Bristol to Colchester train with Great Western Railway

Fri 18 Sept
+ Add return
Great Western Railway
Cross Country
Great Western Railway (GWR)
Avanti West Coast
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
Great Western Railway
Cross Country
Great Western Railway (GWR)
Avanti West Coast
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
QR-Code
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
rate4.9
42K ratings
Google Play
rate4.6
136K reviews

The cheapest and fastest trains from Bristol to Colchester

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 18 Sept

Cheapest price on 18 Sept

£64

Average ticket price on 18 Sept

£113

Fastest journey on 18 Sept

3 h 13 m

Average journey duration on 18 Sept

3 h 15 m

Trains on 18 Sept

6

Distance

246 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Bristol to Colchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Bristol to Colchester will cost around £113 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £64.

Fast trains

To travel from Bristol to Colchester you need to make at least 2 changes.

  • Great Western RailwayW34472+Greater AngliaP01245+Elizabeth lineC37893
    9:003h17
    Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
    12:17Colchester station (COL)
    £641One-way
    2 changes
  • Great Western RailwayG14898+Greater AngliaP01241+Elizabeth lineC37841
    8:303h16
    Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
    11:46Colchester station (COL)
    £691One-way
    2 changes
  • Great Western RailwayG14897+Greater AngliaP66942+Elizabeth lineC37803
    8:003h13
    Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
    11:13Colchester station (COL)
    £971One-way
    2 changes
  • CrossCountryG00854+Great Western RailwayG15042+Greater AngliaC04652+Elizabeth lineC37884
    9:003h14
    Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
    12:14Colchester station (COL)
    £1391One-way
    3 changes
  • CrossCountryG01062+Great Western RailwayG15041+Greater AngliaP01241+Elizabeth lineC37849
    8:333h13
    Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
    11:46Colchester station (COL)
    £1391One-way
    3 changes

Travel Information

Compare train and coach for Bristol to Colchester

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Bristol to Colchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £44 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 10m. 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 £44, while a train costs an average of £44.

Distance: 246 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach
Driving

£44

Average Price

£44

Average Price

Cheapest

£58

Average Price

(fuel + tolls)

3h 10m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 40m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

6h 22m

Average total duration

5h 52m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 29m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.2 - 0.6kg

CO2 emissions

-

CO2 emissions

Great Western Railway

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 Bristol to Colchester is a coach with an average price of £44.

This is compared to other travel options from Bristol to Colchester:

A coach is £0.54 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Bristol to Colchester costing on average £44.

The fastest way to travel from Bristol to Colchester is by train with an average journey time of 2h 40m.

Other travel options to Colchester take longer:

Coach takes on average 5h 52m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Bristol and Colchester including taking a train and coach.
Take the train. On this route, it beats driving on both time and money.

The journey is about 49m faster (2h 40m by train vs 3h 29m by car) and roughly £14 cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls (£44 vs £58). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.

Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.

Live departures

Bristol to Colchester train times

The table below shows live departures for Bristol 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
CrossCountryG00854+Great Western RailwayG15042+Elizabeth lineC37884+Greater AngliaC04652
Delayed
7:59 9:00Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
3h14
12:14 Colchester station (COL)
3 changes
Great Western RailwayW34493+Elizabeth lineC38189+Greater AngliaP66964
On time
13:00 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
3h13
16:13 Colchester station (COL)
2 changes
Great Western RailwayG15220 · G15047+Elizabeth lineC38195+Greater AngliaP0128013:09 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
3h07
16:16 Colchester station (COL)3 changes
Great Western RailwayG14904+Elizabeth lineC37851+Greater AngliaP0128513:30 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
3h15
16:45 Colchester station (COL)2 changes
Great Western RailwayW34498+Elizabeth lineC37895+Greater AngliaP66980
On time
14:00 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
3h11
17:11 Colchester station (COL)
2 changes
Great Western RailwayG15522 · W35187+Elizabeth lineC37911+Greater AngliaP0128814:09 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
3h08
17:17 Colchester station (COL)3 changes
Great Western RailwayG14905+Elizabeth lineC37952+Greater AngliaP6698414:30 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
3h09
17:39 Colchester station (COL)2 changes
CrossCountryG01080+Great Western RailwayW35188+Elizabeth lineC37952+Greater AngliaP66984
On time
14:33 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
3h06
17:39 Colchester station (COL)
3 changes
Great Western RailwayG14906+Elizabeth lineC38007+Greater AngliaP6698815:00 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
3h15
18:15 Colchester station (COL)2 changes
Great Western RailwayG15074 · W35236+Elizabeth lineC38063+Greater AngliaP6699015:16 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
3h21
18:37 Colchester station (COL)3 changes
Great Western RailwayG14907+Elizabeth lineC37671+Greater AngliaP6724015:30 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
3h14
18:44 Colchester station (COL)2 changes
Great Western RailwayG14908+Elizabeth lineC37741+Greater AngliaP6699316:00 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
3h15
19:15 Colchester station (COL)2 changes
Great Western RailwayG14908+Elizabeth lineC38128+Greater AngliaP6699316:00 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
3h15
19:15 Colchester station (COL)2 changes
Great Western RailwayG15525 · W35194+Elizabeth lineC37766+Greater AngliaP0130716:08 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
3h11
19:19 Colchester station (COL)3 changes
Great Western RailwayW34510+Elizabeth lineC38183+Greater AngliaP66997
On time
16:30 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
3h08
19:38 Colchester station (COL)
2 changes
CrossCountryG01083+Great Western RailwayW35435+Elizabeth lineC38197+Greater AngliaP67151
On time
16:33 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
3h12
19:45 Colchester station (COL)
3 changes
Great Western RailwayW34513+Elizabeth lineC37863+Greater AngliaP67000
On time
17:00 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
3h13
20:13 Colchester station (COL)
2 changes
Great Western RailwayG15224 · W35196+Elizabeth lineC37438+Greater AngliaP0131317:08 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
3h08
20:16 Colchester station (COL)3 changes
Great Western RailwayG14909+Elizabeth lineC37905+Greater AngliaP0131817:29 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
3h19
20:48 Colchester station (COL)2 changes
CrossCountryG00723+Great Western RailwayW35198+Elizabeth lineC37494+Greater AngliaP01318
On time
17:33 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
3h15
20:48 Colchester station (COL)
3 changes
Great Western RailwayG14910+Elizabeth lineC37532+Greater AngliaP0132118:00 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
3h16
21:16 Colchester station (COL)2 changes
Great Western RailwayW34519+Elizabeth lineC37985+Greater AngliaP67263
On time
18:30 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
3h16
21:46 Colchester station (COL)
2 changes
CrossCountryG00730+Great Western RailwayG15050+Elizabeth lineC37993+Greater AngliaP67263
On time
18:32 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
3h14
21:46 Colchester station (COL)
3 changes
Great Western RailwayG14911+Elizabeth lineC38025+Greater AngliaP67008
On time
19:00 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
3h13
22:13 Colchester station (COL)
2 changes
Great Western RailwayW34523+Elizabeth lineC37674+Greater AngliaP6726819:30 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
3h16
22:46 Colchester station (COL)2 changes
CrossCountryG00735+Great Western RailwayW35202+Elizabeth lineC37674+Greater AngliaP67268
On time
19:33 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
3h13
22:46 Colchester station (COL)
3 changes
Great Western RailwayG14912+Elizabeth lineC38101+Greater AngliaP67010
On time
20:00 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
3h13
23:13 Colchester station (COL)
2 changes
Friday 18 September
Great Western RailwayG14897+Greater AngliaP66942+Elizabeth lineC378038:00 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
3h13
11:13 Colchester station (COL)2 changes
CrossCountryG66721+Great Western RailwayW35169+Elizabeth lineC38186+Greater AngliaP012368:01 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
3h19
11:20 Colchester station (COL)3 changes
Great Western RailwayG14898+Greater AngliaP01241+Elizabeth lineC378418:30 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
3h16
11:46 Colchester station (COL)2 changes
CrossCountryG01062+Great Western RailwayG15041+Greater AngliaP01241+Elizabeth lineC378498:33 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
3h13
11:46 Colchester station (COL)3 changes
Great Western RailwayW34472+Elizabeth lineC37893+Greater AngliaP012459:00 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
3h17
12:17 Colchester station (COL)2 changes
CrossCountryG00854+Great Western RailwayG15042+Elizabeth lineC37884+Greater AngliaC046529:00 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
3h14
12:14 Colchester station (COL)3 changes

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Bristol 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 Bristol to Colchester trains with Omio?

Great Western Railway as well as Cross Country or Great Western Railway (GWR) offer trains services from Bristol to Colchester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Bristol to Colchester.

Why book with Omio vs Great Western Railway?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Great Western Railway, but also compare tickets for the likes of Cross Country or Great Western Railway (GWR) to find the best option for your trip from Bristol 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 Great Western Railway with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Bristol to Colchester.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu?

  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Bristol to Colchester.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Bristol to Colchester

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Bristol to Colchester run on average 8 times per day, taking around 2h 40m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £28 if you book in advance.

The earliest train runs at 03:42, the last at 22:00. The fastest train covers the 246 km distance in 3h 14m.

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
246 km
Average train duration
2h 40m
Cheapest ticket price
£28
Trains per day
8
Fastest train
3h 14m
First train
3:42
Last train
22:00
Cheapest Month
Jul
Cheapest Day
Sun
High Season
Jan - Mar
Low Season
Oct - Dec
Busiest Day
Wed
Least Busy Day
Wed
Best time to book
5 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: Great Western Railway, Cross Country, Great Western Railway (GWR) from Bristol to Colchester trainsGreat Western Railway, Cross Country, Great Western Railway (GWR) trains will get you between Bristol and Colchester from £28. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Great Western Railway

About
Great Western Railway is a train operating company in the United Kingdom. It operates services from London Paddington to the West of England, South Wales and the Cotswolds. It also operates services from London Paddington to Oxford, Reading and Bristol. It offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, air conditioning and catering services. The most popular routes for Great Western Railway are London Paddington to Bristol, Reading and Oxford.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Great Western Railway Duration
3h 14m
Cheapest Great Western Railway Price
£28
Luggage included
Two pieces of luggage and one piece of hand luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, dedicated luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, sandwiches. First Class at-seat service on some routes
Seat reservation
Optional seat reservations available for a fee. Free in First Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone

Cross Country

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Cross Country Duration
3h 2m
Cheapest Cross Country Price
£148
Cross Country frequency
2 a day

Great Western Railway (GWR)

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Great Western Railway (GWR) Duration
2h 36m
Cheapest Great Western Railway (GWR) Price
£132
Great Western Railway (GWR) frequency
24 a day

Train companies: Great Western Railway, Cross Country, Great Western Railway (GWR) from Bristol to Colchester trainsGreat Western Railway, Cross Country, Great Western Railway (GWR) trains will get you between Bristol and Colchester from £28. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Great Western Railway

About
Great Western Railway is a train operating company in the United Kingdom. It operates services from London Paddington to the West of England, South Wales and the Cotswolds. It also operates services from London Paddington to Oxford, Reading and Bristol. It offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, air conditioning and catering services. The most popular routes for Great Western Railway are London Paddington to Bristol, Reading and Oxford.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Great Western Railway Duration
3h 14m
Cheapest Great Western Railway Price
£28
Luggage included
Two pieces of luggage and one piece of hand luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, dedicated luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, sandwiches. First Class at-seat service on some routes
Seat reservation
Optional seat reservations available for a fee. Free in First Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone

Cross Country

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Cross Country Duration
3h 2m
Cheapest Cross Country Price
£148
Cross Country frequency
2 a day

Great Western Railway (GWR)

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Great Western Railway (GWR) Duration
2h 36m
Cheapest Great Western Railway (GWR) Price
£132
Great Western Railway (GWR) frequency
24 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: Bristol to Colchester train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bristol 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 Bristol to Colchester can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £28, while the average price tends to be around £44.
The train journey from Bristol to Colchester covers a distance of 246 km and takes approximately 3h 14m. Trains run 8 per day.
The train distance from Bristol to Colchester is 246 km.
The first train from Bristol to Colchester leaves at 3:42.
The last train from Bristol to Colchester departs at 22:00.
Trains from Bristol to Colchester run approximately 8 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Bristol to Colchester.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Bristol to Colchester.
To get from Bristol to Colchester, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Bristol to Colchester.
The train station in Bristol that goes to Colchester is Bristol Temple Meads (BRI), and it arrives at Colchester station (COL).
The cheapest way to get from Bristol to Colchester is by train, costing approximately £28.
Booking trains from Bristol 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 Bristol to Colchester offers a mix of urban and rural landscapes, with views of the rolling countryside and charming towns, providing a pleasant travel experience, though it may not be considered exceptionally scenic compared to more renowned routes.
A day trip from Bristol to Colchester is not feasible as the journey time is 3h 14m. However, there are 6 train trips available per day. The distance is 246 km.
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 Bristol to Colchester.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Bristol and Colchester

Most Bristol to Colchester trains use the Bristol Temple Meads to Colchester station pair, with some services arriving at Hythe (Essex). Use this guide to compare Bristol and Colchester train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Bristol
Arrival train stations in Colchester
Bristol Temple MeadsStation Approach, Bristol, BS1 6QF, United Kingdom+44 3457114141WifiShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Bristol Temple Meads from Bristol city centre

Bus16 · 7m · £4 · every ~12 min
X39, 16, 39, 522 · 8m · £4 · every ~49 min
512 · 14m
9 · 15m · £4 · every ~22 min

Bristol Temple Meads train station facilities and services

Bristol Temple Meads has practical services for this route, including Wifi, 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: The Pasty Shop, Starbucks, Upper Crust, Pumpkin Café, Hart's Bakery

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are located near Platform 3.

Tickets and information

The ticket office is open Mon - Sat: 05:30 - 21:30, Sun: 06:45 - 21:30. Information desks are located near the main entrance.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Bristol Temple Meads: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Bristol Temple Meads: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Bristol Temple Meads: Wheelchair access, elevators, escalators. .

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Holiday Inn Express Bristol City Center, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Bristol City Center, Hilton Garden Inn Bristol City Center.

More options for your journey from Bristol to Colchester

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy

We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.

ios-badge
android-badge
Hand With Phone