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Trains from Chelmsford to Manchester

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East Midlands Railway
Greater Anglia

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  1. Home
  2. Train times
  3. Chelmsford to Manchester

Chelmsford to Manchester by train

First train

7:43 am

Last train

7:43 am

Departure station

Chelmsford

Arrival station

Manchester

Journey time

From 4h 26m

Distance

166 miles (267 km)

Changes

3 changes

Train operators

East Midlands Railway, Greater Anglia, London North Eastern Railway, Thameslink, TransPennine Express

About the train journey from Chelmsford to Manchester

Want to travel from Chelmsford to Manchester by train? Start your journey with us.

The train from Chelmsford to Manchester usually takes 5 hours 2 minutes on average to travel 267 km, although the quickest services can take as little as 4 hours 26 minutes. You can expect to find 0 trains per day running on this popular route. As there aren't any direct services running between Chelmsford and Manchester, you'll need to make 3 changes on your way to Manchester.

To help you get the best train deals, we'll highlight the cheapest train ticket prices from Chelmsford to Manchester in our Journey Planner. Just remember, the sooner you book your tickets, the more you'll save!

Keep reading for more information about the train journey to Manchester, including FAQs, timetables with first and last train times and tips on booking cheap train tickets. If you're ready to book, just start a search for tickets with us today.

What do people frequently ask about the train journey from Chelmsford to Manchester?

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

What is the quickest journey time between Chelmsford and Manchester by train?

The quickest journey time between Chelmsford and Manchester by train is 4 hours and 26 minutes.

Are there direct trains from Chelmsford to Manchester?

No there are no direct trains running from Chelmsford to Manchester, you’ll usually need to make around 3 changes during the journey.

What's the distance between Chelmsford and Manchester by train?

Trains traveling from Chelmsford to Manchester cover a distance of around 166 miles (267 km) during the journey. You can get there in 4 hours and 26 minutes on the fastest services.

What is the best way to get to Manchester from Chelmsford?

To get from Chelmsford to Manchester, we believe that it's best to take the train! Trains are convenient and comfortable, offering a great way to get to Manchester. Plus, the fastest trains can take just 4 hours and 26 minutes, leaving you with more time to explore.

How do I find cheap train tickets from Chelmsford to Manchester?

Planning a trip to the UK soon? As most UK train companies increase their prices as the departure date approaches, our Trainline team of experts have put together these tips to help you find the cheapest tickets.

1. Book in advance

Train tickets from Chelmsford to Manchester start at § one way for a Standard Class ticket if you book in advance. UK train companies usually release Advance tickets up to 12 weeks ahead of time and these can be cheaper than tickets bought on the day of travel.

2. Sign up to Ticket Alert

If you're planning a trip more than 12 weeks ahead, sign up to our Ticket Alert to get notified when Advance tickets are released for your travel date.

3. Book split tickets

Our handy feature SplitSave will ‘split’ your train journey into multiple tickets, which can be much cheaper than buying a single ticket. Find out more about split tickets.

4. Travel Off-Peak

If you can be flexible with your travel times, Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak tickets are usually cheaper than Anytime tickets in the UK. Generally, Off-Peak times are any time at weekends and outside of Monday to Friday morning and evening rush hours.

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

§Advance adult single fare. Excludes booking fee. Prices seen by Trainline customers in the last 30 days. Availability limited.

What are my ticket options for this journey?

If you're like us, you've probably seen the sheer number of ticket types available in the UK and wondered "Why are there so many?!" To help, we've put together a handy guide to the main UK ticket types, simply tap the one you’re interested in to find out more.

Advance train tickets

Single tickets released ahead of time for a specific time and date. Generally, the sooner you book, the cheaper these tickets are likely to be.

Anytime train tickets

Flexible tickets that allow you to travel at any time of the day. Perfect if you have to be somewhere but aren’t sure for how long.

First Class train tickets

Fancy traveling in style? Enjoy perks like more spacious seating, complimentary refreshments and lounge access with First Class train tickets.

GroupSave train tickets

Save up to 1/3 when traveling with a group of 3 to 9 people on eligible single or return journeys at Off-Peak or Super Off-Peak times.

Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak train tickets

Available at quieter times of the day, Off-Peak tickets offer the flexibility of traveling at any time during the Off-Peak window and discounted fares.

Return train tickets

Return tickets combine your outward and return journey into a single ticket. Choose from a Day or Open Return ticket for more flexibility on travel dates.

Family train tickets

Traveling with your family? There are plenty of family offers to help you save money, including Kids for a Quid tickets for children aged 5-15 and Off-Peak Family Travelcards.

* Based on European average monthly visitors to Trainline’s app and website from 1.1.2023 to 10.31.2023 vs other independent retailers.

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