Colchester to Cardiff train with Great Western Railway

Sun 13 Sept
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Great Western Railway
Greater Anglia
Avanti West Coast
Regionale
West Midlands Trains
2,000+ travel companies
Great Western Railway
Greater Anglia
Avanti West Coast
Regionale
West Midlands Trains
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Colchester to Cardiff

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 13 Sept

Cheapest price on 13 Sept

£63

Average ticket price on 13 Sept

£63

Fastest journey on 13 Sept

3 h 32 m

Average journey duration on 13 Sept

3 h 32 m

Trains on 13 Sept

1

Distance

285 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Colchester to Cardiff will cost around £63 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £63.

Fast trains

On Sun 13 Sept, we found 1 trains from Colchester to Cardiff, including 1 direct services.

These direct trains cover the 285 km distance in an average of 3 h 32 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 32 m .

The slowest trains will take 3 h 32 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.

  • Great Western Railway
    9:003h32
    Colchester
    12:32Cardiff
    £631One-way
    0 changes

Travel Information

Compare train and coach for Colchester to Cardiff

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Colchester to Cardiff among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £46 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 43m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £46, while a train costs an average of £57.

Distance: 285 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach
Driving

£57

Average Price

£46

Average Price

Cheapest

£57

Average Price

(fuel + tolls)

3h 43m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 13m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

6h 58m

Average total duration

6h 28m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 0m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

Great Western Railway

Most popular train company

National Express

Most popular bus company

Your own car or car rental

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from Colchester to Cardiff is a coach with an average price of £46.

This is compared to other travel options from Colchester to Cardiff:

A coach is £11 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Colchester to Cardiff costing on average £57.

The fastest way to travel from Colchester to Cardiff is by train with an average journey time of 3h 13m.

Other travel options to Cardiff take longer:

Coach takes on average 6h 28m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Colchester and Cardiff including taking a train and coach.
Take the train. On this route, it beats driving on both time and money.

The journey is about 47m faster (3h 13m by train vs 4h 0m by car) and roughly £0.16 cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls (£57 vs £57). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.

Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.

Live departures

Colchester to Cardiff train times

The table below shows live departures for Colchester to Cardiff trains for tomorrow, Sunday 13 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Great Western Railway9:00 Colchester
3h32
12:32 Cardiff0 changesdirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Colchester to Cardiff 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.

Sun
13 Sept
Mon
14 Sept
Tue
15 Sept
Wed
16 Sept
Thu
17 Sept
Fri
18 Sept
Sat
19 Sept

Why should you book Colchester to Cardiff trains with Omio?

Great Western Railway as well as Greater Anglia offer trains services from Colchester to Cardiff.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Colchester to Cardiff.

Why book with Omio vs Great Western Railway?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Great Western Railway, but also compare tickets for the likes of Greater Anglia to find the best option for your trip from Colchester to Cardiff.
  • 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 Colchester to Cardiff.

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 Cardiff.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Colchester to Cardiff.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Colchester to Cardiff

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Colchester to Cardiff run on average 7 times per day, taking around 3h 13m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £48 but you can travel from only £34 by coach.

The earliest train runs at 04:41, the last at 21:20. The fastest train covers the 285 km distance in 3h 12m.

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 £34
Distance
285 km
Average train duration
3h 13m
Cheapest ticket price
£48
Trains per day
7
Fastest train
3h 12m
First train
4:41
Last train
21:20
Cheapest Month
Dec
Cheapest Day
Wed
High Season
Jan - Mar
Low Season
Jul - Sept
Busiest Day
Sat
Least Busy Day
Mon
Best time to book
1 day
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 £34

Train companies: Great Western Railway, Greater Anglia from Colchester to Cardiff trainsGreat Western Railway, Greater Anglia trains will get you between Colchester and Cardiff from £34. 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
3h 12m
Cheapest Great Western Railway Price
£48
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

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
3h 0m
Cheapest Greater Anglia Price
£155
Greater Anglia frequency
16 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

Train companies: Great Western Railway, Greater Anglia from Colchester to Cardiff trainsGreat Western Railway, Greater Anglia trains will get you between Colchester and Cardiff from £34. 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
3h 12m
Cheapest Great Western Railway Price
£48
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

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
3h 0m
Cheapest Greater Anglia Price
£155
Greater Anglia frequency
16 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

What's included in each class

Compare Greater Anglia classes and the amenities included in each one.

First Class
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Power plugs
Standard
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Power plugs

Complete guide to Cardiff

Things to do in Cardiff

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

  • Must visit

National Museum Cardiff

National museum with art, natural history and geology collections, plus Impressionist works and changing exhibitions in Cathays Park.

  • Must visit

St Fagans National Museum of History

Open-air museum of Welsh life with historic buildings, crafts, gardens and rural traditions relocated to spacious grounds west of the city.

  • Recommended

Museum of Cardiff

Museum in a Victorian library celebrating Cardiff’s story through interactive displays, local history and a well-presented city timeline.

Pound sterling (£)

Moderate for a UK city. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while local transport and casual meals stay fairly manageable for most visitors.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-15 for fast food or a simple meal.
Mid-range
£18-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
£60+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
£3-4.50 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Service may be included in restaurants; if not, 10-12.5% is usual for good service. Round up taxi fares. Tipping in cafés is optional, usually small change or rounding up.

FAQs: Colchester to Cardiff train

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

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Colchester to Cardiff can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £48, while the average price tends to be around £57.
The train journey from Colchester to Cardiff covers a distance of 285 km and takes approximately 3h 12m. Trains run 7 per day.
The train distance from Colchester to Cardiff is 285 km.
The first train from Colchester to Cardiff leaves at 4:41.
The last train from Colchester to Cardiff departs at 21:20.
Trains from Colchester to Cardiff run approximately 7 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Colchester to Cardiff.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Colchester to Cardiff.
To get from Colchester to Cardiff, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Colchester to Cardiff.
The train station in Colchester that goes to Cardiff is Colchester station (COL), and it arrives at Cardiff Central (CDF).
The cheapest way to get from Colchester to Cardiff is by coach, costing approximately £34.
Booking trains from Colchester to Cardiff 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 Cardiff offers a mix of urban and rural views, passing through varied landscapes including parts of the Essex countryside, the Thames estuary area around London, and the scenic Severn Estuary as you approach Cardiff.
A day trip from Colchester to Cardiff is not feasible as the journey duration is 3h 12m. Trains run 5 times per day, covering a distance of 285 km.
In Cardiff, you can enjoy performances at the Millennium Centre, explore the vibrant nightlife in the city centre, take a scenic boat tour around Cardiff Bay, and have an adventurous day at Cardiff International White Water. Visit Cardiff Market for shopping and dining, discover Cardiff Castle and St Fagans National Museum of History, explore Cardiff Bay's attractions, enjoy the National Museum Cardiff's collections, and relax in Bute Park.
Two to three days are ideal to explore Cardiff's main attractions, including Cardiff Castle, the National Museum Cardiff, and the revitalised Cardiff Bay area.
Yes, you can take the train from Colchester to Cardiff.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Colchester and Cardiff

Most Colchester to Cardiff trains use the Colchester to Cardiff Central station pair, with some services arriving at Cardiff Queen Street. Use this guide to compare Colchester and Cardiff 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 Cardiff

Which Colchester station do trains to Cardiff leave from?

Trains from Colchester to Cardiff 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.

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.

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.

More options for your journey from Colchester to Cardiff

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

HomeTrainsTrain Times to Cardiff Colchester to Cardiff train

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