- 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 Braintree to Colchester
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 20 Sept
Cheapest price on 20 Sept
£23
Average ticket price on 20 Sept
£23
Fastest journey on 20 Sept
37 m
Average journey duration on 20 Sept
37 m
Trains on 20 Sept
16
Distance
24 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Braintree to Colchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Braintree to Colchester will cost around £23 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £23.
Fast trains
To travel from Braintree to Colchester you need to make at least one change.
7:581h15Braintree9:13Colchester£231One-way1 change- 8:590h39Braintree9:38Colchester£231One-way1 change
- 9:590h37Braintree10:36Colchester£231One-way1 change
- 10:590h37Braintree11:36Colchester£231One-way1 change
- 11:590h37Braintree12:36Colchester£231One-way1 change
- 9:590h37Braintree10:36Colchester£231One-way1 change
- 10:590h37Braintree11:36Colchester£231One-way1 change
- 11:590h37Braintree12:36Colchester£231One-way1 change
- 12:590h37Braintree13:36Colchester£231One-way1 change
- 13:590h37Braintree14:36Colchester£231One-way1 change
Travel Information
Compare coach and train for Braintree to Colchester
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Braintree to Colchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £14 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 1h 2m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £14, while a train costs an average of £14.
Distance: 24 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|
£14 Average Price Cheapest | £5 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 2m Average total duration Fastest 32m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 38m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Braintree to Colchester is a train with an average price of £14.
The fastest way to travel from Braintree to Colchester is by train with an average journey time of 32m.
Other travel options to Colchester take longer:
Coach takes on average 47m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Braintree and Colchester including taking a coach and train.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.
You'll arrive about 6m sooner (32m by train vs 38m by car). Tickets start at around £14 compared to roughly £5 in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
Live departures
Braintree to Colchester train times
The table below shows live departures for Braintree to Colchester trains for today, Saturday 19 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| P66544 · F56968 | On time 9:00 Braintree station (BTR) | 0h36 | 9:36 Colchester station (COL) | 1 change | |
| P66551 · F21160 | On time 10:00 Braintree station (BTR) | 0h36 | 10:36 Colchester station (COL) | 1 change | |
| P66562 · F21159 | On time 11:00 Braintree station (BTR) | 0h36 | 11:36 Colchester station (COL) | 1 change | |
| P66569 · F21158 | On time 12:00 Braintree station (BTR) | 0h36 | 12:36 Colchester station (COL) | 1 change | |
| P66576 · F21157 | On time 13:00 Braintree station (BTR) | 0h36 | 13:36 Colchester station (COL) | 1 change |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Braintree to Colchester by coach or train
Compare coach and train 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.
Sun
20 Sept
20 Sept
Mon
21 Sept
21 Sept
Tue
22 Sept
22 Sept
Wed
23 Sept
23 Sept
Thu
24 Sept
24 Sept
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25 Sept
25 Sept
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26 Sept
26 Sept
Why should you book Braintree to Colchester trains with Omio?
Greater Anglia operates all trains services from Braintree to Colchester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Braintree to Colchester.
Why book with Omio vs Greater Anglia?
- 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 Greater Anglia with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Braintree to Colchester.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Braintree to Colchester.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Braintree to Colchester
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Braintree to Colchester run on average 6 times per day, taking around 33m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £14 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 00:30, the last at 23:48. The fastest train covers the 24 km distance in 32m.
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 24 km |
Average train duration 33m |
Cheapest ticket price £14 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 32m |
First train 0:30 |
Last train 23:48 |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 2 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: Greater Anglia from Braintree to Colchester trainsGreater Anglia trains will get you between Braintree and Colchester from £14. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Greater Anglia
About
Greater Anglia is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates a wide range of services, from commuter trains to intercity services. The commuter trains run at regular intervals throughout the day, while the intercity services run at peak times. The train types include the InterCity 125, InterCity 225, Class 90, Class 91, Class 360 and Class 379. The ticket types available are Standard, First Class and Advance. Onboard facilities include Wi-Fi, power sockets, air conditioning and refreshment trolleys. The most popular routes for Greater Anglia are London Liverpool Street to Norwich, London Liverpool Street to Cambridge and London Liverpool Street to Ipswich.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Greater Anglia Duration
37m
Cheapest Greater Anglia Price
£14
Greater Anglia frequency
16 a day
Luggage included
Two items of luggage per person included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar service on intercity routes with hot and cold drinks, snacks. No service on local routes.
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for a fee. Free for First Class tickets.
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs require a ticket (£6 flat fee). Guide dogs travel 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: Braintree to Colchester train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Braintree 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 Braintree to Colchester can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £14, while the average price tends to be around £15.
The train journey from Braintree to Colchester covers a distance of 24 km and takes approximately 32m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train distance from Braintree to Colchester is 24 km.
The first train from Braintree to Colchester leaves at 0:30.
The last train from Braintree to Colchester departs at 23:48.
Trains from Braintree to Colchester run approximately 6 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Braintree to Colchester.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Braintree to Colchester.
To get from Braintree to Colchester, you can choose from several travel options including coach and train.
There is no night train service from Braintree to Colchester.
The train station in Braintree that goes to Colchester is Braintree station (BTR), and it arrives at Colchester station (COL).
The cheapest way to get from Braintree to Colchester is by train, costing approximately £14.
Booking trains from Braintree 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 Braintree to Colchester offers a pleasant view of the Essex countryside, with glimpses of rolling fields and charming villages along the way.
Yes, a day trip from Braintree to Colchester is feasible. The journey takes 32m and covers 24 km. Trains run 3 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 Braintree to Colchester.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Braintree and Colchester
Most Braintree to Colchester trains use the Braintree to Colchester station pair. Use this guide to compare Braintree and Colchester train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Braintree
Arrival train stations in Colchester
Which Braintree station do trains to Colchester leave from?
Trains from Braintree to Colchester leave from Braintree. The station is from Braintree city centre at Braintree station, Station Approach, Braintree, Essex, CM7 3QL.
BraintreeBraintree station, Station Approach, Braintree, Essex, CM7 3QL+44 345 600 7245
City-centre transport
Getting to Braintree from Braintree city centre
Location for Rail Replacement ServicesSubstitute bus services stop at bus stop in the turning circle
Braintree train station facilities and services
Braintree has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Braintree.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Braintree.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Braintree. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,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 Braintree: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Braintree: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Braintree: 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: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Braintree FreeportBraintree Freeport station, Chapel Hill Retail Park, Braintree, Essex, CM77 8YH+44 345 600 7245
City-centre transport
Getting to Braintree Freeport from Braintree city centre
Braintree Freeport is 1 km from Braintree city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainBraintree - Witham, Braintree - London Liverpool Street, Braintree - Shenfield · 2m · £0.90 · every ~2 min
Bus38 · 7m · £2 · every ~3 min
Braintree Freeport train station facilities and services
Braintree Freeport has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Braintree Freeport.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Braintree Freeport: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Braintree Freeport: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Braintree Freeport: 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: No, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Which Colchester station do trains from Braintree arrive at?
Trains from Braintree 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 · £0.90 · 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.
Most popular train connections from Braintree
More options for your journey from Braintree to Colchester
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Colchester and Braintree
Most popular train connections to Colchester
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