- 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 Chelmsford to Colchester
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 05 Sept
Cheapest price on 05 Sept
£15
Average ticket price on 05 Sept
£15
Fastest journey on 05 Sept
18 m
Average journey duration on 05 Sept
23 m
Trains on 05 Sept
6
Distance
34 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Chelmsford to Colchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Chelmsford to Colchester will cost around £15 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £15.
Fast trains
On Sat 05 Sept, we found 6 trains from Chelmsford to Colchester, including 6 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 34 km distance in an average of 23 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 18 m .
The slowest trains will take 29 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.
P671998:340h30Chelmsford station (CHM)9:04Colchester station (COL)£151One-way0 changes- P012198:280h18Chelmsford station (CHM)8:46Colchester station (COL)£151One-way0 changes
- P012279:280h18Chelmsford station (CHM)9:46Colchester station (COL)£151One-way0 changes
- P010769:080h29Chelmsford station (CHM)9:37Colchester station (COL)£151One-way0 changes
- C040278:520h21Chelmsford station (CHM)9:13Colchester station (COL)£151One-way0 changes
- P012198:280h18Chelmsford station (CHM)8:46Colchester station (COL)£151One-way0 changes
- P012279:280h18Chelmsford station (CHM)9:46Colchester station (COL)£151One-way0 changes
- C040278:520h21Chelmsford station (CHM)9:13Colchester station (COL)£151One-way0 changes
- P010769:080h29Chelmsford station (CHM)9:37Colchester station (COL)£151One-way0 changes
- P010728:080h29Chelmsford station (CHM)8:37Colchester station (COL)£151One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Chelmsford to Colchester
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Chelmsford to Colchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £5 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 56m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £5, while a train costs an average of £16.
Distance: 34 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£16 Average Price | £5 Average Price Cheapest | £7 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
56m Average total duration Fastest 26m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 25m Average total duration 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 38m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Chelmsford to Colchester is a coach with an average price of £5.
This is compared to other travel options from Chelmsford to Colchester:
A coach is £11 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Chelmsford to Colchester costing on average £16.
The fastest way to travel from Chelmsford to Colchester is by train with an average journey time of 26m.
Other travel options to Colchester take longer:
Coach takes on average 55m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Chelmsford and Colchester including taking a train and coach.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.
You'll arrive about 12m sooner (26m by train vs 38m by car). Tickets start at around £16 compared to roughly £7 in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Direct services run with Greater Anglia.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
Live departures
Chelmsford to Colchester train times
The table below shows live departures for Chelmsford to Colchester trains for tomorrow, Saturday 5 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| P01072 | 8:08 Chelmsford station (CHM) | 0h29 | 8:37 Colchester station (COL) | 0 changesdirect | |
| P01219 | 8:28 Chelmsford station (CHM) | 0h18 | 8:46 Colchester station (COL) | 0 changesdirect | |
| P67199 | 8:34 Chelmsford station (CHM) | 0h30 | 9:04 Colchester station (COL) | 0 changesdirect | |
| C04027 | 8:52 Chelmsford station (CHM) | 0h21 | 9:13 Colchester station (COL) | 0 changesdirect | |
| P01076 | 9:08 Chelmsford station (CHM) | 0h29 | 9:37 Colchester station (COL) | 0 changesdirect | |
| P01227 | 9:28 Chelmsford station (CHM) | 0h18 | 9:46 Colchester station (COL) | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Chelmsford 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.
Sat
05 Sept
05 Sept
Sun
06 Sept
06 Sept
Mon
07 Sept
07 Sept
Tue
08 Sept
08 Sept
Wed
09 Sept
09 Sept
Thu
10 Sept
10 Sept
Fri
11 Sept
11 Sept
Why should you book Chelmsford to Colchester trains with Omio?
Greater Anglia operates all trains services from Chelmsford to Colchester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Chelmsford to Colchester.
Why book with Omio vs Greater Anglia?
- 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 Chelmsford 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 Chelmsford to Colchester.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Chelmsford to Colchester
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Chelmsford to Colchester run on average 8 times per day, taking around 26m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £15 but you can travel from only £5 by coach.
There are 8 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:11, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 34 km distance in 18m.
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 £5
Distance 34 km |
Average train duration 26m |
Cheapest ticket price £15 |
Trains per day 8 |
Direct trains 8 |
Fastest train 18m |
First train 0:11 |
Last train 23:58 |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 35 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 £5
Train companies: Greater Anglia from Chelmsford to Colchester trainsGreater Anglia trains will get you between Chelmsford and Colchester from £5. 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
18m
Cheapest Greater Anglia Price
£15
Greater Anglia frequency
25 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
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: Chelmsford to Colchester train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chelmsford 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 Chelmsford to Colchester can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £15, while the average price tends to be around £16.
The train journey from Chelmsford to Colchester covers a distance of 34 km and takes approximately 18m. Trains run 8 per day.
The train distance from Chelmsford to Colchester is 34 km.
The first train from Chelmsford to Colchester leaves at 0:11.
The last train from Chelmsford to Colchester departs at 23:58.
Trains from Chelmsford to Colchester run approximately 8 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Chelmsford to Colchester.
Yes, there is a direct train between Chelmsford and Colchester. The service operates 8 times per day, provided by Greater Anglia.
To get from Chelmsford to Colchester, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Chelmsford to Colchester.
The train station in Chelmsford that goes to Colchester is Chelmsford station (CHM), and it arrives at Colchester station (COL).
The cheapest way to get from Chelmsford to Colchester is by coach, costing approximately £5.
Booking trains from Chelmsford 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 Chelmsford to Colchester offers views of the charming Essex countryside, featuring rolling fields and patches of woodland, providing a pleasant and scenic experience.
Yes, a day trip from Chelmsford to Colchester is feasible. The journey takes 18m and covers 34 km. Trains run frequently, with a frequency of 6 per day.
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 Chelmsford to Colchester.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Chelmsford and Colchester
Most Chelmsford to Colchester trains use the Chelmsford to Colchester station pair, with some services arriving at Hythe (Essex). Use this guide to compare Chelmsford and Colchester train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Chelmsford
Arrival train stations in Colchester
Which Chelmsford station do trains to Colchester leave from?
Trains from Chelmsford to Colchester leave from Chelmsford. The station is from Chelmsford city centre at Chelmsford station, Duke Street, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 1HT.
ChelmsfordChelmsford station, Duke Street, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 1HT+44 8450507080
City-centre transport
Getting to Chelmsford from Chelmsford city centre
Location for Rail Replacement ServicesReplacement transport stop at the bus stop on Victoria Road by station entrance
Chelmsford train station facilities and services
Chelmsford has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Chelmsford.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Chelmsford. ATMs are available at Chelmsford.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Chelmsford.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Chelmsford: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Chelmsford: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Chelmsford: 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.
Which Colchester station do trains from Chelmsford arrive at?
Trains from Chelmsford 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.
Colchester TownColchester Town station, St. Botolphs Circus, Colchester, Essex, CO2 7EF
City-centre transport
Getting to Colchester Town from Colchester city centre
Bus43 · 1m · £0.90 · every ~1 min
68, 55, 68A · 1m · £3 · every ~4 min
Colchester Town train station facilities and services
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
Food and drink options are available at Colchester Town.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Colchester Town.
Tickets and information
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.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Colchester Town: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Colchester Town: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
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.
More options for your journey from Chelmsford to Colchester
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Colchester and Chelmsford
Most popular train connections to Colchester
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