmsford: Parking, WC.
Available at Chelmsford: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Chelmsford: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible taxis: Details of nearest taxis are shown on station information poster, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Ilford has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Ilford.
Ticket office support is available at Ilford. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0343 222 1234, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Ilford: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Ilford: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Ilford: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Accessibility Category C. This station does not have step-free access. Staff ramp assistance is always available. Accessible seating is available on platforms 3&4, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Accessible ticket machines are located At the York Mews station entrance At the Ilford Hill temporary station entrance At the Ilford south station entrance, Accessible toilets: No, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: Staff are available to assist from the first to last train, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need