Southampton to Chelmsford by train

Compare prices, times and book fast direct trains

Overview: trains from Southampton to Chelmsford

Find the key information for travelling by train from Southampton 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 04:52 View journey
Last train 23:16 View journey
Avg changes 1
Fastest journey 2hr 31m View journey
Distance (km) 154
Trains / day 29 View all
Cheapest journey £44.40 View journey
Avg journey time 3hr 22m
Train operators 6

From Southampton to Chelmsford by train

Opt for comfortable, green travel and choose to go from Southampton to Chelmsford by train. With 29 trains per day, you will have various options to choose from. Read on for details on the quickest routes, total travel distance, tips on saving money on tickets and more.

Cost of a train ticket between Southampton and Chelmsford

The cheapest ticket price along this route is £44.40. Fares naturally increase as the travel date approaches. A month out, expect prices run around , and a week out, fares can hit around on average. Tickets for this journey can be purchased 5 and a half months in advance.

What’s included in the price of a European train ticket

When booking with Rail Europe, you will be prompted to choose the class of service before checking out. We will automatically select the most affordable option. Choosing a more elevated class will increase the cost, but also often includes a number of other perks like elaborate dining menus and extra space. It's good to know that many train operators do include luggage, Wi-Fi and other basic amenities at no extra cost. Seat reservations and meals often do incur a further cost. You can review the terms of service of each type of ticket at checkout.

Train times for travel between Southampton and Chelmsford

If you are taking the train from Southampton to Chelmsford, you will have 29 trains each day (with a departure every 30 minutes) to choose from. Earlier risers can catch the first weekday train at 04:52. If you are looking to jump aboard the last train out of the station, the latest train departs at 23:08. On weekends, the first train departs at 05:12, and the last scheduled train of the day leaves at 23:16.

How long does the train from Southampton to Chelmsford take?

The shortest journey time on this route is 2 hours and 31 minutes, with trains covering a total distance of 154 kilometres.

When do tickets between Southampton and Chelmsford go on sale?

Travellers can book train journeys between Southampton 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.

Making the most of your trip to Chelmsford

For a seamless train journey, head to our extensive help articles. Start planning your trip and explore travel ideas in our city guide: Chelmsford.

FAQs about the train journey from Southampton to Chelmsford

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

The trip from Southampton to Chelmsford covers a distance of 154 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.