- Recommended
Clacton Museum
Local history museum covering Clacton’s growth as a resort, wartime stories and seaside life. A useful starting point for understanding the town.
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Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Chelmsford to Clacton-on-Sea
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Chelmsford to Clacton-on-Sea among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £19 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 1h 23m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £19, while a coach costs an average of £21.
Distance: 48 km
Compare bus with
| Coach | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£21 Average Price | £19 Average Price Cheapest | £11 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 9m Average total duration 1h 39m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 23m Average total duration Fastest 53m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 53m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Chelmsford to Clacton-on-Sea is a train with an average price of £19.
This is compared to other travel options from Chelmsford to Clacton-on-Sea:
A train is £2 less than a coach for this route with tickets for a coach from Chelmsford to Clacton-on-Sea costing on average £21.
The fastest way to travel from Chelmsford to Clacton-on-Sea is by train with an average journey time of 53m.
Other travel options to Clacton-on-Sea take longer:
Coach takes on average 1h 39m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Chelmsford and Clacton-on-Sea including taking a train and coach.
Take the bus. It's the cheapest way to make this trip, and the price gap is usually bigger than people expect.
Tickets start at around £21 compared to roughly £11 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-9.82. The journey takes 1h 39m versus 53m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
Compare prices and tickets Chelmsford to Clacton-on-Sea by train or coach
Compare train and coach prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
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Journey information
Overview: Bus from Chelmsford to Clacton-on-Sea
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Chelmsford to Clacton-on-Sea run on average 6 times per day, taking around 1h 39m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £21 but you can travel from only £14 by train.
The earliest coach runs at 05:29, the last at 23:57. The fastest coach covers the 48 km distance in 1h 39m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from £14
Distance 48 km |
Average bus duration 1h 39m |
Cheapest ticket price £21 |
Buses per day 6 |
Fastest bus 1h 39m |
First bus 5:29 |
Last bus 23:57 |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from £14
Bus providers: First Essex from Chelmsford to Clacton-on-SeaYou can travel by bus between Chelmsford to Clacton-on-Sea with First Essex for as low as £14. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
First Essex
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average First Essex Duration
2h 13m
First Essex frequency
25 a day
Complete guide to Clacton-on-Sea
Things to do in Clacton-on-Sea
Discover the best of Clacton-on-Sea — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Clacton-on-Sea trip today.
- Recommended
Jaywick Martello Tower
Contemporary art gallery in a converted Martello tower at Jaywick. It combines exhibitions with the unusual experience of a historic coastal fort.
- Recommended
Naze Tower
Historic wartime site by the Naze with exhibitions on coastal defence, radar and military history. Worth the short trip from Clacton for history fans.
- Must visit
Clacton Beach
Long sandy beach backed by the promenade, popular for traditional seaside walks, paddling and broad coastal views across the North Sea.
- Recommended
Clacton Seafront Gardens
Landscaped seafront gardens beside the beach and promenade, ideal for relaxed walks, floral displays and easy access to the pier and town centre.
- Recommended
Holland-on-Sea Seafront
Quieter stretch of seafront east of the centre, known for beach huts, sea views and a more local atmosphere for walking and relaxing.
- Gluten-free
Essex Oysters
Fresh North Sea oysters from nearby Essex estuaries, prized for their clean, briny flavour and long local shellfish tradition.
- Gluten-free
Jellied Eels
Jellied eels are chopped eels set in savoury stock. They are an old East Anglian and Thames Estuary classic still recognised across Essex.
- Gluten-free
Smoked Eel
Hot smoked eel has a rich, oily flavour and reflects the long fishing and eel-curing heritage of the Essex coast and estuaries.
The Fish House
Casual harbourside-style seafood spot focused on fish, shellfish and simple British coastal dishes in an informal setting.
Armstrong's at the Pavilion
Popular seafront fish and chip shop known for freshly cooked classics and an easy-going traditional seaside atmosphere.
The Roaring Donkey
Well-known pub and dining venue offering British favourites, Sunday roasts and drinks in a comfortable, traditional setting.
British pound sterling (£)
Moderate for a UK seaside town. Dining is fairly priced, but summer stays and family attractions can raise costs; local buses are reasonable.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-12 for fast food or a simple café meal.
- Mid-range
- £15-25 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £35+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £2.80-4 for a cappuccino or similar coffee.
Tipping culture
Tipping is modest. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is not included. Round up for taxis, and tip cafés only for table service or exceptional service.
FAQs: Chelmsford to Clacton-on-Sea coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chelmsford to Clacton-on-Sea by coach. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest coach, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Clacton-on-Sea, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap coach tickets from Chelmsford to Clacton-on-Sea can start from as little as £21 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Chelmsford to Clacton-on-Sea is £21; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by coach from Chelmsford to Clacton-on-Sea is 1h 39m to travel the 48 km long route. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest coach from Chelmsford to Clacton-on-Sea leaves at 5:29. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Chelmsford to Clacton-on-Sea leaves at 23:57.
There are 6 coaches a day from Chelmsford to Clacton-on-Sea which require at least one change with First Essex. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.
When taking a coach from Chelmsford to Clacton-on-Sea, you can count on First Essex for the best way to get you to Clacton-on-Sea. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Chelmsford and Clacton-on-Sea and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
A day trip to Clacton-on-Sea from Chelmsford is worth doing with a journey time of 1h 39m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Chelmsford to Clacton-on-Sea is January.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Chelmsford and Clacton-on-Sea including taking a train and coach.
No, the coach from Chelmsford to Clacton-on-Sea has no accessibility options.
No, there are no bathrooms on board the coach from Chelmsford to Clacton-on-Sea.
No, bikes are not allowed on board the coach from Chelmsford to Clacton-on-Sea.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the coach from Chelmsford to Clacton-on-Sea.
No, luggage for the coach from Chelmsford to Clacton-on-Sea needs to be booked in addition.
No, there are no additional luggage options for the coach from Chelmsford to Clacton-on-Sea.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Chelmsford to Clacton-on-Sea.
No, there are no USB plugs on board the coach from Chelmsford to Clacton-on-Sea.
No, there is no WiFi on board the coach from Chelmsford to Clacton-on-Sea.
More options for your journey from Chelmsford to Clacton-on-Sea
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Clacton-on-Sea and Chelmsford
Most popular bus connections
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