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CrossCountry
Great Western Railway

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Chelmsford to Chester by train

First train

15:55

Last train

17:25

Departure station

Chelmsford

Arrival station

Chester

Journey time

From 5h 26m

Distance

173 miles (279 km)

Frequency

3 trains per day

Changes

4 changes

Train operators

CrossCountry, Great Western Railway, Greater Anglia, Avanti West Coast, Transport for Wales

Travel from Chelmsford to Chester by train in 5 hours 26 minutes

If you want to know more about the journey from Chelmsford to Chester by train, look no further!

The average journey time from Chelmsford to Chester by train is 5 hours 41 minutes, although on the fastest services it can take just 5 hours 26 minutes. You'll usually find 3 trains per day travelling the 173 miles (279 km) between these two destinations. You'll need to make 4 changes along the way to Chester. You'll be travelling with Avanti West Coast, Great Western Railway or Greater Anglia on your way to Chester, as these are the main rail operators on this route.

Plan your trip ahead and book your train tickets in advance if you want to snap up the cheapest fares. Travelling Off-Peak or using a Railcard are also great ways to save. Just start a search in our Journey Planner to view the latest prices for trains from Chelmsford to Chester.

Keep reading for more information about the train journey to Chester, including FAQs, and tips on booking cheap train tickets. Check the timetable above for live train times or if you're ready to book, just start a search for tickets with us today.

FAQs about the train journey from Chelmsford to Chester

Want to know more about your journey from Chelmsford to Chester? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.

How do you get to Chester from Chelmsford?

To travel to Chester from Chelmsford, you can take the train - on average, the journey takes around 5 hours and 41 minutes, though the fastest trains can take 5 hours and 26 minutes. Use our Journey Planner to get more information.

How long is the train ride from Chelmsford to Chester?

Trains from Chelmsford to Chester take an average of 5 hours and 41 minutes, although on the fastest services it can take just 5 hours and 26 minutes. You'll usually find 3 trains per day on this route, so use our Journey Planner to check specific dates as times may vary.

What is the quickest journey time between Chelmsford and Chester by train?

The quickest journey time between Chelmsford and Chester by train is 5 hours and 26 minutes.

Are there direct trains from Chelmsford to Chester?

No, there are no direct trains running from Chelmsford to Chester, you’ll usually need to make at least 4 changes during the journey.

Cheap train tickets from Chelmsford to Chester

Book in advance

Look out for Advance tickets – they usually come out up to 12 weeks before the departure date and can be cheaper than buying on the day. If you’re here a tad early, sign up for our Advance ticket alert today to get notified when your tickets are released.

Consider a Season Ticket

If you catch this train more than 3 times per week, you could save money with a Season Ticket. With annual, monthly and weekly options available, find out if a season ticket for Chelmsford to Chester is right for you.

Use your Railcard

National Railcards offer a 1/3 off eligible train tickets in the UK and can be a great investment if you travel a few times or more in a year. Find out how you can save with a National Railcard here.

Split your tickets

Download our app to find split tickets — courtesy of SplitSave, our handy feature which 'splits' your train tickets where possible to find you a better deal. Learn more about the clever tech behind split tickets, and how to spot SplitSave discounts in our app.

For more money-saving tips on UK and European train travel, read our cheap train tickets guide.

† Average savings on advance fares booked at least one week before day of travel vs Anytime fares purchased on day of travel. Subject to availability. Excludes coach.

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