- 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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Compare prices and tickets Southend-on-Sea to Chelmsford by coach or train
Compare coach and train 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 Southend-on-Sea to Chelmsford
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Take a bus from Southend-on-Sea to Chelmsford and enjoy the approximately 28 km long journey. Find schedules and pricing options for a convenient and affordable trip.
The earliest coach runs at 05:25, the last at 23:23. The fastest coach covers the 28 km distance in 49m.
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 £11
Distance 28 km |
Average bus duration 1h 5m |
Buses per day 6 |
Fastest bus 49m |
First bus 5:25 |
Last bus 23:23 |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sun |
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 £11
Bus providers: First Essex from Southend-on-Sea to ChelmsfordYou can travel by bus between Southend-on-Sea to Chelmsford with First Essex for as low as £11. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
First Essex
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
49m
First Essex frequency
50 a day
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.
Buses from Southend-on-Sea to Chelmsford
National Express Coaches makes short work of travelling between these two towns with buses from Southend-on-Sea to Chelmsford using the same timetable seven days a week. There is one bus a day which leaves at around 9:00 a.m. and gets into Chelmsford at about 10:30 a.m. giving plenty of time for business or leisure appointments. This is a direct route with a journey time of 1 hour and 25 minutes. Buses from Southend-on-Sea to Chelmsford depart from Chichester Road in the centre of Southend-on-Sea and terminate at Chelmsford Bus Station.
FAQs: Southend-on-Sea to Chelmsford coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Southend-on-Sea 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 average journey time by coach from Southend-on-Sea to Chelmsford is 49m to travel the 28 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 Southend-on-Sea to Chelmsford leaves at 5:25. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Southend-on-Sea to Chelmsford leaves at 23:23.
There are 6 coaches a day from Southend-on-Sea to Chelmsford which require at least one change with First Essex. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.
When taking a coach from Southend-on-Sea to Chelmsford, you can count on First Essex for the best way to get you to Chelmsford. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Southend-on-Sea and Chelmsford and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
A day trip to Chelmsford from Southend-on-Sea is worth doing with a journey time of 49m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Southend-on-Sea to Chelmsford is March.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Southend-on-Sea and Chelmsford including taking a coach and train.
No, the coach from Southend-on-Sea to Chelmsford has no accessibility options.
No, there are no bathrooms on board the coach from Southend-on-Sea to Chelmsford.
No, bikes are not allowed on board the coach from Southend-on-Sea 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 Southend-on-Sea to Chelmsford.
No, luggage for the coach from Southend-on-Sea to Chelmsford needs to be booked in addition.
No, there are no additional luggage options for the coach from Southend-on-Sea to Chelmsford.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Southend-on-Sea to Chelmsford.
No, there are no USB plugs on board the coach from Southend-on-Sea to Chelmsford.
No, there is no WiFi on board the coach from Southend-on-Sea to Chelmsford.
More options for your journey from Southend-on-Sea to Chelmsford
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Chelmsford and Southend-on-Sea
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