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Chelmsford to Manchester by train
| First train | 09:40 | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 18:48 | |
| Departure station | Chelmsford | |
| Arrival station | Manchester | |
| Journey time | From 4h 21m | |
| Distance | 166 miles (267 km) | |
| Frequency | 1 train per day | |
| Changes | 4 changes | |
| Train operators | CrossCountry, Great Western Railway, TransPennine Express, Greater Anglia, East Midlands Railway, Thameslink |
Taking the train from Chelmsford to Manchester in 4 hours 21 minutes
Thinking about taking the train from Chelmsford to Manchester? We've got you covered.
It usually takes around 4 hours 36 minutes to travel the 166 miles (267 km) from Chelmsford to Manchester by train, although you can get there in as little as 4 hours 21 minutes on the fastest services. You'll normally find around 1 train per day running on this route. You'll need to make 4 changes along the way as there aren't any direct services on this line. You're likely to be travelling with Great Western Railway, Greater Anglia or East Midlands Railway to Manchester. As the main train operators on this route, all offer plenty of space for luggage and comfortable seating as standard.
Book train tickets from Chelmsford to Manchester 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 Manchester by train, or check our timetable above to view live train times.
FAQs 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's the distance between Chelmsford and Manchester by train?
Can you travel from Chelmsford to Manchester without taking a flight?
What is the best way to get to Manchester from Chelmsford?
What time is the first train from Chelmsford to Manchester?
What time is the last train from Chelmsford to Manchester?
How often do trains go from Chelmsford to Manchester?
Do you need to prebook train tickets from Chelmsford to Manchester?
Is there a return trip from Chelmsford to Manchester?
Cheap train tickets from Chelmsford to Manchester
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 Manchester 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.