- 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 Portsmouth to Chelmsford
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 30 Aug
Cheapest price on 30 Aug
£58
Average ticket price on 30 Aug
£58
Fastest journey on 30 Aug
7 h 40 m
Average journey duration on 30 Aug
7 h 40 m
Buses on 30 Aug
1
Distance
150 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Portsmouth to Chelmsford is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Portsmouth to Chelmsford will cost around £58 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £58.
Fast coaches
To travel from Portsmouth to Chelmsford you need to make at least 4 changes.
12:357h40Portsmouth20:15Chelmsford£581One-way4 changes
- 12:357h40Portsmouth20:15Chelmsford£581One-way4 changes
Live departures
Portsmouth to Chelmsford bus times
The table below shows live departures for Portsmouth to Chelmsford coaches for today, Saturday 29 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12:35 Portsmouth | 7h40 | 20:15 Chelmsford | 4 changes | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Portsmouth to Chelmsford by coach
Compare 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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Why should you book Portsmouth to Chelmsford coaches with Omio?
National Express operates all coaches services from Portsmouth to Chelmsford.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Portsmouth 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.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Portsmouth to Chelmsford
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Portsmouth to Chelmsford run on average 4 times per day, taking around 8h 19m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £58 if you book in advance.
The earliest coach runs at 03:48, the last at 20:34. The fastest coach covers the 150 km distance in 7h 40m.
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
Distance 150 km |
Average bus duration 8h 19m |
Cheapest ticket price £58 |
Buses per day 4 |
Fastest bus 7h 40m |
First bus 3:48 |
Last bus 20:34 |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
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
Bus providers: National Express from Portsmouth to ChelmsfordYou can travel by bus between Portsmouth to Chelmsford with National Express for as low as £58. 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 National Express Duration
7h 40m
Cheapest National Express Price
£58
National Express frequency
1 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: Portsmouth to Chelmsford coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth to Chelmsford can start from as little as £58 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Portsmouth to Chelmsford is £72; 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 Portsmouth to Chelmsford is 7h 40m to travel the 150 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 Portsmouth to Chelmsford leaves at 3:48. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Portsmouth to Chelmsford leaves at 20:34.
There are 4 coaches a day from Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth and Chelmsford and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
A trip to Chelmsford from Portsmouth is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 7h 40m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Portsmouth to Chelmsford is October.
Yes, you can take a coach between Portsmouth and Chelmsford.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Portsmouth to Chelmsford:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Portsmouth to Chelmsford for coach company National Express.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth to Chelmsford.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth to Chelmsford:
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Portsmouth to Chelmsford.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Portsmouth to Chelmsford with the following coach company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Portsmouth to Chelmsford with the following coach company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Portsmouth to Chelmsford with the following coach company: National Express.
Most popular bus connections from Portsmouth
More options for your journey from Portsmouth to Chelmsford
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Chelmsford and Portsmouth
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