The cheapest and fastest trains from Chelmsford to Southampton
Cheapest price
£32
Average price
£34
Fastest journey
2 h 38 m
Average duration
2 h 43 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
160 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Chelmsford to Southampton is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Chelmsford to Southampton will cost around £34 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £32.
Of the 2 trains that leave Chelmsford for Southampton every day 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 160 km distance in an average of 2 h 43 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 38 m .
The slowest trains will take 2 h 47 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.
9:022h47Chelmsford11:49Southampton£321One-way0 changes
7:442h38Chelmsford10:22Southampton£361One-way0 changes
7:442h38Chelmsford10:22Southampton£361One-way0 changes
9:022h47Chelmsford11:49Southampton£321One-way0 changes
Live departures
Chelmsford to Southampton train times
The table below shows live departures for Chelmsford to Southampton trains for today, Tuesday 14 July. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 9:42 Chelmsford | 2h40 | 12:22 Southampton | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Chelmsford to Southampton 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.
15 Jul
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19 Jul
20 Jul
21 Jul
Why should you book Chelmsford to Southampton trains with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs South Western Railway?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for South Western Railway, but also compare tickets for the likes of CrossCountry to find the best option for your trip from Chelmsford to Southampton.
- 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?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of CrossCountry to find the best option for your trip from Chelmsford to Southampton.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Chelmsford to Southampton
Trains from Chelmsford to Southampton run on average 7 times per day, taking around 2h 8m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £18 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 04:49, the last at 23:23. The fastest train covers the 160 km distance in 2h 36m.
Distance 160 km |
Average train duration 2h 8m |
Cheapest ticket price £18 |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 2h 36m |
First train 4:49 |
Last train 23:23 |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 28 days |
Train companies: South Western Railway, CrossCountry from Chelmsford to Southampton trainsSouth Western Railway, CrossCountry trains will get you between Chelmsford and Southampton from £18. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
South Western Railway
CrossCountry
FAQs: Chelmsford to Southampton train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chelmsford to Southampton 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 Southampton, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Chelmsford and Southampton
Most Chelmsford to Southampton trains use the Chelmsford to Southampton Central station pair, with some services arriving at Southampton Airport Parkway. Use this guide to compare Chelmsford and Southampton train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Which Chelmsford station do trains to Southampton 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 Southampton station do trains from Chelmsford arrive at?
Getting to Southampton Central from Southampton city centre
Southampton Central train station facilities and services
Southampton Central has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Car Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Southampton Central.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Southampton Central. ATMs are available at Southampton Central.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Southampton Central.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Southampton Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Southampton Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Southampton Central: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step-free category A Station - This station has step-free access to all platforms. Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All South Western Railway ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. All machines are accessible, however the station may not be so please check the station access note for further details, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Getting to Southampton Airport Parkway from Southampton city centre
Southampton Airport Parkway is 5 km from Southampton city centre. Public transport options include:
Southampton Airport Parkway train station facilities and services
Southampton Airport Parkway has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Car Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Southampton Airport Parkway.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Southampton Airport Parkway. ATMs are available at Southampton Airport Parkway.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Southampton Airport Parkway.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Southampton Airport Parkway: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Southampton Airport Parkway: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Southampton Airport Parkway: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step-free category A Station - This station has step-free access to all platforms. Please be aware that some platforms at this station have no or only partial tactile paving on the platform edge, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All South Western Railway ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. All machines are accessible, however the station may not be so please check the station access note for further details, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Getting to Redbridge from Southampton city centre
Redbridge is 4 km from Southampton city centre. Public transport options include:
Redbridge train station facilities and services
Redbridge has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Lost and Found Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Redbridge.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Redbridge.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Redbridge: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Redbridge: Bike Parking.
Most popular train connections from Chelmsford
More options for your journey from Chelmsford to Southampton
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
