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Compare prices and tickets Chelmsford to Preston 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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Why should you book Chelmsford to Preston trains with Omio?
Avanti West Coast as well as Abellio Greater Anglia offer trains services from Chelmsford to Preston.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Chelmsford to Preston.
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 Abellio Greater Anglia to find the best option for your trip from Chelmsford to Preston.
- 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 Abellio Greater Anglia to find the best option for your trip from Chelmsford to Preston.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Chelmsford to Preston
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Chelmsford to Preston run on average 6 times per day, taking around 3h 14m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £80 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 05:25, the last at 20:59. The fastest train covers the 311 km distance in 3h 52m.
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 311 km |
Average train duration 3h 14m |
Cheapest ticket price £80 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 3h 52m |
First train 05:25 |
Last train 20:59 |
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, Abellio Greater Anglia from Chelmsford to Preston trainsAvanti West Coast, Abellio Greater Anglia trains will get you between Chelmsford and Preston from £80. 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 Duration
3h 52m
Cheapest Price
£80
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
Abellio Greater Anglia
About
Greater Anglia is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates a wide range of services, from commuter trains to intercity services. The commuter trains run at regular intervals throughout the day, while the intercity services run at peak times. The train types include the InterCity 125, InterCity 225, Class 90, Class 91, Class 360 and Class 379. The ticket types available are Standard, First Class and Advance. Onboard facilities include Wi-Fi, power sockets, air conditioning and refreshment trolleys. The most popular routes for Greater Anglia are London Liverpool Street to Norwich, London Liverpool Street to Cambridge and London Liverpool Street to Ipswich.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 50m
Cheapest Price
£111
Abellio Greater Anglia frequency
15 a day
Luggage included
Two items of luggage per person included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar service on intercity routes with hot and cold drinks, snacks. No service on local routes.
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for a fee. Free for First Class tickets.
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs require a ticket (£6 flat fee). Guide dogs travel free.
Quiet zone
FAQs: Chelmsford to Preston train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chelmsford to Preston 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 Preston, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Chelmsford to Preston can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £80, while the average price tends to be around £80.
The train journey from Chelmsford to Preston covers a distance of 311 km and takes approximately 3h 52m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train distance from Chelmsford to Preston is 311 km.
The first train from Chelmsford to Preston leaves at 5:25.
The last train from Chelmsford to Preston departs at 20:59.
Trains from Chelmsford to Preston run approximately 6 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Chelmsford to Preston.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Chelmsford to Preston.
To travel from Chelmsford to Preston, you can take a train.
There is no night train service from Chelmsford to Preston.
The train station in Chelmsford that goes to Preston is Chelmsford station (CHM), and it arrives at Preston station (PRE).
The cheapest way to get from Chelmsford to Preston is by train, costing approximately £80.
Booking trains from Chelmsford to Preston 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 Preston offers a mix of urban and rural views, including glimpses of the countryside, quaint villages, and sections of the historic rail network, though it is not typically considered one of the most scenic routes in the UK.
A day trip from Chelmsford to Preston is not feasible as the journey takes 3h 52m. Trains run 4 times per day.
To fully explore Preston's key attractions, such as the Harris Museum, Avenham and Miller Parks, and the Ribble Steam Railway, a stay of two to three days is recommended.
Yes, you can take the train from Chelmsford to Preston.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Chelmsford and Preston
Chelmsford
Preston
The major train station for departures in Chelmsford is Chelmsford. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Chelmsford for your trip from Chelmsford to Preston.
Amenities at train station
Wifi
Shopping
Parking
Dining
ATM
Accessibility
WC
Lost and Found Office
Ticket Office
Bike Parkinginformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:50 - 22:00 Saturday 05:50 - 22:00 Sunday 07:00 - 23:00
Shopping
- Type of shops available: Newsagent Flower stall Hairdresser Dry cleaner
Parking
- Car Park: Premium Bay
Accessibility
- 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
WC
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on each platform. The accessible (radar key) toilets are located on the Ground Floor, near the lifts.
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: There is a dedicated Cycle Point, with free cycle parking, plus secure cycle parking and premium cycle parking. This is in Park Road, opposite the station.
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transport options for Chelmsford
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Replacement transport stop at the bus stop on Victoria Road by station entrance
The major train station for arrivals in Preston is Preston. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Preston for your journey to Preston from Chelmsford.
Amenities at train station
Wifi
LockersParkingDiningATM
TaxisAccessibilityWC
HotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike Parking
Car Rental
Information Desk
Luggage Cartsinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 5:30 AM - 8:00 PM Monday - Friday
- 6:30 AM - 7:00 PM Saturday
- 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM Sunday
Distance to city center
1 km
Number of platforms
6Wifi
- Free
Parking
- The car park is open 24 hours, located adjacent to the station with access from Butler Street.
Dining
- Rise
- The Olive Tree Brasserie
- Turtle Bay
Taxis
- Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
- Elevators, ramps.
WC
- £0.30
Hotel
- Holiday Inn Express Preston - South
- Delta Hotels Preston
- Macdonald Tickled Trout Hotel
Lost and Found Office
- Located in the main hall
Car Rental
- Enterprise
- Europcar
Information Desk
- Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
- Free
Station Plan
- Hall 1: main entrance, platforms 1-3 for long-distance services
- Hall 2: platforms 4-6 for regional and local services
Public transport options for Preston
- Bus: Several lines available
- Train: Northern, Avanti West Coast, TransPennine Express services
More options for your journey from Chelmsford to Preston
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Preston and Chelmsford
Most popular train connections to Preston
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