- Must visit
Colchester Castle Museum
Main city museum inside the castle, covering Roman Colchester, local archaeology and later history in a dramatic historic setting.
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
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.
To travel from Bristol to Colchester you need to make at least 2 changes.
W34472+
P01245+
C37893
G14898+
P01241+
C37841
G14897+
P66942+
C37803
G00854+
G15042+
C04652+
C37884
G01062+
G15041+
P01241+
C37849
G14897+
P66942+
C37803
G01062+
G15041+
P01241+
C37849
G00854+
G15042+
C04652+
C37884
G14898+
P01241+
C37841
W34472+
P01245+
C37893Omio 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
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 |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() 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.
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.
Other travel options to Colchester take longer:
Coach takes on average 5h 52m.
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.
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.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G00854+ G15042+ C37884+ C04652 | Delayed 7:59 9:00Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 3h14 | 12:14 Colchester station (COL) | 3 changes | |
W34493+ C38189+ P66964 | On time 13:00 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 3h13 | 16:13 Colchester station (COL) | 2 changes | |
G15220 · G15047+ C38195+ P01280 | 13:09 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 3h07 | 16:16 Colchester station (COL) | 3 changes | |
G14904+ C37851+ P01285 | 13:30 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 3h15 | 16:45 Colchester station (COL) | 2 changes | |
W34498+ C37895+ P66980 | On time 14:00 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 3h11 | 17:11 Colchester station (COL) | 2 changes | |
G15522 · W35187+ C37911+ P01288 | 14:09 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 3h08 | 17:17 Colchester station (COL) | 3 changes | |
G14905+ C37952+ P66984 | 14:30 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 3h09 | 17:39 Colchester station (COL) | 2 changes | |
G01080+ W35188+ C37952+ P66984 | On time 14:33 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 3h06 | 17:39 Colchester station (COL) | 3 changes | |
G14906+ C38007+ P66988 | 15:00 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 3h15 | 18:15 Colchester station (COL) | 2 changes | |
G15074 · W35236+ C38063+ P66990 | 15:16 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 3h21 | 18:37 Colchester station (COL) | 3 changes | |
G14907+ C37671+ P67240 | 15:30 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 3h14 | 18:44 Colchester station (COL) | 2 changes | |
G14908+ C37741+ P66993 | 16:00 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 3h15 | 19:15 Colchester station (COL) | 2 changes | |
G14908+ C38128+ P66993 | 16:00 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 3h15 | 19:15 Colchester station (COL) | 2 changes | |
G15525 · W35194+ C37766+ P01307 | 16:08 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 3h11 | 19:19 Colchester station (COL) | 3 changes | |
W34510+ C38183+ P66997 | On time 16:30 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 3h08 | 19:38 Colchester station (COL) | 2 changes | |
G01083+ W35435+ C38197+ P67151 | On time 16:33 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 3h12 | 19:45 Colchester station (COL) | 3 changes | |
W34513+ C37863+ P67000 | On time 17:00 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 3h13 | 20:13 Colchester station (COL) | 2 changes | |
G15224 · W35196+ C37438+ P01313 | 17:08 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 3h08 | 20:16 Colchester station (COL) | 3 changes | |
G14909+ C37905+ P01318 | 17:29 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 3h19 | 20:48 Colchester station (COL) | 2 changes | |
G00723+ W35198+ C37494+ P01318 | On time 17:33 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 3h15 | 20:48 Colchester station (COL) | 3 changes | |
G14910+ C37532+ P01321 | 18:00 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 3h16 | 21:16 Colchester station (COL) | 2 changes | |
W34519+ C37985+ P67263 | On time 18:30 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 3h16 | 21:46 Colchester station (COL) | 2 changes | |
G00730+ G15050+ C37993+ P67263 | On time 18:32 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 3h14 | 21:46 Colchester station (COL) | 3 changes | |
G14911+ C38025+ P67008 | On time 19:00 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 3h13 | 22:13 Colchester station (COL) | 2 changes | |
W34523+ C37674+ P67268 | 19:30 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 3h16 | 22:46 Colchester station (COL) | 2 changes | |
G00735+ W35202+ C37674+ P67268 | On time 19:33 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 3h13 | 22:46 Colchester station (COL) | 3 changes | |
G14912+ C38101+ P67010 | On time 20:00 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 3h13 | 23:13 Colchester station (COL) | 2 changes | |
| Friday 18 September | |||||
G14897+ P66942+ C37803 | 8:00 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 3h13 | 11:13 Colchester station (COL) | 2 changes | |
G66721+ W35169+ C38186+ P01236 | 8:01 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 3h19 | 11:20 Colchester station (COL) | 3 changes | |
G14898+ P01241+ C37841 | 8:30 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 3h16 | 11:46 Colchester station (COL) | 2 changes | |
G01062+ G15041+ P01241+ C37849 | 8:33 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 3h13 | 11:46 Colchester station (COL) | 3 changes | |
W34472+ C37893+ P01245 | 9:00 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 3h17 | 12:17 Colchester station (COL) | 2 changes | |
G00854+ G15042+ C37884+ C04652 | 9:00 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 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.
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.
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 |
Discover the best of Colchester — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Colchester trip today.
Main city museum inside the castle, covering Roman Colchester, local archaeology and later history in a dramatic historic setting.
Natural history museum in a former church, with displays on Essex wildlife, geology and environment, suited to families and curious visitors.
Museum charting the city’s social history, from everyday objects to changing local life, housed in a restored historic building.
Central park beside the castle with lawns, mature trees and Roman remains. Ideal for a stroll, picnic or pause between sights.
Historic main street lined with shops and civic buildings, useful for exploring the town centre and taking in everyday city life.
Characterful district of timber-framed houses and narrow streets, known for its historic atmosphere and photogenic townscape.
Native Colchester oysters, served raw or dressed. They have been harvested locally since Roman times and are the town’s best-known traditional food.
Smoked eel from the Essex coast and estuaries, traditionally cured and smoked for a rich flavour tied to local fishing heritage.
A traditional Essex bake made with potatoes, onions and pork or beef, slowly cooked until soft. It is a longstanding county comfort food.
Fine dining restaurant in Dedham Vale near Colchester, known for polished British cooking and a refined countryside setting.
Established restaurant serving modern British dishes and seafood in a smart yet relaxed setting near the town centre.
Popular casual venue for brunch, coffee and seasonal plates, with a friendly atmosphere and strong local reputation.
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.
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.
Official public transport app
Colchester Station -> Colchester High Street, Colchester
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.

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.
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 options include: The Pasty Shop, Starbucks, Upper Crust, Pumpkin Café, Hart's Bakery
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are located near Platform 3.
The ticket office is open Mon - Sat: 05:30 - 21:30, Sun: 06:45 - 21:30. Information desks are located near the main entrance.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Bristol Temple Meads: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Bristol Temple Meads: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bristol Temple Meads: Wheelchair access, elevators, escalators. .
Nearby hotels include Holiday Inn Express Bristol City Center, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Bristol City Center, Hilton Garden Inn Bristol City Center.
Colchester is 1 km from Colchester city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options are available at Colchester.
Wi-Fi is available at Colchester. ATMs are available at Colchester.
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.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Colchester: Parking, WC.
Available at Colchester: Bike Parking.
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.
Hythe (Essex) is 1 km from Colchester city centre. Public transport options include:
Hythe (Essex) has practical services for this route, including Parking, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office and Bike Parking.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Hythe (Essex): Parking.
Available at Hythe (Essex): Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Hythe (Essex): 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.
Colchester Town has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Colchester Town.
Wi-Fi is available at Colchester Town.
Ticket office support is available at Colchester Town. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0800 028 28 78.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Colchester Town: Parking, WC.
Available at Colchester Town: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Colchester Town: 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.
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