London to Chester train with Avanti West Coast

Trains from London to Chester

If you travel to Chester from London for business or pleasure, you will find the trains servicing the route are fast, comfortable and cheap. There are approximately 164 miles (265 km) to cover during the journey. If you board a high-speed train from London to Chester, you can complete the voyage in about 2h 04min. Some of the trains have a lower speed, getting you to Chester after an estimated 3h 55min. Most trips are not direct. You may switch trains once or twice, at cities like Crewe, Stoke-on-Trent and Stafford. Weekdays have about 27 daily departures, while weekends receive around 24 trains every day.

London to Chester Train Time: Daily Departures

Given that around 27 daily weekday trains and an estimated 24 daily weekend departures connect London and Chester, passengers have approximately 183 weekly train rides to travel aboard. The first train to leave London for Chester moves out around 06:28. However, its travel time is about 3h 22min, and it arrives in Chester at close to 09:50. If you need to reach Chester earlier, we recommend that you board the second departure at roughly 06:36 and alight at your destination around 08:48. The London to Chester route’s last train starts travelling at about 21:48 and completes its journey close to 12:39. Note that during the weekend, the first departure is close to 08:17, while the last sets out at roughly 21:21. Approximately two trains leave London for Chester every hour.

How long is the journey by train from London to Chester?

A travel time of roughly 2 hours is adequate for trains from London to Chester to connect the two cities. However, the travel duration may increase if the train you board travels at a low speed or has one or two changeovers. The maximum time required to access Chester from London is generally 3h 55min.

Enjoying the train ride from London. Source: Shutterstock

What are the departure and arrival stations for trains from London to Chester?

Departure train station: London Euston is one of the busiest terminals in London, and it will serve as your departure point when you travel from London to Chester by train. The train station is about 2.5 miles (4 km) from the city centre. If in Central London, you can board a Transport for London bus or take a taxi to arrive at London Euston in about 15min. Transport for London also offers bicycles that can get you to the terminal within a similar duration. At London Euston, you can browse online at no cost, as Wi-Fi is free. Further, a waiting room under a balcony is available. It has cushy seats, where you can surf the internet. You can also access cashpoints, washrooms, luggage storage lockers, parking and assistance for the disabled.

Arrival train station: Any London to Chester train finds a destination at Chester Railway Station. The usually busy terminal is about 0.8 miles (1.2 km) from central Chester. Once you arrive at the station, you can check out services like coffee shops, retail shops, trolleys, toilets, payphones, waiting areas and free internet access. The infrastructure and assistance required by persons with reduced mobility are available at Chester Railway Station. When leaving the terminal for the city centre, you can take the Stagecoach Merseyside or Arriva North West buses, which arrive in an estimated 9min. Taxis are a tad faster; they get to downtown Chester after around 5min, while walking would take you roughly 17min.

Which train companies travel from London to Chester?

Avanti West Coast and West Midlands Trains are the primary providers of trains from London to Chester. Avanti West Coast is a private enterprise under the leadership of a British multinational firm. However, West Midlands Trains financial backers are Dutch and Japanese. While Avanti West Coats trains have medium speed, West Midlands Trains’s locomotives are slower.

Night trains London

If you can’t travel from London to Chester during the day, you can board any of the five departures that make trips at night. At around 7.37 p.m., the first night train starts travelling. Departures continue until nearly 9.48 p.m. during weekdays. If you board this last train, you can reach Chester a few minutes past midnight at roughly 12.38 a.m. Note that you can catch the last London to Chester train on Saturdays and Sundays at about 9.21 p.m.

Avanti West Coast trains from London to Chester

Almost all departures from London to Chester are from Avanti West Coast. The company’s trains provide approximately 26 and 23 rides every day on weekdays and weekends. Travelling at nearly 125 mph (200kph), Avanti West Coast trains require an average of 2h 15min to arrive in Chester from London. If aboard the trains, expect a maximum of two layovers at Crewe, Stoke-on-Trent, or Stafford.

West Midlands Trains trains from London to Chester

West Midlands Trains offers one departure for the London-Chesterroute. The train is relatively slow, with a travel time of approximately 3h 55min. However, you may realise that West Midlands Trains rides are among the cheapest for the route. The train allows one switch at Crewe.

Trains from London to Chester: Sustainability travel

Avanti West Coast ensures that every time you use their trains, you have a chance to enjoy a greener journey compared to driving. The systems used by the company to downscale its carbon footprint have Environmental Management and Energy Management ISO certifications. West Midlands Railway spearheads environmental conservation through technology and innovation. All its trains feature the engine stand-by mode that effectively reduces carbon emissions. Through research, West Midlands Railway identifies pollution agents and devises ways to curb their negative impacts.

Train London to Chester: Services on Board

You can travel in either the Standard or First Class section on the London to Chester trains. Several services are available in the Standard cabin, such as free Wi-Fi. The seats are also specially designed to enhance your travel experience. In addition, the trains also provide passengers with a table and USB plug-in ports for phone charging. If you want a seat near the window to read a magazinein natural light, you can use a seat reservation service. More comfort is available in the First Class section, where widely spaced seats are present. You can also order snacks like breakfast bars or get some hot meals. If you have a pet in a carriage, you will not pay more to bring it into either Standard or First Class cabins. The same goes for two or fewer luggage items and folded bicycles. It would help to make a reservation for a bike that doesn’t fold as there are few slots per train. Avanti West Coast and West Midlands Railway have storage spaces for wheelchairs and offer assistance to the disabled.

How to find cheap train tickets from London to Chester?

Generally, trains from London to Chester are cheaper during off peak hours. If you possess a flexible ticket, be sure to make your trip when trains charge lower. Also, travelling via slower trains can help minimise ticket costs. If you have enough time on your hands, consider taking a long-distance train and pay less. Finally, you can save on most of your trips if you book a ticket a week or two before the departure date. You can also find more information about cheap train tickets here.

Typical Houses in Chester. Source: Shutterstock

To Chester by train—travel tips

A rich history, cheerful outdoors, sporting activities and great food await your arrival in Chester. You can start by walking around the Chester City Walls built several millennia ago. While at it, be sure to stroll through the numerous galleries that make up the Chester Rows. On the city centre’s outskirts, you can bask in the relaxing atmosphere around The Groves on the banks of the renowned River Dee. Also, remember to tour the Chester Zoo, which houses thousands of animals. If you’re keen on exploring the religious side of the city, check out the St John the Baptist’s Church or the Chester Cathedral. Of course, you can enjoy some games at complexes like Chester City Baths, Christleton Sports Centre and Footgolf Chester. In the city, you can eat at some top restaurants in Chester like:

Marmalade Meltdown Chester The Chef’s Table Zuger’s Chester The Town House Secret Garden 1539 Bar and Restaurant Stile Napoletano