- Recommended
Chelmsford Museum
City museum in Oaklands House covering Chelmsford's archaeology, industry and local life. Good for a clear introduction to the area.
Cheapest price
£116
Average price
£116
Fastest journey
6 h 55 m
Average duration
6 h 55 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
527 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Edinburgh to Chelmsford is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Edinburgh to Chelmsford will cost around £116 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £116.
Of the 1 trains that leave Edinburgh 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 527 km distance in an average of 6 h 55 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 6 h 55 m .
The slowest trains will take 6 h 55 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.


Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Edinburgh to Chelmsford among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the flight with prices starting from £18. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 20m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a flight costs an average of £18, and a train costs an average of £56.
Distance: 527 km
Most popular Train | Flight |
|---|---|
£83 Average Price | £58 Average Price Cheapest |
5h 29m Average total duration 4h 59m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 20m Average total duration Fastest 1h 20m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
The table below shows live departures for Edinburgh to Chelmsford trains for tomorrow, Saturday 29 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 6:13 Edinburgh | 6h55 | 13:08 Chelmsford | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and flight 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 Edinburgh to Chelmsford run on average 6 times per day, taking around 4h 59m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £56 but you can travel from only £18 by flight.
The earliest train runs at 05:11, the last at 23:00. The fastest train covers the 527 km distance in 5h 42m.
Distance 527 km |
Average train duration 4h 59m |
Cheapest ticket price £56 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 5h 42m |
First train 5:11 |
Last train 23:00 |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 1 day |
Discover the best of Chelmsford — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Chelmsford trip today.
City museum in Oaklands House covering Chelmsford's archaeology, industry and local life. Good for a clear introduction to the area.
Museum on the historic radio works site exploring Marconi, wireless innovation and broadcasting. A strong choice for technology enthusiasts.
Railway museum at Chelmsford station with artefacts, signalling history and volunteer displays. Small but engaging for transport fans.
Large historic estate with landscaped parkland, lakes, woods and gardens. Ideal for long walks, events and a classic Chelmsford day out.
Popular city-centre park with riverside paths, flower beds and open lawns. A convenient place for a gentle walk near shops and museums.
Attractive village green lined with historic buildings and a duck pond. A relaxed local favourite for a short stroll just west of the city.
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.
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.
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.
Popular independent Turkish restaurant serving charcoal grills, meze and warm hospitality in a stylish yet casual setting.
Smart contemporary restaurant in central Chelmsford serving modern British dishes with polished service in a relaxed city setting.
Refined hotel dining room at Pontlands Park with seasonal British cooking and a traditional country house atmosphere.
Moderate for England: hotels and dining are cheaper than London, but rail fares and central stays can still raise daily visitor costs.
Service may be included in restaurants; otherwise tip around 10%. Taxis often round up or add 10%. Tipping in cafés is optional.
Official public transport app
Chelmsford Railway Station -> Chelmsford Bus Station
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Edinburgh 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.

Most Edinburgh to Chelmsford trains use the Edinburgh Waverley to Chelmsford station pair. Use this guide to compare Edinburgh and Chelmsford train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Edinburgh Waverley has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food options include: Bagel Factory, Burger King, Caffè Nero, Costa Coffee, JD Wetherspoon, The Pasty Shop, The Beer House, M&S, Pret a Manger
Free public Wi-Fi available. ATMs are there are a few ATM machines around the station.
The ticket office is open Mon - Sat: 05:00 - 23:59, Sun: 07:00 - 23:59. Information desks are information booths are located on the concourse. .
Luggage storage is you can leave luggage at Excessive Baggage Company on Platform 2. . Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Edinburgh Waverley: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Edinburgh Waverley: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Edinburgh Waverley: Entrances are step free. Station is equipped with an elevator. Staffed with guide communicators for the deaf. Tactile warning strips are on the platform edges for the blind.
Nearby hotels include Old Waverley Hotel, Jurys Inn Edinburgh, The Scotsman Hotel.
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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need