Chelmsford to Manchester train with Avanti West Coast

Sun, Sep 20
+ Add return
Avanti West Coast
East Midlands Railway
London North Eastern Railway
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
2,000+ travel companies
Avanti West Coast
East Midlands Railway
London North Eastern Railway
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Chelmsford to Manchester

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 20

Cheapest price on Sep 20

€108

Average ticket price on Sep 20

€108

Fastest journey on Sep 20

4 h 50 m

Average journey duration on Sep 20

4 h 50 m

Trains on Sep 20

1

Distance

267 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Chelmsford to Manchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Chelmsford to Manchester will cost around €108 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €108.

Fast trains

On Sun, Sep 20, we found 1 trains from Chelmsford to Manchester, including 1 direct services.

On Sun, Sep 20 the direct trains cover the 267 km distance in an average of 4 h 50 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 50 m .

On Sun, Sep 20 the slowest trains will take 4 h 50 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.

  • Avanti West Coast
    8:59 AM4h50
    Chelmsford
    1:49 PMManchester
    1081One-way
    0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare bus, train, and flight for Chelmsford to Manchester

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Chelmsford to Manchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of €111 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 40m. 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 €111, while a flight costs an average of €360.

Distance: 165 miles (267 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Flight
Driving

€111

Average price

Cheapest

€360

Average price

€73

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

3h 40m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 10m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 50m

Average total duration

1h 50m

Onboard

+

2h 0m

Additional time*

4h 18m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.8 - 1.6kg

CO2 emissions

-

CO2 emissions

Avanti West Coast

Most popular train company

British Airways

Most popular airline

Your own car or car rental

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 Chelmsford to Manchester is a train with an average price of €111.

This is compared to other travel options from Chelmsford to Manchester:

A train is €249 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Chelmsford to Manchester costing on average €360.

The fastest way to travel from Chelmsford to Manchester is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 50m.

Other travel options to Manchester take longer:

Train takes on average 3h 10m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Chelmsford and Manchester including taking a bus, train, and flight.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Chelmsford to Manchester among Omio's users.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.

You'll arrive about 1h 8m sooner (3h 10m by train vs 4h 18m by car). Tickets start at around €111 compared to roughly €73 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.

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.

Live departures

Chelmsford to Manchester train times

The table below shows live departures for Chelmsford to Manchester trains for today, Saturday, September 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Avanti West Coast5:08 AM Chelmsford
3h36
8:44 AM Manchester0 transfersDirect
East Midlands Railway7:48 AM Chelmsford
4h44
12:32 PM Manchester0 transfersDirect
Avanti West Coast9:22 AM Chelmsford
4h22
1:44 PM Manchester0 transfersDirect
Avanti West Coast9:41 AM Chelmsford
4h24
2:05 PM Manchester0 transfersDirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Chelmsford to Manchester by bus, train, or flight

Compare bus, train, and flight 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.

Sun
Sep 20
Mon
Sep 21
Tue
Sep 22
Wed
Sep 23
Thu
Sep 24
Fri
Sep 25
Sat
Sep 26

Why should you book Chelmsford to Manchester trains with Omio?

Avanti West Coast as well as East Midlands Railway or London North Eastern Railway offer trains services from Chelmsford to Manchester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Chelmsford to Manchester.

Why book with Omio vs Avanti West Coast?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Avanti West Coast, but also compare tickets for the likes of East Midlands Railway or London North Eastern Railway to find the best option for your trip from Chelmsford to Manchester.
  • 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 Avanti West Coast with all available travel options, which are bus, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Chelmsford to Manchester.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu, Raileurope or Rome2rio?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of East Midlands Railway or London North Eastern Railway to find the best option for your trip from Chelmsford to Manchester.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Chelmsford to Manchester.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Chelmsford to Manchester

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Chelmsford to Manchester run on average 5 times per day, taking around 3h 10m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €71 if you book in advance.

The earliest train runs at 00:04, the last at 22:11. The fastest train covers the 165 miles (267 km) distance in 2h 48m.

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
165 miles (267 km)
Average train duration
3h 10m
Cheapest ticket price
€71
Trains per day
5
Fastest train
2h 48m
First train
12:04 AM
Last train
10:11 PM
Cheapest Month
Oct
Cheapest Day
Fri
High Season
Jan - Mar
Low Season
Oct - Dec
Busiest Day
Thu
Least Busy Day
Fri
Best time to book
35 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

Train companies: Avanti West Coast, London North Eastern Railway, East Midlands Railway from Chelmsford to Manchester trainsAvanti West Coast, London North Eastern Railway, East Midlands Railway trains will get you between Chelmsford and Manchester from €71. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Avanti West Coast

About
Avanti West Coast is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates high-speed trains between London and major cities in the UK, including Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow and Edinburgh. The company offers a range of ticket types, including Standard, First Class and Advance tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, comfortable seating and a range of food and drinks. The most popular routes for Avanti West Coast are London to Birmingham, London to Manchester and London to Glasgow. The company operates a fleet of Pendolino and Super Voyager trains, which offer a smooth and comfortable journey.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Avanti West Coast Duration
2h 48m
Cheapest Avanti West Coast Price
€71
Avanti West Coast frequency
5 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
First Class: Complimentary meals and drinks. Standard Class: Onboard shop with drinks and snacks
Seat reservation
First Class: Included in ticket price. Standard Class: Optional reservation for £8-12
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance for boarding/alighting available
Pets
Small pets free in carriers. Dogs £30 per single journey. Guide dogs free
Quiet zone

London North Eastern Railway

About
LNER is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates a wide range of services, from high-speed intercity trains to local services. Its most popular routes include London to Edinburgh, London to Leeds, and London to York. LNER offers a variety of train types, including the Azuma, InterCity 225, and HST. The Azuma is a modern, high-speed train that offers comfortable seating and onboard Wi-Fi. The InterCity 225 is a classic train that offers a more traditional experience. The HST is a high-speed train that offers a smooth ride and plenty of legroom. LNER offers a variety of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak. Advance tickets are the cheapest option and must be booked in advance. Anytime tickets are more expensive but can be used at any time. Off-Peak tickets are the most affordable option for travelling during off-peak times. Onboard facilities include comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. LNER also offers a range of discounts and special offers, making it an affordable and convenient way to travel.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average London North Eastern Railway Duration
3h 48m
Cheapest London North Eastern Railway Price
€78
London North Eastern Railway frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket conditions
Refund
Full refund available if train is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, and light meals. First Class passengers receive complimentary refreshments
Seat reservation
Seat reservations are included with Advance tickets. Optional for other ticket types at £0-£2 per person depending on route
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, passenger assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on a lead. Maximum two pets per passenger
Quiet zone

East Midlands Railway

About
East Midlands Trains is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates services from London to the East Midlands, Yorkshire, and the North West. East Midlands Trains operates a fleet of Class 158, Class 156, Class 170, Class 222 and Class 180 diesel multiple units, as well as Class 222 Meridian electric multiple units. East Midlands Trains also offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. The most popular routes for East Midlands Trains are London to Nottingham, Sheffield, and Leeds.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average East Midlands Railway Duration
3h 36m
Cheapest East Midlands Railway Price
€108
East Midlands Railway frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 piece of hand luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for a fee. Free for Advance ticket holders
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs must be on lead and require a ticket (£6 for day ticket)
Quiet zone

Complete guide to Manchester

Things to do in Manchester

Discover the best of Manchester — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Manchester trip today.

  • Must visit

Science and Industry Museum

Leading museum of science, industry, transport, and computing on a historic railway site. Essential for understanding Manchester's global impact.

  • Must visit

Manchester Art Gallery

Major art museum with Pre-Raphaelite works, design, and changing exhibitions. A central cultural stop with broad appeal.

  • Must visit

Manchester Museum

The University of Manchester museum spans dinosaurs, Egypt, nature, and anthropology. Recently renewed and excellent for varied interests.

Pound sterling (£)

Moderate for the UK: hotels often cost less than London, while dining and transit are manageable for tourists with many mid-range options.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-15 for fast food or casual eats.
Mid-range
£18-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
£60+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
£3-4.50 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Service may be included. If not, 10-12.5% in restaurants is common for good service. Round up or add a little for taxis. Cafe tipping is optional.

FAQs: Trains from Chelmsford to Manchester

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chelmsford to Manchester 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 Manchester, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Train ticket prices from Chelmsford to Manchester can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at €71, while the average price is around €111.
The train from Chelmsford to Manchester takes 2h 48m and runs 5 per day.
The first train from Chelmsford to Manchester leaves at 12:04 AM.
The distance by train from Chelmsford to Manchester is 165 miles (267 km).
The last train from Chelmsford to Manchester leaves at 10:11 PM.
Yes, there is a high-speed train from Chelmsford to Manchester.
There is no direct train service currently available from Chelmsford to Manchester.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Chelmsford to Manchester.
The train station in Chelmsford that goes to Manchester is Chelmsford station (CHM), which connects to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN).
The cheapest way to get from Chelmsford to Manchester is by train, with a cost of around €71.
The train journey from Chelmsford to Manchester offers a varied landscape, including picturesque countryside views, charming English villages, and glimpses of historic cities, making it a visually appealing experience.
A day trip from Chelmsford to Manchester is not feasible as the journey takes 2h 48m each way. There are 4 trains per day covering a distance of 165 miles (267 km).
In Manchester, you can explore Old Trafford, the home of Manchester United, with its tours and museum. Discover the Northern Quarter, known for its independent shops and street art, or enjoy a captivating performance at the Manchester Opera House. For nightlife, check out Deansgate Locks' bars and clubs. Spend a relaxing day at Heaton Park, one of Europe's largest municipal parks. Visit the Manchester Art Gallery, Science and Industry Museum, and see the stunning architecture of Manchester Cathedral. The John Rylands Library offers a look at rare manuscripts, while Castlefield invites leisurely strolls through its historic ruins and canals.
To fully experience Manchester, including its cultural landmarks, museums, and vibrant nightlife, spending 2 to 3 days is typically sufficient.
Yes, you can take the train from Chelmsford to Manchester.
Since neither Chelmsford nor Manchester 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.
Popular day trips by train from Manchester include Liverpool, Leeds, Sheffield, Newton-le-Willows, Chester.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Chelmsford to Manchester among Omio's users.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
Yes, rail passes such as the BritRail Pass are valid on most trains within the United Kingdom, offering unlimited travel on participating train operators for a set period.
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 Manchester, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like markets, public transport, and popular tourist spots. Common scams include fake charity collectors and overcharging by unofficial taxi drivers. It is advisable to use licensed taxis and keep personal belongings secure to avoid theft. Staying aware of surroundings, particularly at night, helps reduce safety risks.
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 train stations

Popular train stations from Chelmsford to Manchester

Most Chelmsford to Manchester trains use the Chelmsford to Manchester Piccadilly station pair, with some services arriving at Manchester Airport. Use this guide to compare Chelmsford and Manchester train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Chelmsford
Arrival train stations in Manchester

Which Chelmsford station do trains to Manchester leave from?

Trains from Chelmsford to Manchester leave from Chelmsford. The station is from Chelmsford city centre at Chelmsford station, Duke Street, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 1HT.
ChelmsfordChelmsford station, Duke Street, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 1HT+44 8450507080WifiShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike Parking
City-centre transport

Getting to Chelmsford from Chelmsford city centre

Location for Rail Replacement ServicesReplacement transport stop at the bus stop on Victoria Road by station entrance

Chelmsford 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

Food and drink options are available at Chelmsford.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Chelmsford. ATMs are available at Chelmsford.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Chelmsford.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Chelmsford: Parking, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Chelmsford: Bike Parking.

Accessibility

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.

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