- Must visit
Colchester Castle Museum
Main city museum inside the castle, covering Roman Colchester, local archaeology and later history in a dramatic historic setting.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Bedford to Colchester
Showing times and prices for 29 Aug
Cheapest price
£76
Average price
£76
Fastest journey
10 h 10 m
Average duration
10 h 10 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 £76 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £76.
Fast trains
To travel from Bedford to Colchester you need to make at least 3 changes.
23:0610h10Bedford9:16Colchester£761One-way3 changes
- 23:0610h10Bedford9:16Colchester£761One-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 train with prices starting from £42. 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 train costs an average of £42, and a coach costs an average of £53.
Distance: 98 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£42 Average Price Cheapest | £55 Average Price |
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 |
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 £42 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 30m.
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 £42 |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 2h 30m |
First train 3:15 |
Last train 21:40 |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
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 £42. 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
£42
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
£54
east_midlands_trains frequency
1 a day
Complete guide to Colchester
Things to do in Colchester
Discover the best of Colchester — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Colchester trip today.
- Recommended
The Natural History Museum
Natural history museum in a former church, with displays on Essex wildlife, geology and environment, suited to families and curious visitors.
- Recommended
Hollytrees Museum
Museum charting the city’s social history, from everyday objects to changing local life, housed in a restored historic building.
- Must visit
Castle Park
Central park beside the castle with lawns, mature trees and Roman remains. Ideal for a stroll, picnic or pause between sights.
- Recommended
High Street
Historic main street lined with shops and civic buildings, useful for exploring the town centre and taking in everyday city life.
- Recommended
Dutch Quarter
Characterful district of timber-framed houses and narrow streets, known for its historic atmosphere and photogenic townscape.
- Gluten-free
Colchester Oysters
Native Colchester oysters, served raw or dressed. They have been harvested locally since Roman times and are the town’s best-known traditional food.
- Gluten-free
Smoked Eel
Smoked eel from the Essex coast and estuaries, traditionally cured and smoked for a rich flavour tied to local fishing heritage.
- Gluten-free
Essex Clanger
A traditional Essex bake made with potatoes, onions and pork or beef, slowly cooked until soft. It is a longstanding county comfort food.
Le Talbooth
Fine dining restaurant in Dedham Vale near Colchester, known for polished British cooking and a refined countryside setting.
Church Street Tavern
Established restaurant serving modern British dishes and seafood in a smart yet relaxed setting near the town centre.
Timbers
Popular casual venue for brunch, coffee and seasonal plates, with a friendly atmosphere and strong local reputation.
British pound sterling (£)
Moderate for England: hotels and dining cost less than London, but more than smaller UK towns. Buses are reasonable; central sightseeing is mostly low cost.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- £18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £50+ per person for upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- £2.80-4 for cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service is sometimes included. If not, tip about 10% in restaurants for good service. Taxis are often rounded up or tipped 10%. Cafés usually do not expect tips, but small change is appreciated.
First Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2.50
- Day pass
- £5.80
To the city centre
Colchester Station -> Colchester High Street, Colchester
- Distance
- 2 km
- Travel time
- 15 min
- First Bus Essex single fares in Colchester are distance-based; standard adult singles start at £2.00 and are £2.50 for 0.5 to 2 miles.
- Contactless Tap & Cap is available on First Bus in Colchester, so you can pay by card or device and your daily spend is capped at the day ticket price.
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 £42, while the average price tends to be around £42.
The train journey from Bedford to Colchester covers a distance of 98 km and takes approximately 2h 30m. 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 £42.
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 30m. 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
Most Bedford to Colchester trains use the Bedford to Colchester station pair, with some services arriving at Hythe (Essex). Use this guide to compare Bedford and Colchester train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Bedford
Arrival train stations in Colchester
Which Bedford station do trains to Colchester leave from?
Trains from Bedford to Colchester leave from Bedford. The station is 1 km from Bedford city centre at Bedford station, Ashburnham Road, Bedford, Bedfordshire, MK40 1DS.
BedfordBedford station, Ashburnham Road, Bedford, Bedfordshire, MK40 1DS
Bedford train station facilities and services
Bedford has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Bedford.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Bedford. ATMs are available at Bedford.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Bedford.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Bedford: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Bedford: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Bedford: 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.
Which Colchester station do trains from Bedford arrive at?
Trains from Bedford to Colchester most often arrive at Colchester. Some services arrive at Hythe (Essex), so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Colchester arrival station.
ColchesterColchester [North] station, Station Approach Road, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1XD+44 8450507080
City-centre transport
Getting to Colchester from Colchester city centre
Colchester is 1 km from Colchester city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainClacton-on-Sea - London Liverpool Street, Clacton-on-Sea - Colchester, Colchester Town - London Liverpool Street, Colchester Town - Colchester, Walton-on-the-Naze - Colchester · 8m · £0.90 · every ~5 min
Bus2A, 68, 87, 53, 53A, 52, 51, X20 · 6m · £2 · every ~31 min
Colchester train station facilities and services
Colchester has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Colchester.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Colchester. ATMs are available at Colchester.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Colchester. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0800 028 28 78, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Colchester: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Colchester: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Colchester: 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.
Hythe (Essex)Hythe station, Station Road, Hythe, Essex, CO2 8JR
City-centre transport
Getting to Hythe (Essex) from Colchester city centre
Hythe (Essex) is 1 km from Colchester city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainColchester - Clacton-on-Sea, Colchester - Walton-on-the-Naze · 4m · £0.90 · every ~2 min
Bus54 · 7m · £0.90 · every ~11 min
54 · 11m · £3 · every ~11 min
Hythe (Essex) train station facilities and services
Hythe (Essex) has practical services for this route, including Parking, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office and Bike Parking.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Hythe (Essex): Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Hythe (Essex): Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Hythe (Essex): 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.
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
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