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The cheapest and fastest trains from Bedford to Colchester
Showing times and prices for 31 May
Cheapest price
£55
Average price
£55
Fastest journey
1 h 46 m
Average duration
1 h 46 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
98 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Bedford to Colchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Bedford to Colchester will cost around £55 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £55.
Fast trains
To travel from Bedford to Colchester you need to make at least 3 changes.
11:291h46Bedford13:15Colchester£551One-way3 changes
- 11:291h46Bedford13:15Colchester£551One-way3 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Bedford to Colchester
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Bedford to Colchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £56. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 5m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £56, and a train costs an average of £47.
Distance: 98 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£72 Average Price | £56 Average Price Cheapest |
2h 35m Average total duration Fastest 2h 5m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 5m Average total duration 5h 35m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Bedford to Colchester train times
The table below shows live departures for Bedford to Colchester trains for today, Saturday 30 May. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 23:06 Bedford | 10h10 | 9:16 Colchester | 3 changes | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Bedford to Colchester by train or coach
Compare train and coach prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
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Why should you book Bedford to Colchester trains with Omio?
Thameslink as well as east_midlands_trains offer trains services from Bedford to Colchester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Bedford to Colchester.
Why book with Omio vs Thameslink?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Thameslink, but also compare tickets for the likes of east_midlands_trains to find the best option for your trip from Bedford to Colchester.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Thameslink with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Bedford to Colchester.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Bedford to Colchester.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Bedford to Colchester
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Bedford to Colchester run on average 7 times per day, taking around 2h 5m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £47 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 03:15, the last at 21:40. The fastest train covers the 98 km distance in 2h 11m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance 98 km |
Average train duration 2h 5m |
Cheapest ticket price £47 |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 2h 11m |
First train 3:15 |
Last train 21:40 |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 28 days |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Train companies: Thameslink, east_midlands_trains from Bedford to Colchester trainsThameslink, east_midlands_trains trains will get you between Bedford and Colchester from £47. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Thameslink
About
Thameslink is a train service that operates in the United Kingdom. It is operated by Govia Thameslink Railway and serves the counties of Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, London, and Surrey. The trains run from early morning until late at night, with some services running 24 hours a day. There are a variety of train types available, including Class 700 Desiro City, Class 377 Electrostar, Class 387/1 Electrostar, and Class 319/0. Ticket types include Anytime, Off-Peak, Super Off-Peak, and Advance. Onboard facilities include Wi-Fi, power sockets, and air conditioning. The most popular routes for Thameslink are London to Brighton, London to Bedford, and London to Luton.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 30m
Cheapest Price
£47
Thameslink frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund available if service is canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service on some routes offering drinks and snacks
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating
Pets
Small pets free of charge. Dogs must be on a lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone
Family area
east_midlands_trains
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 46m
Cheapest Price
£55
east_midlands_trains frequency
1 a day
FAQs: Bedford to Colchester train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bedford to Colchester by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Colchester, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Bedford to Colchester can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £47, while the average price tends to be around £72.
The train journey from Bedford to Colchester covers a distance of 98 km and takes approximately 2h 11m. Trains run 7 per day.
The train distance from Bedford to Colchester is 98 km.
The first train from Bedford to Colchester leaves at 3:15.
The last train from Bedford to Colchester departs at 21:40.
Trains from Bedford to Colchester run approximately 7 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Bedford to Colchester.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Bedford to Colchester.
To get from Bedford to Colchester, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Bedford to Colchester.
The train station in Bedford that goes to Colchester is Bedford station (BDM), and it arrives at Colchester station (COL).
The cheapest way to get from Bedford to Colchester is by train, costing approximately £47.
Booking trains from Bedford to Colchester in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Bedford to Colchester offers a mix of urban and rural views. Travellers can enjoy passing through the picturesque countryside of Bedfordshire and Essex, interspersed with charming towns and villages, providing a pleasant and varied visual experience.
A day trip from Bedford to Colchester is not feasible as the journey duration is 2h 11m. There are 6 trains available per day for this route. The distance between Bedford and Colchester is 98 km.
For a fulfilling visit to Colchester, two to three days should suffice to explore its historical sites, such as Colchester Castle and the Roman ruins, enjoy local museums, and experience the natural beauty of nearby areas like High Woods Country Park.
Yes, you can take the train from Bedford to Colchester.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Bedford and Colchester
Bedford
Colchester
The major train station for departures in Bedford is Bedford. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Bedford for your trip from Bedford to Colchester.
Amenities at train station
Wifi
Shopping
Parking
Dining
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Lounge
Lost and Found Office
Ticket Office
Bike Parkinginformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:45 - 21:00 Saturday 05:45 - 21:00 Sunday 07:15 - 21:15
Parking
- Car Park: Station Car Park
Taxis
- Taxi: Yes
Accessibility
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: This is a Category A station: This station has step-free level access to all platforms via lifts. Assistance Meeting Point is adjacent to the taxi rank at the front of the station.
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible ticket machines note: All Thameslink ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. Ticket machines are of an accessible design, however their location and the station itself may not be so please check the station access note for further details
- Accessible toilets: Yes
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: Yes
- Wheelchairs available open hours: Wheelchairs may only be available when the station is staffed
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes
WC
- Toilets Location: Available during staffing hours.
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
Lounge
- Waiting rooms location: Heated waiting areas are available
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: Front right hand side and station front
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Amenities at train station
ParkingDiningAccessibilityHotelBike Parking
Car Rental
Information Deskinformation
Parking
- Car Park: Bedford St Johns (Council Managed)
Accessibility
- Staff help available: No
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station
- Accessible public telephones: Public telephones are not accessible
- Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
Information Desk
- Information available from staff: Yes - from help point
- Helpline Contact: 0800 0248 997
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements
Public transport options for Bedford St Johns
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: In the event of engineering the bus/coach will collect from the Medbourne Road car park, by the path leading to the platform. Please check the direction of travel before boarding.
The major train station for arrivals in Colchester is Colchester. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Colchester for your journey to Colchester from Bedford.
Amenities at train station
WifiShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:00 - 22:00 Saturday 05:30 - 21:00 Sunday 06:00 - 21:00
Distance to city center
1 kmShopping
- Type of shops available: News agent Dry cleaner Passport Photo Booth
Parking
- Car Park: Premium Bays
Accessibility
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided
- Accessible taxis: Details of nearest taxis are shown on station information poster
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible toilets: Yes
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: Yes
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
WC
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on all platforms. The accessible (radar key) toilets are located on Platforms 2 and 4
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: Situated by the South entrance, and in the main car park by the North entrance. A secure 134-space cycle compound is also available (key fob required, speak to station staff for availability).
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Information Desk
- Information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 0800 028 28 78
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens
Public transport options for Colchester
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Replacement transport stop at the bus stop by main station entrance
Amenities at train station
ParkingAccessibilityLost and Found OfficeBike Parkinginformation
Distance to city center
1 kmParking
- Car Park: No
Accessibility
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Accessible taxis: Details of nearest taxis are shown on station information poster
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: Platforms
- Storage CCTV: No
Public transport options for Hythe (Essex)
- Onward travel information: Local Colchester Town service Buses stop near station
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Replacement bus services stop at station entrance adjacent to level crossing
Most popular train connections from Bedford
More options for your journey from Bedford to Colchester
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Colchester and Bedford
Most popular train connections to Colchester
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