Derby to Chelmsford train

Thu 08 Oct
+ Add return
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
Regionale
West Midlands Trains
CrossCountry
2,000+ travel companies
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
Regionale
West Midlands Trains
CrossCountry
2,000+ travel companies
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Journey information

Overview: Train from Derby to Chelmsford

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Take a train from Derby to Chelmsford and enjoy the approximately 187 km long journey. Find schedules and pricing options for a convenient and affordable trip.

The earliest train runs at 03:47, the last at 21:34.

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
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
4 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

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

Chelmsford Museum

City museum in Oaklands House covering Chelmsford's archaeology, industry and local life. Good for a clear introduction to the area.

  • 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.

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.

Best day trips from Chelmsford by train

The most popular day trips by train from Chelmsford are London, Colchester, Southend-on-Sea, Ipswich and Norwich. Find out what you can do in these day trip destinations and how to book your train from Chelmsford on Omio.

A view of London

Day trip from Chelmsford 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 Chelmsford to London by train?

There are 8 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 48 km distance in 29m.

A view of Colchester

Day trip from Chelmsford to Colchester by train

Why visit Colchester for the day?

Colchester is an Essex city known as Britain’s oldest recorded town, with Roman roots and a prominent castle. Its historic core, modern cultural venues and easy-going atmosphere make it well suited to a relaxed visit.

How to get from Chelmsford to Colchester by train?

There are 14 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:11, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 34 km distance in 18m.

A view of Southend-on-Sea

Day trip from Chelmsford to Southend-on-Sea by train

Why visit Southend-on-Sea for the day?

Southend-on-Sea is an Essex seaside city best known for its long pleasure pier and traditional seafront atmosphere. Amusements, beaches and estuary views give it the feel of a classic British day out.

How to get from Chelmsford to Southend-on-Sea by train?

The earliest train runs at 05:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 28 km distance in 44m.

A view of Ipswich

Day trip from Chelmsford to Ipswich by train

Why visit Ipswich for the day?

Ipswich is one of England’s oldest towns, known for its waterfront and maritime past. Its medieval streets, parks and Suffolk atmosphere make it feel historic yet lived-in.

How to get from Chelmsford to Ipswich by train?

There are 7 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:05, the last at 23:56. The fastest train covers the 59 km distance in 37m.

A view of Norwich

Day trip from Chelmsford to Norwich by train

Why visit Norwich for the day?

Norwich is known for its Norman cathedral, medieval lanes and strong independent character. Its historic market, literary links and mix of old churches and creative spaces give it a lively but relaxed feel.

How to get from Chelmsford to Norwich by train?

There are 5 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:02, the last at 23:54. The fastest train covers the 114 km distance in 1h 15m.

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.

FAQs
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.
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).
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.
Currently, there is no direct train service available 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 3457125678ShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCHotelTicket OfficeBike ParkingCar Rental
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 · £0.89 · 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.

More options for your journey from Derby to Chelmsford

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