Is there a direct train?

No, you must change at London Liverpool Street.

How long is the drive?

Usually 50 to 70 minutes depending on traffic.

Is Chelmsford worth visiting?

Yes, it has a rich history and great shopping.

No, the route via M25/A12 is toll-free.

Is it better to drive or train?

Driving is faster, but trains are more relaxing.

Enfield

Chelmsford

Train Driving

Enfield to Chelmsford

Updated: 30 May 2026

The route from Enfield to Chelmsford spans roughly 40 kilometers through the Essex countryside. Driving via the M25 and A12 is the most direct road route, typically taking 50 minutes without traffic. Alternatively, you can take a train from Enfield Town to London Liverpool Street, then transfer to a Greater Anglia service to Chelmsford. This journey connects the northern edge of London to the county town of Essex. Expect heavy traffic on the M25 during peak hours.

Total Distance: Driving distance 40 km, straight-line air distance 35 km.

Fastest Way

Driving, taking approximately 55 minutes outside of peak hours.

Cheapest Way

Driving, assuming multiple passengers sharing fuel costs.

Compare Enfield to Chelmsford Routes

	Train Connecting	Driving Direct
Duration	1 hour 20 mins	55 mins
Avg Price	£15 - £25	£10 - £15 (fuel)
Operator	Greater Anglia	Personal Vehicle
Route	Enfield Town to Liverpool Street, then Greater Anglia to Chelmsford.	M25 and A12.
Tip	Book tickets in advance to save money.	Check for roadworks on the A12 before departing.

Travel Tips

Avoid M25 Peak
Try to avoid the M25 between 07:00-09:00 and 16:30-18:30.
Parking
Use the Park and Ride service in Chelmsford to avoid city centre traffic.
Train Tickets
Use the Trainline app to find the cheapest off-peak fares.
Traffic Apps
Use Waze or Google Maps for real-time traffic updates on the A12.
Comfort
Bring water and snacks for the drive as traffic can be unpredictable.