Birmingham to Colchester train with Avanti West Coast

Fri 18 Sept
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Avanti West Coast
Chiltern Railways
CrossCountry
West Midlands Trains
Great Western Railway
2,000+ travel companies
Avanti West Coast
Chiltern Railways
CrossCountry
West Midlands Trains
Great Western Railway
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Birmingham to Colchester

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 18 Sept

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

Cheap tickets

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.

Fast trains

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.

  • Avanti West Coast
    7:173h03
    Birmingham
    10:20Colchester
    £601One-way
    0 changes
  • Avanti West Coast
    8:472h59
    Birmingham
    11:46Colchester
    £621One-way
    0 changes
  • Avanti West Coast
    9:173h00
    Birmingham
    12:17Colchester
    £731One-way
    0 changes
  • Avanti West Coast
    9:213h25
    Birmingham
    12:46Colchester
    £801One-way
    0 changes

Travel Information

Compare train and coach for Birmingham to Colchester

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

Compare train with

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

Avanti West Coast

Most popular train company

National Express

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.

The cheapest way to travel from Birmingham to Colchester is a coach with an average price of £46.

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.

The fastest way to travel from Birmingham to Colchester is by train with an average journey time of 3h 20m.

Other travel options to Colchester take longer:

Coach takes on average 5h 24m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Birmingham and Colchester including taking a train and coach.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.

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.

Live departures

Birmingham to Colchester train times

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.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Avanti West CoastW33903+Greater AngliaP01272+TubeTube from London Euston to London Liverpool Street
On time
12:17 Birmingham New Street (BHM)
3h00
15:17 Colchester station (COL)
2 changes
Avanti West CoastW33937+Greater AngliaP01277+TubeTube from London Euston to London Liverpool Street
On time
12:47 Birmingham New Street (BHM)
2h59
15:46 Colchester station (COL)
2 changes
Avanti West CoastW33933+Greater AngliaP01280+TubeTube from London Euston to London Liverpool Street
On time
13:17 Birmingham New Street (BHM)
2h59
16:16 Colchester station (COL)
2 changes
London OvergroundL22431 · G58929+Greater AngliaP66980_P01602+Avanti West CoastW33922
Delayed
13:45 13:21Birmingham New Street (BHM)
4h12
17:33 Colchester Town (CET)
3 changes
Avanti West CoastW33922+London OvergroundL22431 · G58929+Greater AngliaP66980
On time
13:21 Birmingham New Street (BHM)
3h50
17:11 Colchester station (COL)
3 changes
Avanti West CoastW33959+Greater AngliaP01285+TubeTube 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 prices and tickets Birmingham 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.

Fri
18 Sept
Sat
19 Sept
Sun
20 Sept
Mon
21 Sept
Tue
22 Sept
Wed
23 Sept
Thu
24 Sept

Why should you book Birmingham to Colchester trains with Omio?

Avanti West Coast as well as Chiltern Railways, CrossCountry, West Midlands Trains and more offer trains services from Birmingham to Colchester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Birmingham to Colchester.

Why book with Omio vs Avanti West Coast?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Avanti West Coast, but also compare tickets for the likes of Chiltern Railways, CrossCountry or West Midlands Trains to find the best option for your trip from Birmingham 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 Avanti West Coast with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Birmingham to Colchester.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Raileurope?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Chiltern Railways, CrossCountry or West Midlands Trains to find the best option for your trip from Birmingham to Colchester.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Birmingham to Colchester.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Birmingham to Colchester

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

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.

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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £31
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
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £31

Train companies: Avanti West Coast, Chiltern Railways, CrossCountry, West Midlands Trains from Birmingham to Colchester trainsAvanti West Coast, Chiltern Railways, CrossCountry, West Midlands Trains trains will get you between Birmingham and Colchester from £31. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Avanti West Coast

About
Avanti West Coast is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates high-speed trains between London and major cities in the UK, including Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow and Edinburgh. The company offers a range of ticket types, including Standard, First Class and Advance tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, comfortable seating and a range of food and drinks. The most popular routes for Avanti West Coast are London to Birmingham, London to Manchester and London to Glasgow. The company operates a fleet of Pendolino and Super Voyager trains, which offer a smooth and comfortable journey.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Avanti West Coast Duration
3h 24m
Cheapest Avanti West Coast Price
£37
Avanti West Coast frequency
24 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
First Class: Complimentary meals and drinks. Standard Class: Onboard shop with drinks and snacks
Seat reservation
First Class: Included in ticket price. Standard Class: Optional reservation for £8-12
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance for boarding/alighting available
Pets
Small pets free in carriers. Dogs £30 per single journey. Guide dogs free
Quiet zone

Chiltern Railways

About
Chiltern Railways is a regional train company in the United Kingdom. Check the different ticket types for your next journey: Duo, Anytime, Season, Super Off Peak, Off Peak and Advance. It operates services from London Marylebone to Birmingham Snow Hill, Oxford, Banbury, Aylesbury, High Wycombe, and Stratford-upon-Avon. It also runs services from Birmingham Moor Street to Stratford-upon-Avon. Chiltern Railways offers a range of train types, including InterCity 125, Class 165 and Class 168 trains. These trains are equipped with comfortable seating, air conditioning, power sockets, and free Wi-Fi. The company offers a variety of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, Off-Peak, and Super Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include a café bar, a shop, and a quiet coach. The most popular routes for Chiltern Railways are London Marylebone to Birmingham Snow Hill, Oxford, and High Wycombe.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Chiltern Railways Duration
3h 48m
Cheapest Chiltern Railways Price
£68
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
According to ticket conditions
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Optional seat reservation for £3. Free for Advance tickets
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating
Pets
Small pets free in carriers. Dogs allowed with lead
Quiet zone

CrossCountry

About
CrossCountry is a fast-speed train operator in the United Kingdom, offering both express and regional services across the country. Express services, such as the CrossCountry Voyager and XC Trains, provide quick and comfortable journeys with amenities like free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a selection of snacks and drinks. Regional services, including the CrossCountry Regional and Regional Express, make more local stops for a leisurely trip. Ticket options include Standard Class and First Class, as well as Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak fares to suit different budgets and schedules. Popular routes include London to Birmingham, Manchester to Edinburgh, and Bristol to Reading.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average CrossCountry Duration
4h 37m
Cheapest CrossCountry Price
£74
CrossCountry frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage storage areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled services
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require ticket
Quiet zone

West Midlands Trains

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average West Midlands Trains Duration
3h 41m
West 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.

  • Must visit

Colchester Castle Museum

Main city museum inside the castle, covering Roman Colchester, local archaeology and later history in a dramatic historic setting.

  • 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.

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.

FAQs: Birmingham to Colchester train

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.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Birmingham to Colchester can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £37, while the average price tends to be around £55.
The train journey from Birmingham to Colchester covers a distance of 202 km and takes approximately 3h 24m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train distance from Birmingham to Colchester is 202 km.
The first train from Birmingham to Colchester leaves at 3:42.
The last train from Birmingham to Colchester departs at 21:36.
Trains from Birmingham to Colchester run approximately 6 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Birmingham to Colchester.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Birmingham to Colchester.
To get from Birmingham to Colchester, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Birmingham to Colchester.
The train station in Birmingham that goes to Colchester is Birmingham New Street (BHM), and it arrives at Colchester station (COL).
The cheapest way to get from Birmingham to Colchester is by coach, costing approximately £31.
Booking trains from Birmingham 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 Birmingham to Colchester mainly travels through urban and suburban areas, with some segments offering views of the English countryside, including fields and small towns, but it is not typically considered one of the most scenic routes in the UK.
A day trip from Birmingham to Colchester is not feasible as the journey takes 3h 24m. Trains run 6 times per day.
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 Birmingham to Colchester.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Birmingham and Colchester

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.

Departure train stations in Birmingham
Arrival train stations in Colchester
Birmingham New StreetStation Street, Birmingham, West Midlands, B2 4QA, United Kingdom+44 3457114141WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Birmingham New Street from Birmingham city centre

Bus16 · 7m · £2 · every ~27 min

Birmingham New Street 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 and drink

Food options include: All Bar One, Leon, Caffè Nero, Five Guys, Krispy Kreme, The Pasty Shop, Upper Crust, Wasabi, Starbucks, Hotel Chocolat

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Pay as you go Wi-Fi is available from Sky Wi-Fi The Cloud. ATMs are aTM machines are located on the paid concourse.

Tickets and information

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 and lost property

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.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Birmingham New Street: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Birmingham New Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

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.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Holiday Inn Birmingham City Center, Premier Inn Birmingham City Center (New St Station), Radisson Blue Hotel, Birmingham.

Birmingham Moor StreetBirmingham Moor Street station, Queensway, Birmingham, West Midlands, B4 7ULWifiShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar Rental
City-centre transport

Getting to Birmingham Moor Street from Birmingham city centre

TrainBirmingham Snow Hill - Whitlocks End, Birmingham Snow Hill - Stratford-upon-Avon, Worcester Foregate Street - Stratford-upon-Avon, Worcester Shrub Hill - Stratford-upon-Avon, Worcester Shrub Hill - Birmingham Moor Street, Worcester Foregate Street - Birmingham Moor Street, Worcester Shrub Hill - Dorridge, Stourbridge Junction - Dorridge, Birmingham Snow Hill - Dorridge, Worcester Foregate Street - Dorridge, Worcester Foregate Street - Leamington Spa, Birmingham Snow Hill - Leamington Spa, Worcester Shrub Hill - Leamington Spa, Kidderminster - Stratford-upon-Avon, Kidderminster - Whitlocks End, Stourbridge Junction - Stratford-upon-Avon, Worcester Foregate Street - Whitlocks End · 2m · £0.90 · every ~7 min
Bus16 · 13m · £2 · every ~27 min
TramMetro · 16m · every ~15 min

Birmingham Moor Street train station facilities and services

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

Food and drink options are available at Birmingham Moor Street.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Birmingham Moor Street. ATMs are available at Birmingham Moor Street.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Birmingham Moor Street.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Birmingham Moor Street: Parking, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Birmingham Moor Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

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 HillBirmingham Snow Hill station, Colmore Row, Birmingham, West Midlands, B3 2BJShoppingParkingDiningAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Birmingham Snow Hill from Birmingham city centre

Bus52 · 0m · £2 · every ~18 min

Birmingham Snow Hill train station facilities and services

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

Food and drink options are available at Birmingham Snow Hill.

Tickets and information

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.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Birmingham Snow Hill: Parking, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Birmingham Snow Hill: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

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.

More options for your journey from Birmingham to Colchester

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