- Recommended
Chelmsford Museum
City museum in Oaklands House covering Chelmsford's archaeology, industry and local life. Good for a clear introduction to the area.
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Manchester to Chelmsford
Showing times and prices for 29 Aug
Cheapest price
£57
Average price
£57
Fastest journey
6 h 21 m
Average duration
7 h 17 m
Buses per day
3
Distance
267 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Manchester to Chelmsford is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Manchester to Chelmsford will cost around £57 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £57.
Fast coaches
To travel from Manchester to Chelmsford you need to make at least 2 changes.
2:458h08Manchester10:53Chelmsford£571One-way2 changes- 6:356h21Manchester12:56Chelmsford£571One-way2 changes
- 9:307h23Manchester16:53Chelmsford£571One-way2 changes
- 6:356h21Manchester12:56Chelmsford£571One-way2 changes
- 9:307h23Manchester16:53Chelmsford£571One-way2 changes
- 2:458h08Manchester10:53Chelmsford£571One-way2 changes
Travel Information
Compare train, flight and coach for Manchester to Chelmsford
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Manchester to Chelmsford among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £57. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 15m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £57, and a flight costs an average of £72.
Distance: 267 km
Compare bus with
| Coach | Most popular Train | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£57 Average Price Cheapest | £65 Average Price | £91 Average Price |
8h 48m Average total duration 8h 18m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 31m Average total duration 3h 1m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 15m Average total duration Fastest 1h 15m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* |
- CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.8 - 1.6kg CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Manchester to Chelmsford bus times
The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Chelmsford coaches for today, Friday 28 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5:15 Manchester | 7h39 | 12:54 Chelmsford | 2 changes | |
| 9:30 Manchester | 7h43 | 17:13 Chelmsford | 2 changes | |
| 11:45 Manchester | 6h39 | 18:24 Chelmsford | 2 changes | |
| 19:15 Manchester | 12h27 | 7:42 Chelmsford | 2 changes | |
| 23:40 Manchester | 9h13 | 8:53 Chelmsford | 2 changes | |
| 2:45 Manchester | 8h08 | 10:53 Chelmsford | 2 changes | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Manchester to Chelmsford by train, flight or coach
Compare train, flight 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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29 Aug
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Why should you book Manchester to Chelmsford coaches with Omio?
National Express operates all coaches services from Manchester to Chelmsford.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Manchester to Chelmsford.
Why book with Omio vs National Express?
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare National Express with all available travel options, which are train, flight and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Manchester to Chelmsford.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, flight and bus to find the ideal travel option from Manchester to Chelmsford.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Manchester to Chelmsford
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Manchester to Chelmsford run on average 8 times per day, taking around 8h 18m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £57 but you can travel from only £57 by train.
The earliest coach runs at 04:55, the last at 21:55. The fastest coach covers the 267 km distance in 6h 21m.
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 £57
Distance 267 km |
Average bus duration 8h 18m |
Cheapest ticket price £57 |
Buses per day 8 |
Fastest bus 6h 21m |
First bus 4:55 |
Last bus 21:55 |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 84 days |
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 £57
Bus providers: National Express from Manchester to ChelmsfordYou can travel by bus between Manchester to Chelmsford with National Express for as low as £57. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
National Express
About
National Express is the UK’s leading long-distance coach company, operating over 550 services per day and serving more than 900 destinations nationwide. It also runs frequent services to major UK airports — including Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, and Bristol — 24 hours a day. All National Express coaches are air-conditioned and offer free Wi-Fi and onboard entertainment. Most vehicles are equipped with seat belts and power outlets at every seat, allowing you to charge your phone or laptop during your journey. Ticket options include Restricted Fare, Standard Fare, and Fully Flexible Fare, with the latter providing maximum flexibility for cancellations or changes.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
6h 21m
Cheapest Price
£57
National Express frequency
4 a day
Luggage included
Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Additional luggage
10€ per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a refund minus a cancellation fee. Changes can be up to 24 hours before departure for a fee.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Accessible toilets.
Bikes
Folding Bikes are allowed; non-folding bikes are not allowed.
Complete guide to Chelmsford
Things to do in Chelmsford
Discover the best of Chelmsford — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Chelmsford trip today.
- Recommended
Sandford Mill Museum
Museum on the historic radio works site exploring Marconi, wireless innovation and broadcasting. A strong choice for technology enthusiasts.
The Essex Regiment Museum
Railway museum at Chelmsford station with artefacts, signalling history and volunteer displays. Small but engaging for transport fans.
- Must visit
Hylands Estate
Large historic estate with landscaped parkland, lakes, woods and gardens. Ideal for long walks, events and a classic Chelmsford day out.
- Recommended
Central Park
Popular city-centre park with riverside paths, flower beds and open lawns. A convenient place for a gentle walk near shops and museums.
- Recommended
Writtle Green
Attractive village green lined with historic buildings and a duck pond. A relaxed local favourite for a short stroll just west of the city.
Saffron Walden Sausage
A traditional pork sausage from nearby Saffron Walden, flavoured with sage and pepper. It is a classic Essex butcher’s sausage often served with mash or in breakfasts.
- Vegetarian
Essex Apple Tart
An old Essex apple tart made with local cooking apples, sugar and pastry. It reflects the county’s orchard heritage and is a familiar regional pudding.
- Gluten-free
Essex White Cheese
A soft white cheese traditionally made in Essex from cow’s milk. It is mild, fresh and closely linked with the county’s farming and cheesemaking history.
Turquoise Kitchen
Popular independent Turkish restaurant serving charcoal grills, meze and warm hospitality in a stylish yet casual setting.
The County Kitchen
Smart contemporary restaurant in central Chelmsford serving modern British dishes with polished service in a relaxed city setting.
Pontlands Park Restaurant
Refined hotel dining room at Pontlands Park with seasonal British cooking and a traditional country house atmosphere.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for England: hotels and dining are cheaper than London, but rail fares and central stays can still raise daily visitor costs.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-12 for fast food or a simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- £18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £50+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service may be included in restaurants; otherwise tip around 10%. Taxis often round up or add 10%. Tipping in cafés is optional.
First Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2.50
- Day pass
- £7.00
To the city centre
Chelmsford, Station (Stand VA) -> Chelmsford Bus Station
- Distance
- 0.4 km
- Travel time
- 6 min
- First Bus in Chelmsford accepts contactless payment on board, and Tap & Cap ensures you do not pay more than the Chelmsford day ticket cap.
- Chelmsford Bus Station is next to the railway station, so changing between rail and local buses is straightforward.
FAQs: Manchester to Chelmsford coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester to Chelmsford 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 Chelmsford, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap coach tickets from Manchester to Chelmsford can start from as little as £57 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Manchester to Chelmsford is £57; 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 Manchester to Chelmsford is 6h 21m to travel the 267 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 Manchester to Chelmsford leaves at 4:55. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Manchester to Chelmsford leaves at 21:55.
There are 8 coaches a day from Manchester to Chelmsford which require at least one change with National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.
When taking a coach from Manchester to Chelmsford, you can count on National Express for the best way to get you to Chelmsford. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Manchester and Chelmsford and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
A trip to Chelmsford from Manchester is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 6h 21m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Manchester and Chelmsford including taking a train, flight and coach.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Manchester to Chelmsford:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Manchester to Chelmsford for coach company National Express.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Manchester to Chelmsford depends on the coach companies:
- National Express
- You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a refund minus a cancellation fee. Changes can be up to 24 hours before departure for a fee.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the coach with coach company National Express.
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.
No, there is no food available to purchase on board the coach from Manchester to Chelmsford.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Manchester to Chelmsford:
- National Express
- Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a coach ticket from Manchester to Chelmsford:
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Manchester to Chelmsford.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Manchester to Chelmsford with the following coach company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Manchester to Chelmsford with the following coach company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Manchester to Chelmsford with the following coach company: National Express.
Most popular bus connections from Manchester
More options for your journey from Manchester to Chelmsford
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Chelmsford and Manchester
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