- Must visit
Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery
Major museum and gallery with fine art, local history, decorative arts and changing exhibitions in the city centre.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Chelmsford to Birmingham
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 20 Sept
Cheapest price on 20 Sept
£69
Average ticket price on 20 Sept
£69
Fastest journey on 20 Sept
3 h 52 m
Average journey duration on 20 Sept
3 h 52 m
Trains on 20 Sept
1
Distance
182 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Chelmsford to Birmingham is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Chelmsford to Birmingham will cost around £69 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £69.
Fast trains
To travel from Chelmsford to Birmingham you need to make at least 3 changes.
P67196+
G00863+
C38455+
C330268:593h52Chelmsford station (CHM)12:51Birmingham New Street (BHM)£691One-way3 changes
- P67196+G00863+C38455+C330268:593h52Chelmsford station (CHM)12:51Birmingham New Street (BHM)£691One-way3 changes
Travel Information
Compare train for Chelmsford to Birmingham
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Chelmsford to Birmingham among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £58 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 50m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £58, while a train costs an average of £58.
Distance: 182 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|
£58 Average Price Cheapest | £45 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 50m Average total duration Fastest 2h 20m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 39m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Chelmsford to Birmingham is a train with an average price of £58.
The fastest way to travel from Chelmsford to Birmingham is by train with an average journey time of 2h 20m.
Yes, you can take a train between Chelmsford and Birmingham.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.
You'll arrive about 19m sooner (2h 20m by train vs 2h 39m by car). Tickets start at around £58 compared to roughly £45 in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
Live departures
Chelmsford to Birmingham train times
The table below shows live departures for Chelmsford to Birmingham trains for today, Saturday 19 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
C04020+ Tube from London Liverpool Street to London Euston+ C01371 | On time 8:11 Chelmsford station (CHM) | 2h47 | 10:58 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 2 changes | |
P66534+Tube from London Liverpool Street to London Marylebone+ C29727 | 8:25 Chelmsford station (CHM) | 3h40 | 12:05 Birmingham Moor Street (BMO) | 2 changes | |
| P67195+Tube from London Liverpool Street to London Euston+W33449 | On time 8:41 Chelmsford station (CHM) | 2h46 | 11:27 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 2 changes | |
| P66967+Tube from London Liverpool Street to London Euston+W33725 | On time 8:55 Chelmsford station (CHM) | 2h53 | 11:48 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 2 changes | |
| F21173+Tube from London Liverpool Street to London Marylebone+L38164 | 9:11 Chelmsford station (CHM) | 3h55 | 13:06 Birmingham Moor Street (BMO) | 2 changes | |
| F21173+Tube from London Liverpool Street to London Euston+W33799 | On time 9:11 Chelmsford station (CHM) | 2h46 | 11:57 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 2 changes | |
| P67246+Tube from London Liverpool Street to London Euston+W33746 | On time 9:41 Chelmsford station (CHM) | 2h46 | 12:27 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 2 changes | |
| C04040+Tube from London Liverpool Street to London Euston+C01373 | On time 10:21 Chelmsford station (CHM) | 2h35 | 12:56 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 2 changes | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Chelmsford to Birmingham 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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20 Sept
20 Sept
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26 Sept
26 Sept
Why should you book Chelmsford to Birmingham trains with Omio?
Avanti West Coast as well as Chiltern Railways offer trains services from Chelmsford to Birmingham.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Chelmsford to Birmingham.
Why book with Omio vs Avanti West Coast?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Avanti West Coast, but also compare tickets for the likes of Chiltern Railways to find the best option for your trip from Chelmsford to Birmingham.
- 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.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Raileurope?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Chiltern Railways to find the best option for your trip from Chelmsford to Birmingham.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Chelmsford to Birmingham
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Chelmsford to Birmingham run on average 4 times per day, taking around 2h 20m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £37 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 05:11, the last at 21:55. The fastest train covers the 182 km distance in 2h 6m.
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 182 km |
Average train duration 2h 20m |
Cheapest ticket price £37 |
Trains per day 4 |
Fastest train 2h 6m |
First train 5:11 |
Last train 21:55 |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jul - Sept |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 21 days |
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: Avanti West Coast, Chiltern Railways from Chelmsford to Birmingham trainsAvanti West Coast, Chiltern Railways trains will get you between Chelmsford and Birmingham from £32. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Avanti West Coast
About
Avanti West Coast is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates high-speed trains between London and major cities in the UK, including Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow and Edinburgh. The company offers a range of ticket types, including Standard, First Class and Advance tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, comfortable seating and a range of food and drinks. The most popular routes for Avanti West Coast are London to Birmingham, London to Manchester and London to Glasgow. The company operates a fleet of Pendolino and Super Voyager trains, which offer a smooth and comfortable journey.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Avanti West Coast Duration
2h 6m
Cheapest Avanti West Coast Price
£37
Avanti West Coast frequency
5 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
First Class: Complimentary meals and drinks. Standard Class: Onboard shop with drinks and snacks
Seat reservation
First Class: Included in ticket price. Standard Class: Optional reservation for £8-12
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance for boarding/alighting available
Pets
Small pets free in carriers. Dogs £30 per single journey. Guide dogs free
Quiet zone
Chiltern Railways
About
Chiltern Railways is a regional train company in the United Kingdom. Check the different ticket types for your next journey: Duo, Anytime, Season, Super Off Peak, Off Peak and Advance. It operates services from London Marylebone to Birmingham Snow Hill, Oxford, Banbury, Aylesbury, High Wycombe, and Stratford-upon-Avon. It also runs services from Birmingham Moor Street to Stratford-upon-Avon. Chiltern Railways offers a range of train types, including InterCity 125, Class 165 and Class 168 trains. These trains are equipped with comfortable seating, air conditioning, power sockets, and free Wi-Fi. The company offers a variety of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, Off-Peak, and Super Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include a café bar, a shop, and a quiet coach. The most popular routes for Chiltern Railways are London Marylebone to Birmingham Snow Hill, Oxford, and High Wycombe.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Chiltern Railways Duration
3h 4m
Cheapest Chiltern Railways Price
£67
Chiltern Railways frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
According to ticket conditions
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Optional seat reservation for £3. Free for Advance tickets
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating
Pets
Small pets free in carriers. Dogs allowed with lead
Quiet zone
Complete guide to Birmingham
Things to do in Birmingham
Discover the best of Birmingham — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Birmingham trip today.
- Must visit
Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum
Science museum with interactive galleries on industry, transport and invention, making it a strong family-friendly visit.
- Recommended
Pen Museum
Independent museum in a converted factory, exploring Birmingham's pen trade with demonstrations and hands-on exhibits.
- Must visit
Digbeth
Creative district with street art, independent shops and converted industrial buildings, popular for urban walks and photography.
- Must visit
Jewellery Quarter
Historic quarter known for jewellery workshops, heritage trails, museums and distinctive Georgian and Victorian streetscapes.
- Recommended
Brindleyplace
Waterside district of canals, bars and cultural venues, ideal for strolling, boat trips and seeing Birmingham's industrial past.
Balti
A Birmingham-born curry with spiced meat in rich tomato gravy. It reflects the city’s famed Balti Triangle and its South Asian culinary heritage.
Black Country faggots and peas
A slow-cooked stew of beef, vegetables and stock topped with sliced potatoes. A Black Country classic closely associated with the Birmingham area.
Faggots
Pork offal sausage traditionally served with peas, mash and gravy. It is a long-standing working-class dish from the Black Country near Birmingham.
Simpsons
Elegant modern dining in Edgbaston with refined tasting menus and polished service in a calm, intimate setting.
Anderson & Hill
Popular Jewish-style deli and restaurant famous for piled-high sandwiches, baked treats and relaxed daytime dining.
Shababs
Lively Indian restaurant in the Balti Triangle, known for Balti dishes cooked in pressed-steel bowls and a bustling local atmosphere.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for UK city breaks: hotels and dining sit below London, while local transport and casual meals are fairly manageable for most tourists.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fast food or casual eats.
- Mid-range
- £20-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £60+ per person at upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- £3-4.50 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service may be included in restaurants; otherwise tip around 10%. Taxis are often rounded up or tipped 10%. Tipping in cafés is optional, usually just small change.
TfWM
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2.50
- Day pass
- £7.60
To the city centre
Birmingham New Street -> Bullring, Birmingham
- Distance
- 0.7 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Contactless and Swift Go are accepted on West Midlands Metro and on almost all buses in the West Midlands.
- Birmingham New Street is already central; many city-centre places are walkable, so check before buying a day ticket.
FAQs: Chelmsford to Birmingham train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chelmsford to Birmingham 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 Birmingham, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Chelmsford to Birmingham can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £37, while the average price tends to be around £58.
The train journey from Chelmsford to Birmingham covers a distance of 182 km and takes approximately 2h 6m. Trains run 4 per day.
The train distance from Chelmsford to Birmingham is 182 km.
The first train from Chelmsford to Birmingham leaves at 5:11.
The last train from Chelmsford to Birmingham departs at 21:55.
Trains from Chelmsford to Birmingham run approximately 4 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Chelmsford to Birmingham.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Chelmsford to Birmingham.
To travel from Chelmsford to Birmingham, you can take a train.
There is no night train service from Chelmsford to Birmingham.
The train station in Chelmsford that goes to Birmingham is Chelmsford station (CHM), and it arrives at Birmingham New Street (BHM).
The cheapest way to get from Chelmsford to Birmingham is by train, costing approximately £37.
Booking trains from Chelmsford to Birmingham in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Chelmsford to Birmingham offers a mix of urban and rural scenery, passing through picturesque countryside areas such as the Chiltern Hills, as well as industrial landscapes and bustling towns.
A day trip from Chelmsford to Birmingham is not feasible as the journey takes 2h 6m each way. However, there are 4 train services available per day, covering a distance of 182 km.
In Birmingham, you can explore the historic Jewellery Quarter, take a canal boat tour, visit the National SEA LIFE Centre, and enjoy a performance at the Birmingham Hippodrome. Discover the city's history at the Birmingham Back to Backs. Don't miss the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, Cadbury World, the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Symphony Hall, and The Bullring for shopping and dining.
To explore Birmingham's key attractions like the Bullring, Cadbury World, and the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, 2-3 days is typically sufficient.
Yes, you can take the train from Chelmsford to Birmingham.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Chelmsford and Birmingham
Most Chelmsford to Birmingham trains use the Chelmsford to Birmingham New Street station pair, with some services arriving at Birmingham Moor Street. Use this guide to compare Chelmsford and Birmingham train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Chelmsford
Arrival train stations in Birmingham
Which Chelmsford station do trains to Birmingham leave from?
Trains from Chelmsford to Birmingham leave from Chelmsford. The station is from Chelmsford city centre at Chelmsford station, Duke Street, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 1HT.
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.
Birmingham New StreetStation Street, Birmingham, West Midlands, B2 4QA, United Kingdom+44 3457114141
City-centre transport
Getting to Birmingham New Street from Birmingham city centre
Bus16 · 7m · £2 · every ~27 min
Birmingham New Street train station facilities and services
Birmingham New Street has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food options include: All Bar One, Leon, Caffè Nero, Five Guys, Krispy Kreme, The Pasty Shop, Upper Crust, Wasabi, Starbucks, Hotel Chocolat
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Pay as you go Wi-Fi is available from Sky Wi-Fi The Cloud. ATMs are aTM machines are located on the paid concourse.
Tickets and information
The ticket office is open Mon - Sat: 05:15 - 23:00, Sun: 07:30 - 23:00. Information desks are in the middle of the station.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is you can leave bags with Excess Baggage Co inside the entrance off Hill Street. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Birmingham New Street: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Birmingham New Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Birmingham New Street: Step-free access in the whole station and ramps available for train access. All platforms have elevators and escalators.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Holiday Inn Birmingham City Center, Premier Inn Birmingham City Center (New St Station), Radisson Blue Hotel, Birmingham.
Birmingham Moor StreetBirmingham Moor Street station, Queensway, Birmingham, West Midlands, B4 7UL
City-centre transport
Getting to Birmingham Moor Street from Birmingham city centre
TrainBirmingham Snow Hill - Whitlocks End, Birmingham Snow Hill - Stratford-upon-Avon, Worcester Foregate Street - Stratford-upon-Avon, Worcester Shrub Hill - Stratford-upon-Avon, Worcester Shrub Hill - Birmingham Moor Street, Worcester Foregate Street - Birmingham Moor Street, Worcester Shrub Hill - Dorridge, Stourbridge Junction - Dorridge, Birmingham Snow Hill - Dorridge, Worcester Foregate Street - Dorridge, Worcester Foregate Street - Leamington Spa, Birmingham Snow Hill - Leamington Spa, Worcester Shrub Hill - Leamington Spa, Kidderminster - Stratford-upon-Avon, Kidderminster - Whitlocks End, Stourbridge Junction - Stratford-upon-Avon, Worcester Foregate Street - Whitlocks End · 2m · £0.90 · every ~7 min
Bus16 · 13m · £2 · every ~27 min
TramMetro · 16m · every ~15 min
Birmingham Moor Street train station facilities and services
Birmingham Moor Street has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Car Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Birmingham Moor Street.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Birmingham Moor Street. ATMs are available at Birmingham Moor Street.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Birmingham Moor Street.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Birmingham Moor Street: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Birmingham Moor Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Birmingham Moor Street: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step Free Access Category A. Step free access to all platforms, Accessible taxis: If you would like us to assist you in booking an accessible taxi for your onward journey please contact 03456 005 165, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Birmingham Snow HillBirmingham Snow Hill station, Colmore Row, Birmingham, West Midlands, B3 2BJ
City-centre transport
Getting to Birmingham Snow Hill from Birmingham city centre
Bus52 · 0m · £2 · every ~18 min
Birmingham Snow Hill train station facilities and services
Birmingham Snow Hill has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Birmingham Snow Hill.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Birmingham Snow Hill. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0800 0248998, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Birmingham Snow Hill: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Birmingham Snow Hill: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Birmingham Snow Hill: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are not available, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: A Ticket Vending Machine is available on the station concourse, by the Ticket Office, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
More options for your journey from Chelmsford to Birmingham
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Birmingham and Chelmsford
Most popular train connections to Birmingham
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