- Must visit
Ipswich Museum
Ipswich’s main museum and gallery, covering local history, archaeology, art, and natural science in a major Victorian institution.
Cheapest price
$14
Average price
$21
Fastest journey
37 m
Average duration
37 m
Trains per day
31
Distance
59 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Chelmsford to Ipswich is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Chelmsford to Ipswich will cost around $21 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $14.
Of the 31 trains that leave Chelmsford for Ipswich on Wed, Aug 05, 21 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Aug 05 the direct trains cover the 59 km distance in an average of 37 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 37 m .
On Wed, Aug 05 the slowest trains will take 38 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
P01218
P01211
P66929 · P01220
P01268
P01277
P01268
P01233
P01218
P01211
P01277Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Chelmsford to Ipswich among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $8. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 42m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $8, and a train costs an average of $8.
Distance: 36 miles (59 km)
Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|
$21 Average price Cheapest | $16 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 12m Average total duration Fastest 42m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 54m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Other travel options to Ipswich take longer:
Bus takes on average 1h 36m.
You'll arrive about 12m sooner (42m by train vs 54m by car). Tickets start at around $21 compared to roughly $16 in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Direct services run with Greater Anglia.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Chelmsford to Ipswich trains for tomorrow, Wednesday, August 5. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
P01204 | 6:28 AM Chelmsford station (CHM) | 0h38 | 7:06 AM Ipswich station (IPS) | 0 transfersDirect | |
P01208 | 6:56 AM Chelmsford station (CHM) | 0h42 | 7:38 AM Ipswich station (IPS) | 0 transfersDirect | |
P01211 | 7:28 AM Chelmsford station (CHM) | 0h37 | 8:05 AM Ipswich station (IPS) | 0 transfersDirect | |
P67192 | 7:37 AM Chelmsford station (CHM) | 0h49 | 8:26 AM Ipswich station (IPS) | 0 transfersDirect | |
P66918 · P01215 | 7:51 AM Chelmsford station (CHM) | 0h47 | 8:38 AM Ipswich station (IPS) | 1 transfer | |
P01218 | 8:30 AM Chelmsford station (CHM) | 0h37 | 9:07 AM Ipswich station (IPS) | 0 transfersDirect | |
P67198 | 8:37 AM Chelmsford station (CHM) | 0h47 | 9:24 AM Ipswich station (IPS) | 0 transfersDirect | |
P66929 · P01220 | 8:51 AM Chelmsford station (CHM) | 0h45 | 9:36 AM Ipswich station (IPS) | 1 transfer | |
P01226 | 9:28 AM Chelmsford station (CHM) | 0h38 | 10:06 AM Ipswich station (IPS) | 0 transfersDirect | |
P67203 | 9:34 AM Chelmsford station (CHM) | 0h50 | 10:24 AM Ipswich station (IPS) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C04648 · P01230 | 9:52 AM Chelmsford station (CHM) | 0h43 | 10:35 AM Ipswich station (IPS) | 1 transfer | |
P01233 | 10:28 AM Chelmsford station (CHM) | 0h37 | 11:05 AM Ipswich station (IPS) | 0 transfersDirect | |
P67207 | 10:34 AM Chelmsford station (CHM) | 0h50 | 11:24 AM Ipswich station (IPS) | 0 transfersDirect | |
P66942 · P01236 | 10:52 AM Chelmsford station (CHM) | 0h47 | 11:39 AM Ipswich station (IPS) | 1 transfer | |
P01241 | 11:28 AM Chelmsford station (CHM) | 0h38 | 12:06 PM Ipswich station (IPS) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C04675 | 11:34 AM Chelmsford station (CHM) | 0h50 | 12:24 PM Ipswich station (IPS) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C04651 · P01245 | 11:52 AM Chelmsford station (CHM) | 0h44 | 12:36 PM Ipswich station (IPS) | 1 transfer | |
P01250 | 12:28 PM Chelmsford station (CHM) | 0h38 | 1:06 PM Ipswich station (IPS) | 0 transfersDirect | |
P01341 | 12:34 PM Chelmsford station (CHM) | 0h50 | 1:24 PM Ipswich station (IPS) | 0 transfersDirect | |
P66950 · P01254 | 12:52 PM Chelmsford station (CHM) | 0h44 | 1:36 PM Ipswich station (IPS) | 1 transfer | |
P01259 | 1:28 PM Chelmsford station (CHM) | 0h38 | 2:06 PM Ipswich station (IPS) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C04678 | 1:34 PM Chelmsford station (CHM) | 0h50 | 2:24 PM Ipswich station (IPS) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C04654 · P01263 | 1:52 PM Chelmsford station (CHM) | 0h43 | 2:35 PM Ipswich station (IPS) | 1 transfer | |
P01268 | 2:28 PM Chelmsford station (CHM) | 0h37 | 3:05 PM Ipswich station (IPS) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C04681 | 2:34 PM Chelmsford station (CHM) | 0h50 | 3:24 PM Ipswich station (IPS) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C04657 · P01272 | 2:52 PM Chelmsford station (CHM) | 0h44 | 3:36 PM Ipswich station (IPS) | 1 transfer | |
P01277 | 3:28 PM Chelmsford station (CHM) | 0h38 | 4:06 PM Ipswich station (IPS) | 0 transfersDirect | |
P67227 | 3:34 PM Chelmsford station (CHM) | 0h50 | 4:24 PM Ipswich station (IPS) | 0 transfersDirect | |
P66964 · P01280 | 3:52 PM Chelmsford station (CHM) | 0h44 | 4:36 PM Ipswich station (IPS) | 1 transfer | |
P01098 · P01285 | 4:09 PM Chelmsford station (CHM) | 0h57 | 5:06 PM Ipswich station (IPS) | 1 transfer | |
P67231 | 4:35 PM Chelmsford station (CHM) | 0h50 | 5:25 PM Ipswich station (IPS) | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Chelmsford to Ipswich run on average 8 times per day, taking around 42m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $8 if you book in advance.
There are 5 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:05, the last at 23:56. The fastest train covers the 36 miles (59 km) distance in 37m.
Distance 36 miles (59 km) |
Average train duration 42m |
Cheapest ticket price $8 |
Trains per day 8 |
Direct trains 5 |
Fastest train 37m |
First train 12:05 AM |
Last train 11:56 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 3 days |
Discover the best of Ipswich — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Ipswich trip today.
Ipswich’s main museum and gallery, covering local history, archaeology, art, and natural science in a major Victorian institution.
Elegant mansion museum in Christchurch Park with period rooms, Ipswich treasures, and changing displays in a beautiful historic setting.
Free contemporary gallery showing regional and national artists. A strong stop for visitors exploring Ipswich’s modern cultural scene.
Large historic park with lawns, wooded walks, tennis courts, and mansion views. It is Ipswich’s classic green escape near the centre.
Regenerated marina district with quayside walks, public art, and lively views of boats and historic warehouses day or night.
Main civic square framed by Town Hall and historic buildings. A natural starting point for markets, events, and town-centre sightseeing.
A traditional Suffolk cured ham, usually served thinly sliced. It is prized for its dry cure and long local heritage in East Anglian food culture.
A regional blue cheese made in Suffolk from cow's milk. Its creamy texture and rich, tangy taste make it a classic local cheese board choice.
Fresh fish landed from the Suffolk coast, often cod, plaice, or sole. It reflects Ipswich's long trading links with nearby North Sea fishing ports.
Well-known Ipswich pub and dining room serving classic British dishes, local ales, and seasonal produce in a smart yet relaxed setting.
Refined restaurant in nearby Great Bealings with modern British tasting menus, strong Suffolk sourcing, and an elegant country-house setting.
Popular independent venue in the town centre serving brunch, coffee, and modern British plates in a stylish casual space.
Moderate for the UK: hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while local buses and casual meals remain fairly affordable for tourists.
Tipping is modest. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is not included. Taxis are often rounded up. Cafes usually do not require tips.
Official public transport app
Ipswich Railway Station -> Cornhill, Ipswich
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chelmsford to Ipswich 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 Ipswich, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Chelmsford to Ipswich trains use the Chelmsford to Ipswich station pair, with some services arriving at Derby Road. Use this guide to compare Chelmsford and Ipswich 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.
Ipswich is 1 km from Ipswich city centre. Public transport options include:
Ipswich has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Car Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Ipswich.
Wi-Fi is available at Ipswich. ATMs are available at Ipswich.
Ticket office support is available at Ipswich.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Ipswich: Parking, WC.
Available at Ipswich: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Ipswich: 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: Yes.
Derby Road is 2 km from Ipswich city centre. Public transport options include:
Derby Road has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Derby Road.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Derby Road: Parking.
Available at Derby Road: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Derby Road: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible taxis: Details of nearest taxis are shown on station information poster, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need