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Low prices found by our customers
Each fare is the lowest adult economy ticket fare found by our customers on Trainline. Fares booked further in advance than the dates displayed may be cheaper. Prices are updated daily, subject to change and indicative of price last update. Limited availability. Discount cards and coach journeys excluded, prices exclusive of booking fee.

Chelmsford to Leicester by train

It takes an average of 3h 45m to travel from Chelmsford to Leicester by train, over a distance of around 92 miles (147 km). There are normally 16 trains per day travelling from Chelmsford to Leicester and tickets for this journey start from £31 when you book in advance.

First train

04:41

Last train

22:23

Departure station

Chelmsford

Arrival station

Leicester

Journey time

From 2h 15m

Distance

92 miles (147 km)

Frequency

16 trains per day

Changes

2 changes

Price

From £31

Train operators

CrossCountry, Greater Anglia, East Midlands Railway, Thameslink

How to travel from Chelmsford to Leicester by train

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

You'll usually find 16 trains per day running between Chelmsford and Leicester, which usually take 3 hours 45 minutes to complete the 92 miles (147 km) journey. It can take as little as 2 hours 15 minutes on the fastest services though, if you want to get there as quickly as possible. Although there aren't any direct services on this line, it's still easy to travel to Leicester by train, you'll just need to make 2 changes along the way. Greater Anglia, East Midlands Railway or Thameslink are the main rail operators on this route, all of which offer modern trains with plenty of space for luggage and comfortable seating.

Use our Journey Planner at the top of the page to search for cheap ticket prices and we'll show you how much you can save. Tickets from Chelmsford to Leicester start from £31.00 when you book in advance. Travelling Off-Peak or using a Railcard can also help you save.

Keen to book your train tickets to Leicester? No need to wait, start a search with us today! If you want to find out a bit more about the journey first, you can find our train timetable with live train times above, and tips on booking cheap tickets and our FAQs further down the page.

Journey details

Want to know more about your journey from Chelmsford to Leicester? 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 Chelmsford to Leicester take?

The average journey time by train between Chelmsford and Leicester is 3 hours and 45 minutes, with around 16 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 Chelmsford and Leicester by train?

The fastest journey time by train from Chelmsford to Leicester is 2 hours and 15 minutes.

How much does the train from Chelmsford to Leicester cost?

Train ticket prices from Chelmsford to Leicester can start from as little as £31 when you book in advance. The cost of tickets can vary depending on the time of day, route and class you book and are usually more expensive if you book on the day.

Is there a direct train from Chelmsford to Leicester?

No, there are no direct train services from Chelmsford to Leicester. Travelling from Chelmsford to Leicester by train will require a minimum of 2 changes.

What time does the first train from Chelmsford to Leicester leave?

The first train from Chelmsford to Leicester leaves at 04:41. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.

What time does the last train from Chelmsford to Leicester leave?

The last train from Chelmsford to Leicester leaves at 22:23. 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 Chelmsford and Leicester by train?

Trains travelling from Chelmsford to Leicester cover a distance of around 92 miles (147 km) during the journey.

Looking for more information?

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

Cheap train tickets from Chelmsford to Leicester

Train tickets from Chelmsford to Leicester start at £31 one way for a Standard Class ticket if you book in advance. As most UK train companies increase their prices as the departure date approaches, we’ll help you find the cheapest tickets.

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 Chelmsford to Leicester 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.

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