- Recommended
Chelmsford Museum
City museum in Oaklands House covering Chelmsford's archaeology, industry and local life. Good for a clear introduction to the area.
2,000+ travel companies
2,000+ travel companies
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
4.942K ratings
Google Play
4.6136K reviews
The cheapest and fastest trains from Derby to Chelmsford
Showing times and prices for 24 Aug
Cheapest price
£71
Average price
£71
Fastest journey
2 h 43 m
Average duration
2 h 43 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
187 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Derby to Chelmsford is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Derby to Chelmsford will cost around £71 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £71.
Fast trains
Of the 1 trains that leave Derby for Chelmsford every day 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 187 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 43 m .
The slowest trains will take 2 h 43 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.
9:082h43Derby11:51Chelmsford£711One-way0 changes
- 9:082h43Derby11:51Chelmsford£711One-way0 changes
Compare prices and tickets Derby to Chelmsford 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.
Mon
24 Aug
24 Aug
Tue
25 Aug
25 Aug
Wed
26 Aug
26 Aug
Thu
27 Aug
27 Aug
Fri
28 Aug
28 Aug
Sat
29 Aug
29 Aug
Sun
30 Aug
30 Aug
Why should you book Derby to Chelmsford trains with Omio?
East Midlands Railway as well as West Midlands Trains offer trains services from Derby to Chelmsford.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Derby to Chelmsford.
Why book with Omio vs East Midlands Railway?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for East Midlands Railway, but also compare tickets for the likes of West Midlands Trains to find the best option for your trip from Derby to Chelmsford.
- 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 Rome2rio?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of West Midlands Trains to find the best option for your trip from Derby to Chelmsford.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Derby to Chelmsford
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Derby to Chelmsford run on average 8 times per day, taking around 2h 40m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £24 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 03:47, the last at 21:34. The fastest train covers the 187 km distance in 3h 0m.
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 187 km |
Average train duration 2h 40m |
Cheapest ticket price £24 |
Trains per day 8 |
Fastest train 3h 0m |
First train 3:47 |
Last train 21:34 |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 3 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
Train companies: East Midlands Railway, West Midlands Trains from Derby to Chelmsford trainsEast Midlands Railway, West Midlands Trains trains will get you between Derby and Chelmsford from £24. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
East Midlands Railway
About
East Midlands Trains is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates services from London to the East Midlands, Yorkshire, and the North West. East Midlands Trains operates a fleet of Class 158, Class 156, Class 170, Class 222 and Class 180 diesel multiple units, as well as Class 222 Meridian electric multiple units. East Midlands Trains also offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. The most popular routes for East Midlands Trains are London to Nottingham, Sheffield, and Leeds.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 0m
Cheapest Price
£24
East Midlands Railway frequency
8 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 piece of hand luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for a fee. Free for Advance ticket holders
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs must be on lead and require a ticket (£6 for day ticket)
Quiet zone
West Midlands Trains
About
West Midlands Trains is a train operator based in the United Kingdom, providing services across the West Midlands region. It operates a variety of train types, including the Class 350 Desiro, Class 323 Electrostar, Class 170 Turbostar, and Class 172 Turbostar. These trains offer a range of onboard facilities, such as free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and air conditioning. Passengers can purchase a range of tickets, including single, return, and season tickets. The most popular routes operated by West Midlands Trains include Birmingham to London Euston, Birmingham to Wolverhampton, and Birmingham to Coventry.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 11m
Cheapest Price
£107
West Midlands Trains frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas
Cancellation Policy
According to ticket conditions
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for an additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs require a ticket at 50% of adult fare. Guide dogs travel free
Quiet zone
Complete guide to Chelmsford
Things to do in Chelmsford
Discover the best of Chelmsford — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Chelmsford trip today.
- Recommended
Sandford Mill Museum
Museum on the historic radio works site exploring Marconi, wireless innovation and broadcasting. A strong choice for technology enthusiasts.
The Essex Regiment Museum
Railway museum at Chelmsford station with artefacts, signalling history and volunteer displays. Small but engaging for transport fans.
- Must visit
Hylands Estate
Large historic estate with landscaped parkland, lakes, woods and gardens. Ideal for long walks, events and a classic Chelmsford day out.
- Recommended
Central Park
Popular city-centre park with riverside paths, flower beds and open lawns. A convenient place for a gentle walk near shops and museums.
- Recommended
Writtle Green
Attractive village green lined with historic buildings and a duck pond. A relaxed local favourite for a short stroll just west of the city.
Saffron Walden Sausage
A traditional pork sausage from nearby Saffron Walden, flavoured with sage and pepper. It is a classic Essex butcher’s sausage often served with mash or in breakfasts.
- Vegetarian
Essex Apple Tart
An old Essex apple tart made with local cooking apples, sugar and pastry. It reflects the county’s orchard heritage and is a familiar regional pudding.
- Gluten-free
Essex White Cheese
A soft white cheese traditionally made in Essex from cow’s milk. It is mild, fresh and closely linked with the county’s farming and cheesemaking history.
Turquoise Kitchen
Popular independent Turkish restaurant serving charcoal grills, meze and warm hospitality in a stylish yet casual setting.
The County Kitchen
Smart contemporary restaurant in central Chelmsford serving modern British dishes with polished service in a relaxed city setting.
Pontlands Park Restaurant
Refined hotel dining room at Pontlands Park with seasonal British cooking and a traditional country house atmosphere.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for England: hotels and dining are cheaper than London, but rail fares and central stays can still raise daily visitor costs.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-12 for fast food or a simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- £18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £50+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service may be included in restaurants; otherwise tip around 10%. Taxis often round up or add 10%. Tipping in cafés is optional.
First Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- >= £2.00
- Day pass
- >= £2.00
To the city centre
Chelmsford Railway Station -> Chelmsford Bus Station
- Distance
- 0.8 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Use The First Bus app for tickets and journey planning in Chelmsford. Buy before boarding where possible.
- Chelmsford Park and Ride route 701 serves Parkway, Victoria Road South, Duke Street for Chelmsford Railway Station, and High Chelmer in the city centre.
FAQs: Derby to Chelmsford train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Derby to Chelmsford 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 Chelmsford, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Derby to Chelmsford can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £24, while the average price tends to be around £24.
The train journey from Derby to Chelmsford covers a distance of 187 km and takes approximately 3h 0m. Trains run 8 per day.
The train distance from Derby to Chelmsford is 187 km.
The first train from Derby to Chelmsford leaves at 3:47.
The last train from Derby to Chelmsford departs at 21:34.
Trains from Derby to Chelmsford run approximately 8 times per day.
Yes, there is a high-speed train service from Derby to Chelmsford.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Derby to Chelmsford.
To travel from Derby to Chelmsford, you can take a train.
There is no night train service from Derby to Chelmsford.
The train station in Derby that goes to Chelmsford is Derby station (DBY), and it arrives at Chelmsford station (CHM).
The cheapest way to get from Derby to Chelmsford is by train, costing approximately £24.
Booking trains from Derby to Chelmsford in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Derby to Chelmsford offers a mix of urban and rural scenery, passing through the picturesque East Midlands countryside, including areas of rolling hills and quaint villages, before reaching the more urban landscapes closer to Chelmsford.
A day trip from Derby to Chelmsford is not feasible, as the journey takes 3h 0m. Trains run 4 times per day.
To explore Chelmsford's main attractions, including its parks, historical sites, and shopping areas, two to three days are usually sufficient.
Yes, you can take the train from Derby to Chelmsford.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Derby and Chelmsford
Most Derby to Chelmsford trains use the Derby to Chelmsford station pair. Use this guide to compare Derby and Chelmsford train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Derby
Arrival train stations in Chelmsford
Which Derby station do trains to Chelmsford leave from?
Trains from Derby to Chelmsford leave from Derby. The station is 1 km from Derby city centre at Derby station, Railway Terrace, Derby, Derbyshire, DE1 2RU.
DerbyDerby station, Railway Terrace, Derby, Derbyshire, DE1 2RU+44 3457125678
City-centre transport
Getting to Derby from Derby city centre
Derby is 1 km from Derby city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus70A · 4m
Sky · 4m · £2 · every ~14 min
U1, Dp1 · 10m · £0.90 · every ~2 min
Derby train station facilities and services
Derby has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Car Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Derby.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are available at Derby.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Derby.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Derby: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Derby: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Derby: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A step free station. This station has step free access. There are lifts to all platforms. There is a subway to platforms 2,3,4 and 5. Platforms 6 and 7 are accessed by lift only. This station has tactile paving at the edges of all platforms and at the foot and top of stairwells, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, 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.
Which Chelmsford station do trains from Derby arrive at?
Trains from Derby to Chelmsford arrive at Chelmsford. Chelmsford is from Chelmsford city centre.
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.
More options for your journey from Derby to Chelmsford
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Chelmsford and Derby
The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy
We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.
