- 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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Journey information
Overview: Train from Cardiff to Colchester
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Cardiff to Colchester run on average 6 times per day, taking around 2h 59m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £57 but you can travel from only £46 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 04:41, the last at 21:20. The fastest train covers the 285 km distance in 2h 47m.
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 £46
Distance 285 km |
Average train duration 2h 59m |
Cheapest ticket price £57 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 2h 47m |
First train 4:41 |
Last train 21:20 |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sept |
Best time to book 28 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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £46
Why should you book Cardiff to Colchester trains with Omio?
Great Western Railway operates all trains services from Cardiff to Colchester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cardiff to Colchester.
Why book with Omio vs Great Western Railway?
- 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 Cardiff 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 Cardiff to Colchester.
Train companies: Great Western Railway from Cardiff to Colchester trainsGreat Western Railway trains will get you between Cardiff and Colchester from £46. 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
2h 47m
Cheapest Great Western Railway Price
£57
Great Western Railway frequency
6 a day
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
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.
Best day trips from Colchester by train
The most popular day trips by train from Colchester are London, Ipswich, Norwich, Chelmsford and Stratford. Find out what you can do in these day trip destinations and how to book your train from Colchester on Omio.
Day trip from Colchester to London by train
Why visit London for the day?
London blends royal history with modern city life, known for its museums, theatre and global food scene. Along the Thames, grand landmarks sit beside diverse neighbourhoods shaped by finance, fashion and contemporary culture.
How to get from Colchester to London by train?
There are 8 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 83 km distance in 45m.
Day trip from Colchester to Ipswich by train
Why visit Ipswich for the day?
Ipswich is one of England’s oldest towns, known for its waterfront and maritime past. Its medieval streets, parks and Suffolk atmosphere make it feel historic yet lived-in.
How to get from Colchester to Ipswich by train?
There are 7 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:02, the last at 23:55. The fastest train covers the 26 km distance in 18m.
Day trip from Colchester to Norwich by train
Why visit Norwich for the day?
Norwich is known for its Norman cathedral, medieval lanes and strong independent character. Its historic market, literary links and mix of old churches and creative spaces give it a lively but relaxed feel.
How to get from Colchester to Norwich by train?
There are 8 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:02, the last at 23:51. The fastest train covers the 86 km distance in 56m.
Day trip from Colchester to Chelmsford by train
Why visit Chelmsford for the day?
Chelmsford is Essex’s county city, known for its cathedral and its links to Guglielmo Marconi. A compact centre, riverside parks and a relaxed modern feel give it an easy balance of history and everyday city life.
How to get from Colchester to Chelmsford by train?
There are 10 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:06, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 34 km distance in 17m.
Day trip from Colchester to Stratford by train
Why visit Stratford for the day?
Stratford-upon-Avon is best known as Shakespeare’s birthplace, with a historic centre of Tudor buildings and riverside theatre. It feels like a traditional English market town, shaped by literary heritage, calm walks along the Avon and a steady cultural atmosphere.
How to get from Colchester to Stratford by train?
There are 8 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:09, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 73 km distance in 39m.
FAQs: Cardiff to Colchester train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff 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 Cardiff to Colchester can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £57, while the average price tends to be around £74.
The train journey from Cardiff to Colchester covers a distance of 285 km and takes approximately 2h 47m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train distance from Cardiff to Colchester is 285 km.
The first train from Cardiff to Colchester leaves at 4:41.
The last train from Cardiff to Colchester departs at 21:20.
Trains from Cardiff to Colchester run approximately 6 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Cardiff to Colchester.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Cardiff to Colchester.
There is no night train service from Cardiff to Colchester.
The train station in Cardiff that goes to Colchester is Cardiff Central (CDF), and it arrives at Colchester station (COL).
Booking trains from Cardiff 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 Cardiff to Colchester offers a mix of urban and rural scenery, with views of the Severn Estuary, rolling countryside, and charming villages, though it's not considered one of the most scenic routes in the UK.
Yes, you can take the train from Cardiff to Colchester.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cardiff and Colchester
Most Cardiff to Colchester trains use the Cardiff Central to Colchester station pair. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Colchester train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Cardiff
Arrival train stations in Colchester
Cardiff CentralCentral Square, Cardiff CF10 1EP, United Kingdom+44 3457114141
City-centre transport
Getting to Cardiff Central from Cardiff city centre
Bus24, 25, 27, 86, 62, 30, 35, 21, 136, 7, 23, 63, 64 · 3m · £2 · every ~47 min
C1 · 5m · every ~8 min
Cardiff Central train station facilities and services
Cardiff Central 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 and Car Rental.
Food and drink
Food options include: Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen, Pret a Manger, Tesco Express
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are located outside of the main entrance.
Tickets and information
The ticket office is open Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30, Sat: 05:40 - 21:30, Sun: 07:30 - 21:30.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cardiff Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Cardiff Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff Central: There is step-free access in the whole station. There are also ramps for train access and elevators in the station.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Clayton Hotel Cardiff, Cardiff Marriott Hotel, Travelodge Cardiff Central.
Which Colchester station do trains from Cardiff arrive at?
Trains from Cardiff to Colchester arrive at Colchester. Colchester is 2 km from Colchester city centre.
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 · £1 · 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.
Most popular train connections from Cardiff
More options for your journey from Cardiff to Colchester
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Colchester and Cardiff
Most popular train connections to Colchester
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