The average bus between Manchester and Chelmsford takes 8h 24m and the fastest bus takes 6h 29m. The bus service runs several times per day from Manchester to Chelmsford. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays; use the search form on this page to search for a specific travel date.
Buses run every 4 hours between Manchester and Chelmsford. The earliest departure is at 2:45 AM at night, and the last departure from Manchester is at 11:40 PM which arrives into Chelmsford at 9:53 AM. All services require a transfer at Milton Keynes Coachway and take an average of 8h 24m. The schedules shown below are for the next available departures.


7h 39m • 2 changes

8h 13m • 2 changes

6h 54m • 2 changesArrives next day


10h 45m • 2 changes

8h 9m • 2 changes

7h 39m • 2 changes

8h 13m • 2 changes

6h 54m • 2 changes

8h 9m • 2 changes

7h 9m • 2 changes

7h 23m • 2 changes

7h 29m • 2 changes

8h 8m • 2 changes

6h 46m • 2 changes

7h 3m • 2 changesArrives next day


10h 4m • 2 changes

7h 59m • 2 changes

7h 34m • 2 changes

6h 54m • 2 changes

6h 29m • 2 changes

8h 9m • 2 changes

7h 39m • 2 changes

8h 13m • 2 changes

6h 54m • 2 changesWant to know about travelling from Manchester to Chelmsford? We have put together a list of the most frequently asked questions from our users such as: What is the cheapest mode of transport? What is the quickest option? How much do tickets usually cost? and many more.
No, there is no direct bus from Manchester to Chelmsford. However, there are services departing from Manchester station and arriving at Chelmsford station via Milton Keynes Coachway. The journey, including transfers, takes approximately 8h 24m.
Manchester to Chelmsford bus services, operated by National Express, depart from Manchester Central Coach Station.
Manchester to Chelmsford bus services, operated by National Express, arrive at Temp Bus Station.
The distance between Manchester and Chelmsford is 266.6 km. The road distance is 362 km.
You can take a bus from Manchester Central Coach Station to County Hotel via Milton Keynes Coachway and Temp Bus Station in around 7h 59m.