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Thetford to Chester by train

First train

05:00

Last train

22:13

Departure station

Thetford

Arrival station

Chester

Journey time

From 4h 20m

Distance

161 miles (258 km)

Frequency

11 trains per day

Changes

1 change

Train operators

CrossCountry, TransPennine Express, Greater Anglia, East Midlands Railway, Avanti West Coast, London North Eastern Railway, Transport for Wales, Grand Central Railway

Taking the train from Thetford to Chester in 4 hours 20 minutes

Thinking about taking the train from Thetford to Chester? We've got you covered.

It usually takes around 6 hours 6 minutes to travel the 161 miles (258 km) from Thetford to Chester by train, although you can get there in as little as 4 hours 20 minutes on the fastest services. You'll normally find around 11 trains per day running on this route. You'll need to make 1 change along the way as there aren't any direct services on this line. You're likely to be travelling with London North Eastern Railway, Avanti West Coast or Greater Anglia to Chester. As the main train operators on this route, all offer plenty of space for luggage and comfortable seating as standard.

Book train tickets from Thetford to Chester in advance instead of buying them on the day and you'll snap up the cheapest fares. We'll always highlight the cheapest prices in our Journey Planner, for example when you travel at Off-Peak times or use a Railcard.

If you're feeling ready to book, start looking for cheap train tickets with us today. Keep reading for more information on the journey to Chester by train, or check our timetable above to view live train times.

Journey details

Want to know more about your journey from Thetford to Chester? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.

How long does the train from Thetford to Chester take?

The average journey time by train between Thetford and Chester is 6 hours and 6 minutes, with around 11 trains per day. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.

What's the fastest journey time between Thetford and Chester by train?

The fastest journey time by train from Thetford to Chester is 4 hours and 20 minutes.

Is there a direct train from Thetford to Chester?

No, there are no direct train services from Thetford to Chester. Travelling from Thetford to Chester by train will require a minimum of 1 change.

What time does the first train from Thetford to Chester leave?

The first train from Thetford to Chester leaves at 05:00. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.

What time does the last train from Thetford to Chester leave?

The last train from Thetford to Chester leaves at 22:13. Trains that depart in the early morning hours or very late evening may be sleeper services, time and services may also vary during weekends and holidays.

What's the distance between Thetford and Chester by train?

Trains travelling from Thetford to Chester cover a distance of around 161 miles (258 km) during the journey.

Looking for more information?

If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Chester to Thetford.

Cheap train tickets from Thetford to Chester

Book in advance

Look out for Advance tickets – they usually come out up to 12 weeks before the departure date and can be cheaper than buying on the day. If you’re here a tad early, sign up for our Advance ticket alert today to get notified when your tickets are released.

Consider a Season Ticket

If you catch this train more than 3 times per week, you could save money with a Season Ticket. With annual, monthly and weekly options available, find out if a season ticket for Thetford to Chester is right for you.

Use your Railcard

National Railcards offer a 1/3 off eligible train tickets in the UK and can be a great investment if you travel a few times or more in a year. Find out how you can save with a National Railcard here.

Split your tickets

Download our app to find split tickets — courtesy of SplitSave, our handy feature which 'splits' your train tickets where possible to find you a better deal. Learn more about the clever tech behind split tickets, and how to spot SplitSave discounts in our app.

For more money-saving tips on UK and European train travel, read our cheap train tickets guide.

† Average savings on advance fares booked at least one week before day of travel vs Anytime fares purchased on day of travel. Subject to availability. Excludes coach.

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