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The cheapest and fastest trains from Preston to Chelmsford
Showing times and prices for 21 Dec
Cheapest price
£212
Average price
£212
Fastest journey
4 h 12 m
Average duration
4 h 32 m
Trains per day
5
Distance
311 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Preston to Chelmsford is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Preston to Chelmsford will cost around £212 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £212.
Fast trains
To travel from Preston to Chelmsford you need to make at least 3 changes.
08:594h42
Preston13:41Chelmsford
£2121One-way
3 changes
10:014h40
Preston14:41Chelmsford
£2121One-way
3 changes
10:574h12
Preston15:09Chelmsford
£2121One-way
3 changes
12:034h38
Preston16:41Chelmsford
£2121One-way
3 changes
13:014h40
Preston17:41Chelmsford
£2121One-way
3 changes
10:574h12
Preston15:09Chelmsford
£2121One-way
3 changes
16:014h30
Preston20:31Chelmsford
£2121One-way
3 changes
12:034h38
Preston16:41Chelmsford
£2121One-way
3 changes
17:024h39
Preston21:41Chelmsford
£2121One-way
3 changes
10:014h40
Preston14:41Chelmsford
£2121One-way
3 changes
Live departures
Preston to Chelmsford train times
The table below shows live departures for Preston to Chelmsford trains for tomorrow, Sunday 21 December. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at 13:28
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 08:59 Preston | 4h42 | 13:41 Chelmsford | 3 changes | |
| 10:01 Preston | 4h40 | 14:41 Chelmsford | 3 changes | |
| 10:57 Preston | 4h12 | 15:09 Chelmsford | 3 changes | |
| 12:03 Preston | 4h38 | 16:41 Chelmsford | 3 changes | |
| 13:01 Preston | 4h40 | 17:41 Chelmsford | 3 changes |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Preston to Chelmsford by train
Compare 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.
Sun
21 Dec
21 Dec
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22 Dec
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27 Dec
Journey information
Overview: Train from Preston to Chelmsford
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Preston to Chelmsford run on average 4 times per day, taking around 3h 50m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £65 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 05:11, the last at 20:59. The fastest train covers the 311 km distance in 3h 28m.
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 311 km |
Average train duration 3h 50m |
Cheapest ticket price £65 |
Trains per day 4 |
Fastest train 3h 28m |
First train 05:11 |
Last train 20:59 |
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: Avanti West Coast, Caledonian Sleeper from Preston to Chelmsford trainsAvanti West Coast, Caledonian Sleeper trains will get you between Preston and Chelmsford from £65. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Avanti West Coast
About
Avanti West Coast is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates high-speed trains between London and major cities in the UK, including Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow and Edinburgh. The company offers a range of ticket types, including Standard, First Class and Advance tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, comfortable seating and a range of food and drinks. The most popular routes for Avanti West Coast are London to Birmingham, London to Manchester and London to Glasgow. The company operates a fleet of Pendolino and Super Voyager trains, which offer a smooth and comfortable journey.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 28m
Cheapest Price
£65
Avanti West Coast frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
First Class: Complimentary meals and drinks. Standard Class: Onboard shop with drinks and snacks
Seat reservation
First Class: Included in ticket price. Standard Class: Optional reservation for £8-12
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance for boarding/alighting available
Pets
Small pets free in carriers. Dogs £30 per single journey. Guide dogs free
Quiet zone
Caledonian Sleeper
About
The Caledonian Sleeper is a train service operating in the United Kingdom. It offers overnight journeys between London, Scotland, the North of England and Wales. The service is operated by Serco and consists of two types of trains: the Classic Sleeper and the Lowland Sleeper. The Classic Sleeper offers comfortable sleeping berths, while the Lowland Sleeper offers reclining seats. Both trains offer onboard facilities such as Wi-Fi, power sockets, and complimentary tea and coffee.Ticket types include Standard, First Class and Solo. Standard tickets offer access to the lounge car, while First Class tickets include access to the lounge car and complimentary breakfast. Solo tickets are available for single travellers and offer access to the lounge car and a private sleeping berth. The most popular routes for the Caledonian Sleeper are London to Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness. Passengers can also travel from London to Aberdeen, Fort William and Dundee.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 58m
Cheapest Price
£109
Caledonian Sleeper frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage per person included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Dedicated luggage storage areas in each carriage and under beds in sleeping compartments
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies vary by ticket type and timing before departure
Refund
Full refund provided if service is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Complimentary breakfast for all guests. Club Car serves dinner and drinks. Room service available for sleeping car passengers
Seat reservation
Included in ticket price for sleeping car passengers. Optional seat reservations available for seated carriages
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Accessible rooms available, wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and staff assistance
Pets
Small pets allowed in sleeping compartments for a fee. Guide dogs travel free
Quiet zone
FAQs: Preston to Chelmsford train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Preston 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.
To explore Chelmsford's main attractions, including its parks, historical sites, and shopping areas, two to three days are usually sufficient.
A day trip from Preston to Chelmsford is not feasible due to the journey's duration of 3h 28m. There are 4 train services available per day for this 311 km trip.
The train distance from Preston to Chelmsford is 311 km.
Booking trains from Preston 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 Preston to Chelmsford covers a distance of 311 km and takes approximately 3h 28m. Trains run 4 per day.
The cost of a train ticket from Preston to Chelmsford can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £65, while the average price tends to be around £141.
The first train from Preston to Chelmsford leaves at 5:11.
The last train from Preston to Chelmsford departs at 20:59.
The cheapest way to get from Preston to Chelmsford is by train, costing approximately £65.
Trains from Preston to Chelmsford run approximately 4 times per day.
The train station in Preston that goes to Chelmsford is Preston station (PRE), and it arrives at Chelmsford station (CHM).
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Preston to Chelmsford.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Preston to Chelmsford.
Yes, you can take the train from Preston to Chelmsford.
Yes, there is a night train from Preston to Chelmsford.
To travel from Preston to Chelmsford, you can take a train.
The train journey from Preston to Chelmsford offers a mix of urban and rural views, passing through the industrial landscapes of the North West, the picturesque countryside of the East Midlands, and the rural outskirts of Essex, providing a varied scenic experience.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Preston and Chelmsford
Preston
Chelmsford
The major train station for departures in Preston is Preston. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Preston for your trip from Preston to Chelmsford.
Amenities at train station
Wifi
Lockers
Parking
Dining
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Lost and Found Office
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Car Rental
Information Desk
Luggage Cartsinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 5:30 AM - 8:00 PM Monday - Friday
- 6:30 AM - 7:00 PM Saturday
- 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM Sunday
Distance to city center
1 km
Number of platforms
6Wifi
- Free
Parking
- The car park is open 24 hours, located adjacent to the station with access from Butler Street.
Dining
- Rise
- The Olive Tree Brasserie
- Turtle Bay
Taxis
- Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
- Elevators, ramps.
WC
- £0.30
Hotel
- Holiday Inn Express Preston - South
- Delta Hotels Preston
- Macdonald Tickled Trout Hotel
Lost and Found Office
- Located in the main hall
Car Rental
- Enterprise
- Europcar
Information Desk
- Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
- Free
Station Plan
- Hall 1: main entrance, platforms 1-3 for long-distance services
- Hall 2: platforms 4-6 for regional and local services
Public transport options for Preston
- Bus: Several lines available
- Train: Northern, Avanti West Coast, TransPennine Express services
The major train station for arrivals in Chelmsford is Chelmsford. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Chelmsford for your journey to Chelmsford from Preston.
Amenities at train station
Wifi
ShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike Parkinginformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:50 - 22:00 Saturday 05:50 - 22:00 Sunday 07:00 - 23:00
Shopping
- Type of shops available: Newsagent Flower stall Hairdresser Dry cleaner
Parking
- Car Park: Premium Bay
Accessibility
- 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
WC
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on each platform. The accessible (radar key) toilets are located on the Ground Floor, near the lifts.
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: There is a dedicated Cycle Point, with free cycle parking, plus secure cycle parking and premium cycle parking. This is in Park Road, opposite the station.
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transport options for Chelmsford
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Replacement transport stop at the bus stop on Victoria Road by station entrance
Most popular train connections from Preston
More options for your journey from Preston to Chelmsford
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Chelmsford and Preston
Most popular train connections to Chelmsford
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