- Must visit
National Railway Museum
A major railway museum with historic locomotives, royal carriages and engineering exhibits. An easy choice for families and transport fans.
Cheapest price
£70
Average price
£74
Fastest journey
3 h 4 m
Average duration
3 h 15 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
268 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Chelmsford to York is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Chelmsford to York will cost around £74 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £70.
Of the 2 trains that leave Chelmsford for York 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 268 km distance in an average of 3 h 15 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 4 m .
The slowest trains will take 3 h 26 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 York trains for tomorrow, Saturday 1 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 7:11 Chelmsford | 3h04 | 10:15 York | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 7:25 Chelmsford | 3h26 | 10:51 York | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Chelmsford to York run on average 8 times per day, taking around 3h 6m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £36 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 04:40, the last at 21:19. The fastest train covers the 268 km distance in 3h 4m.
Distance 268 km |
Average train duration 3h 6m |
Cheapest ticket price £36 |
Trains per day 8 |
Fastest train 3h 4m |
First train 4:40 |
Last train 21:19 |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 14 days |
Discover the best of York — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect York trip today.
A major railway museum with historic locomotives, royal carriages and engineering exhibits. An easy choice for families and transport fans.
An immersive museum street with recreated shops, period rooms and social history exhibits that bring everyday York life to life.
A broad city museum in riverside gardens, covering archaeology, Roman York, medieval objects and changing local life.
A narrow medieval street with overhanging timber buildings, independent shops and one of York’s most recognisable scenes.
Peaceful public gardens beside museum buildings and abbey ruins, ideal for a central stroll, picnics and riverside breaks.
A handsome Georgian street leading to the Minster, known for boutiques, facades and a classic approach through the old city.
A famous York sweet: dark chocolate-coated peppermint fondant, made in the city since the 20th century and strongly associated with York’s confectionery heritage.
Traditional Yorkshire tea loaf made with dried fruit and tea, often served sliced with butter. A classic regional bake long linked with teatime in York and Yorkshire.
A broad, crisp batter pudding served with roast beef and gravy. It is one of Yorkshire’s best-known traditional foods and a staple in York pubs and Sunday roasts.
Refined British tasting menus in an elegant, intimate setting inside The Grand. A strong choice for a special meal in central York.
Popular modern British restaurant focused on local produce, seasonal cooking and a relaxed bistro feel near the city walls.
Well-known traditional tearoom serving afternoon tea, cakes and light lunches in a classic Edwardian-style setting popular with visitors and locals.
Moderate for the UK: hotels and dining are pricier than smaller northern cities, but usually below London. Walking helps keep local transport costs low.
Restaurants: 10-12.5% if service is not included. Taxis: round up or add about 10%. Cafés and pubs: tipping is optional, but small change is appreciated.
Official public transport app
York Railway Station -> York Minster, York
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chelmsford to York 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 York, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Chelmsford to York trains use the Chelmsford to York station pair. Use this guide to compare Chelmsford and York 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.
York has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at York.
Wi-Fi is available at York. ATMs are available at York.
Ticket office support is available at York.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at York: Parking, WC.
Available at York: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at York: 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: No advance booking is required but it will reduce the waiting time for a wheelchair access Taxi, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Accessible machines are available on the main concourse, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
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