The cheapest and fastest trains from Chelmsford to Manchester
Cheapest price
£59
Average price
£79
Fastest journey
3 h 31 m
Average duration
3 h 37 m
Trains per day
7
Distance
267 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Chelmsford to Manchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Chelmsford to Manchester will cost around £79 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £59.
Of the 7 trains that leave Chelmsford for Manchester every day 7 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 267 km distance in an average of 3 h 37 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 31 m .
The slowest trains will take 3 h 40 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.
5:273h38Chelmsford9:05Manchester£591One-way0 changes
8:253h40Chelmsford12:05Manchester£641One-way0 changes
6:273h38Chelmsford10:05Manchester£771One-way0 changes
6:133h31Chelmsford9:44Manchester£771One-way0 changes
17:253h40Chelmsford21:05Manchester£831One-way0 changes
6:133h31Chelmsford9:44Manchester£771One-way0 changes
6:273h38Chelmsford10:05Manchester£771One-way0 changes
5:273h38Chelmsford9:05Manchester£591One-way0 changes
17:253h40Chelmsford21:05Manchester£831One-way0 changes
8:253h40Chelmsford12:05Manchester£641One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare coach, train and flight for Chelmsford to Manchester
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Chelmsford to Manchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £53. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 2m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £53, and a flight costs an average of £55.
Distance: 267 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight | Coach |
|---|---|---|
£92 Average Price | £163 Average Price | £57 Average Price Cheapest |
4h 0m Average total duration 3h 30m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 2m Average total duration Fastest 1h 2m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 13h 43m Average total duration 13h 13m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.8 - 1.6kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Chelmsford to Manchester train times
The table below shows live departures for Chelmsford to Manchester trains for tomorrow, Friday 3 July. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 5:27 Chelmsford | 3h38 | 9:05 Manchester | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 6:13 Chelmsford | 3h31 | 9:44 Manchester | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 6:27 Chelmsford | 3h38 | 10:05 Manchester | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 8:02 Chelmsford | 3h42 | 11:44 Manchester | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 8:25 Chelmsford | 3h40 | 12:05 Manchester | 0 changesdirect |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Chelmsford to Manchester by coach, train or flight
Compare coach, train and flight 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.
03 Jul
04 Jul
05 Jul
06 Jul
07 Jul
08 Jul
09 Jul
Why should you book Chelmsford to Manchester trains with Omio?
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 East Midlands Railway or London North Eastern Railway to find the best option for your trip from Chelmsford to Manchester.
- 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 Avanti West Coast with all available travel options, which are bus, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Chelmsford to Manchester.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu, Raileurope or Rome2rio?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of East Midlands Railway or London North Eastern Railway to find the best option for your trip from Chelmsford to Manchester.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Chelmsford to Manchester.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Chelmsford to Manchester
Trains from Chelmsford to Manchester run on average 6 times per day, taking around 3h 30m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £59 but you can travel from only £53 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 00:04, the last at 22:11. The fastest train covers the 267 km distance in 3h 31m.
Distance 267 km |
Average train duration 3h 30m |
Cheapest ticket price £59 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 3h 31m |
First train 0:04 |
Last train 22:11 |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 7 days |
Train companies: Avanti West Coast, East Midlands Railway, London North Eastern Railway from Chelmsford to Manchester trainsAvanti West Coast, East Midlands Railway, London North Eastern Railway trains will get you between Chelmsford and Manchester from £53. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Avanti West Coast
East Midlands Railway
London North Eastern Railway
FAQs: Chelmsford to Manchester train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chelmsford to Manchester 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 Manchester, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Chelmsford and Manchester
Most Chelmsford to Manchester trains use the Chelmsford to Manchester Piccadilly station pair, with some services arriving at Manchester Victoria. Use this guide to compare Chelmsford and Manchester train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Which Chelmsford station do trains to Manchester leave from?
Getting to Chelmsford from Chelmsford city centre
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.
Which Manchester station do trains from Chelmsford arrive at?
Getting to Manchester Piccadilly from Manchester city centre
Manchester Piccadilly train station facilities and services
Manchester Piccadilly has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food options include: Burger King, Caffè Nero, Carluccio’s, Hotel Chocolat, Starbucks, The Pasty Shop, Costa Coffee, Pret a Manger, Upper Crust, McDonald's, & more
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Pay as you go Wi-Fi is available through BT Wi-Fi. ATMs are there are ATM machines on the main concourse, Platform 10 and on the mezzanine level.
Tickets and information
The ticket office is open Mon - Sat: 04:30 - 22:30, Sun: 07:00 - 22:30. Information desks are located near the Fairfield Street entrance on the mezzanine level.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is operated by Excess Baggage Co. Llocated between Platforms 10 and 11 and open daily from 08:00 to 21:00.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Manchester Piccadilly: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Manchester Piccadilly: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Piccadilly: There is step-free access throughout the station. Ramps for train access and wheelchairs are also available.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Manchester - Piccadilly, Premier Inn Manchester City, Staycity Aparthotels - Manchester Piccadilly.
Getting to Manchester Victoria from Manchester city centre
Manchester Victoria train station facilities and services
Manchester Victoria has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Car Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Manchester Victoria.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Manchester Victoria.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Manchester Victoria: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Manchester Victoria: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Victoria: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A station, Scooter Friendly Station - Step free access around the whole station via use of lifts between platforms 3-6, connection with Manchester Metrolink using ramps, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Accepts Cash & Cards Located near the ticket office, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: As per ticket office opening hours, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Getting to Manchester Airport from Manchester city centre
Manchester Airport is 13 km from Manchester city centre. Public transport options include:
Manchester Airport train station facilities and services
Manchester Airport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Manchester Airport.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Manchester Airport. ATMs are available at Manchester Airport.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Manchester Airport. Information desks are information available from staff: ,Yes - from help point,Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0800 107 2149, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Manchester Airport: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Manchester Airport: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Airport: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: re Step free access is provided from the Ground Transport Interchange to all platforms via lifts or ramps. This station is staffed for all services. This station is Category A. Station staff can provide assistance from Meeting Point 1 (adjacent to the Station Booking Office) and throughout the railway station, and with boarding and alighting the train. Customers requiring assistance should make themselves known to station staff no less than 20 minutes prior to the departure time of their train. Customers requiring assistance to access other services or to connect with terminals should request this from their airline or Manchester Airport Group. Assistance can be requested in advance by contacting the TransPennine Express Assisted Travel Team on 0800 107 2149 (18001 prefix for TextRelay). Please be aware that some platforms at this station have no or only partial tactile paving on the platform edge, Accessible public telephones: In the station cafe on platforms 2 and 3, 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.
Most popular train connections from Chelmsford
More options for your journey from Chelmsford to Manchester
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