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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff to Chelmsford
Showing times and prices for 01 Jun
Cheapest price
£59
Average price
£94
Fastest journey
3 h 54 m
Average duration
3 h 59 m
Trains per day
12
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 £94 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £59.
Fast trains
To travel from Cardiff to Chelmsford you need to make at least 2 changes.
G15049+
C38183+
P6699715:183h54Cardiff Central (CDF)19:12Chelmsford station (CHM)£591One-way2 changes- W35198+C37985+P6661517:184h03Cardiff Central (CDF)21:21Chelmsford station (CHM)£591One-way2 changes
- W35188+P67240+C3807114:184h01Cardiff Central (CDF)18:19Chelmsford station (CHM)£631One-way2 changes
- G15046+C37851+P6656412:184h03Cardiff Central (CDF)16:21Chelmsford station (CHM)£631One-way2 changes
- W35434+C37952+P6698413:183h57Cardiff Central (CDF)17:15Chelmsford station (CHM)£631One-way2 changes
- G15049+C38183+P6699715:183h54Cardiff Central (CDF)19:12Chelmsford station (CHM)£591One-way2 changes
- W35434+C37952+P6698413:183h57Cardiff Central (CDF)17:15Chelmsford station (CHM)£631One-way2 changes
- W35188+P67240+C3807114:184h01Cardiff Central (CDF)18:19Chelmsford station (CHM)£631One-way2 changes
- W35435+P66611+C3790516:214h01Cardiff Central (CDF)20:22Chelmsford station (CHM)£631One-way2 changes
- G15046+C37851+P6656412:184h03Cardiff Central (CDF)16:21Chelmsford station (CHM)£631One-way2 changes
Live departures
Cardiff to Chelmsford train times
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Chelmsford trains for today, Sunday 31 May. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9:35 Cardiff | 3h35 | 13:10 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.
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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.
- 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.
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 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 |
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 £31. 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 Duration
3h 13m
Cheapest Price
£31
Great Western Railway frequency
7 a day
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 Duration
2h 38m
Cheapest Price
£151
Great Western Railway (GWR) frequency
16 a day
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 £31, while the average price tends to be around £61.
The train journey from Cardiff to Chelmsford covers a distance of 254 km and takes approximately 3h 13m. 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 £31.
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 13m. 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
Cardiff
Chelmsford
The major train station for departures in Cardiff is Cardiff Central. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Cardiff Central for your trip from Cardiff to Chelmsford.
Amenities at train station
Wifi
Shopping
Parking
Dining
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Lounge
Lost and Found Office
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Bike Rental
Car Rentalinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sat: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sun: 07:30 - 21:30
Wifi
- Free Wi-Fi in the station.
Shopping
- Type of shops available: News agent and convenience store
Parking
- Car Park: Brewery Car park
Dining
- Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen
- Pret a Manger
- Tesco Express
Taxis
- Taxi: Taxi rank is on the right as you exit the main station entrance
Accessibility
- There is step-free access in the whole station. There are also ramps for train access and elevators in the station.
WC
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platforms 1 to 8. The National Key toilets are located in the East Subway near the lifts and on Platform 8; these toilets are operated by a radar key and are only available during staffing hours.
- National key toilets: Yes
- National key toilets location: The National Key/Accessible toilets are located in the East Subway near the lifts and on Platform 8; these toilets are operated by a RADAR key and are only available during staffing hours.
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
Hotel
- Clayton Hotel Cardiff
- Cardiff Marriott Hotel
- Travelodge Cardiff Central
Lounge
- Waiting rooms location: On platforms 1/2, 3/4, 6/7 and 8.
Ticket Office
- Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sat: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sun: 07:30 - 21:30
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: East end of platforms 1 and 2, 3 and 4, 6 and 7 - also at the front and rear of the station.
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transport options for Cardiff Central
- Commuter rail lines: City Line, Rhondda Line, Rhymney Line, Valley Line, South Wales Main Line
- Train lines: Transport for Wales, CrossCountry, Great Western Railway
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: At the rear car park (Penarth Road entrance)
Amenities at train station
ParkingDiningAccessibilityHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike Rental
Information Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 07:30 - 18:30 Saturday 09:30 - 15:30 Sunday Closed
Parking
- Car Park: No
Accessibility
- 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
Hotel
- Travelodge
Information Desk
- Information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 03333 211202
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Arrival screens
Public transport options for Cathays
- Onward travel information: The nearest bus stop is on Park Place
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: At the bus stops adjacent to the Cardiff University Students' Union on Park Place
Amenities at train station
ParkingDiningAccessibilityLost and Found OfficeBike ParkingBike Rentalinformation
Distance to city center
5 kmParking
- Car Park: Station Car Park
Accessibility
- 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
Public transport options for Llanishen
- Onward travel information: The nearest bus stop is on Station Road
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: On the road outside the station
The major train station for arrivals in Chelmsford is Chelmsford. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Chelmsford for your journey to Chelmsford from Cardiff.
Amenities at train station
WifiShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike Parkinginformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:50 - 22:00 Saturday 05:50 - 22:00 Sunday 07:00 - 23:00
Shopping
- Type of shops available: Newsagent Flower stall Hairdresser Dry cleaner
Parking
- Car Park: Premium Bay
Accessibility
- 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
WC
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on each platform. The accessible (radar key) toilets are located on the Ground Floor, near the lifts.
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: There is a dedicated Cycle Point, with free cycle parking, plus secure cycle parking and premium cycle parking. This is in Park Road, opposite the station.
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transport options for Chelmsford
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Replacement transport stop at the bus stop on Victoria Road by station entrance
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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