Service 3: Chelmsford and Southend-on-Sea

Welcome to the information page for transport to school on Service 3:

First Essex operates the 3 bus service which travels between Chelmsford and Southend-on-Sea; a convenient route for students travelling to and from school in Chelmsford.

The service operates, at school opening and closure times, Monday to Friday.

The current 3 timetable can be found here

Tickets:

We offer a selection of ticket options to choose from which are calculated in-line with the school calendar year (and school opening and closure times). The price of this service can be discounted with the purchase of bulk travel.

Work out which ticket you need:

  • Southend-on-Sea/Leigh-on-Sea/Hadleigh/Daws Heath to Chelmsford Schools
  • Battlesbridge/Rettendon to Chelmsford Schools
  • East Hanningfield/Howe Green to Chelmsford Schools
  • Thundersley/Rayleigh/Rawreth to Chelmsford Schools
  • Rettendon/Battlesbridge to The Sweyne Park School

We have you covered for the academic year 2023/2024:

Autumn Term: Valid 4th September 2023 to 20th December 2023. 

Spring Term: Valid 4th January 2024 to 28th March 2024. 

Summer Term: Valid 15th April 2024 to 23rd July 2024. 

All prices exclude half-term breaks and school holidays. 

All tickets exclude travel during school staff inset days, bank holidays, half-term breaks and school holidays. 

If a student travels without a valid bus pass they will be asked to pay the on-bus fare with cash.

Where to buy:

Select and purchase your ticket via our website.

Your ticket is now issued as a travel card (utilising smart card technology). For all your travel card hints and tips please visit: www.firstbus.co.uk/essex/smart

The ticket will be pre-loaded, on the travel card, and dispatched in the next available post (1st class delivery).