- Must visit
Museum of Making
Interactive museum in a restored mill exploring making, industry and design through hands-on galleries and working displays.
Cheapest price
£54
Average price
£54
Fastest journey
3 h 16 m
Average duration
3 h 16 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
187 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Chelmsford to Derby is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Chelmsford to Derby will cost around £54 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £54.
Of the 1 trains that leave Chelmsford for Derby every day 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 187 km distance in an average of 3 h 16 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 16 m .
The slowest trains will take 3 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.


The table below shows live departures for Chelmsford to Derby trains for today, Sunday 23 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 20:31 Chelmsford | 3h41 | 0:12 Derby | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare 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.
Take a train from Chelmsford to Derby and enjoy the approximately 187 km long journey. Find schedules and pricing options for a convenient and affordable trip.
The earliest train runs at 03:41, the last at 21:46.
Distance 187 km |
Average train duration 2h 25m |
Trains per day 8 |
First train 3:41 |
Last train 21:46 |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sept |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 4 days |
Discover the best of Derby — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Derby trip today.
Interactive museum in a restored mill exploring making, industry and design through hands-on galleries and working displays.
City museum and art gallery with collections on local history, archaeology, natural history and paintings by Joseph Wright.
Independent contemporary art gallery in Derby’s Cathedral Quarter, showing changing exhibitions by regional and national artists.
Historic shopping and cultural quarter with independent businesses, heritage buildings and easy access to key city sights.
Revitalised city-centre square with water features, seating and event space, ideal for a pause between nearby attractions.
Large landscaped park with lakes, open lawns and riverside paths, popular for walks, picnics and seasonal events.
A soft white bread roll unique to Derby, often filled with bacon, cheese or salad. It is a local bakery staple with a name strongly tied to the city.
A blue veined cow’s milk cheese traditionally made in Derbyshire. It is prized for its rich, mellow flavour and long connection to the county’s cheesemaking.
A crumbly, buttery oat biscuit from Derbyshire, traditionally baked on a griddle. It is a historic local bake often served with cheese or butter.
Elegant modern British dining in a refined setting, known for carefully prepared tasting and seasonal menus in the city centre.
Well known Derby ale house and eatery serving British pub dishes, cobs and local beers in a characterful historic building.
Smart yet relaxed restaurant serving Italian inspired dishes, steaks and seafood. Popular for polished service and central location.
Moderate for the UK. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while local buses and casual meals remain fairly manageable for visitors.
Service is often included. If not, 10-12.5% in restaurants is usual for good service. Round up or add £1-2 for taxis. Cafe tipping is optional.
Official public transport app
Derby Railway Station -> Derby Bus Station, Derby
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chelmsford to Derby 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 Derby, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Chelmsford to Derby trains use the Chelmsford to Derby station pair. Use this guide to compare Chelmsford and Derby 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.
Derby is 1 km from Derby city centre. Public transport options include:
Derby has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Car Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Derby.
ATMs are available at Derby.
Ticket office support is available at Derby.
Available at Derby: Parking, WC.
Available at Derby: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Derby: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A step free station. This station has step free access. There are lifts to all platforms. There is a subway to platforms 2,3,4 and 5. Platforms 6 and 7 are accessed by lift only. This station has tactile paving at the edges of all platforms and at the foot and top of stairwells, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, 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: Yes.
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