- Must visit
Wardown House Museum and Gallery
Museum and gallery in a Victorian mansion, showcasing local history, decorative arts and changing exhibitions in Wardown Park.
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Chelmsford to Luton
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 18 Sept
Cheapest price on 18 Sept
£0.00
Average ticket price on 18 Sept
£9
Fastest journey on 18 Sept
2 h 25 m
Average journey duration on 18 Sept
2 h 37 m
Buses on 18 Sept
8
Distance
63 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Chelmsford to Luton is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
Fast coaches
To travel from Chelmsford to Luton you need to make at least one change.
8:152h55Chelmsford11:10LutonFind prices1 change- 10:432h42Chelmsford13:25LutonFind prices1 change
- 13:132h42Chelmsford15:55LutonFind prices1 change
- 21:062h49Chelmsford23:55LutonFind prices1 change
- 23:313h24Chelmsford2:55LutonFind prices1 change
19:002h25Chelmsford21:25Luton£231One-way1 change- 6:252h30Chelmsford8:55Luton£231One-way1 change
- 10:432h42Chelmsford13:25LutonFind prices1 change
- 13:132h42Chelmsford15:55LutonFind prices1 change
- 16:262h44Chelmsford19:10Luton£231One-way1 change
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Chelmsford to Luton
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Chelmsford to Luton among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £23 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 1h 48m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £23, while a train costs an average of £25.
Distance: 63 km
Compare bus with
| Coach | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£23 Average Price Cheapest | £25 Average Price | £13 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 18m Average total duration 2h 48m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 48m Average total duration Fastest 1h 18m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 11m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Chelmsford to Luton is a coach with an average price of £23.
This is compared to other travel options from Chelmsford to Luton:
A coach is £2 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Chelmsford to Luton costing on average £25.
The fastest way to travel from Chelmsford to Luton is by train with an average journey time of 1h 18m.
Other travel options to Luton take longer:
Coach takes on average 2h 48m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Chelmsford and Luton 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 £23 compared to roughly £13 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-10.22. The journey takes 2h 48m versus 1h 11m 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.
Live departures
Chelmsford to Luton bus times
The table below shows live departures for Chelmsford to Luton coaches for today, Thursday 17 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6:25 Chelmsford | 2h30 | 8:55 Luton | 1 change | |
| 8:15 Chelmsford | 2h55 | 11:10 Luton | 1 change | |
| 10:43 Chelmsford | 2h42 | 13:25 Luton | 1 change | |
| 13:13 Chelmsford | 2h42 | 15:55 Luton | 1 change | |
| 16:26 Chelmsford | 2h44 | 19:10 Luton | 1 change | |
| 19:00 Chelmsford | 2h25 | 21:25 Luton | 1 change | |
| 21:06 Chelmsford | 2h49 | 23:55 Luton | 1 change | |
| 23:31 Chelmsford | 3h24 | 2:55 Luton | 1 change | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Chelmsford to Luton 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.
Fri
18 Sept
18 Sept
Sat
19 Sept
19 Sept
Sun
20 Sept
20 Sept
Mon
21 Sept
21 Sept
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22 Sept
22 Sept
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24 Sept
24 Sept
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Chelmsford to Luton
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Chelmsford to Luton run on average 6 times per day, taking around 2h 48m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £23 but you can travel from only £14 by train.
The earliest coach runs at 03:18, the last at 22:51. The fastest coach covers the 63 km distance in 2h 25m.
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 63 km |
Average bus duration 2h 48m |
Cheapest ticket price £23 |
Buses per day 6 |
Fastest bus 2h 25m |
First bus 3:18 |
Last bus 22:51 |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Tue |
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, Arriva UK from Chelmsford to LutonYou can travel by bus between Chelmsford to Luton with First Essex, Arriva UK 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 30m
First Essex frequency
5 a day
Arriva UK
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Arriva UK Duration
2h 25m
Cheapest Arriva UK Price
£23
Arriva UK frequency
3 a day
Complete guide to Luton
Things to do in Luton
Discover the best of Luton — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Luton trip today.
- Recommended
The Hat Factory
Collection of historic hats and fashion displays in a former hat factory, highlighting the trade that shaped Luton's identity.
- Recommended
Stockwood Discovery Centre
Gallery venue inside Stockwood Discovery Centre, featuring art displays alongside heritage exhibits in an accessible parkland setting.
- Must visit
Wardown Park
Large landscaped park with formal gardens, lake, museum and open space, ideal for a relaxed walk close to central Luton.
- Recommended
Stockwood Park
Parkland site with gardens, heritage displays and family-friendly walking routes around the Discovery Centre and museum grounds.
- Recommended
Galley and Warden Hills
Nature reserve and chalk downland area with trails and wide views, popular for walking and a quieter escape above the town.
Bedfordshire Clanger
A Bedfordshire classic: suet pastry pudding filled with chopped beef, onions and stock. Long linked to local home cooking across Bedfordshire, including Luton.
- Vegetarian
Stuffed Bedfordshire Onions
A traditional Bedfordshire dish of baked onions stuffed with seasoned sage and breadcrumbs. It reflects thrifty local cooking from the surrounding county.
Bedfordshire Suet Crust Pie
A rich suet pastry pie with bacon, onions and potatoes. It is an old Bedfordshire comfort food once popular with labourers and farming families.
Monna Lisa
Popular Turkish restaurant serving grilled meats, meze and flatbreads in a lively modern setting close to the town centre.
Gautam's
Well-known South Indian venue specialising in dosas, curries and vegetarian dishes in a relaxed, informal atmosphere.
Off The Wall
Established steakhouse and grill known for steaks, burgers and hearty mains in a smart but approachable setting.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for the UK. Hotels near the airport can be pricey, but dining and local buses are usually cheaper than in London.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-12 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- £15-25 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £45+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service may be included in restaurants; if not, 10-12.5% is common for good service. Taxis are often rounded up. Café tipping is optional.
Intalink
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2.00
- Day pass
- £5.00
To the city centre
Luton Dunstable Road (Challney) -> Luton Interchange
- Distance
- 3 km
- Travel time
- 12 min
- Tap contactless on most local buses where offered, but check the operator before boarding because ticketing varies between Arriva, Centrebus and others.
- For flexible bus travel across Luton and Dunstable, the Hip Hop multi-operator day ticket is the clearest official day ticket option at £5.00.
FAQs: Chelmsford to Luton coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chelmsford to Luton 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 Luton, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap coach tickets from Chelmsford to Luton can start from as little as £23 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Chelmsford to Luton is £23; 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 Luton is 2h 25m to travel the 63 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 Luton leaves at 3:18. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Chelmsford to Luton leaves at 22:51.
There are 6 coaches a day from Chelmsford to Luton which require at least one change with First Essex, Arriva UK. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.
When taking a coach from Chelmsford to Luton, you can count on First Essex, Arriva UK for the best way to get you to Luton. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Chelmsford and Luton and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
A trip to Luton from Chelmsford is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 2h 25m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Chelmsford to Luton is May.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Chelmsford and Luton including taking a train and coach.
No, the coach from Chelmsford to Luton has no accessibility options.
No, there are no bathrooms on board the coach from Chelmsford to Luton.
No, bikes are not allowed on board the coach from Chelmsford to Luton.
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 Luton.
No, luggage for the coach from Chelmsford to Luton needs to be booked in addition.
No, there are no additional luggage options for the coach from Chelmsford to Luton.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Chelmsford to Luton.
No, there are no USB plugs on board the coach from Chelmsford to Luton.
No, there is no WiFi on board the coach from Chelmsford to Luton.
More options for your journey from Chelmsford to Luton
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Luton and Chelmsford
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