- Recommended
Chelmsford Museum
City museum in Oaklands House covering Chelmsford's archaeology, industry and local life. Good for a clear introduction to the area.
Cheapest price
£7
Average price
£10
Fastest journey
25 m
Average duration
25 m
Trains per day
10
Distance
17 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Braintree to Chelmsford is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Braintree to Chelmsford will cost around £10 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £7.
Of the 10 trains that leave Braintree for Chelmsford every day 10 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 17 km distance in an average of 25 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 25 m .
The slowest trains will take 25 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
P66589
P66582
P66606
P66596
P66576
P66576
P66589
P66562
P66551
P66569The table below shows live departures for Braintree to Chelmsford trains for today, Friday 28 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
P66537 | On time 8:14 Braintree station (BTR) | 0h29 | 8:43 Chelmsford station (CHM) | 0 changesdirect | |
P66543 | On time 9:02 Braintree station (BTR) | 0h25 | 9:27 Chelmsford station (CHM) | 0 changesdirect | |
P66552 | On time 10:00 Braintree station (BTR) | 0h25 | 10:25 Chelmsford station (CHM) | 0 changesdirect | |
P66563 | On time 11:00 Braintree station (BTR) | 0h25 | 11:25 Chelmsford station (CHM) | 0 changesdirect | |
C04638 | On time 12:00 Braintree station (BTR) | 0h25 | 12:25 Chelmsford station (CHM) | 0 changesdirect | |
P66575 | On time 13:00 Braintree station (BTR) | 0h25 | 13:25 Chelmsford station (CHM) | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Braintree to Chelmsford run on average 7 times per day, taking around 26m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £11 if you book in advance.
There are 5 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:38, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 17 km distance in 25m.
Distance 17 km |
Average train duration 26m |
Cheapest ticket price £11 |
Trains per day 7 |
Direct trains 5 |
Fastest train 25m |
First train 5:38 |
Last train 23:58 |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 28 days |
Discover the best of Chelmsford — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Chelmsford trip today.
City museum in Oaklands House covering Chelmsford's archaeology, industry and local life. Good for a clear introduction to the area.
Museum on the historic radio works site exploring Marconi, wireless innovation and broadcasting. A strong choice for technology enthusiasts.
Railway museum at Chelmsford station with artefacts, signalling history and volunteer displays. Small but engaging for transport fans.
Large historic estate with landscaped parkland, lakes, woods and gardens. Ideal for long walks, events and a classic Chelmsford day out.
Popular city-centre park with riverside paths, flower beds and open lawns. A convenient place for a gentle walk near shops and museums.
Attractive village green lined with historic buildings and a duck pond. A relaxed local favourite for a short stroll just west of the city.
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.
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.
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.
Popular independent Turkish restaurant serving charcoal grills, meze and warm hospitality in a stylish yet casual setting.
Smart contemporary restaurant in central Chelmsford serving modern British dishes with polished service in a relaxed city setting.
Refined hotel dining room at Pontlands Park with seasonal British cooking and a traditional country house atmosphere.
Moderate for England: hotels and dining are cheaper than London, but rail fares and central stays can still raise daily visitor costs.
Service may be included in restaurants; otherwise tip around 10%. Taxis often round up or add 10%. Tipping in cafés is optional.
Official public transport app
Chelmsford Railway Station -> Chelmsford Bus Station
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Braintree to Chelmsford by train. 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 train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Chelmsford, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Braintree to Chelmsford trains use the Braintree to Chelmsford station pair. Use this guide to compare Braintree and Chelmsford train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Braintree has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Braintree.
Wi-Fi is available at Braintree.
Ticket office support is available at Braintree. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0800 028 28 78, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Braintree: Parking, WC.
Available at Braintree: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Braintree: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible taxis: Details of nearest taxis are shown on station information poster, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Braintree Freeport is 1 km from Braintree city centre. Public transport options include:
Braintree Freeport has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Braintree Freeport.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Braintree Freeport: Parking.
Available at Braintree Freeport: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Braintree Freeport: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible taxis: Details of nearest taxis are shown on station information poster, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: No, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Chelmsford has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Chelmsford.
Wi-Fi is available at Chelmsford. ATMs are available at Chelmsford.
Ticket office support is available at Chelmsford.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Chelmsford: Parking, WC.
Available at Chelmsford: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Chelmsford: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible taxis: Details of nearest taxis are shown on station information poster, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need