First Class
- Free Wi-Fi
- Power plugs
Cheapest price on 18 Sept
£46
Average ticket price on 18 Sept
£46
Fastest journey on 18 Sept
1 h 26 m
Average journey duration on 18 Sept
1 h 26 m
Trains on 18 Sept
1
Distance
40 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Chelmsford to Chatham is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Chelmsford to Chatham will cost around £46 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £46.
On Fri 18 Sept, we found 1 trains from Chelmsford to Chatham, including 1 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 40 km distance in an average of 1 h 26 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 26 m .
The slowest trains will take 1 h 26 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.


Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Chelmsford to Chatham among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £39 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 1h 32m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £39, while a train costs an average of £39.
Distance: 40 km
Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|
£39 Average Price Cheapest | £12 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 32m Average total duration Fastest 1h 2m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 58m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Other travel options to Chatham take longer:
Coach takes on average 4h 54m.
Tickets start at around £39 compared to roughly £12 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-27.15. The journey takes 1h 2m versus 58m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Chelmsford to Chatham trains for tomorrow, Friday 18 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 7:34 Chelmsford | 1h26 | 9:00 Chatham | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Chelmsford to Chatham run on average 7 times per day, taking around 1h 2m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £39 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 05:11, the last at 23:11. The fastest train covers the 40 km distance in 1h 11m.
Distance 40 km |
Average train duration 1h 2m |
Cheapest ticket price £39 |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 1h 11m |
First train 5:11 |
Last train 23:11 |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 28 days |
Compare Greater Anglia classes and the amenities included in each one.
Discover the best of Chatham — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Chatham trip today.
Large maritime museum at the Historic Dockyard with warships, galleries and dockyard buildings that explain Chatham's naval past.
Museum in a former dockyard ropery and foundry complex, showing Royal Engineers history through vehicles, medals and exhibitions.
Small local museum covering Medway life, Chatham's development and Charles Dickens connections through compact changing displays.
Landscaped parkland above Chatham with military heritage, memorials and one of the best open walks for Medway town views.
Historic riverside quarter with cobbled streets, waterside walks and old buildings, popular for a quieter local feel near Chatham.
Modern waterfront area with marina views, promenades and event spaces, offering an easy walk beside the former dockyard basin.
Fresh oysters from the nearby Thames Estuary, prized in Kent for centuries and traditionally eaten raw with lemon.
Kent’s classic loaf made with local flour, milk and hops from the county’s brewing tradition; a regional bakery staple.
A traditional Kent fruit preserve flavoured with cherries and damsons, linked to old orchards around the Medway area.
Popular Turkish restaurant serving grilled meats, meze and seafood in a smart but relaxed setting near the waterfront.
Lively Brazilian venue known for grilled dishes, burgers and cocktails, with a casual atmosphere in Chatham town centre.
Well-known local Indian restaurant offering curries, tandoori dishes and friendly service in a comfortable dining room.
Moderate for south-east England. Hotels and dining cost more than many UK towns, but local transport and casual meals stay fairly manageable for visitors.
Restaurants: 10-12.5% if service is not included. Taxis: round up or add about 10%. Cafés and pubs: tipping is optional, though small change is appreciated.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chelmsford to Chatham 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 Chatham, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Chelmsford to Chatham trains use the Chelmsford to Chatham station pair. Use this guide to compare Chelmsford and Chatham train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like 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 options are available at Chelmsford.
Wi-Fi is available at Chelmsford. ATMs are available at Chelmsford.
Ticket office support is available at Chelmsford.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Chelmsford: Parking, WC.
Available at Chelmsford: Bike Parking.
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.
Chatham has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Chatham.
ATMs are available at Chatham.
Ticket office support is available at Chatham. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point, Helpline Contact: 0345 322 7021 or Text relay 18001 0345 322 7021 Freephone 0800 783 4524 or Text Relay 18001 0800 783 4524, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Chatham: Parking, WC.
Available at Chatham: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Chatham: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Category B2. This station has a degree of step-free access to the platform, which may be in both directions or in one direction only - please check details - Step free access to platform 1 for services to London via ramp to car park. Step free access to platform 2 for services away from London via ramp from Railway Street. Step free interchange via road and steep paths is in excess of 250 metres. Step access between platforms available via the booking hall, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available to book, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: In the booking hall, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: Monday - Sunday 24 Hours a Day Assistance/Help available from station staff from First to Last trains, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
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