- Recommended
Chelmsford Museum
City museum in Oaklands House covering Chelmsford's archaeology, industry and local life. Good for a clear introduction to the area.
2,000+ travel companies
2,000+ travel companies
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
4.942K ratings
Google Play
4.6136K reviews
The cheapest and fastest trains from Colchester to Chelmsford
Showing times and prices for 21 Aug
Cheapest price
£15
Average price
£15
Fastest journey
17 m
Average duration
19 m
Trains per day
12
Distance
34 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Colchester to Chelmsford is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Colchester to Chelmsford will cost around £15 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £15.
Fast trains
Of the 12 trains that leave Colchester for Chelmsford every day 12 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 34 km distance in an average of 19 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 17 m .
The slowest trains will take 22 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.
C0468710:120h28Colchester station (COL)10:40Chelmsford station (CHM)£151One-way0 changes- C0466310:330h21Colchester station (COL)10:54Chelmsford station (CHM)£151One-way0 changes
- P6725311:120h28Colchester station (COL)11:40Chelmsford station (CHM)£151One-way0 changes
- C0463510:430h27Colchester station (COL)11:10Chelmsford station (CHM)£151One-way0 changes
- P0124810:300h17Colchester station (COL)10:47Chelmsford station (CHM)£151One-way0 changes
- P012399:300h17Colchester station (COL)9:47Chelmsford station (CHM)£151One-way0 changes
- P0124810:300h17Colchester station (COL)10:47Chelmsford station (CHM)£151One-way0 changes
- P0125711:300h17Colchester station (COL)11:47Chelmsford station (CHM)£151One-way0 changes
- C0466310:330h21Colchester station (COL)10:54Chelmsford station (CHM)£151One-way0 changes
- C046849:010h22Colchester station (COL)9:23Chelmsford station (CHM)£151One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Colchester to Chelmsford
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Colchester to Chelmsford among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £5. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 24m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £5, and a train costs an average of £8.
Distance: 34 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£13 Average Price | £5 Average Price Cheapest |
54m Average total duration Fastest 24m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 48m Average total duration 1h 18m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Colchester to Chelmsford train times
The table below shows live departures for Colchester to Chelmsford trains for tomorrow, Friday 21 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| P66957 | 8:09 Colchester station (COL) | 0h25 | 8:34 Chelmsford station (CHM) | 0 changesdirect | |
| P66962 | 8:34 Colchester station (COL) | 0h27 | 9:01 Chelmsford station (CHM) | 0 changesdirect | |
| C04660 | 8:54 Colchester station (COL) | 0h25 | 9:19 Chelmsford station (CHM) | 0 changesdirect | |
| C04684 | 9:01 Colchester station (COL) | 0h22 | 9:23 Chelmsford station (CHM) | 0 changesdirect | |
| P66035 | 9:13 Colchester station (COL) | 0h29 | 9:42 Chelmsford station (CHM) | 0 changesdirect | |
| P01239 | 9:30 Colchester station (COL) | 0h17 | 9:47 Chelmsford station (CHM) | 0 changesdirect | |
| C04687 | 10:12 Colchester station (COL) | 0h28 | 10:40 Chelmsford station (CHM) | 0 changesdirect | |
| P01248 | 10:30 Colchester station (COL) | 0h17 | 10:47 Chelmsford station (CHM) | 0 changesdirect | |
| C04663 | 10:33 Colchester station (COL) | 0h21 | 10:54 Chelmsford station (CHM) | 0 changesdirect | |
| C04635 | 10:43 Colchester station (COL) | 0h27 | 11:10 Chelmsford station (CHM) | 0 changesdirect | |
| P67253 | 11:12 Colchester station (COL) | 0h28 | 11:40 Chelmsford station (CHM) | 0 changesdirect | |
| P01257 | 11:30 Colchester station (COL) | 0h17 | 11:47 Chelmsford station (CHM) | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Colchester to Chelmsford 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.
Fri
21 Aug
21 Aug
Sat
22 Aug
22 Aug
Sun
23 Aug
23 Aug
Mon
24 Aug
24 Aug
Tue
25 Aug
25 Aug
Wed
26 Aug
26 Aug
Thu
27 Aug
27 Aug
Why should you book Colchester to Chelmsford trains with Omio?
Greater Anglia operates all trains services from Colchester to Chelmsford.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Colchester to Chelmsford.
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 Colchester to Chelmsford.
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 Colchester to Chelmsford.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Colchester to Chelmsford
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Colchester to Chelmsford run on average 8 times per day, taking around 24m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £8 but you can travel from only £5 by coach.
There are 8 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.
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 24m |
Cheapest ticket price £8 |
Trains per day 8 |
Direct trains 8 |
Fastest train 17m |
First train 0:06 |
Last train 23:58 |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Mon |
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 £5
Train companies: Greater Anglia from Colchester to Chelmsford trainsGreater Anglia trains will get you between Colchester and Chelmsford 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 Duration
17m
Cheapest Price
£8
Greater Anglia frequency
8 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 Chelmsford
Things to do in Chelmsford
Discover the best of Chelmsford — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Chelmsford trip today.
- Recommended
Sandford Mill Museum
Museum on the historic radio works site exploring Marconi, wireless innovation and broadcasting. A strong choice for technology enthusiasts.
The Essex Regiment Museum
Railway museum at Chelmsford station with artefacts, signalling history and volunteer displays. Small but engaging for transport fans.
- Must visit
Hylands Estate
Large historic estate with landscaped parkland, lakes, woods and gardens. Ideal for long walks, events and a classic Chelmsford day out.
- Recommended
Central Park
Popular city-centre park with riverside paths, flower beds and open lawns. A convenient place for a gentle walk near shops and museums.
- Recommended
Writtle Green
Attractive village green lined with historic buildings and a duck pond. A relaxed local favourite for a short stroll just west of the city.
Saffron Walden Sausage
A traditional pork sausage from nearby Saffron Walden, flavoured with sage and pepper. It is a classic Essex butcher’s sausage often served with mash or in breakfasts.
- Vegetarian
Essex Apple Tart
An old Essex apple tart made with local cooking apples, sugar and pastry. It reflects the county’s orchard heritage and is a familiar regional pudding.
- Gluten-free
Essex White Cheese
A soft white cheese traditionally made in Essex from cow’s milk. It is mild, fresh and closely linked with the county’s farming and cheesemaking history.
Turquoise Kitchen
Popular independent Turkish restaurant serving charcoal grills, meze and warm hospitality in a stylish yet casual setting.
The County Kitchen
Smart contemporary restaurant in central Chelmsford serving modern British dishes with polished service in a relaxed city setting.
Pontlands Park Restaurant
Refined hotel dining room at Pontlands Park with seasonal British cooking and a traditional country house atmosphere.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for England: hotels and dining are cheaper than London, but rail fares and central stays can still raise daily visitor costs.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-12 for fast food or a simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- £18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £50+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service may be included in restaurants; otherwise tip around 10%. Taxis often round up or add 10%. Tipping in cafés is optional.
First Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- >= £2.00
- Day pass
- >= £2.00
To the city centre
Chelmsford Railway Station -> Chelmsford Bus Station
- Distance
- 0.8 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Use The First Bus app for tickets and journey planning in Chelmsford. Buy before boarding where possible.
- Chelmsford Park and Ride route 701 serves Parkway, Victoria Road South, Duke Street for Chelmsford Railway Station, and High Chelmer in the city centre.
FAQs: Colchester to Chelmsford train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Colchester to Chelmsford 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 Chelmsford, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Colchester to Chelmsford can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £8, while the average price tends to be around £13.
The train journey from Colchester to Chelmsford covers a distance of 34 km and takes approximately 17m. Trains run 8 per day.
The train distance from Colchester to Chelmsford is 34 km.
The first train from Colchester to Chelmsford leaves at 0:06.
The last train from Colchester to Chelmsford departs at 23:58.
Trains from Colchester to Chelmsford run approximately 8 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Colchester to Chelmsford.
Yes, there is a direct train between Colchester and Chelmsford. The service operates 8 times per day, provided by Greater Anglia.
To get from Colchester to Chelmsford, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Colchester to Chelmsford.
The train station in Colchester that goes to Chelmsford is Colchester station (COL), and it arrives at Chelmsford station (CHM).
The cheapest way to get from Colchester to Chelmsford is by coach, costing approximately £5.
Booking trains from Colchester to Chelmsford 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 Chelmsford offers charming views of the Essex countryside, with glimpses of rolling fields and picturesque rural landscapes, making it a pleasant trip for those who enjoy scenic routes.
Yes, a day trip from Colchester to Chelmsford is feasible as the journey takes just 17m and covers 34 km. Trains run frequently with 7 trips per day.
To explore Chelmsford's main attractions, including its parks, historical sites, and shopping areas, two to three days are usually sufficient.
Yes, you can take the train from Colchester to Chelmsford.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Colchester and Chelmsford
Most Colchester to Chelmsford trains use the Colchester to Chelmsford station pair. Use this guide to compare Colchester and Chelmsford 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 Chelmsford
Which Colchester station do trains to Chelmsford leave from?
Trains from Colchester to Chelmsford 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 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.
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.
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.
Which Chelmsford station do trains from Colchester arrive at?
Trains from Colchester to Chelmsford most often arrive at Chelmsford. Some services arrive at {secondaryArrivalStation}, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Chelmsford arrival station.
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.
More options for your journey from Colchester to Chelmsford
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Chelmsford and Colchester
The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy
We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.
