Reading to Chelmsford by train

Compare prices, times and book fast direct trains

Overview: trains from Reading to Chelmsford

Find the key information for travelling by train from Reading to Chelmsford, including journey times, fares and operators serving the route. Compare your options and plan the journey that works for you with Rail Europe.

First train 00:24 View journey
Last train 23:52 View journey
Avg changes 1
Fastest journey 1hr 28m View journey
Distance (km) 104
Trains / day 83 View all
Cheapest journey AU$48.91 View journey
Avg journey time 2hr 6m
Train operators 8

Reading to Chelmsford by train

Gearing up for an adventure by rail from Reading to Chelmsford? Read on for essential information about this journey, which spans 104 kilometres.

Train cost from Reading to Chelmsford

Ready to book tickets from Reading to Chelmsford? Start by comparing all the upcoming trains in just a few clicks with Rail Europe. Here is what you can expect from fares along this specific route:

  • The cheapest tickets between Reading and Chelmsford typically run AU$48.91.

  • If you wait until 30 days before the departure date to book, ticket prices can hit .

  • If you wait until 7 days before the departure date to book, ticket prices can increase to .

  • You can book travel between these two destinations 5 and a half months in advance.

Rail Europe’s Protection Plan

Ready to lock in your tickets but not entirely sure of your travel plans or you just want a bit more peace of mind? Consider adding a Rail Protection Plan to your ticket at checkout. This ensures that your eligible Flex or Semi-Flex ticket is fully refundable. Learn more about the details of this coverage here so you can truly book worry-free.

Departure frequency and timetable from Reading to Chelmsford

Here are the scheduling basics for trains from Reading to Chelmsford:

  • 00:24 is the first scheduled train (Monday-Friday).

  • 20:17 the the last scheduled train (Monday-Friday).

  • 01:15 is the first scheduled train (Saturday and Sunday).

  • 23:52 is the last scheduled train (Saturday and Sunday).

  • A train departs every 7 minutes from Reading toward Chelmsford.

Start booking your ticket aboard one of the 83 trains serving this route each day.

Train duration for trips from Reading to Chelmsford

The swiftest journey time on this route is 1 hour and 28 minutes, crossing a total distance of 104 kilometres.

When do tickets between Reading and Chelmsford go on sale?

Travellers can book train journeys between Reading and Chelmsford 5 and a half months before the travel date. The earlier you book, the better the price. Stay informed about ticket availability by setting up a personalised booking alert with Rail Europe.

More information on train travel from Reading to Chelmsford

Want to know more about train travel in Europe? Explore our help articles for guidance on booking, travel discounts, class of service and much more. Need some travel inspiration? Check out our Chelmsford city guide to get you started.

FAQs about the train journey from Reading to Chelmsford

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

The total distance from Reading to Chelmsford is 104 kilometres.

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Child and youth passengers

The definition of "Child" and "Youth" varies by country and operator. This is why we ask for the age of young passengers.

Sometimes children below a certain age can travel without a seat for free. If you want to guarantee a seat for child passengers, enter '6' as the age of the child.

Read more about child and youth passenger ages. See also youth discounts and railcards.