Colchester to Brighton train with Thameslink

Mon 03 Aug
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Thameslink
Greater Anglia
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
Thameslink
Greater Anglia
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Colchester to Brighton

Showing times and prices for 03 Aug

Cheapest price

£77

Average price

£77

Fastest journey

2 h 39 m

Average duration

2 h 39 m

Trains per day

1

Distance

138 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Colchester to Brighton is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Colchester to Brighton will cost around £77 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £77.

Fast trains

Of the 1 trains that leave Colchester for Brighton 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 138 km distance in an average of 2 h 39 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 39 m .

The slowest trains will take 2 h 39 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.

  • Thameslink
    8:092h39
    Colchester
    10:48Brighton
    £771One-way
    0 changes

Travel Information

Compare train and coach for Colchester to Brighton

Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Colchester to Brighton among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £36. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 27m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £36, and a train costs an average of £50.

Distance: 138 km

Compare train with

Train
Most popular
Coach

£72

Average Price

£44

Average Price

Cheapest

2h 57m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 27m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

5h 22m

Average total duration

4h 52m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.0 - 0.1kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.1 - 0.3kg

CO2 emissions

Thameslink

Most popular train company

National Express

Most popular bus company

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

Colchester to Brighton train times

The table below shows live departures for Colchester to Brighton trains for tomorrow, Monday 3 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Thameslink8:09 Colchester
2h39
10:48 Brighton0 changesdirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Colchester to Brighton 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.

Mon
03 Aug
Tue
04 Aug
Wed
05 Aug
Thu
06 Aug
Fri
07 Aug
Sat
08 Aug
Sun
09 Aug

Why should you book Colchester to Brighton trains with Omio?

Thameslink as well as Greater Anglia offer trains services from Colchester to Brighton.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Colchester to Brighton.

Why book with Omio vs Thameslink?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Thameslink, but also compare tickets for the likes of Greater Anglia to find the best option for your trip from Colchester to Brighton.
  • 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 Thameslink with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Colchester to Brighton.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Greater Anglia to find the best option for your trip from Colchester to Brighton.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Colchester to Brighton.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Colchester to Brighton

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Colchester to Brighton run on average 7 times per day, taking around 2h 27m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £50 but you can travel from only £36 by coach.

The earliest train runs at 03:14, the last at 22:28. The fastest train covers the 138 km distance in 2h 39m.

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 £36
Distance
138 km
Average train duration
2h 27m
Cheapest ticket price
£50
Trains per day
7
Fastest train
2h 39m
First train
3:14
Last train
22:28
Cheapest Month
Jul
Cheapest Day
Thu
High Season
Jul - Sept
Low Season
Oct - Dec
Busiest Day
Mon
Least Busy Day
Mon
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £36

Train companies: Thameslink, Greater Anglia from Colchester to Brighton trainsThameslink, Greater Anglia trains will get you between Colchester and Brighton from £36. 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 Duration
3h 6m
Cheapest Price
£75
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

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 Duration
2h 39m
Cheapest Price
£50
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 Brighton

Things to do in Brighton

Discover the best of Brighton — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Brighton trip today.

  • Recommended

Brighton Museum & Art Gallery

Contemporary art gallery in the Royal Pavilion Garden, showing major exhibitions in a restored historic building.

  • Recommended

Brighton Museum & Art Gallery

Museum inside the Royal Pavilion Estate covering local history, fashion, decorative art and changing exhibitions.

Centre for Contemporary Arts Brighton

Seafront gallery dedicated to photography and contemporary visual culture, with changing exhibitions and events.

Pound sterling (£)

Moderate for a UK seaside city. Hotels and dining are pricier than many British towns, but buses, casual eats and supermarket options help keep daily costs manageable.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-15 for fast food or a simple lunch.
Mid-range
£20-35 per person for a meal.
Fine dining
£60+ per person for upscale restaurants.
Coffee
£3-4.50 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Service may be included in restaurants; if not, 10-12.5% is common for good service. Taxi fares are often rounded up. Tipping in cafés is optional.

FAQs: Colchester to Brighton train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Colchester to Brighton 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 Brighton, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Colchester to Brighton can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £50, while the average price tends to be around £72.
The train journey from Colchester to Brighton covers a distance of 138 km and takes approximately 2h 39m. Trains run 7 per day.
The train distance from Colchester to Brighton is 138 km.
The first train from Colchester to Brighton leaves at 3:14.
The last train from Colchester to Brighton departs at 22:28.
Trains from Colchester to Brighton run approximately 7 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Colchester to Brighton.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Colchester to Brighton.
To get from Colchester to Brighton, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Colchester to Brighton.
The train station in Colchester that goes to Brighton is Colchester station (COL), and it arrives at Brighton station (BTN).
The cheapest way to get from Colchester to Brighton is by coach, costing approximately £36.
Booking trains from Colchester to Brighton in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Colchester to Brighton offers a mix of urban and rural landscapes. Travellers can enjoy views of the Essex countryside, passing through rolling fields and quaint villages, before reaching the bustling cityscape of Brighton. While not renowned for dramatic scenery, the route provides a pleasant and varied backdrop for the journey.
A day trip from Colchester to Brighton is not feasible as the journey takes 2h 39m. However, trains run 6 times per day.
In Brighton, you can explore the vibrant street art scene with guided tours, visit the British Airways i360 for panoramic views, enjoy performances at the Brighton Dome, and take a scenic walk along the Undercliff Walk. Experience the nightlife in lively bars and clubs. Best sights include the exotic Royal Pavilion, historic Brighton Pier, popular Brighton Beach, charming Lanes, and the Brighton Museum & Art Gallery.
Two to three days are generally sufficient to explore Brighton's main attractions, enjoy its vibrant culture, and relax by the seaside.
Yes, you can take the train from Colchester to Brighton.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Colchester and Brighton

Most Colchester to Brighton trains use the Colchester to Brighton station pair, with some services arriving at Preston Park. Use this guide to compare Colchester and Brighton train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Colchester
Arrival train stations in Brighton

Which Colchester station do trains to Brighton leave from?

Trains from Colchester to Brighton leave from Colchester. The station is 2 km from Colchester city centre at Colchester [North] station, Station Approach Road, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1XD.
ColchesterColchester [North] station, Station Approach Road, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1XD+44 8450507080WifiShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingInformation Desk
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 8JRParkingAccessibilityLost and Found OfficeBike Parking
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 7EFWifiParkingDiningAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingInformation Desk
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 Colchester to Brighton

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

HomeTrainsTrain Times to Brighton Colchester to Brighton train

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