- Recommended
Chelmsford Museum
City museum in Oaklands House covering Chelmsford's archaeology, industry and local life. Good for a clear introduction to the area.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Exeter to Chelmsford
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 21 Sept
Cheapest price on 21 Sept
£50
Average ticket price on 21 Sept
£50
Fastest journey on 21 Sept
5 h 10 m
Average journey duration on 21 Sept
5 h 10 m
Trains on 21 Sept
1
Distance
300 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Exeter to Chelmsford is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Exeter to Chelmsford will cost around £50 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £50.
Fast trains
On Mon 21 Sept, we found 1 trains from Exeter to Chelmsford, including 1 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 300 km distance in an average of 5 h 10 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 10 m .
The slowest trains will take 5 h 10 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.
7:245h10Exeter12:34Chelmsford£501One-way0 changes
- 7:245h10Exeter12:34Chelmsford£501One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare coach and train for Exeter to Chelmsford
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Exeter to Chelmsford among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £101 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 59m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £101, while a flight costs an average of £410.
Distance: 300 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£101 Average Price Cheapest | £410 Average Price | £55 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 59m Average total duration Fastest 3h 29m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 7m Average total duration 3h 7m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 4h 25m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Exeter to Chelmsford is a train with an average price of £101.
This is compared to other travel options from Exeter to Chelmsford:
A train is £309 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Exeter to Chelmsford costing on average £410.
The fastest way to travel from Exeter to Chelmsford is by flight with an average journey time of 3h 7m.
Other travel options to Chelmsford take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 29m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Exeter and Chelmsford including taking a coach and train.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.
You'll arrive about 56m sooner (3h 29m by train vs 4h 25m by car). Tickets start at around £101 compared to roughly £55 in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
Live departures
Exeter to Chelmsford train times
The table below shows live departures for Exeter to Chelmsford trains for today, Sunday 20 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
.png) | 8:30 Exeter | 3h39 | 12:09 Chelmsford | 2 changes | |
| 9:32 Exeter | 3h37 | 13:09 Chelmsford | 2 changes | |
| 10:15 Exeter | 3h26 | 13:41 Chelmsford | 2 changes | |
| 11:06 Exeter | 3h35 | 14:41 Chelmsford | 2 changes | |
| 12:06 Exeter | 3h35 | 15:41 Chelmsford | 2 changes | |
| 13:06 Exeter | 3h35 | 16:41 Chelmsford | 2 changes | |
| 14:06 Exeter | 3h35 | 17:41 Chelmsford | 2 changes | |
| 15:16 Exeter | 3h25 | 18:41 Chelmsford | 2 changes | |
| 15:35 Exeter | 3h34 | 19:09 Chelmsford | 2 changes | |
| 16:15 Exeter | 3h26 | 19:41 Chelmsford | 2 changes | |
| 17:17 Exeter | 3h14 | 20:31 Chelmsford | 2 changes | |
| 17:40 Exeter | 3h29 | 21:09 Chelmsford | 2 changes | |
| 18:15 Exeter | 3h26 | 21:41 Chelmsford | 2 changes | |
| 18:53 Exeter | 3h16 | 22:09 Chelmsford | 2 changes | |
| 19:15 Exeter | 3h26 | 22:41 Chelmsford | 2 changes | |
| 21:14 Exeter | 8h44 | 5:58 Chelmsford | 2 changes | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Exeter to Chelmsford by coach or train
Compare coach and 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.
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21 Sept
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27 Sept
Why should you book Exeter to Chelmsford trains with Omio?
Great Western Railway as well as Great Western Railway (GWR) offer trains services from Exeter to Chelmsford.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Exeter to Chelmsford.
Why book with Omio vs Great Western Railway?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Great Western Railway, but also compare tickets for the likes of Great Western Railway (GWR) to find the best option for your trip from Exeter 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.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Great Western Railway with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Exeter to Chelmsford.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Exeter to Chelmsford.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Exeter to Chelmsford
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Exeter to Chelmsford run on average 15 times per day, taking around 3h 29m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £66 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 00:02, the last at 23:45. The fastest train covers the 300 km distance in 2h 46m.
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 300 km |
Average train duration 3h 29m |
Cheapest ticket price £66 |
Trains per day 15 |
Fastest train 2h 46m |
First train 0:02 |
Last train 23:45 |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 7 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: South Western Railway, Great Western Railway from Exeter to Chelmsford trainsSouth Western Railway, Great Western Railway trains will get you between Exeter and Chelmsford from £66. 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
4h 39m
Cheapest South Western Railway Price
£66
South Western Railway frequency
2 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
Great Western Railway
About
Great Western Railway is a train operating company in the United Kingdom. It operates services from London Paddington to the West of England, South Wales and the Cotswolds. It also operates services from London Paddington to Oxford, Reading and Bristol. It offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, air conditioning and catering services. The most popular routes for Great Western Railway are London Paddington to Bristol, Reading and Oxford.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Great Western Railway Duration
2h 46m
Cheapest Great Western Railway Price
£71
Great Western Railway frequency
10 a day
Luggage included
Two pieces of luggage and one piece of hand luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, dedicated luggage areas at 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
Cafe bar serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, sandwiches. First Class at-seat service on some routes
Seat reservation
Optional seat reservations available for a fee. Free in First Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
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: Exeter to Chelmsford train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Exeter 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 Exeter to Chelmsford can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £66, while the average price tends to be around £101.
The train journey from Exeter to Chelmsford covers a distance of 300 km and takes approximately 2h 46m. Trains run 15 per day.
The train distance from Exeter to Chelmsford is 300 km.
The first train from Exeter to Chelmsford leaves at 0:02.
The last train from Exeter to Chelmsford departs at 23:45.
Trains from Exeter to Chelmsford run approximately 15 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Exeter to Chelmsford.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Exeter to Chelmsford.
To get from Exeter to Chelmsford, you can choose from several travel options including coach and train.
There is no night train service from Exeter to Chelmsford.
The train station in Exeter that goes to Chelmsford is Exeter St Davids (EXD), and it arrives at Chelmsford station (CHM).
The cheapest way to get from Exeter to Chelmsford is by train, costing approximately £66.
Booking trains from Exeter 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 Exeter to Chelmsford offers picturesque views of the English countryside, including rolling hills and charming villages, particularly as it travels through the South West and parts of Essex.
A day trip from Exeter to Chelmsford is not feasible as the journey duration is 2h 46m. However, there are 11 train services available 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 Exeter to Chelmsford.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Exeter and Chelmsford
Most Exeter to Chelmsford trains use the Exeter St Davids to Chelmsford station pair. Use this guide to compare Exeter and Chelmsford train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Exeter
Arrival train stations in Chelmsford
Which Exeter station do trains to Chelmsford leave from?
Trains from Exeter to Chelmsford leave from Exeter St Davids. The station is 1 km from Exeter city centre at Exeter St Davids station, Bonhay Road, Exeter, Devon, EX4 4NT.
Exeter St DavidsExeter St Davids station, Bonhay Road, Exeter, Devon, EX4 4NT+44 3451652030
City-centre transport
Getting to Exeter St Davids from Exeter city centre
Exeter St Davids is 1 km from Exeter city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus355, 6A, 5B, 4A, 4, 66 · 6m · £2 · every ~20 min
4, 4A, Uni, K · 8m · £2 · every ~19 min
Exeter St Davids train station facilities and services
Exeter St Davids has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Exeter St Davids.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Exeter St Davids. ATMs are available at Exeter St Davids.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Exeter St Davids.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Exeter St Davids: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Exeter St Davids: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Exeter St Davids: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step free Category A station - All platforms can be accessed via Lifts from the sole main station entrance. Safety warning - Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge. Please take extra care when using this station, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible public telephones: Public telephones are not accessible, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Accessible ticket machines are located at the station entrance by the ticket office, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Exeter St ThomasExeter St Thomas station, Cowick Street, Exeter, Devon, EX4 1AJ
City-centre transport
Getting to Exeter St Thomas from Exeter city centre
Exeter St Thomas is 1 km from Exeter city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainExmouth - Paignton · 21m · £0.90 · every ~2 min
BusA, B, C, E, P · 9m · £2 · every ~44 min
Exeter St Thomas train station facilities and services
Exeter St Thomas has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Exeter St Thomas.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Exeter St Thomas.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Exeter St Thomas: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Exeter St Thomas: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Exeter St Thomas: Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Step free Category C Station - This station does not have step free access to any platform. Safety warning - Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge. Please take extra care when using this station, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are not available, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
St James' ParkSt James Park (Exeter) station, Well Street, Exeter, Devon, EX4 6QB
City-centre transport
Getting to St James' Park from Exeter city centre
BusTg001 · 12m
G · 18m · every ~1 min
St James' Park train station facilities and services
St James' Park has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at St James' Park.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at St James' Park: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at St James' Park: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at St James' Park: Staff help available: No, Step free access note: Step Free Category B3 Station - This station has a degree of step free access to the platforms, however the Exeter bound platform cannot be accessed step free and the Exmouth bound platform can be accessed step free but only via a very steep ramp, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Which Chelmsford station do trains from Exeter arrive at?
Trains from Exeter 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 Exeter to Chelmsford
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Chelmsford and Exeter
Most popular train connections to Chelmsford
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