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Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Cheltenham to Colchester
Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Cheltenham to Colchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £37. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 43m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £37, and a train costs an average of £67.
Distance: 205 km
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Coach |
|---|---|
£106 Average Price | £51 Average Price Cheapest |
4h 13m Average total duration Fastest 3h 43m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 50m Average total duration 6h 20m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Compare prices and tickets Cheltenham 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.
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Journey information
Overview: Train from Cheltenham to Colchester
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Cheltenham to Colchester run on average 3 times per day, taking around 3h 43m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £67 but you can travel from only £37 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 04:10, the last at 21:05. The fastest train covers the 205 km distance in 3h 40m.
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 £37
Distance 205 km |
Average train duration 3h 43m |
Cheapest ticket price £67 |
Trains per day 3 |
Fastest train 3h 40m |
First train 04:10 |
Last train 21:05 |
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 £37
Train companies: Cross Country, first_great_western from Cheltenham to Colchester trainsCross Country, first_great_western trains will get you between Cheltenham and Colchester from £37. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Cross Country
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 6m
Cheapest Price
£181
Cross Country frequency
9 a day
first_great_western
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 14m
Cheapest Price
£121
first_great_western frequency
15 a day
FAQs: Cheltenham to Colchester train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cheltenham 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.
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.
The train distance from Cheltenham to Colchester is 205 km.
To get from Cheltenham to Colchester, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
The train journey from Cheltenham to Colchester covers a distance of 205 km and takes approximately 3h 40m. Trains run 3 per day.
The first train from Cheltenham to Colchester leaves at 4:10.
The last train from Cheltenham to Colchester departs at 21:05.
Trains from Cheltenham to Colchester run approximately 3 times per day.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Cheltenham to Colchester.
There is no night train service from Cheltenham to Colchester.
Booking trains from Cheltenham to Colchester in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The cost of a train ticket from Cheltenham to Colchester can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £67, while the average price tends to be around £106.
The cheapest way to get from Cheltenham to Colchester is by coach, costing approximately £37.
The train station in Cheltenham that goes to Colchester is Cheltenham Spa (CNM), and it arrives at Colchester station (COL).
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Cheltenham to Colchester.
Yes, you can take the train from Cheltenham to Colchester.
A day trip from Cheltenham to Colchester is not feasible as the journey takes 3h 40m. However, trains run 3 times per day. The distance between the two locations is 205 km.
The train journey from Cheltenham to Colchester offers a mix of urban and rural views. While not particularly renowned for its scenic beauty, passengers can enjoy glimpses of the Cotswolds' rolling hills and the Essex countryside along the route.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cheltenham and Colchester
Cheltenham
Colchester
The major train station for departures in Cheltenham is Cheltenham Spa. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Cheltenham Spa for your trip from Cheltenham to Colchester.
Amenities at train station
Wifi
Lockers
Parking
Dining
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Lost and Found Office
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Information Desk
Luggage Cartsinformation
Address
Cheltenham Spa Railway Station, Queens Road, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL51 8NP, United Kingdom
Ticket Office Hours
- 6:30 AM - 8:00 PM Monday - Friday
- 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Saturday
- 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Sunday
Distance to city center
1 km
Number of platforms
2Wifi
- Free
Parking
- The car park is open 24/7, accessible from Queens Road.
Dining
- The Railway Inn
- The Coconut Tree
Taxis
- Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
- Elevators, ramps.
WC
- £0.50
Hotel
- Queens Hotel Cheltenham
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cheltenham
- Hotel du Vin & Bistro Cheltenham
Lost and Found Office
- Located near the main entrance
Bike Parking
- 300 places, covered
Information Desk
- Located near the main entrance
Luggage Carts
- Free
Station Plan
- The station has a main concourse with ticketing facilities and waiting areas, with platforms accessible via lifts and stairs.
Public transport options for Cheltenham Spa
- Bus: Several local bus services available
- Taxi: Taxi rank outside the station
The major train station for arrivals in Colchester is Colchester. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Colchester for your journey to Colchester from Cheltenham.
Amenities at train station
Wifi
ShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:00 - 22:00 Saturday 05:30 - 21:00 Sunday 06:00 - 21:00
Distance to city center
1 kmShopping
- Type of shops available: News agent Dry cleaner Passport Photo Booth
Parking
- Car Park: Premium Bays
Accessibility
- 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
WC
- 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
Bike Parking
- 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 Desk
- Information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 0800 028 28 78
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens
Public transport options for Colchester
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Replacement transport stop at the bus stop by main station entrance
More options for your journey from Cheltenham to Colchester
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Most popular trains to and from Colchester and Cheltenham
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