A train trip from Chelmsford to Reading takes about 1hrs 45 mins on average, covering roughly 64 miles (104 kilometres). With around 87 trains running each day, there's plenty of flexibility for your travel plans. If you book in advance, you can grab tickets starting from just £44.60, making it a budget-friendly option for those who plan ahead.
Arrival Station | Reading |
|---|---|
Departure Station | Chelmsford |
Frequency | 87trains per day |
Journey Time | from1hrs 30 mins |
Changes | 1-2no direct trains |
First Train / Last Train | 05:12 / 00:18 |
Distance | 64miles (104 km) |
4 Routes | Via London Liverpool Street & London Paddington Via Stratford (London) & London Paddington Via London Liverpool Street Via Colchester & London Liverpool Street |
3 Train Operators | GWR, Abellio Greater Anglia, Elizabeth Line |
Prices | from£44.60 |
Hop on a Train from Chelmsford to Reading – It’s Faster Than You Think!
Planning to travel from Chelmsford to Reading by train? Well, you've come to the right place – and don’t worry, it won’t take forever!
On average, the journey takes around 1hrs 45 mins. But if you’re in a hurry (or just really eager to get to Reading), the fastest trains can whisk you there in just 1hrs 30 mins. With roughly 87 trains running every day, you're spoiled for choice. This scenic 64-mile (104 km) journey usually requires just one change. You’ll be in the good hands of GWR, Abellio Greater Anglia, Elizabeth Line, all of whom offer comfy seats and plenty of luggage space – because, let’s face it, nobody likes a cramped train!
The best part? Tickets start from just £44.60 if you book in advance, which is a much better deal than scrambling for tickets on the day. Want to save even more? Travelling during Off-Peak hours or flashing a Railcard can help you keep more money in your wallet.
So, ready to snag those cheap tickets? Use our Journey Planner to find the latest prices and make your wallet happy. Keep scrolling for more travel tips, or check out our timetable above for live train times. Time to choo-choo your way to Reading!
The travel time between Chelmsford and Reading by train varies depending on the type of train and the route, but the average journey time is 1hrs 45 mins & the fastest journey takes 1hrs 30 mins.
The fastest journey time by train from Chelmsford to Reading is 1hrs 30 mins.
Train ticket prices from Chelmsford to Reading can start from as little as £44.60 when you book in advance. The cost of tickets can vary depending on the time of day, route and class you book and are usually more expensive if you book on the day.
The departure and arrival times for trains between Chelmsford and Reading vary depending on the day of the week and the type of train. Generally, there are around 87 departures and arrivals throughout the day. The first departure is 05:12, and the last train of the day leaves at 00:18.
First class tickets on trains between Chelmsford and Reading typically offer more space, complimentary food and drink, and other amenities compared to standard class.
Amenities on trains between Chelmsford and Reading can include free Wi-Fi, power outlets, onboard catering, and comfortable seating.
By booking your tickets on traintickets.com! There are many ways to save on the cost of train travel between Chelmsford and Reading. On traintickets.com, we do all the work for you to find the cheapest way possible to get to Reading, and can save you up to 90%! Simply search for your journey, and be assured we have found you the best possible price.
No, unfortunately there are no direct trains between Chelmsford & Reading. However, there are 87 possible journeys which require a change.
GWR, Abellio Greater Anglia and Elizabeth Line are the main train operating companies running services between Chelmsford and Reading.
Yes, you can bring luggage on board trains between Chelmsford and Reading, but there may be limits on the number of bags or the size and weight of your luggage.
| Sunday 27th April | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Departs | Arrives | Changes | Via Stations | Duration | Operator | |
| 13:29 Chelmsford | 15:04 Reading | 2 changes | Stratford (London) London Paddington | 1 hrs 35 mins | Get Tickets | |
| 13:57 Chelmsford | 15:53 Reading | 2 changes | London Liverpool Street London Paddington | 1 hrs 56 mins | Get Tickets | |
| 14:29 Chelmsford | 16:04 Reading | 2 changes | Stratford (London) London Paddington | 1 hrs 35 mins | Get Tickets | |
| 14:57 Chelmsford | 16:53 Reading | 2 changes | London Liverpool Street London Paddington | 1 hrs 56 mins | Get Tickets | |
| 15:29 Chelmsford | 17:04 Reading | 2 changes | Stratford (London) London Paddington | 1 hrs 35 mins | Get Tickets | |
| 15:57 Chelmsford | 17:53 Reading | 2 changes | London Liverpool Street London Paddington | 1 hrs 56 mins | Get Tickets | |
| 16:29 Chelmsford | 18:04 Reading | 2 changes | Stratford (London) London Paddington | 1 hrs 35 mins | Get Tickets | |
| 16:41 Chelmsford | 18:23 Reading | 2 changes | Stratford (London) London Paddington | 1 hrs 42 mins | Get Tickets | |
| 16:57 Chelmsford | 18:53 Reading | 2 changes | London Liverpool Street London Paddington | 1 hrs 56 mins | Get Tickets | |
| 17:29 Chelmsford | 19:04 Reading | 2 changes | Stratford (London) London Paddington | 1 hrs 35 mins | Get Tickets | |
| 17:43 Chelmsford | 19:23 Reading | 2 changes | Stratford (London) London Paddington | 1 hrs 40 mins | Get Tickets | |
| 17:57 Chelmsford | 19:53 Reading | 2 changes | London Liverpool Street London Paddington | 1 hrs 56 mins | Get Tickets | |
Nestled in the bustling heart of Essex, Chelmsford train station is a hub of activity and a vital gateway for travelers venturing in and out of London. For daily commuters and occasional travelers alike, Chelmsford offers an inviting blend of efficiency and convenience. Whether you're heading to the capital or exploring the scenic beauty of Essex, Chelmsford station ensures your journey is comfortable and hassle-free.
Chelmsford train station offers a myriad of facilities to meet the diverse needs of its passengers. With a ticket office open from 5:50 AM to 10 PM on weekdays and Saturdays, and from 7 AM to 11 PM on Sundays, you have plenty of opportunity to grab or collect your tickets. For added convenience, ticket machines are available around the clock. Chelmsford station has taken steps to ensure accessibility for all, offering step-free access, accessible ticket machines, and toilets. CCTV coverage ensures safety, while its commitment to passenger comfort is evident in its waiting rooms, open from 5 AM to 11 PM throughout the week.
When it comes to shopping and dining, you're never short of options at Chelmsford. Grab a coffee from Coffee Link, savor a sushi roll at Ume Garden’s Sushi & Bento, or refresh yourself with a snack from one of the vending machines. If you’re in the mood for something familiar, Costa Coffee and Puccino's Deli are ready to serve you. There is even an ATM available to handle any last-minute cash needs!
Transport links at Chelmsford are carefully designed to ensure seamless travel. When railway services are disrupted, rail replacement buses conveniently pick up and drop off at the bus stops on Victoria Road at the station entrance. The local bus service network is quite efficient, covering Chelmsford and nearby towns and can be further explored at FirstGroup. Plus, a PLUSBUS extension to your train ticket guarantees unlimited bus travel in town at discounted rates.
Taxis are readily available from the rank just outside the station for those preferring private conveyance while the cycling community may take advantage of the extensive bicycle storage facilities with 960 spaces and sheltered, CCTV-monitored secure options available.
Chelmsford’s strategic location makes it an attractive starting point for your travels. Among the most popular destinations are trips to London Liverpool Street, Colchester, and Billericay. You can also explore routes to Ipswich, Southend Victoria, and even head further north to Norwich.
Whether you're embarking on a short commute or a leisurely journey across East Anglia, Chelmsford train station provides a haven of accessibility, amenities, and connectivity. With its array of services and connections, you're in capable hands from the moment you step through its doors. Consider Chelmsford as your launch pad to adventure—where will it take you today?
Nestled in the heart of Berkshire, Reading Train Station serves as a key gateway for countless travelers. Balancing its historic charm with modern advancements, the station offers seamless connectivity across the UK. Conveniently positioned on the Great Western Main Line, it opens up quick travel interludes to both London and beyond. Whether you're a commuter, a tourist, or perhaps just someone wandering the British railways, Reading Station is geared to meet various travel needs.
Understanding the potential needs of its patrons, Reading Station furnishes extensive facilities. The ticket office operates from morning to night, opening from 06:15 to 22:00 during weekdays and Saturdays, and from 07:15 to 22:00 on Sundays. In addition, ticket machines are plentiful, and most importantly, accessible ticket machines are conveniently located for easy access. Reading Station also facilitates smart card validation, boasts an induction loop, and is reinforced with round-the-clock CCTV.
Accessibility, naturally, is a top priority here. The station provides step-free access throughout its vast span, making platforms easily reachable via lifts and bridges. Furthermore, accessible toilets, waiting rooms, and seating areas are maintained to high standards, ensuring comfort for everyone.
Shopping and dining options are abundant. Refreshment facilities, cash machines, and a selection of shops await travelers. Free public Wi-Fi adds to the comfort, making it easier to continue working or stay entertained while on the move.
Getting to your next destination is seamless with Reading Station's diverse travel connections. Taxi ranks are readily available at both station entrances, ensuring even those with accessibility needs are well-catered to. Buses, too, are nearby, although travelers should note that not all are accessible. For those traveling further afield, frequent connections to both Heathrow and Gatwick Airports are offered, with a luxurious 'RailAir' service to Heathrow and regular trains to Gatwick.
Meanwhile, cyclists can take advantage of plentiful bicycle storage options, although there's no hire facility at the station itself.
Reading's strategic location makes it a springboard for numerous journeys. For instance, you can plan rides between Reading and London Paddington, a route popular with both business travelers and tourists. If local travel is on your mind, consider the quick jaunts to locations such as Wokingham or a slightly longer trip to Oxford, famed for its prestigious university and serene landscapes.
Other notable routes include travels to Basingstoke and Gatwick Airport. Whether you're heading for a day out in the country or catching a flight, these connections speak volumes about the station's versatility.
In conclusion, Reading Train Station integrates tradition with contemporary demands, catering to an ever-growing community of travelers. With its rich array of services, useful amenities, and robust connectivity options, it’s undoubtedly an essential part of the UK's railway network. Should your next journey be one of the popular routes Reading offers—perhaps venturing towards bustling city life or serene countryside—you can rest assured that the station's comprehensive services will meet your needs splendidly. Don't miss the chance to explore what makes Reading not just a passageway, but a destination in its own right. Happy travels!