The cheapest and fastest trains from Birmingham to Colchester
Cheapest price
£77
Average price
£91
Fastest journey
3 h 18 m
Average duration
3 h 41 m
Trains per day
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 £91 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £77.
Of the 4 trains that leave Birmingham for Colchester every day 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 202 km distance in an average of 3 h 41 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 18 m .
The slowest trains will take 4 h 1 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.








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 prices starting from £21. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 12m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £21, and a train costs an average of £27.
Distance: 202 km
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Coach |
|---|---|
£74 Average Price | £45 Average Price Cheapest |
3h 42m Average total duration Fastest 3h 12m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 18m Average total duration 5h 48m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Birmingham to Colchester train times
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 04:30 Birmingham | 3h18 | 07:48 Colchester | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 07:15 Birmingham | 3h59 | 11:14 Colchester | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 08:21 Birmingham | 3h25 | 11:46 Colchester | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 16:45 Birmingham | 4h01 | 20:46 Colchester | 0 changesdirect | |
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
05 Nov
06 Nov
07 Nov
08 Nov
09 Nov
10 Nov
11 Nov
Journey information
Overview: Train from Birmingham to Colchester
Distance 202 km |
Average train duration 3h 12m |
Cheapest ticket price £27 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 2h 59m |
First train 03:42 |
Last train 21:36 |
Train companies: Avanti West Coast, Chiltern Railways, CrossCountry from Birmingham to Colchester trainsAvanti West Coast, Chiltern Railways, CrossCountry trains will get you between Birmingham and Colchester from £21. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Avanti West Coast
Chiltern Railways
CrossCountry
FAQs: Birmingham to Colchester train

popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Birmingham and Colchester
- Opening hours: Monday Closed Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 07:00 - 12:00 Friday 07:00 - 10:00 Saturday 12:00 - 14:00 Sunday 09:00 - 14:00
- Car Park: No
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: No
- Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are not available
- Accessible ticket machines: There are no accessible ticket machines at this station
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 0800 0248998
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: In the event of engineering the bus/coach will collect from: Bordesley Green Road - Outside booking hall entrance.
- Opening hours: Monday 07:00 - 10:3012:00 - 18:00 Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 07:00 - 11:0012:00 - 18:00 Friday 07:00 - 11:0015:00 - 18:00 Saturday 11:00 - 15:00 Sunday Closed None
- Car Park: No
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Accessible public telephones: Public telephones are not accessible
- Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are not available
- Accessible ticket machines: There are no accessible ticket machines at this station
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
- Information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 0800 0248998
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: In the event of engineering the bus/coach will collect from: Lichfield Road - under railway bridge at public service bus stop near to bottom of stairs for Platform 1 Walsall bound platform
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:40 - 21:00 Saturday 06:15 - 21:00 Sunday 08:15 - 21:00
- Car Park: Station Car Park
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: This station has step-free access to all platforms / the platform
- Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided
- 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: Yes
- Toilets Location: The accessible toilets are located on the Concourse.
- National key toilets: No
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
- Waiting rooms location: Closed until further notice.
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: 18 cycle stands plus a cycling compound with 27 spaces available at the front of the station (please see staff for more information)
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Rail replacement coach services can be found at the front of the station opposite the entrance to the long stay car park.
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:40 - 00:10 Saturday 05:55 - 23:55 Sunday 08:40 - 00:10
- Type of shops available: Newsagent, Flower stall
- Car Park: No
- 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
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
- Baby changing facilities location: Female toilets
- Waiting rooms location: Waiting rooms are located on Platform 1 and between platforms 3 & 4.
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: Between Platforms 2 and 3 at the south end of the station.
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: This station is not usually served by rail replacement buses, due to difficult road access. Replacement buses stop at Birmingham Snow Hill station.
- Mon - Sat: 05:15 - 23:00
- Sun: 07:30 - 23:00
- Pay as you go Wi-Fi is available from Sky Wi-Fi The Cloud.
- You can leave bags with Excess Baggage Co inside the entrance off Hill Street.
- Type of shops available: Boots located on the main concourse, before the ticket barrier Camden Food located beyond the ticket barrier Costa located beyond the ticket barrier next to Platform 5b escalator Funky Pigeon located beyond the ticket barrier between Platform escalators 9-10 M&S Food located on the main concourse Mi Casa Burritos located beyond the ticket barrier next to Platform 9 escalator The Pasty Shop located beyond the ticket barrier next to Platform 7 escalator W H Smith located on the main concourse, before the ticket barrier
- Car Park: Short Stay Car Park
- All Bar One
- Leon
- Caffè Nero
- Five Guys
- Krispy Kreme
- The Pasty Shop
- Upper Crust
- Wasabi
- Starbucks
- Hotel Chocolat
- Taxi: Taxis drop off with the 'drop & go' in the Hill Street entrance. The taxi rank is on Navigation Street (Stephenson Street / Victoria Square exit). For more information visit Traintaxi
- Accessible taxis: Taxis drop off within the 'drop & go' off the Hill Street entrance. The taxi rank is on Navigation Street (Stephenson Street / Victoria Square exit). All taxis are accessible with manual wheelchairs, most are accessible with electric wheelchairs. For more information visit Traintaxi
- Step-free access in the whole station and ramps available for train access. All platforms have elevators and escalators.
- Toilets Location: Male, Female, Accessible and Baby Change facilities are available in all parts of the station. These are located between: Platforms 2 - 3a (Blue Lounge) Platforms 10 - 11a (Yellow Lounge) Platforms 10 - 11b (Red Lounge)
- National key toilets: Yes
- National key toilets location: Close to Platforms 1A and 12A and Platforms 10 and 11B
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
- Baby changing facilities location: Female toilets,Male toilets
- Holiday Inn Birmingham City Center
- Premier Inn Birmingham City Center (New St Station)
- Radisson Blue Hotel, Birmingham
- Waiting rooms location: There are two large seating areas beyond the ticket barrier between the escalators to platforms 5b and 8b. All platforms have waiting areas with seating
- Mon - Sat: 05:15 - 23:00
- Sun: 07:30 - 23:00
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- In the middle of the station.
- Bus lines: N5, N6, N8, 4, 9, 23, 45, 50, 61, X51, X70
- Train lines: West Midlands, CrossCountry, Avanti West Coast, Transport for Wales
- Onward travel information: There are nearby bus stops on Smallbrook Queensway and Hill Street Most buses are wheelchair accessible. ********************************************************************************************************** For information go to the local travel information office by the Stephenson Street entrance. Alternatively, visit Transport for West Midlands, or call 0121 214 7214.
- Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 06:00 - 21:00 Friday 06:00 - 23:00 Saturday 07:00 - 23:00 Sunday 08:00 - 20:00 None
- Car Park: Birmingham Snow Hill (Council Managed)
- 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
- Toilets Location: The Ladies toilets are located in the Waiting Room on Platform 3 and also on Platform 2. The Gents toilets are located on Platform 2 and Platform 3. The National key toilets are located on Platform 1 and 3; these toilets are operated by a RADAR key. The RADAR key is available from station staff upon request. The toilet facilities are only available from the first to last service.
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
- Information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 0800 0248998
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: In the event of engineering the bus/coach will collect from: Bus Stop SH4, at the front of the station on Colmore Row.
- Car Park: No
- Staff help available: No
- Step free access coverage: No
- Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are not available
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: In the event of engineering the bus/coach will collect from: Outside station entrance
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 07:00 - 20:00 Saturday 08:00 - 18:00 Sunday 10:00 - 16:00 None
- Car Park: No
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Accessible public telephones: Public telephones are not accessible
- Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are not available
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible toilets: Yes
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
- Toilets Location: The National key toilets are located in the Booking Hall; these toilets are operated by a RADAR key. A RADAR key is available from station staff upon request. Passengers in possession of a RADAR key can access the toilets at all times. The National key toilets are only available during Booking Office opening hours for passengers who do not possess a RADAR key: Monday - Friday 07:00 - 20:00, Saturday 08:00-18:00 and Sunday 10:00-16:00.
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: No
- Information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 0800 0248998
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: In the event of engineering the bus/coach will collect from: Public service bus stops outside the station
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 06:00 - 20:00 Saturday 07:00 - 20:00 Sunday 09:30 - 15:00 None
- Car Park: Park and Ride
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Accessible public telephones: Public telephones are not accessible
- 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 in the Booking Hall.
- Accessible toilets: Yes
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located in the Booking Hall. The National key toilet is located in the Booking Hall; this toilet is operated by a RADAR key. A RADAR key is available from station staff upon request. Passengers in possession of a RADAR key can access the toilets at all times. The National key toilets are only available during Ticket Office opening hours for passengers who do not possess a RADAR key: Monday - Friday 06:00-20:00, Saturday 07:00-20:00 and Sunday 09:30-15:00. The toilet facilities are not available when the Ticket Office is closed.
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: No
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: Car park
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 0800 0248998
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: In the event of engineering the bus/coach will collect from: Public service bus stop to the left of the station entrance.
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 06:00 - 20:00 Saturday 07:00 - 21:00 Sunday 09:20 - 16:00 None
- Car Park: Station Car Park
- 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 public telephones: Public telephones are not accessible
- Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are not available
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible toilets: Yes
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located in the Booking Hall. The National key toilets are located in the Booking Hall; these toilets are operated by a RADAR key. A RADAR key is available from station staff upon request. Passengers in possession of a RADAR key can access the toilets at all times. The National key toilets are only available during Ticket Office opening hours for passengers who do not possess a RADAR key: Monday - Thursday 06:00-19:00, Friday 06:00-20:00, Saturday 07:00-21:00 and Sunday 09:30-16:00. The toilet facilities are not available when the Ticket Office is closed.
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: No
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: Station Car Park
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 0800 0248998
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: In the event of engineering the bus/coach will collect from: Public service bus stops in the station car park.
- Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 07:00 - 18:00 Friday 07:00 - 19:00 Saturday 09:00 - 17:00 Sunday 10:00 - 16:00
- Car Park: No
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are not available
- Accessible ticket machines: There are no accessible ticket machines at this station
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
- Information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 0800 0248998
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: In the event of engineering the bus/coach will collect from: Public service bus layby on Birchfield Road near to station entrance for both directions
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 06:00 - 21:00 Saturday 07:00 - 21:00 Sunday 09:00 - 19:00 None
- Car Park: Station Car Park
- 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 public telephones: Public telephones are not accessible
- 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 in the Booking Hall and on Platform One.
- Accessible toilets: Yes
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located in the Booking Hall. The National key toilet is located in the Booking Hall; these toilets are operated by a RADAR key. A RADAR key is available from station staff upon request. All toilet facilities are available: Monday - Friday 06:00-21:00, Saturday 07:00-21:00 and Sunday 09:00-19:00. The toilet facilities are not available when the Ticket Office is closed.
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: No
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: from Birmingham - under the foot bridge. Towards Birmingham - outside in the car park
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 0800 0248998
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: In the event of engineering the bus/coach will collect from: Front of station building in turnaround area.
- Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 07:00 - 14:00 Friday 07:00 - 19:00 Saturday 08:00 - 17:00 Sunday 10:00 - 12:00
- Car Park: No
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available
- Accessible ticket machines: There are no accessible ticket machines at this station
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 0800 0248998
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: In the event of engineering: Rail replacement buses towards Birmingham will use the Stechford Rail Station 53/11C bus stop on Station Road. Rail replacement buses towards Coventry will be 53/11A Stechford Rail Station bus stop on Station Road.
- Car Park: No
- Staff help available: No
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are not available
- Accessible ticket machines: There are no accessible ticket machines at this station
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
- Information available from staff: Yes - from help point
- Helpline Contact: 0800 0248998
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: In the event of engineering the bus/coach will collect from: Witton Road - under the railway bridge at public service bus stop at bottom of station ramp to Walsall bound platform
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:00 - 22:00 Saturday 05:30 - 21:00 Sunday 06:00 - 21:00
- Type of shops available: News agent Dry cleaner Passport Photo Booth
- Car Park: Premium Bays
- 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
- 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
- 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 available from staff: Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 0800 028 28 78
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Replacement transport stop at the bus stop by main station entrance
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 06:10 - 20:15 Saturday 07:00 - 18:45 Sunday Closed
- Car Park: There is a Council managed car park behind the station
- 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
- Toilets Location: Toilets are located alongside the ticket office and only open when the station is staffed.
- National key toilets: No
- Baby changing facilities: No
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: Within station, forecourt and on platform
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 0800 028 28 78
- Onward travel information: Colchester Town Station is around 5 minutes walk from Colchester Bus Station
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Town Railway Station Bus Stops (stop B) for planned rail replacement only.
- Car Park: No
- 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
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: Platforms
- Storage CCTV: No
- 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
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