Chelmsford to Brighton train with Thameslink

Thu 01 Oct
+ Add return
Southern
Thameslink
Gatwick Express
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
2,000+ travel companies
Southern
Thameslink
Gatwick Express
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Chelmsford to Brighton

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 01 Oct

Cheapest price on 01 Oct

£45

Average ticket price on 01 Oct

£45

Fastest journey on 01 Oct

2 h 13 m

Average journey duration on 01 Oct

2 h 15 m

Trains on 01 Oct

2

Distance

109 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Chelmsford to Brighton is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Chelmsford to Brighton will cost around £45 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £45.

Fast trains

On Thu 01 Oct, we found 2 trains from Chelmsford to Brighton, including 2 direct services.

These direct trains cover the 109 km distance in an average of 2 h 15 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 13 m .

The slowest trains will take 2 h 16 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.

  • Thameslink
    7:022h16
    Chelmsford
    9:18Brighton
    £451One-way
    0 changes
  • Thameslink
    6:052h13
    Chelmsford
    8:18Brighton
    £461One-way
    0 changes

Compare prices and tickets Chelmsford to Brighton by train or coach

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.

Thu
01 Oct
Fri
02 Oct
Sat
03 Oct
Sun
04 Oct
Mon
05 Oct
Tue
06 Oct
Wed
07 Oct

Why should you book Chelmsford to Brighton trains with Omio?

Southern as well as Thameslink or Gatwick Express offer trains services from Chelmsford to Brighton.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Chelmsford to Brighton.

Why book with Omio vs Southern?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Southern, but also compare tickets for the likes of Thameslink or Gatwick Express to find the best option for your trip from Chelmsford to Brighton.
  • 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.
  • Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Southern with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Chelmsford to Brighton.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu, Trainline or Raileurope?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Thameslink or Gatwick Express to find the best option for your trip from Chelmsford to Brighton.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Chelmsford to Brighton.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Chelmsford to Brighton

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Chelmsford to Brighton run on average 6 times per day, taking around 1h 56m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £26 if you book in advance.

The earliest train runs at 03:14, the last at 22:39. The fastest train covers the 109 km distance in 1h 42m.

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
109 km
Average train duration
1h 56m
Cheapest ticket price
£26
Trains per day
6
Fastest train
1h 42m
First train
3:14
Last train
22:39
Cheapest Month
Apr
Cheapest Day
Thu
High Season
Jul - Sept
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Sat
Least Busy Day
Sat
Best time to book
3 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: Thameslink, Gatwick Express, Southern from Chelmsford to Brighton trainsThameslink, Gatwick Express, Southern trains will get you between Chelmsford and Brighton from £26. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Southern

About
Southern Rail is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates a wide range of services, from high-speed intercity trains to local commuter services. Its trains include the InterCity 125, InterCity 225, and Class 444 and 450. It also offers a variety of ticket types, such as Advance, Off-Peak, and Super Off-Peak. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. The most popular routes for Southern Rail are London to Brighton, London to Southampton, and London to Portsmouth.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Southern Duration
1h 57m
Cheapest Southern Price
£43
Southern frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 piece of hand luggage
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage areas at the end of carriages
Cancellation Policy
According to ticket type conditions
Refund
Full refund provided
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with snacks and drinks
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for a fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require a ticket
Quiet zone

Thameslink

About
Thameslink is a train service that operates in the United Kingdom. It is operated by Govia Thameslink Railway and serves the counties of Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, London, and Surrey. The trains run from early morning until late at night, with some services running 24 hours a day. There are a variety of train types available, including Class 700 Desiro City, Class 377 Electrostar, Class 387/1 Electrostar, and Class 319/0. Ticket types include Anytime, Off-Peak, Super Off-Peak, and Advance. Onboard facilities include Wi-Fi, power sockets, and air conditioning. The most popular routes for Thameslink are London to Brighton, London to Bedford, and London to Luton.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Thameslink Duration
1h 49m
Cheapest Thameslink Price
£26
Thameslink frequency
5 a day
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund available if service is canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service on some routes offering drinks and snacks
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating
Pets
Small pets free of charge. Dogs must be on a lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone

Gatwick Express

About
Gatwick Express is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates between London Victoria and Gatwick Airport, with trains running every 15 minutes throughout the day. The trains are modern and comfortable, with air-conditioning and free Wi-Fi. There are two types of trains: the Gatwick Express and the Southern service. The Gatwick Express is the fastest service, taking just 30 minutes to reach the airport. The Southern service takes a few minutes longer but offers more stops along the way.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Gatwick Express Duration
1h 42m
Cheapest Gatwick Express Price
£43
Gatwick Express frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 piece of hand luggage
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage areas at the end of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refunds available according to ticket conditions
Refund
Full refund available if service is canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Snack trolley service available on some services
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces available, staff assistance for boarding and alighting
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on a lead.

Complete guide to Brighton

Things to do in Brighton

Discover the best of Brighton — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Brighton trip today.

  • Recommended

Brighton Museum & Art Gallery

Contemporary art gallery in the Royal Pavilion Garden, showing major exhibitions in a restored historic building.

  • Recommended

Brighton Museum & Art Gallery

Museum inside the Royal Pavilion Estate covering local history, fashion, decorative art and changing exhibitions.

Centre for Contemporary Arts Brighton

Seafront gallery dedicated to photography and contemporary visual culture, with changing exhibitions and events.

Pound sterling (£)

Moderate for a UK seaside city. Hotels and dining are pricier than many British towns, but buses, casual eats and supermarket options help keep daily costs manageable.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-15 for fast food or a simple lunch.
Mid-range
£20-35 per person for a meal.
Fine dining
£60+ per person for upscale restaurants.
Coffee
£3-4.50 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Service may be included in restaurants; if not, 10-12.5% is common for good service. Taxi fares are often rounded up. Tipping in cafés is optional.

FAQs: Chelmsford to Brighton train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chelmsford to Brighton 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 Brighton, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Chelmsford to Brighton can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £26, while the average price tends to be around £47.
The train journey from Chelmsford to Brighton covers a distance of 109 km and takes approximately 1h 42m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train distance from Chelmsford to Brighton is 109 km.
The first train from Chelmsford to Brighton leaves at 3:14.
The last train from Chelmsford to Brighton departs at 22:39.
Trains from Chelmsford to Brighton run approximately 6 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Chelmsford to Brighton.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Chelmsford to Brighton.
There is no night train service from Chelmsford to Brighton.
The train station in Chelmsford that goes to Brighton is Chelmsford station (CHM), and it arrives at Brighton station (BTN).
Booking trains from Chelmsford to Brighton 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 Brighton offers a mix of urban and countryside views, with scenic stretches through the rolling landscapes of the South Downs and glimpses of traditional English towns, making parts of the trip visually pleasing.
Yes, you can take the train from Chelmsford to Brighton.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Chelmsford and Brighton

Most Chelmsford to Brighton trains use the Chelmsford to Brighton station pair. Use this guide to compare Chelmsford and Brighton 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 Brighton

Which Chelmsford station do trains to Brighton leave from?

Trains from Chelmsford to Brighton 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 8450507080WifiShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike Parking
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 Chelmsford to Brighton

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

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