- 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 Cambridge to Colchester
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 20 Sept
Cheapest price on 20 Sept
£26
Average ticket price on 20 Sept
£31
Fastest journey on 20 Sept
1 h 44 m
Average journey duration on 20 Sept
2 h
Trains on 20 Sept
6
Distance
64 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cambridge to Colchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cambridge to Colchester will cost around £31 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £26.
Fast trains
To travel from Cambridge to Colchester you need to make at least one change.
P02107 · P670789:001h59Cambridge station (CBG)10:59Colchester station (COL)£261One-way1 change- P02118 · P6721410:461h44Cambridge station (CBG)12:30Colchester station (COL)£261One-way1 change
- P02112 · P672109:461h44Cambridge station (CBG)11:30Colchester station (COL)£261One-way1 change
- P76296 · P0125610:572h19Cambridge station (CBG)13:16Colchester station (COL)£361One-way1 change
- P76284 · P012479:572h19Cambridge station (CBG)12:16Colchester station (COL)£361One-way1 change
- P02118 · P6721410:461h44Cambridge station (CBG)12:30Colchester station (COL)£261One-way1 change
- P02112 · P672109:461h44Cambridge station (CBG)11:30Colchester station (COL)£261One-way1 change
- P02107 · P670789:001h59Cambridge station (CBG)10:59Colchester station (COL)£261One-way1 change
- P76284 · P0124710:002h16Cambridge South12:16Colchester station (COL)£361One-way1 change
- P76296 · P0125610:572h19Cambridge station (CBG)13:16Colchester station (COL)£361One-way1 change
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Cambridge to Colchester
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cambridge to Colchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £19 For those with little time, consider booking a coach, which has an average total journey time of 2h 14m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.1kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £19, while a coach costs an average of £35.
Distance: 64 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£19 Average Price Cheapest | £35 Average Price | £13 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 19m Average total duration 1h 49m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 14m Average total duration Fastest 1h 44m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 24m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.2kg 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.
The cheapest way to travel from Cambridge to Colchester is a coach with an average price of £35.
This is compared to other travel options from Cambridge to Colchester:
A coach is £5 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cambridge to Colchester costing on average £41.
The fastest way to travel from Cambridge to Colchester is by coach with an average journey time of 1h 44m.
Other travel options to Colchester take longer:
Train takes on average 1h 54m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cambridge and Colchester including taking a train and coach.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.
Tickets start at around £41 compared to roughly £13 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-27.73. The journey takes 1h 54m versus 1h 24m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
Live departures
Cambridge to Colchester train times
The table below shows live departures for Cambridge 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3:36 Cambridge | 2h37 | 6:13 Colchester | 0 changesdirect | |
| 4:59 Cambridge | 2h17 | 7:16 Colchester | 0 changesdirect | |
| 10:48 Cambridge | 1h40 | 12:28 Colchester | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cambridge 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
20 Sept
20 Sept
Mon
21 Sept
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26 Sept
26 Sept
Why should you book Cambridge to Colchester trains with Omio?
Greater Anglia as well as Thameslink offer trains services from Cambridge to Colchester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cambridge to Colchester.
Why book with Omio vs Greater Anglia?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Greater Anglia, but also compare tickets for the likes of Thameslink to find the best option for your trip from Cambridge 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 Greater Anglia with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cambridge to Colchester.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Thameslink to find the best option for your trip from Cambridge to Colchester.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Cambridge to Colchester.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cambridge to Colchester
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Cambridge to Colchester run on average 8 times per day, taking around 1h 54m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £17 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 03:35, the last at 22:50. The fastest train covers the 64 km distance in 1h 30m.
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 64 km |
Average train duration 1h 54m |
Cheapest ticket price £17 |
Trains per day 8 |
Fastest train 1h 30m |
First train 3:35 |
Last train 22:50 |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 14 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: Thameslink, Greater Anglia from Cambridge to Colchester trainsThameslink, Greater Anglia trains will get you between Cambridge and Colchester from £17. 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
1h 30m
Cheapest Greater Anglia Price
£17
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 Thameslink Duration
1h 57m
Cheapest Thameslink Price
£55
Thameslink frequency
1 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
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: Cambridge to Colchester train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cambridge 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 Cambridge to Colchester can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £17, while the average price tends to be around £41.
The train journey from Cambridge to Colchester covers a distance of 64 km and takes approximately 1h 30m. Trains run 8 per day.
The train distance from Cambridge to Colchester is 64 km.
The first train from Cambridge to Colchester leaves at 3:35.
The last train from Cambridge to Colchester departs at 22:50.
Trains from Cambridge to Colchester run approximately 8 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Cambridge to Colchester.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Cambridge to Colchester.
To get from Cambridge to Colchester, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Cambridge to Colchester.
The train station in Cambridge that goes to Colchester is Cambridge station (CBG), and it arrives at Colchester station (COL).
The cheapest way to get from Cambridge to Colchester is by train, costing approximately £13.
Booking trains from Cambridge 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 Cambridge to Colchester offers a mix of urban and rural views, with stretches of charming countryside, fields, and small villages, providing a pleasant and moderately scenic experience.
Yes, a day trip from Cambridge to Colchester is feasible. The journey takes 1h 30m and covers 64 km. There are 5 trains per day, making it convenient for a day trip.
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 Cambridge to Colchester.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cambridge and Colchester
Most Cambridge to Colchester trains use the Cambridge to Colchester station pair, with some services arriving at Hythe (Essex). Use this guide to compare Cambridge and Colchester train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Cambridge
Arrival train stations in Colchester
Which Cambridge station do trains to Colchester leave from?
Trains from Cambridge to Colchester leave from Cambridge. The station is 2 km from Cambridge city centre at Cambridge station, Station Road, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB1 2JW.
CambridgeCambridge station, Station Road, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB1 2JW+44 8450507080
City-centre transport
Getting to Cambridge from Cambridge city centre
Cambridge is 1 km from Cambridge city centre. Public transport options include:
BusU1, U2 · 11m · every ~11 min
Tour · 13m · £2
75 · 15m
A · 15m · £2 · every ~11 min
Cambridge train station facilities and services
Cambridge has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Car Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Cambridge.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Cambridge. ATMs are available at Cambridge.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Cambridge.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cambridge: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Cambridge: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Cambridge: 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.
Cambridge SouthTrumpington, Cambridge CB2 9FQ, UK
Which Colchester station do trains from Cambridge arrive at?
Trains from Cambridge to Colchester most often arrive at Colchester. Some services arrive at Hythe (Essex), so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Colchester arrival station.
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.
Hythe (Essex)Hythe station, Station Road, Hythe, Essex, CO2 8JR
City-centre transport
Getting to Hythe (Essex) from Colchester city centre
Hythe (Essex) is 1 km from Colchester city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainColchester - Clacton-on-Sea, Colchester - Walton-on-the-Naze · 4m · £0.90 · every ~2 min
Bus54 · 7m · £0.90 · every ~11 min
54 · 11m · £3 · every ~11 min
Hythe (Essex) train station facilities and services
Hythe (Essex) has practical services for this route, including Parking, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office and Bike Parking.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Hythe (Essex): Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Hythe (Essex): Bike Parking.
Accessibility
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.
Most popular train connections from Cambridge
More options for your journey from Cambridge to Colchester
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Colchester and Cambridge
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