- 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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Journey information
Overview: Train from Bolton to Colchester
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Bolton to Colchester run on average 6 times per day, taking around 3h 29m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £95 but you can travel from only £94 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 04:41, the last at 18:34. The fastest train covers the 293 km distance in 3h 17m.
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 £94
Distance 293 km |
Average train duration 3h 29m |
Cheapest ticket price £95 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 3h 17m |
First train 4:41 |
Last train 18:34 |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jul - Sept |
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 £94
Live departures
Bolton to Colchester train times
The table below shows live departures for Bolton to Colchester trains for today, Monday 5 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 5:54 Bolton | 3h52 | 9:46 Colchester | 4 changes | |
| 6:21 Bolton | 3h55 | 10:16 Colchester | 4 changes | |
| 6:36 Bolton | 4h10 | 10:46 Colchester | 4 changes | |
| 6:50 Bolton | 3h46 | 10:36 Colchester | 4 changes | |
| 6:54 Bolton | 4h19 | 11:13 Colchester | 4 changes | |
| 7:22 Bolton | 3h58 | 11:20 Colchester | 4 changes | |
| 7:49 Bolton | 4h14 | 12:03 Colchester | 4 changes | |
| 7:53 Bolton | 3h53 | 11:46 Colchester | 4 changes | |
| 8:22 Bolton | 3h55 | 12:17 Colchester | 4 changes | |
| 8:37 Bolton | 4h09 | 12:46 Colchester | 4 changes | |
| 8:49 Bolton | 4h14 | 13:03 Colchester | 4 changes | |
| 8:54 Bolton | 4h19 | 13:13 Colchester | 4 changes | |
| 9:21 Bolton | 3h55 | 13:16 Colchester | 4 changes | |
| 9:49 Bolton | 4h14 | 14:03 Colchester | 4 changes | |
 | 10:09 Bolton | 3h37 | 13:46 Colchester | 4 changes | |
| 10:21 Bolton | 3h55 | 14:16 Colchester | 4 changes | |
| 10:49 Bolton | 4h14 | 15:03 Colchester | 4 changes | |
| 11:07 Bolton | 3h39 | 14:46 Colchester | 4 changes | |
| 11:21 Bolton | 3h56 | 15:17 Colchester | 4 changes | |
| 11:49 Bolton | 4h14 | 16:03 Colchester | 4 changes | |
| 12:08 Bolton | 3h38 | 15:46 Colchester | 4 changes | |
| 12:21 Bolton | 3h55 | 16:16 Colchester | 4 changes | |
| 12:36 Bolton | 4h09 | 16:45 Colchester | 4 changes | |
| 12:49 Bolton | 4h15 | 17:04 Colchester | 4 changes | |
| 13:07 Bolton | 4h04 | 17:11 Colchester | 4 changes | |
| 13:21 Bolton | 3h56 | 17:17 Colchester | 4 changes | |
| 13:49 Bolton | 3h44 | 17:33 Colchester | 4 changes | |
| 14:07 Bolton | 3h51 | 17:58 Colchester | 4 changes | |
| 14:21 Bolton | 3h58 | 18:19 Colchester | 4 changes | |
| 14:36 Bolton | 4h26 | 19:02 Colchester | 5 changes | |
| 14:49 Bolton | 3h44 | 18:33 Colchester | 4 changes | |
| 15:07 Bolton | 3h41 | 18:48 Colchester | 4 changes | |
| 15:21 Bolton | 3h57 | 19:18 Colchester | 4 changes | |
| 15:36 Bolton | 4h09 | 19:45 Colchester | 4 changes | |
| 15:49 Bolton | 3h44 | 19:33 Colchester | 4 changes | |
| 16:07 Bolton | 4h06 | 20:13 Colchester | 4 changes | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Why should you book Bolton to Colchester trains with Omio?
Avanti West Coast operates all trains services from Bolton to Colchester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Bolton to Colchester.
Why book with Omio vs Avanti West Coast?
- 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 bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Bolton to Colchester.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Raileurope?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Bolton to Colchester.
Train companies: Avanti West Coast from Bolton to Colchester trainsAvanti West Coast trains will get you between Bolton and Colchester from £94. 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 17m
Cheapest Avanti West Coast Price
£95
Avanti West Coast frequency
6 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
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: Bolton to Colchester train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bolton 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 Bolton to Colchester can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £95, while the average price tends to be around £124.
The train journey from Bolton to Colchester covers a distance of 293 km and takes approximately 3h 17m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train distance from Bolton to Colchester is 293 km.
The first train from Bolton to Colchester leaves at 4:41.
The last train from Bolton to Colchester departs at 18:34.
Trains from Bolton to Colchester run approximately 6 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Bolton to Colchester.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Bolton to Colchester.
There is no night train service from Bolton to Colchester.
The train station in Bolton that goes to Colchester is Bolton station (BON), and it arrives at Colchester station (COL).
Booking trains from Bolton 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 Bolton to Colchester offers a mix of urban and rural landscapes, passing through the picturesque countryside of the East Midlands and East Anglia, providing a pleasant and occasionally scenic experience.
Yes, you can take the train from Bolton to Colchester.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Bolton and Colchester
Most Bolton to Colchester trains use the Bolton to Colchester station pair. Use this guide to compare Bolton and Colchester train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Bolton
Arrival train stations in Colchester
Which Bolton station do trains to Colchester leave from?
Trains from Bolton to Colchester leave from Bolton. The station is 1 km from Bolton city centre at Bolton station, Trinity Street, Bolton, Lancashire, BL2 1BE.
BoltonBolton station, Trinity Street, Bolton, Lancashire, BL2 1BE
City-centre transport
Getting to Bolton from Bolton city centre
Bolton is 1 km from Bolton city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus576, 535, 525, 526, 507, 561, 562, 575, 527, 534, 537, 541, 533, 480 · 10m · £2 · every ~79 min
125 · 15m · £8 · every ~16 min
Bolton train station facilities and services
Bolton has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Bolton.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Bolton.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Bolton.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Bolton: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Bolton: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Bolton: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A Station, this station is scooter friendly, a scooter permit is required for travel, Level access through the ticket barriers to an overpass and via lifts to all platforms. Lifts available from first to last trains, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Accepts Cash & Cards, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: As per ticket office opening hours, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Which Colchester station do trains from Bolton arrive at?
Trains from Bolton to Colchester arrive at Colchester. Colchester is 2 km from Colchester city centre.
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 · £0.89 · 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.
More options for your journey from Bolton to Colchester
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Colchester and Bolton
Most popular train connections to Colchester
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