- Must visit
SeaCity Museum
Maritime museum telling the story of the Titanic, the docks and ocean travel. One of Southampton’s key visitor attractions.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Chelmsford to Southampton
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 13 Oct
Cheapest price on 13 Oct
£32
Average ticket price on 13 Oct
£32
Fastest journey on 13 Oct
2 h 40 m
Average journey duration on 13 Oct
2 h 40 m
Trains on 13 Oct
1
Distance
160 km
Cheap tickets
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 £32 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £32.
Fast trains
On Tue 13 Oct, we found 1 trains from Chelmsford to Southampton, including 1 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 160 km distance in an average of 2 h 40 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 40 m .
The slowest trains will take 2 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.
9:422h40Chelmsford12:22Southampton£321One-way0 changes
- 9:422h40Chelmsford12:22Southampton£321One-way0 changes
Journey information
Overview: Train from Chelmsford to Southampton
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Chelmsford to Southampton run on average 6 times per day, taking around 2h 16m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £29 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 1h 58m.
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 160 km |
Average train duration 2h 16m |
Cheapest ticket price £29 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 1h 58m |
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 |
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
Live departures
Chelmsford to Southampton train times
The table below shows live departures for Chelmsford to Southampton trains for tomorrow, Tuesday 13 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| 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
Why should you book Chelmsford to Southampton trains with Omio?
South Western Railway as well as CrossCountry or Elizabeth line offer trains services from Chelmsford to Southampton.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Chelmsford to Southampton.
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 or Elizabeth line 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 or Elizabeth line to find the best option for your trip from Chelmsford to Southampton.
Train companies: South Western Railway, CrossCountry, Elizabeth line from Chelmsford to Southampton trainsSouth Western Railway, CrossCountry, Elizabeth line trains will get you between Chelmsford and Southampton from £29. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
South Western Railway
About
South Western Railway is a train operating company in the United Kingdom, providing services in the south and south-west of England. It operates a variety of train types, including high-speed trains, local stopping services, and suburban commuter trains. It also offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Off-Peak, and Super Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. The most popular routes for South Western Railway include London Waterloo to Portsmouth Harbour, London Waterloo to Weymouth, and London Waterloo to Bournemouth.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average South Western Railway Duration
2h 11m
Cheapest South Western Railway Price
£29
South Western Railway frequency
5 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated luggage areas at end of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund depends on ticket type and timing of cancellation
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled by operator
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar service with hot and cold drinks, snacks, sandwiches
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for a fee, free for some ticket types
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free, dogs must be on lead
Quiet zone
CrossCountry
About
CrossCountry is a fast-speed train operator in the United Kingdom, offering both express and regional services across the country. Express services, such as the CrossCountry Voyager and XC Trains, provide quick and comfortable journeys with amenities like free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a selection of snacks and drinks. Regional services, including the CrossCountry Regional and Regional Express, make more local stops for a leisurely trip. Ticket options include Standard Class and First Class, as well as Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak fares to suit different budgets and schedules. Popular routes include London to Birmingham, Manchester to Edinburgh, and Bristol to Reading.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average CrossCountry Duration
1h 58m
Cheapest CrossCountry Price
£48
CrossCountry frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage storage areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled services
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require ticket
Quiet zone
Elizabeth line
About
Tfl Rail is a railway service operated by Transport for London in the United Kingdom. It operates on the Great Western Main Line and the Heathrow branch of the London Underground. The service runs from Paddington in London to Reading, Maidenhead, Slough, and Heathrow Airport. It also serves the towns of Taplow, Burnham, Twyford, and Hayes & Harlington. All trains are air-conditioned and feature onboard Wi-Fi, power sockets, and digital information screens. Tfl Rail offers a range of ticket types, including single and return tickets, season tickets, and Oyster cards. Oyster cards are the most popular ticket type, allowing passengers to pay for their journey with a single card. The most popular routes for Tfl Rail are Paddington to Reading, Paddington to Maidenhead, and Paddington to Heathrow Airport. These routes offer frequent services and provide passengers with a convenient way to travel between London and the surrounding areas.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Elizabeth line Duration
2h 32m
Cheapest Elizabeth line Price
£72
Elizabeth line frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
Standard luggage allowance included with ticket
Luggage storage
Dedicated luggage storage areas in carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refunds available through TfL website or customer service
Refund
Full refund available for service cancellations
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
No dedicated dining car. Passengers can bring their own food and drinks
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Step-free access at most stations, wheelchair spaces on trains, priority seating
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be leashed. Guide dogs welcome
Quiet zone
Complete guide to Southampton
Things to do in Southampton
Discover the best of Southampton — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Southampton trip today.
- Recommended
Tudor House and Garden
Historic house museum with period rooms and displays on local history. A rewarding visit in the heart of the old town.
- Recommended
Southampton City Art Gallery
Gallery in the Civic Centre showing art from several periods, including modern British works. Good for a cultural stop in the city centre.
- Must visit
Old Town
Historic quarter of lanes, walls and vaults near the waterfront. Best for wandering between medieval sites, museums and old pubs.
- Recommended
Southampton Common
Large central park popular for walks, events and green space between the civic buildings. A practical and pleasant break from shopping streets.
- Recommended
Ocean Village
Waterside promenade with marina views, cafés nearby and links to old town walks. Visit for harbour scenery and a relaxed atmosphere.
- Gluten-free
Hampshire Hoggers
A hearty Hampshire stew of beef, onions and root vegetables, slowly cooked. It is a traditional county comfort dish linked to local farmhouse cooking.
- Gluten-free
South Coast Crab
Fresh crab from the nearby Solent and south coast, often served simply dressed. It is prized locally for sweet flavour and strong coastal identity.
Plaice
A classic south coast catch, grilled or fried and served in local pubs and seafood spots. It reflects Southampton’s long maritime food culture.
The Oxford Brasserie
Lively Oxford Street seafood restaurant serving fish, shellfish and British classics in an established, bustling setting.
Bacaro
Well-known Italian restaurant in Ocean Village with pizzas, pasta and marina views in a relaxed modern setting.
The Jetty
Contemporary fine dining in a polished setting, known for seasonal British tasting menus and carefully presented plates.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for UK city breaks. Hotels and dining cost less than London, while buses and casual meals are fairly manageable for most tourists.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-12 for fast food or a basic meal.
- Mid-range
- £18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £60+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Restaurants may add a 10-12.5% service charge; if not, tip around 10% for good service. Taxi fares are often rounded up. Tipping in cafés is optional.
Bluestar
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2.60
- Day pass
- £4.30
To the city centre
Southampton Central -> Westquay, Southampton
- Distance
- 1 km
- Travel time
- 15 min
- Adult singles in the Southampton zone are £2.60, and contactless tap on or tap off is accepted on Bluestar and Unilink buses.
- A Southampton Zone Dayrider is £4.30 in the app or via tap on tap off, or £4.50 as a paper ticket from the driver.
Best day trips from Southampton by train
The most popular day trips by train from Southampton are London, Winchester, Portsmouth, Bournemouth and Oxford. Find out what you can do in these day trip destinations and how to book your train from Southampton on Omio.
Day trip from Southampton to London by train
Why visit London for the day?
London blends royal history with modern city life, known for its museums, theatre and global food scene. Along the Thames, grand landmarks sit beside diverse neighbourhoods shaped by finance, fashion and contemporary culture.
How to get from Southampton to London by train?
There are 31 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:02, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 112 km distance in 1h 12m.
Day trip from Southampton to Winchester by train
Why visit Winchester for the day?
Winchester is a historic Hampshire city known for its cathedral, medieval streets and links to King Alfred the Great. Once an Anglo-Saxon capital, it feels compact, walkable and quietly elegant.
How to get from Southampton to Winchester by train?
There are 9 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:05, the last at 23:51. The fastest train covers the 19 km distance in 15m.
Day trip from Southampton to Portsmouth by train
Why visit Portsmouth for the day?
Portsmouth is a waterfront city on England’s south coast, known for its naval heritage and historic dockyard. Its island setting, working harbour and seafront give it a distinctly maritime character, with Old Portsmouth adding older streets and pubs.
How to get from Southampton to Portsmouth by train?
There are 6 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:04, the last at 23:57. The fastest train covers the 25 km distance in 39m.
Day trip from Southampton to Bournemouth by train
Why visit Bournemouth for the day?
Bournemouth is a south coast seaside town known for its long sandy beach, Victorian gardens and pier. It has a relaxed holiday feel, with a busy seafront, clifftop views and a lively town centre.
How to get from Southampton to Bournemouth by train?
There are 9 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:03, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 39 km distance in 26m.
Day trip from Southampton to Oxford by train
Why visit Oxford for the day?
Oxford is known for its historic university, elegant colleges and long academic tradition. Its medieval streets, museums and riverside setting give the city a thoughtful but lively character.
How to get from Southampton to Oxford by train?
There are 5 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 01:06, the last at 23:10. The fastest train covers the 95 km distance in 1h 18m.
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.
The cost of a train ticket from Chelmsford to Southampton can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £29, while the average price tends to be around £44.
The train journey from Chelmsford to Southampton covers a distance of 160 km and takes approximately 1h 58m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train distance from Chelmsford to Southampton is 160 km.
The first train from Chelmsford to Southampton leaves at 4:49.
The last train from Chelmsford to Southampton departs at 23:23.
Trains from Chelmsford to Southampton run approximately 6 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Chelmsford to Southampton.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Chelmsford to Southampton.
There is no night train service from Chelmsford to Southampton.
The train station in Chelmsford that goes to Southampton is Chelmsford station (CHM), and it arrives at Southampton Central (SOU).
Booking trains from Chelmsford to Southampton 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 Southampton offers a mix of urban and countryside views, including glimpses of the picturesque Essex countryside and parts of the South Downs National Park, providing a moderately scenic experience.
Yes, you can take the train from Chelmsford to Southampton.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Chelmsford and Southampton
Most Chelmsford to Southampton trains use the Chelmsford to Southampton Central station pair. 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.
Departure train stations in Chelmsford
Arrival train stations in Southampton
Which Chelmsford station do trains to Southampton leave from?
Trains from Chelmsford to Southampton leave from Chelmsford. The station is from Chelmsford city centre at Chelmsford station, Duke Street, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 1HT.
ChelmsfordChelmsford station, Duke Street, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 1HT+44 8450507080
City-centre transport
Getting to Chelmsford from Chelmsford city centre
Location for Rail Replacement ServicesReplacement transport stop at the bus stop on Victoria Road by station entrance
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?
Trains from Chelmsford to Southampton arrive at Southampton Central. Southampton Central is 1 km from Southampton city centre.
Southampton CentralSouthampton Central station, Blechynden Terrace, Southampton, Hampshire, SO15 1AL+44 345 600 0650
City-centre transport
Getting to Southampton Central from Southampton city centre
BusX4, X5 · 5m · £2 · every ~20 min
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.
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
Most popular trains to and from Southampton and Chelmsford
Most popular train connections to Southampton
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