How to travel from Chelmsford to Ipswich

Fri, Oct 30
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Greater Anglia
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Greater Anglia
FlixBus
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Deutsche Bahn
iryo
1,000+ more
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Travel Information

Compare train and bus for Chelmsford to Ipswich

Omio 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 bus, with an average ticket price of $7 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 1h 14m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $7, while a train costs an average of $25.

Distance: 36 miles (59 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus
Driving

$25

Average price

$7

Average price

Cheapest

$16

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

1h 14m

Average total duration

Fastest

44m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

2h 15m

Average total duration

1h 45m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

54m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

Greater Anglia

Most popular train company

FlixBus

Most popular bus company

Your own car or car rental

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Compare ways to travel from Chelmsford to Ipswich

Compare the available ways to get from Chelmsford to Ipswich, with the key details around price, speed, convenience, and direct service.

The cheapest way to travel from Chelmsford to Ipswich is a bus with an average price of $7.

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

A bus is $18 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Chelmsford to Ipswich costing on average $25.

The fastest way to travel from Chelmsford to Ipswich is by train with an average journey time of 1h 14m.

Other travel options to Ipswich take longer:

Bus takes on average 2h 15m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Chelmsford and Ipswich including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Chelmsford to Ipswich 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 10m sooner (44m by train vs 54m by car). Tickets start at around $25 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.

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.

Travel options
from Chelmsford to Ipswich

How to get from Chelmsford to Ipswich by train, bus or flight.

Our recommendation

bus

The best way to travel from Chelmsford to Ipswich is by taking a bus because it’s the best combination of price and speed.

  • FlixBusFlixBus
    0 transfers

Cheapest

  • FlixBusFlixBus
    0 transfers

Fastest

  • Greater AngliaP01211
    0 transfers

Other options

  • Greater AngliaP01208
    0 transfers
  • Greater AngliaP01203
    0 transfers
  • Greater AngliaP66918 · P01215
    1 transfer

Find all the dates and times for this journey by train, bus, flight, and ferry .

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FAQs: Travel from Chelmsford to Ipswich

Travel to Ipswich easily. Whether you want fast, cheap or something entirely different, our travel experts have collected everything you need to know so you can find the best option from Chelmsford to Ipswich.

FAQs
There are 2 options to travel between Chelmsford and Ipswich including taking a train and bus.
The cheapest way to travel from Chelmsford to Ipswich is a bus with an average price of $7.

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

A bus is $18 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Chelmsford to Ipswich costing on average $25.

The fastest way to travel from Chelmsford to Ipswich is by train with an average journey time of 1h 14m.

Other travel options to Ipswich take longer:

Bus takes on average 2h 15m.

The distance from Chelmsford to Ipswich is approximately 36 miles (59 km).
The average frequency per day from Chelmsford to Ipswich is:
  • Around 9 trains per day.
  • Around 1 buses per day.

However, we recommend checking specific travel dates for your route between Chelmsford and Ipswich as scheduled services by train and bus can vary by season or day of the week.

These are the most popular departure and arrival points from Chelmsford to Ipswich:
  • Trains mostly depart from Chelmsford station (CHM) and arrive in Ipswich station (IPS).
  • Buses mostly depart from Chelmsford, Station (Stand VA) and arrive in Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema).
If finding a good deal is your main consideration for your trip from Chelmsford to Ipswich, then we'll help you find the best value travel companies for you:
  • Travel with Greater Anglia to go to Ipswich by train.
  • Travel with FlixBus to go to Ipswich by bus.
Yes, there are direct services available from Chelmsford to Ipswich with the following travel companies:
  • 6 direct trains per day with Greater Anglia.
  • 1 direct buses per day with FlixBus.
Omio customers who travel from Chelmsford to Ipswich often also extend their vacation to go to London Liverpool Street (LST), London, Stratford (London) (SRA), London Stansted Airport, Norwich station (NRW). Omio can help you plan your trip by finding the best connections between Ipswich and these popular destinations at a great price.
Most travelers need at least three days in Ipswich to see the main sights at a comfortable pace. If you want day trips or a slower itinerary, consider adding extra time.
In Ipswich, visitors can enjoy performances at the New Wolsey Theatre, explore walking trails at Orwell Country Park, and discover transport heritage at the Ipswich Transport Museum. Dance enthusiasts can visit DanceEast for performances and workshops, while families might enjoy Jimmy's Farm & Wildlife Park. Notable sights include the vibrant Ipswich Waterfront, historic Christchurch Mansion, Ipswich Museum, and the scenic Holywells Park. For local cuisine and views, the Suffolk Food Hall is a must-visit.
To thoroughly explore Ipswich's cultural attractions, historic sites, and nearby Suffolk countryside, a stay of 2 to 3 days is recommended.
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