The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Colchester station (COL)
Cheapest price
£38
Average price
£38
Fastest journey
3 h 46 m
Average duration
3 h 46 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
285 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Colchester station (COL) is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Colchester station (COL) will cost around £38 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £38.
Of the 1 trains that leave Cardiff Central (CDF) for Colchester station (COL) 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 285 km distance in an average of 3 h 46 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 46 m .
The slowest trains will take 3 h 46 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.


Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Cardiff Central (CDF) to Colchester station (COL)
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Colchester station (COL) among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £41. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 58m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £41, and a train costs an average of £38.
Distance: 285 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£64 Average Price | £48 Average Price Cheapest |
3h 28m Average total duration Fastest 2h 58m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 45m Average total duration 7h 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Compare prices and tickets Cardiff Central (CDF) to Colchester station (COL) 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.
14 Nov
15 Nov
16 Nov
17 Nov
18 Nov
19 Nov
20 Nov
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Colchester station (COL)
Trains from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Colchester station (COL) run on average 8 times per day, taking around 2h 58m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £38 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 07:18, the last at 19:18. The fastest train covers the 285 km distance in 3h 28m.
Distance 285 km |
Average train duration 2h 58m |
Cheapest ticket price £38 |
Trains per day 8 |
Fastest train 3h 28m |
First train 07:18 |
Last train 19:18 |
Train companies: Great Western Rail, first_great_western from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Colchester station (COL) trainsGreat Western Rail, first_great_western trains will get you between Cardiff Central (CDF) and Colchester station (COL) from £38. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Great Western Rail
first_great_western
FAQs: Cardiff Central (CDF) to Colchester station (COL) train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Colchester station (COL) 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 station (COL), this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cardiff Central (CDF) and Colchester station (COL)
- Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sat: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sun: 07:30 - 21:30
- Free Wi-Fi in the station.
- Type of shops available: News agent and convenience store
- Car Park: Brewery Car park
- Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen
- Pret a Manger
- Tesco Express
- Taxi: Taxi rank is on the right as you exit the main station entrance
- There is step-free access in the whole station. There are also ramps for train access and elevators in the station.
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platforms 1 to 8. The National Key toilets are located in the East Subway near the lifts and on Platform 8; these toilets are operated by a radar key and are only available during staffing hours.
- National key toilets: Yes
- National key toilets location: The National Key/Accessible toilets are located in the East Subway near the lifts and on Platform 8; these toilets are operated by a RADAR key and are only available during staffing hours.
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
- Clayton Hotel Cardiff
- Cardiff Marriott Hotel
- Travelodge Cardiff Central
- Waiting rooms location: On platforms 1/2, 3/4, 6/7 and 8.
- Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sat: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sun: 07:30 - 21:30
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: East end of platforms 1 and 2, 3 and 4, 6 and 7 - also at the front and rear of the station.
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Commuter rail lines: City Line, Rhondda Line, Rhymney Line, Valley Line, South Wales Main Line
- Train lines: Transport for Wales, CrossCountry, Great Western Railway
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: At the rear car park (Penarth Road entrance)
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:00 - 22:00 Saturday 05:30 - 21:00 Sunday 06:00 - 21:00
- Type of shops available: News agent Dry cleaner Passport Photo Booth
- Car Park: Premium Bays
- 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
- 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
- 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 available from staff: Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 0800 028 28 78
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Replacement transport stop at the bus stop by main station entrance
Most popular train connections from Cardiff Central (CDF)
More options for your journey from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Colchester station (COL)
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

