- Must visit
National Railway Museum
Major railway museum with iconic locomotives, royal trains, and engineering exhibits. One of Britain's best family-friendly museums.
Cheapest price
$72
Average price
$90
Fastest journey
3 h 25 m
Average duration
3 h 46 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
268 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Chelmsford to York is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Chelmsford to York will cost around $90 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $72.
Of the 2 trains that leave Chelmsford for York on Wed, Jul 22, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Jul 22 the direct trains cover the 268 km distance in an average of 3 h 46 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 25 m .
On Wed, Jul 22 the slowest trains will take 4 h 7 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.




Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Chelmsford to York among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $49. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 6m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $49, and a train costs an average of $49.
Distance: 166 miles (268 km)
Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|
$103 Average price Cheapest | $72 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 36m Average total duration Fastest 3h 6m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 43m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
You'll arrive about 37m sooner (3h 6m by train vs 3h 43m by car). Tickets start at around $103 (€85) compared to roughly $72 (€59) 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.
The table below shows live departures for Chelmsford to York trains for today, Tuesday, July 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 7:44 AM Chelmsford | 3h19 | 11:03 AM York | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:25 AM Chelmsford | 3h25 | 11:50 AM York | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Wednesday, July 22 | |||||
![]() | 5:56 AM Chelmsford | 4h07 | 10:03 AM York | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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 York run on average 8 times per day, taking around 3h 6m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $49 (€40) if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 04:40, the last at 21:19. The fastest train covers the 166 miles (268 km) distance in 3h 4m.
Distance 166 miles (268 km) |
Average train duration 3h 6m |
Cheapest ticket price $49 (€40) |
Trains per day 8 |
Fastest train 3h 4m |
First train 4:40 AM |
Last train 9:19 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 14 days |
Discover the best of York — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect York trip today.
Major railway museum with iconic locomotives, royal trains, and engineering exhibits. One of Britain's best family-friendly museums.
Immersive walk-through museum recreating Victorian streets, shops, and homes. Brilliant for understanding everyday life in historic York.
York's main city museum with archaeology, Roman finds, and local history. Set in beautiful gardens beside abbey ruins.
Narrow medieval street with overhanging timber-framed buildings and many independent shops. York's most famous and atmospheric lane.
Peaceful riverside gardens with abbey ruins, museum access, and lawns. Ideal for a scenic break amid York's historic core.
Grand civic street lined with historic buildings, gardens, and cultural sites. A key route for exploring the heart of York.
Yorkshire pudding is a baked batter pudding served with roast beef and gravy, iconic across Yorkshire and a staple of the traditional Sunday roast.
York ham is a prized cured ham from the city, traditionally mild, tender, and often served thick-cut in sandwiches, salads, or classic British meals.
Parkin is a sticky ginger cake made with oats and treacle, strongly linked to Yorkshire and especially eaten around Bonfire Night.
Michelin-starred fine dining by Tommy Banks, known for seasonal tasting menus and polished service in an elegant city-centre setting.
Beloved tearoom serving York rarebit, afternoon tea, and the famous fat rascal in an old-fashioned, bustling setting.
Long-established seafood restaurant known for very fresh fish, shellfish, and a smart but relaxed dining room in central York.
Moderate for UK city breaks: hotels and dining are pricier than smaller towns, but transit is limited and many sights are walkable.
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is not included. Round up for taxis. Cafes usually do not expect tips, but small change is appreciated.
Official public transport app
York Railway Station -> York Minster, York
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chelmsford to York 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 York, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Chelmsford to York trains use the Chelmsford to York station pair. Use this guide to compare Chelmsford and York 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.
York has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at York.
Wi-Fi is available at York. ATMs are available at York.
Ticket office support is available at York.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at York: Parking, WC.
Available at York: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at York: 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: No advance booking is required but it will reduce the waiting time for a wheelchair access Taxi, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Accessible machines are available on the main concourse, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
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