- 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, prices and bookable tickets for 13 Oct
Cheapest price on 13 Oct
£56
Average ticket price on 13 Oct
£56
Fastest journey on 13 Oct
6 h 39 m
Average journey duration on 13 Oct
7 h 47 m
Buses on 13 Oct
6
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 £56 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £56.
Fast coaches
To travel from Manchester to Chelmsford you need to make at least 2 changes.
2:458h09Manchester10:54Chelmsford£561One-way2 changes- 5:157h39Manchester12:54Chelmsford£561One-way2 changes
- 9:307h43Manchester17:13Chelmsford£561One-way2 changes
- 11:456h39Manchester18:24Chelmsford£561One-way2 changes
- 19:1511h00Manchester6:15Chelmsford£561One-way2 changes
- 11:456h39Manchester18:24Chelmsford£561One-way2 changes
- 5:157h39Manchester12:54Chelmsford£561One-way2 changes
- 9:307h43Manchester17:13Chelmsford£561One-way2 changes
- 2:458h09Manchester10:54Chelmsford£561One-way2 changes
- 23:408h46Manchester8:26Chelmsford£561One-way2 changes
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Manchester to Chelmsford
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Take a bus from Manchester to Chelmsford and enjoy the approximately 267 km long journey. Find schedules and pricing options for a convenient and affordable trip.
The earliest coach runs at 04:55, the last at 21:55.
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 £60
Distance 267 km |
First bus 4:55 |
Last bus 21:55 |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Thu |
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 £60
Live departures
Manchester to Chelmsford bus times
The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Chelmsford coaches for today, Monday 12 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11:45 Manchester | 6h39 | 18:24 Chelmsford | 2 changes | |
| 19:15 Manchester | 11h00 | 6:15 Chelmsford | 2 changes | |
| 23:40 Manchester | 8h46 | 8:26 Chelmsford | 2 changes | |
| Tuesday 13 October | |||||
| 2:45 Manchester | 8h09 | 10:54 Chelmsford | 2 changes | |
| 5:15 Manchester | 7h39 | 12:54 Chelmsford | 2 changes | |
| 9:30 Manchester | 7h43 | 17:13 Chelmsford | 2 changes | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
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.
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.
No, the coach from Manchester to Chelmsford has no accessibility options.
No, there are no bathrooms on board the coach from Manchester to Chelmsford.
No, bikes are not allowed on board the coach from Manchester to Chelmsford.
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 Manchester to Chelmsford.
No, luggage for the coach from Manchester to Chelmsford needs to be booked in addition.
No, there are no additional luggage options for the coach from Manchester to Chelmsford.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Manchester to Chelmsford.
No, there are no USB plugs on board the coach from Manchester to Chelmsford.
No, there is no WiFi on board the coach from Manchester to Chelmsford.
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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