The cheapest and fastest trains from Manchester to Chelmsford
Cheapest price
$135
Average price
$203
Fastest journey
3 h 32 m
Average duration
3 h 41 m
Trains per day
3
Distance
267 km
The best way to find a cheap train 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 $203 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $135.
Of the 3 trains that leave Manchester for Chelmsford on Tue, Dec 23, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, Dec 23 the direct trains cover the 267 km distance in an average of 3 h 41 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 32 m .
On Tue, Dec 23 the slowest trains will take 3 h 54 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.






Travel Information
Compare train and flight 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 prices starting from €64. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 8m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of €64, and a flight costs an average of €81.
Distance: 165 miles (267 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight |
|---|---|
€107 Average price Cheapest | €146 Average price |
3h 33m Average total duration 3h 3m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 8m Average total duration Fastest 1h 8m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.8 - 1.6kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Manchester to Chelmsford train times
The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Chelmsford trains for today, Monday, December 22. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 9:15 AM Manchester | 4h08 | 1:23 PM Chelmsford | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:55 AM Manchester | 3h32 | 1:27 PM Chelmsford | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 1:10 PM Manchester | 3h39 | 4:49 PM Chelmsford | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Tuesday, December 23 | |||||
![]() | 5:30 AM Manchester | 3h38 | 9:08 AM Chelmsford | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Manchester to Chelmsford by train or flight
Compare 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.
Dec 23
Dec 24
Dec 25
Dec 26
Dec 27
Dec 28
Dec 29
Why should you book Manchester to Chelmsford trains with Omio?
Avanti West Coast operates all train services from Manchester to Chelmsford. Omio is the only official third party seller for Avanti West Coast tickets.
Why book with Omio vs Avanti West Coast?
- 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 train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Manchester to Chelmsford.
Why book with Omio over Trainline and Rail Europe?
- Official reseller: Avanti West Coast tickets can only be bought on Omio or Avanti West Coast's website as Omio is the only official third party seller for Avanti West Coast tickets. Trainline, RailEurope, and Rail.Ninja do not sell Avanti West Coast tickets as they are not official sellers.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Manchester to Chelmsford.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Manchester to Chelmsford
Trains from Manchester to Chelmsford run on average 6 times per day, taking around 3h 3m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $79 (€64) if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 01:01, the last at 21:55. The fastest train covers the 165 miles (267 km) distance in 3h 32m.
Distance 165 miles (267 km) |
Average train duration 3h 3m |
Cheapest ticket price $79 (€64) |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 3h 32m |
First train 01:01 |
Last train 21:55 |
Train companies: Avanti West Coast from Manchester to Chelmsford trainsAvanti West Coast trains will get you between Manchester and Chelmsford from $79 (€64). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Avanti West Coast
FAQs: Trains from Manchester to Chelmsford
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester to Chelmsford 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 Chelmsford, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Manchester to Chelmsford
- Mon - Sat: 04:30 - 22:30
- Sun: 07:00 - 22:30
- Pay as you go Wi-Fi is available through BT Wi-Fi.
- Operated by Excess Baggage Co. Llocated between Platforms 10 and 11 and open daily from 08:00 to 21:00.
- Burger King
- Caffè Nero
- Carluccio’s
- Hotel Chocolat
- Starbucks
- The Pasty Shop
- Costa Coffee
- Pret a Manger
- Upper Crust
- McDonald's
- & more
- There is step-free access throughout the station. Ramps for train access and wheelchairs are also available.
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Manchester - Piccadilly
- Premier Inn Manchester City
- Staycity Aparthotels - Manchester Piccadilly
- Mon - Sat: 04:30 - 22:30
- Sun: 07:00 - 22:30
- Located near the Fairfield Street entrance on the mezzanine level.
- Bus lines: 1, 2, 3, 147
- Train lines: Northern, TransPennine Express, Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, East Midlands Trains, Transport for Wales
- Opening hours: Monday - Sunday 06:30 - 22:30
- Type of shops available: Passport Photo Booth
- Car Park: No
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: re Step free access is provided from the Ground Transport Interchange to all platforms via lifts or ramps. This station is staffed for all services. This station is Category A. Station staff can provide assistance from Meeting Point 1 (adjacent to the Station Booking Office) and throughout the railway station, and with boarding and alighting the train. Customers requiring assistance should make themselves known to station staff no less than 20 minutes prior to the departure time of their train. Customers requiring assistance to access other services or to connect with terminals should request this from their airline or Manchester Airport Group. Assistance can be requested in advance by contacting the TransPennine Express Assisted Travel Team on 0800 107 2149 (18001 prefix for TextRelay). Please be aware that some platforms at this station have no or only partial tactile paving on the platform edge.
- Accessible public telephones: In the station cafe on platforms 2 and 3
- 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
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located at platform level, behind the lifts. The Ladies toilets are located at the end of Platform 3. The Gents toilets are located at the end of Platform 2. The National key toilets are located at platform level, behind the lifts, at the end of Platform 2; these toilets are operated by a radar key.
- National key toilets: Yes
- National key toilets location: The National key toilets are located at platform level, behind the lifts, at the end of Platform 2; these toilets are operated by a radar key.
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: No cycle storage
- Storage CCTV: No
- Information available from staff: ,Yes - from help point,Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 0800 107 2149
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Rail Replacement bus services depart from stands L & M of the adjacent Bus Station which is situated close to the ticket office.
- Opening hours: Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday,Saturday 06:30 - 22:00 Sunday 08:00 - 22:15
- Car Park: No
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: Category A station, Scooter Friendly Station - Step free access around the whole station via use of lifts between platforms 3-6, connection with Manchester Metrolink using ramps
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible ticket machines note: Accepts Cash & Cards Located near the ticket office.
- Accessible toilets: Yes
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: Yes
- Wheelchairs available open hours: As per ticket office opening hours
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
- Toilets Location: A key is available in the Duty's Manager's office.
- Baby changing facilities: No
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: on platform and approach
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Pick up point is on Station Approach (M3 1WY) directly outside the station main entrance, outside the M & S shop.
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:50 - 22:00 Saturday 05:50 - 22:00 Sunday 07:00 - 23:00
- Type of shops available: Newsagent Flower stall Hairdresser Dry cleaner
- Car Park: Premium Bay
- 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
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on each platform. The accessible (radar key) toilets are located on the Ground Floor, near the lifts.
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: There is a dedicated Cycle Point, with free cycle parking, plus secure cycle parking and premium cycle parking. This is in Park Road, opposite the station.
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Replacement transport stop at the bus stop on Victoria Road by station entrance
Most popular train connections from Manchester
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