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The cheapest and fastest trains from Brighton to Colchester
Showing times and prices for 21 Dec
Cheapest price
£78
Average price
£78
Fastest journey
3 h 48 m
Average duration
3 h 48 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
138 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Brighton to Colchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Brighton to Colchester will cost around £78 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £78.
Fast trains
Of the 1 trains that leave Brighton for Colchester every day 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 138 km distance in an average of 3 h 48 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 48 m .
The slowest trains will take 3 h 48 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.
08:283h48
Brighton12:16Colchester
£781One-way
0 changes
08:283h48
Brighton12:16Colchester
£781One-way
0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Brighton to Colchester
Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Brighton to Colchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £29. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 35m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £29, and a train costs an average of £78.
Distance: 138 km
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Coach |
|---|---|
£78 Average Price | £42 Average Price Cheapest |
3h 5m Average total duration Fastest 2h 35m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 32m Average total duration 6h 2m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.3kg 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
Brighton to Colchester train times
The table below shows live departures for Brighton to Colchester trains for today, Saturday 20 December. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at 07:20
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 08:14 Brighton | 2h32 | 10:46 Colchester | 0 changesdirect | |
| 14:04 Brighton | 2h42 | 16:46 Colchester | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Brighton 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.
Sun
21 Dec
21 Dec
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22 Dec
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Journey information
Overview: Train from Brighton to Colchester
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Brighton to Colchester run on average 6 times per day, taking around 2h 35m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £78 but you can travel from only £29 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 04:10, the last at 23:48. The fastest train covers the 138 km distance in 2h 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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £29
Distance 138 km |
Average train duration 2h 35m |
Cheapest ticket price £78 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 2h 32m |
First train 04:10 |
Last train 23:48 |
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 £29
Train companies: Thameslink, Abellio Greater Anglia from Brighton to Colchester trainsThameslink, Abellio Greater Anglia trains will get you between Brighton and Colchester from £29. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Abellio 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 Duration
3h 37m
Cheapest Price
£78
Abellio Greater Anglia frequency
3 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
Thameslink
About
Thameslink is a train service that operates in the United Kingdom. It is operated by Govia Thameslink Railway and serves the counties of Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, London, and Surrey. The trains run from early morning until late at night, with some services running 24 hours a day. There are a variety of train types available, including Class 700 Desiro City, Class 377 Electrostar, Class 387/1 Electrostar, and Class 319/0. Ticket types include Anytime, Off-Peak, Super Off-Peak, and Advance. Onboard facilities include Wi-Fi, power sockets, and air conditioning. The most popular routes for Thameslink are London to Brighton, London to Bedford, and London to Luton.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 32m
Cheapest Price
£78
Thameslink frequency
5 a day
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund available if service is canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service on some routes offering drinks and snacks
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating
Pets
Small pets free of charge. Dogs must be on a lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone
FAQs: Brighton to Colchester train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Brighton 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.
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.
A day trip from Brighton to Colchester may not be feasible as the journey takes 2h 32m. However, there are 6 trains available per day for this 138 km journey.
To get from Brighton to Colchester, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
The train distance from Brighton to Colchester is 138 km.
The train journey from Brighton to Colchester offers a mix of urban and rural scenery, including views of the Sussex countryside, glimpses of the South Downs, and quaint towns along the way, but it is not typically considered one of the UK's most scenic routes.
The train journey from Brighton to Colchester covers a distance of 138 km and takes approximately 2h 32m. Trains run 6 per day.
The first train from Brighton to Colchester leaves at 4:10.
Booking trains from Brighton to Colchester in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The cost of a train ticket from Brighton to Colchester can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £78, while the average price tends to be around £78.
The last train from Brighton to Colchester departs at 23:48.
The cheapest way to get from Brighton to Colchester is by coach, costing approximately £29.
The train station in Brighton that goes to Colchester is Brighton station (BTN), and it arrives at Colchester station (COL).
Trains from Brighton to Colchester run approximately 6 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Brighton to Colchester.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Brighton to Colchester.
Yes, you can take the train from Brighton to Colchester.
There is no night train service from Brighton to Colchester.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Brighton and Colchester
Brighton
Colchester
The major train station for departures in Brighton is Brighton. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Brighton for your trip from Brighton to Colchester.
Amenities at train station
Wifi
Lockers
Parking
Dining
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Lost and Found Office
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Car Rental
Information Desk
Luggage Cartsinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
Number of platforms
8Wifi
- Free
Parking
- The car park is open 24/7. Access via Stroudley Road.
Dining
- The Grand Central
- The Cyclist
Taxis
- Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
- Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
WC
- £0.50
Hotel
- Jurys Inn Brighton
- Ibis Brighton City Centre
- My Brighton Hotel
Lost and Found Office
- Located in the main concourse
Car Rental
- Enterprise
- Europcar
Information Desk
- Located in the main concourse
Luggage Carts
- Free
Station Plan
- Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-8 for trains to London, Gatwick, and the south coast
- Hall 2: ticket office and waiting area
Public transport options for Brighton
- Bus: Several lines available
- Train: Southern and Thameslink services
Amenities at train station
ShoppingParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityWCHotel
LoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike Parking
Bike Rentalinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday 05:50 - 21:00 Sunday 07:10 - 21:45
Distance to city center
2 kmShopping
- Type of shops available: Newsagent, Booking Hall
Parking
- Car Park: Station Car Park
Taxis
- Taxi: YES
Accessibility
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: This is a Category A station: This station has step-free level access to all platforms. Assistance Meeting Point is the Ticket Office. This station doesn't have tactile surfaces along all platform edges. Please pay attention to where the platform surface changes from smooth to paved or contact us for assistance.
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible ticket machines note: All Southern ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. Ticket machines are of an accessible design, however their location and the station itself may not be so please check the station access note for further details
- Accessible toilets: Yes
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: Yes
- Wheelchairs available open hours: Wheelchairs may only be available when the station is staffed
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes
WC
- Toilets Location: Platforms 1 and 2
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: No
Lounge
- Waiting rooms location: There is a heated waiting area on platform 1. All platforms have covered areas
Bike Parking
- Storage location: Station front
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Amenities at train station
ParkingDiningAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike Rentalinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday 06:00 - 19:10 Sunday 09:10 - 16:45
Distance to city center
2 kmParking
- Car Park: No
Accessibility
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: No
- Step free access note: This is a Category C station: This station does not have step-free access. Assistance Meeting Point is outside the ticket office on platforms 1 and 2.
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible ticket machines note: All Southern ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. Ticket machines are of an accessible design, however their location and the station itself may not be so please check the station access note for further details
- Accessible toilets: No
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
WC
- National key toilets: No
- Baby changing facilities: No
Lounge
- Waiting rooms location: There is an unheated waiting area on platform 1, 2 and 3
Bike Parking
- Storage location: Platform 3
- Storage CCTV: Yes
The major train station for arrivals in Colchester is Colchester. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Colchester for your journey to Colchester from Brighton.
Amenities at train station
WifiShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:00 - 22:00 Saturday 05:30 - 21:00 Sunday 06:00 - 21:00
Distance to city center
1 kmShopping
- Type of shops available: News agent Dry cleaner Passport Photo Booth
Parking
- Car Park: Premium Bays
Accessibility
- 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
WC
- 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
Bike Parking
- 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 Desk
- Information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 0800 028 28 78
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens
Public transport options for Colchester
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Replacement transport stop at the bus stop by main station entrance
Amenities at train station
ParkingAccessibilityLost and Found OfficeBike Parkinginformation
Distance to city center
1 kmParking
- Car Park: No
Accessibility
- 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
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: Platforms
- Storage CCTV: No
Public transport options for Hythe (Essex)
- 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
Most popular train connections from Brighton
More options for your journey from Brighton to Colchester
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Colchester and Brighton
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