- 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 trains from Cardiff to Chelmsford
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 30 Aug
Cheapest price on 30 Aug
£63
Average ticket price on 30 Aug
£84
Fastest journey on 30 Aug
3 h 6 m
Average journey duration on 30 Aug
3 h 21 m
Trains on 30 Aug
6
Distance
254 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cardiff to Chelmsford is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Chelmsford will cost around £84 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £63.
Fast trains
To travel from Cardiff to Chelmsford you need to make at least 2 changes.
C00165+
C36852+
P672099:353h06Cardiff Central (CDF)12:41Chelmsford station (CHM)£631One-way2 changes- C00123+C37805+P6721310:203h21Cardiff Central (CDF)13:41Chelmsford station (CHM)£631One-way2 changes
- C50038+P66926+C376949:003h10Cardiff Central (CDF)12:10Chelmsford station (CHM)£631One-way2 changes
- C50037+C37453+P6721711:203h21Cardiff Central (CDF)14:41Chelmsford station (CHM)£631One-way2 changes
- W34979 · C05988+C37424+P6693410:253h45Cardiff Central (CDF)14:10Chelmsford station (CHM)£1271One-way3 changes
- C00165+C36852+P672099:353h06Cardiff Central (CDF)12:41Chelmsford station (CHM)£631One-way2 changes
- C50038+P66926+C376949:003h10Cardiff Central (CDF)12:10Chelmsford station (CHM)£631One-way2 changes
- C00123+C37805+P6721310:203h21Cardiff Central (CDF)13:41Chelmsford station (CHM)£631One-way2 changes
- C50037+C37453+P6721711:203h21Cardiff Central (CDF)14:41Chelmsford station (CHM)£631One-way2 changes
- W34979 · C05988+C37424+P6693410:253h45Cardiff Central (CDF)14:10Chelmsford station (CHM)£1271One-way3 changes
Live departures
Cardiff to Chelmsford train times
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Chelmsford trains for tomorrow, Sunday 30 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C50038+P66926+C37694 | 9:00 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h10 | 12:10 Chelmsford station (CHM) | 2 changes | |
| C00165+P67209+C36852 | 9:35 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h06 | 12:41 Chelmsford station (CHM) | 2 changes | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cardiff to Chelmsford by train
Compare 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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30 Aug
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31 Aug
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Tue
01 Sept
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Wed
02 Sept
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Thu
03 Sept
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04 Sept
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Sat
05 Sept
05 Sept
Why should you book Cardiff to Chelmsford trains with Omio?
Great Western Railway as well as Great Western Railway (GWR) offer trains services from Cardiff to Chelmsford.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cardiff to Chelmsford.
Why book with Omio vs Great Western Railway?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Great Western Railway, but also compare tickets for the likes of Great Western Railway (GWR) to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Chelmsford.
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Journey information
Overview: Train from Cardiff to Chelmsford
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Cardiff to Chelmsford run on average 7 times per day, taking around 2h 56m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £51 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 05:07, the last at 21:25. The fastest train covers the 254 km distance in 3h 15m.
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 254 km |
Average train duration 2h 56m |
Cheapest ticket price £51 |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 3h 15m |
First train 5:07 |
Last train 21:25 |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sept |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 1 day |
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
Train companies: Great Western Railway, Great Western Railway (GWR) from Cardiff to Chelmsford trainsGreat Western Railway, Great Western Railway (GWR) trains will get you between Cardiff and Chelmsford from £51. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Great Western Railway
About
Great Western Railway is a train operating company in the United Kingdom. It operates services from London Paddington to the West of England, South Wales and the Cotswolds. It also operates services from London Paddington to Oxford, Reading and Bristol. It offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, air conditioning and catering services. The most popular routes for Great Western Railway are London Paddington to Bristol, Reading and Oxford.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Great Western Railway Duration
3h 15m
Cheapest Great Western Railway Price
£51
Luggage included
Two pieces of luggage and one piece of hand luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, dedicated luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, sandwiches. First Class at-seat service on some routes
Seat reservation
Optional seat reservations available for a fee. Free in First Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone
Great Western Railway (GWR)
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Great Western Railway (GWR) Duration
2h 38m
Cheapest Great Western Railway (GWR) Price
£149
Great Western Railway (GWR) frequency
16 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
- >= £2.00
- Day pass
- >= £2.00
To the city centre
Chelmsford Railway Station -> Chelmsford Bus Station
- Distance
- 0.8 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Use The First Bus app for tickets and journey planning in Chelmsford. Buy before boarding where possible.
- Chelmsford Park and Ride route 701 serves Parkway, Victoria Road South, Duke Street for Chelmsford Railway Station, and High Chelmer in the city centre.
FAQs: Cardiff to Chelmsford train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff 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.
The cost of a train ticket from Cardiff to Chelmsford can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £51, while the average price tends to be around £58.
The train journey from Cardiff to Chelmsford covers a distance of 254 km and takes approximately 3h 15m. Trains run 7 per day.
The train distance from Cardiff to Chelmsford is 254 km.
The first train from Cardiff to Chelmsford leaves at 5:07.
The last train from Cardiff to Chelmsford departs at 21:25.
Trains from Cardiff to Chelmsford run approximately 7 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Cardiff to Chelmsford.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Cardiff to Chelmsford.
To travel from Cardiff to Chelmsford, you can take a train.
There is no night train service from Cardiff to Chelmsford.
The train station in Cardiff that goes to Chelmsford is Cardiff Central (CDF), and it arrives at Chelmsford station (CHM).
The cheapest way to get from Cardiff to Chelmsford is by train, costing approximately £51.
Booking trains from Cardiff to Chelmsford in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Cardiff to Chelmsford offers some scenic views, particularly as it passes through the picturesque countryside of Wales and parts of the English countryside. However, the route also includes urban and industrial areas, which might be less scenic.
A day trip from Cardiff to Chelmsford is not feasible as the journey takes 3h 15m. However, there are 6 train services available per day. The distance is 254 km.
To explore Chelmsford's main attractions, including its parks, historical sites, and shopping areas, two to three days are usually sufficient.
Yes, you can take the train from Cardiff to Chelmsford.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cardiff and Chelmsford
Most Cardiff to Chelmsford trains use the Cardiff Central to Chelmsford station pair. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Chelmsford train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Cardiff
Arrival train stations in Chelmsford
Cardiff CentralCentral Square, Cardiff CF10 1EP, United Kingdom+44 3457114141
City-centre transport
Getting to Cardiff Central from Cardiff city centre
Bus24, 25, 27, 86, 62, 30, 35, 21, 136, 7, 23, 63, 64 · 3m · £2 · every ~47 min
C1 · 5m · every ~8 min
Cardiff Central train station facilities and services
Cardiff Central has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Car Rental.
Food and drink
Food options include: Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen, Pret a Manger, Tesco Express
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are located outside of the main entrance.
Tickets and information
The ticket office is open Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30, Sat: 05:40 - 21:30, Sun: 07:30 - 21:30.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cardiff Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Cardiff Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff Central: There is step-free access in the whole station. There are also ramps for train access and elevators in the station.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Clayton Hotel Cardiff, Cardiff Marriott Hotel, Travelodge Cardiff Central.
Heath High LevelHeath High Level station, Heath Halt Road, Heath, Cardiff, CF23 5QT
City-centre transport
Getting to Heath High Level from Cardiff city centre
Heath High Level is 4 km from Cardiff city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainPenarth - Coryton, Penarth - Caerphilly, Bridgend - Rhymney, Barry Island - Bargoed, Barry Island - Rhymney, Barry Island - Caerphilly, Cardiff Central - Caerphilly, Cardiff Central - Coryton, Cardiff Central - Rhymney, Cardiff Central - Bargoed, Barry Island - Ystrad Mynach · 4m · £0.90 · every ~13 min
Penarth - Coryton, Penarth - Caerphilly, Bridgend - Rhymney, Barry Island - Bargoed, Barry Island - Rhymney, Barry Island - Caerphilly, Cardiff Central - Caerphilly, Cardiff Central - Coryton, Cardiff Central - Rhymney, Cardiff Central - Bargoed, Barry Island - Ystrad Mynach · 8m · £2 · every ~13 min
Bus28, 29 · 23m · £2 · every ~6 min
Heath High Level train station facilities and services
Heath High Level has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Heath High Level.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Heath High Level: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Heath High Level: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Heath High Level: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Category B3. The station is not suitable for wheelchair or powered mobility scooter users. Platform 1 (to Rhymney) has a long, steep access ramp. Platform 2 (to Cardiff) is only accessible via 41 steps. Customers travelling from the Rhymney Valley are advised to alight at Cardiff Queen Street and return to Heath Low Level, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machine(s) do not accept cash. Payment is by major debit and credit cards only, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Heath Low LevelHeath Low Level station, Heath Halt Road, Heath, Cardiff, CF23 5QT
City-centre transport
Getting to Heath Low Level from Cardiff city centre
Heath Low Level is 3 km from Cardiff city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainPenarth - Coryton, Penarth - Caerphilly, Bridgend - Rhymney, Barry Island - Bargoed, Barry Island - Rhymney, Barry Island - Caerphilly, Cardiff Central - Caerphilly, Cardiff Central - Coryton, Cardiff Central - Rhymney, Cardiff Central - Bargoed, Barry Island - Ystrad Mynach · 4m · £0.90 · every ~13 min
Penarth - Coryton, Penarth - Caerphilly, Bridgend - Rhymney, Barry Island - Bargoed, Barry Island - Rhymney, Barry Island - Caerphilly, Cardiff Central - Caerphilly, Cardiff Central - Coryton, Cardiff Central - Rhymney, Cardiff Central - Bargoed, Barry Island - Ystrad Mynach · 8m · £2 · every ~13 min
Bus28, 29 · 24m · £2 · every ~6 min
Heath Low Level train station facilities and services
Heath Low Level has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Heath Low Level.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Heath Low Level: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Heath Low Level: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Heath Low Level: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category B. Step free access to the platform from Heath Halt Road, Accessible public telephones: Low level/text public phones, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machine(s) do not accept cash. Payment is by major debit and credit cards only, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Which Chelmsford station do trains from Cardiff arrive at?
Trains from Cardiff to Chelmsford arrive at Chelmsford. Chelmsford is from Chelmsford city centre.
ChelmsfordChelmsford station, Duke Street, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 1HT+44 8450507080
City-centre transport
Getting to Chelmsford from Chelmsford city centre
Location for Rail Replacement ServicesReplacement transport stop at the bus stop on Victoria Road by station entrance
Chelmsford train station facilities and services
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
Food and drink options are available at Chelmsford.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Chelmsford. ATMs are available at Chelmsford.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Chelmsford.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Chelmsford: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Chelmsford: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
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.
More options for your journey from Cardiff to Chelmsford
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Chelmsford and Cardiff
Most popular train connections to Chelmsford
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