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Trains from Chelmsford to Manchester

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Chiltern Railways

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

Chelmsford to Manchester by train

It takes an average of 5h 32m to travel from Chelmsford to Manchester by train, over a distance of around 166 miles (267 km). There are normally 138 trains per day traveling from Chelmsford to Manchester and tickets for this journey start from $77.49 when you book in advance.

First train

4:11 am

Last train

11:23 pm

Departure station

Chelmsford

Arrival station

Manchester

Journey time

From 3h 25m

Distance

166 miles (267 km)

Frequency

138 trains per day

Changes

2 changes

Price

From $77.49

Train operators

Avanti West Coast, Chiltern Railways, CrossCountry, East Midlands Railway, Great Western Railway, Greater Anglia, London North Eastern Railway, Lumo, TransPennine Express, Transport for Wales

What you need to know about the train journey from Chelmsford to Manchester

Want to find out more about taking the train from Chelmsford to Manchester? Look no further.

The average journey time from Chelmsford to Manchester is around 5 hours 32 minutes. Around 138 trains run on this route each day.

No direct trains run between Chelmsford and Manchester, so you'll need to make 2 changes.

You can find tickets on this route from $77.49. Booking in advance is often a good way to save money on your tickets.

Use our Journey Planner to compare ticket prices and get the cheapest fares.

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.

How do you get to Manchester from Chelmsford?

To travel to Manchester from Chelmsford, you can take the train - on average, the journey takes around 5 hours and 32 minutes, though the fastest trains can take 3 hours and 25 minutes. Use our Journey Planner to get more information on routes and timetables.

How long is the train ride from Chelmsford to Manchester?

Trains from Chelmsford to Manchester take an average of 5 hours and 32 minutes, although on the fastest services it can take just 3 hours and 25 minutes. You'll usually find 138 trains per day on this route, so use our Journey Planner to check specific dates as times may vary.

How much is the train to Manchester from Chelmsford?

Train tickets to Manchester from Chelmsford can start from $77.49 when booked in advance, but they’re usually more expensive if bought on the day of travel. Prices may also vary depending on the time of day, route, and class you choose.

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

The quickest journey time between Chelmsford and Manchester by train is 3 hours and 25 minutes.

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 $77.49§ 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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