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) |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() 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.
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.
Other travel options to Ipswich take longer:
Bus takes on average 2h 15m.
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 optionsfrom Chelmsford to Ipswich
How to get from Chelmsford to Ipswich by train, bus or flight.
Our recommendation
The best way to travel from Chelmsford to Ipswich is by taking a bus because it’s the best combination of price and speed.
FlixBus9:20 PM 1h45 Chelmsford, Station (Stand VA) 11:05 PM Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema) $9 1 One-way 0 transfers
Cheapest
FlixBus9:20 PM 1h45 Chelmsford, Station (Stand VA) 11:05 PM Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema) $9 1 One-way 0 transfers
Fastest
P012117:28 AM 0h37 Chelmsford station (CHM) 8:05 AM Ipswich station (IPS) $13 1 One-way 0 transfers
Other options
P012086:56 AM 0h42 Chelmsford station (CHM) 7:38 AM Ipswich station (IPS) $15 1 One-way 0 transfers
P012036:28 AM 0h38 Chelmsford station (CHM) 7:06 AM Ipswich station (IPS) $16 1 One-way 0 transfers
P66918 · P012157:51 AM 0h47 Chelmsford station (CHM) 8:38 AM Ipswich station (IPS) $18 1 One-way 1 transfer
Find all the dates and times for this journey by train, bus, flight, and ferry .
Compare prices and tickets Prices for trains, buses and flights
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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.

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.
Other travel options to Ipswich take longer:
Bus takes on average 2h 15m.
- 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.
- 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).
- Travel with Greater Anglia to go to Ipswich by train.
- Travel with FlixBus to go to Ipswich by bus.
- 6 direct trains per day with Greater Anglia.
- 1 direct buses per day with FlixBus.
Travelling from Chelmsford to Ipswich: related information
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