- Must visit
Colchester Castle Museum
Main city museum inside the castle, covering Roman Colchester, local archaeology and later history in a dramatic historic setting.
Cheapest price on 18 Sept
£60
Average ticket price on 18 Sept
£69
Fastest journey on 18 Sept
2 h 59 m
Average journey duration on 18 Sept
3 h 7 m
Trains on 18 Sept
4
Distance
202 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Birmingham to Colchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Birmingham to Colchester will cost around £69 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £60.
On Fri 18 Sept, we found 4 trains from Birmingham to Colchester, including 4 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 202 km distance in an average of 3 h 7 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 59 m .
The slowest trains will take 3 h 25 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.








Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Birmingham to Colchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £46 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 50m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £46, while a train costs an average of £55.
Distance: 202 km
| Train | Most popular Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£55 Average Price | £46 Average Price Cheapest | £48 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 50m Average total duration Fastest 3h 20m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 54m Average total duration 5h 24m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 4m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Birmingham to Colchester:
A coach is £9 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Birmingham to Colchester costing on average £55.
Other travel options to Colchester take longer:
Coach takes on average 5h 24m.
Tickets start at around £55 compared to roughly £48 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-6.80. The journey takes 3h 20m versus 3h 4m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Birmingham to Colchester trains for today, Thursday 17 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
W33903+ P01272+ Tube from London Euston to London Liverpool Street | On time 12:17 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 3h00 | 15:17 Colchester station (COL) | 2 changes | |
W33937+ P01277+ Tube from London Euston to London Liverpool Street | On time 12:47 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 2h59 | 15:46 Colchester station (COL) | 2 changes | |
W33933+ P01280+ Tube from London Euston to London Liverpool Street | On time 13:17 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 2h59 | 16:16 Colchester station (COL) | 2 changes | |
L22431 · G58929+ P66980_P01602+ W33922 | Delayed 13:45 13:21Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 4h12 | 17:33 Colchester Town (CET) | 3 changes | |
W33922+ L22431 · G58929+ P66980 | On time 13:21 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 3h50 | 17:11 Colchester station (COL) | 3 changes | |
W33959+ P01285+ Tube from London Euston to London Liverpool Street | On time 13:47 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 2h58 | 16:45 Colchester station (COL) | 2 changes | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Birmingham to Colchester run on average 6 times per day, taking around 3h 20m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £37 but you can travel from only £31 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 03:42, the last at 21:36. The fastest train covers the 202 km distance in 3h 24m.
Distance 202 km |
Average train duration 3h 20m |
Cheapest ticket price £37 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 3h 24m |
First train 3:42 |
Last train 21:36 |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 28 days |
Discover the best of Colchester — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Colchester trip today.
Main city museum inside the castle, covering Roman Colchester, local archaeology and later history in a dramatic historic setting.
Natural history museum in a former church, with displays on Essex wildlife, geology and environment, suited to families and curious visitors.
Museum charting the city’s social history, from everyday objects to changing local life, housed in a restored historic building.
Central park beside the castle with lawns, mature trees and Roman remains. Ideal for a stroll, picnic or pause between sights.
Historic main street lined with shops and civic buildings, useful for exploring the town centre and taking in everyday city life.
Characterful district of timber-framed houses and narrow streets, known for its historic atmosphere and photogenic townscape.
Native Colchester oysters, served raw or dressed. They have been harvested locally since Roman times and are the town’s best-known traditional food.
Smoked eel from the Essex coast and estuaries, traditionally cured and smoked for a rich flavour tied to local fishing heritage.
A traditional Essex bake made with potatoes, onions and pork or beef, slowly cooked until soft. It is a longstanding county comfort food.
Fine dining restaurant in Dedham Vale near Colchester, known for polished British cooking and a refined countryside setting.
Established restaurant serving modern British dishes and seafood in a smart yet relaxed setting near the town centre.
Popular casual venue for brunch, coffee and seasonal plates, with a friendly atmosphere and strong local reputation.
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.
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.
Official public transport app
Colchester Station -> Colchester High Street, Colchester
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Birmingham 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.

Most Birmingham to Colchester trains use the Birmingham New Street to Colchester station pair, with some services arriving at Hythe (Essex). Use this guide to compare Birmingham and Colchester train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Birmingham New Street has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food options include: All Bar One, Leon, Caffè Nero, Five Guys, Krispy Kreme, The Pasty Shop, Upper Crust, Wasabi, Starbucks, Hotel Chocolat
Pay as you go Wi-Fi is available from Sky Wi-Fi The Cloud. ATMs are aTM machines are located on the paid concourse.
The ticket office is open Mon - Sat: 05:15 - 23:00, Sun: 07:30 - 23:00. Information desks are in the middle of the station.
Luggage storage is you can leave bags with Excess Baggage Co inside the entrance off Hill Street. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Birmingham New Street: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Birmingham New Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Birmingham New Street: Step-free access in the whole station and ramps available for train access. All platforms have elevators and escalators.
Nearby hotels include Holiday Inn Birmingham City Center, Premier Inn Birmingham City Center (New St Station), Radisson Blue Hotel, Birmingham.
Birmingham Moor Street has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Car Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Birmingham Moor Street.
Wi-Fi is available at Birmingham Moor Street. ATMs are available at Birmingham Moor Street.
Ticket office support is available at Birmingham Moor Street.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Birmingham Moor Street: Parking, WC.
Available at Birmingham Moor Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Birmingham Moor Street: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step Free Access Category A. Step free access to all platforms, Accessible taxis: If you would like us to assist you in booking an accessible taxi for your onward journey please contact 03456 005 165, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Birmingham Snow Hill has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Birmingham Snow Hill.
Ticket office support is available at Birmingham Snow Hill. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0800 0248998, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Available at Birmingham Snow Hill: Parking, WC.
Available at Birmingham Snow Hill: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Birmingham Snow Hill: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are not available, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: A Ticket Vending Machine is available on the station concourse, by the Ticket Office, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Colchester is 1 km from Colchester city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options are available at Colchester.
Wi-Fi is available at Colchester. ATMs are available at Colchester.
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.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Colchester: Parking, WC.
Available at Colchester: Bike Parking.
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) is 1 km from Colchester city centre. Public transport options include:
Hythe (Essex) has practical services for this route, including Parking, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office and Bike Parking.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Hythe (Essex): Parking.
Available at Hythe (Essex): Bike Parking.
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.
Colchester Town has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Colchester Town.
Wi-Fi is available at Colchester Town.
Ticket office support is available at Colchester Town. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0800 028 28 78.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Colchester Town: Parking, WC.
Available at Colchester Town: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Colchester Town: 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, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
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