- 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 Leicester to Chelmsford
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 14 Oct
Cheapest price on 14 Oct
£82
Average ticket price on 14 Oct
£121
Fastest journey on 14 Oct
2 h 23 m
Average journey duration on 14 Oct
2 h 32 m
Trains on 14 Oct
8
Distance
148 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Leicester to Chelmsford is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Leicester to Chelmsford will cost around £121 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £82.
Fast trains
To travel from Leicester to Chelmsford you need to make at least 2 changes.
W70750+
Tube from London St Pancras International to London Liverpool Street+
P010714:483h22Leicester station (LEI)8:10Chelmsford station (CHM)£821One-way2 changes- W70666+Tube from London St Pancras International to London Liverpool Street+P665095:472h34Leicester station (LEI)8:21Chelmsford station (CHM)£971One-way2 changes
- W70683+Tube from London St Pancras International to London Liverpool Street+C046529:122h39Leicester station (LEI)11:51Chelmsford station (CHM)£1151One-way2 changes
- C21667+Tube from London St Pancras International to London Liverpool Street+P012419:042h23Leicester station (LEI)11:27Chelmsford station (CHM)£1321One-way2 changes
- W70677+Tube from London St Pancras International to London Liverpool Street+P669428:132h38Leicester station (LEI)10:51Chelmsford station (CHM)£1321One-way2 changes
- C21667+Tube from London St Pancras International to London Liverpool Street+P012419:042h23Leicester station (LEI)11:27Chelmsford station (CHM)£1321One-way2 changes
- C21670+Tube from London St Pancras International to London Liverpool Street+P012338:012h26Leicester station (LEI)10:27Chelmsford station (CHM)£1491One-way2 changes
- W70666+Tube from London St Pancras International to London Liverpool Street+P665095:472h34Leicester station (LEI)8:21Chelmsford station (CHM)£971One-way2 changes
- C21675+Tube from London St Pancras International to London Liverpool Street+P010828:312h37Leicester station (LEI)11:08Chelmsford station (CHM)£1321One-way2 changes
- W70677+Tube from London St Pancras International to London Liverpool Street+P669428:132h38Leicester station (LEI)10:51Chelmsford station (CHM)£1321One-way2 changes
Journey information
Overview: Train from Leicester to Chelmsford
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Leicester to Chelmsford run on average 6 times per day, taking around 1h 57m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £36 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 04:44, the last at 22:15. The fastest train covers the 148 km distance in 1h 43m.
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 148 km |
Average train duration 1h 57m |
Cheapest ticket price £36 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 1h 43m |
First train 4:44 |
Last train 22:15 |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 1 day |
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
Live departures
Leicester to Chelmsford train times
The table below shows live departures for Leicester to Chelmsford trains for tomorrow, Wednesday 14 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| W70750+Tube from London St Pancras International to London Liverpool Street+P01071 | 4:48 Leicester station (LEI) | 3h22 | 8:10 Chelmsford station (CHM) | 2 changes | |
| W70666+Tube from London St Pancras International to London Liverpool Street+P66509 | 5:47 Leicester station (LEI) | 2h34 | 8:21 Chelmsford station (CHM) | 2 changes | |
| C21670+Tube from London St Pancras International to London Liverpool Street+P01233 | 8:01 Leicester station (LEI) | 2h26 | 10:27 Chelmsford station (CHM) | 2 changes | |
| W70677+Tube from London St Pancras International to London Liverpool Street+P66942 | 8:13 Leicester station (LEI) | 2h38 | 10:51 Chelmsford station (CHM) | 2 changes | |
| C21675+Tube from London St Pancras International to London Liverpool Street+P01082 | 8:31 Leicester station (LEI) | 2h37 | 11:08 Chelmsford station (CHM) | 2 changes | |
| W70680+Tube from London St Pancras International to London Liverpool Street+P66529 | 8:42 Leicester station (LEI) | 2h39 | 11:21 Chelmsford station (CHM) | 2 changes | |
| C21667+Tube from London St Pancras International to London Liverpool Street+P01241 | 9:04 Leicester station (LEI) | 2h23 | 11:27 Chelmsford station (CHM) | 2 changes | |
| W70683+Tube from London St Pancras International to London Liverpool Street+C04652 | 9:12 Leicester station (LEI) | 2h39 | 11:51 Chelmsford station (CHM) | 2 changes | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Why should you book Leicester to Chelmsford trains with Omio?
East Midlands Railway operates all trains services from Leicester to Chelmsford.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Leicester to Chelmsford.
Why book with Omio vs East Midlands Railway?
- 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 East Midlands Railway with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Leicester to Chelmsford.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Rome2rio?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Leicester to Chelmsford.
Train companies: East Midlands Railway from Leicester to Chelmsford trainsEast Midlands Railway trains will get you between Leicester and Chelmsford from £36. 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 East Midlands Railway Duration
1h 43m
Cheapest East Midlands Railway Price
£36
East Midlands Railway frequency
6 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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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: Leicester to Chelmsford train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Leicester 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 Leicester to Chelmsford can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £36, while the average price tends to be around £88.
The train journey from Leicester to Chelmsford covers a distance of 148 km and takes approximately 1h 43m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train distance from Leicester to Chelmsford is 148 km.
The first train from Leicester to Chelmsford leaves at 4:44.
The last train from Leicester to Chelmsford departs at 22:15.
Trains from Leicester to Chelmsford run approximately 6 times per day.
Yes, there is a high-speed train service from Leicester to Chelmsford.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Leicester to Chelmsford.
There is no night train service from Leicester to Chelmsford.
The train station in Leicester that goes to Chelmsford is Leicester station (LEI), and it arrives at Chelmsford station (CHM).
Booking trains from Leicester 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 Leicester to Chelmsford offers a mix of urban and rural scenery. Passengers can enjoy views of the English countryside, including fields and small villages, especially between Leicester and London. However, much of the route near urban areas focuses more on infrastructure and cityscapes.
Yes, you can take the train from Leicester to Chelmsford.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Leicester and Chelmsford
Most Leicester to Chelmsford trains use the Leicester to Chelmsford station pair. Use this guide to compare Leicester and Chelmsford train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Leicester
Arrival train stations in Chelmsford
Which Leicester station do trains to Chelmsford leave from?
Trains from Leicester to Chelmsford leave from Leicester. The station is 1 km from Leicester city centre at Leicester station, London Road, Leicester, Leicestershire, LE2 0QB.
LeicesterLeicester station, London Road, Leicester, Leicestershire, LE2 0QB+44 8457125678
City-centre transport
Getting to Leicester from Leicester city centre
BusX7 · 4m · £2 · every ~3 min
16 · 7m · every ~6 min
Hop · 11m · £2 · every ~14 min
Leicester train station facilities and services
Leicester has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Leicester.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Leicester. ATMs are available at Leicester.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Leicester. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 08000 11 33 23, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Leicester: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Leicester: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Leicester: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category A access station. There is step free access to the main entrance and lifts to all platforms. Customers with wheelchairs who require assistance on graduated slopes should press the ticket gate 'assistance' button located at the bottom of the stairs near the self service ticket machines. To ensure availability of staff to assist, it is imperative that customers book assistance in advance. This station has tactile paving at the edge of all platforms and at the bottom of all staircases, 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 Leicester arrive at?
Trains from Leicester 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.
Most popular train connections from Leicester
More options for your journey from Leicester to Chelmsford
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Chelmsford and Leicester
Most popular train connections to Chelmsford
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.
