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4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff to Chelmsford
Cheapest price
£31
Average price
£57
Fastest journey
3 h 13 m
Average duration
3 h 21 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
254 km
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 £57 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £31.
Of the 2 trains that leave Cardiff for Chelmsford every day 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 254 km distance in an average of 3 h 21 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 13 m .
The slowest trains will take 3 h 29 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.
5:073h29Cardiff8:36Chelmsford£311One-way0 changes- 7:383h13Cardiff10:51Chelmsford£841One-way0 changes
- 7:383h13Cardiff10:51Chelmsford£841One-way0 changes
- 5:073h29Cardiff8:36Chelmsford£311One-way0 changes
Live departures
Cardiff to Chelmsford train times
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Chelmsford trains for today, Wednesday 15 July. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10:50 Cardiff | 3h18 | 14:08 Chelmsford | 0 changesdirect | |
| Thursday 16 July | |||||
| 5:07 Cardiff | 3h29 | 8:36 Chelmsford | 0 changesdirect | |
| 7:38 Cardiff | 3h13 | 10:51 Chelmsford | 0 changesdirect | |
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.
16 Jul
17 Jul
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20 Jul
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22 Jul
Why should you book Cardiff to Chelmsford trains with Omio?
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.
- 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: Train from Cardiff to Chelmsford
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Cardiff to Chelmsford run on average 7 times per day, taking around 2h 40m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £31 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 13m.
Distance 254 km |
Average train duration 2h 40m |
Cheapest ticket price £31 |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 3h 13m |
First train 5:07 |
Last train 21:25 |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 1 day |
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 £31. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Great Western Railway
Great Western Railway (GWR)
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.
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.
Getting to Cardiff Central from Cardiff city centre
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.
Getting to Cathays from Cardiff city centre
Cathays train station facilities and services
Cathays has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Cathays.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Cathays. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 03333 211202, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Arrival screens.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cathays: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Cathays: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Cathays: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Category B3. While both platforms are step-free, there is no facility for wheelchair users, mobility scooter users or persons with reduced mobility to cross between Platform 1 and 2 due to a steep footbridge. Customers who have travelled from the Valleys and wish to access the University or the Civic Centre are advised to travel to Queen Street station, change onto a North-bound service and alight at Cathays on the return service, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machine(s) take cash, and major debit and credit cards. The machine on the Cardiff-bound platform is only available during staffing hours. The machine on the Pontypridd-bound platform is available all the time, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Travelodge.
Getting to Llanishen from Cardiff city centre
Llanishen is 5 km from Cardiff city centre. Public transport options include:
Llanishen train station facilities and services
Llanishen 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 Llanishen.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Llanishen: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Llanishen: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Llanishen: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Category B2. Step free access to Platforms 1 (to Rhymney) via the car park. There are two routes onto the platform, one with a steep gradient and one with a moderate gradient. Step free access to Platform 2 (to Cardiff) via a ramp with a steep gradient. Access between the platforms is via a roadbridge with a walkway but no pavement, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, 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?
Getting to Chelmsford from Chelmsford city centre
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.
Most popular train connections from Cardiff
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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