First Class
- Free Wi-Fi
- Power plugs
Cheapest price on 18 Sept
£45
Average ticket price on 18 Sept
£45
Fastest journey on 18 Sept
3 h 8 m
Average journey duration on 18 Sept
3 h 8 m
Trains on 18 Sept
1
Distance
198 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Colchester to Derby is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Colchester to Derby will cost around £45 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £45.
On Fri 18 Sept, we found 1 trains from Colchester to Derby, including 1 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 198 km distance in an average of 3 h 8 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 8 m .
The slowest trains will take 3 h 8 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.


Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Colchester to Derby among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £54 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 17m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £54, while a train costs an average of £55.
Distance: 198 km
Most popular Train | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£55 Average Price | £54 Average Price Cheapest | £40 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 17m Average total duration Fastest 2h 47m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 45m Average total duration 6h 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 5m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Colchester to Derby:
A coach is £1 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Colchester to Derby costing on average £55.
Other travel options to Derby take longer:
Coach takes on average 6h 15m.
You'll arrive about 18m sooner (2h 47m by train vs 3h 5m by car). Tickets start at around £55 compared to roughly £40 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.
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.
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.
Trains from Colchester to Derby run on average 5 times per day, taking around 2h 47m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £55 but you can travel from only £52 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 03:48, the last at 21:43. The fastest train covers the 198 km distance in 3h 34m.
Distance 198 km |
Average train duration 2h 47m |
Cheapest ticket price £55 |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 3h 34m |
First train 3:48 |
Last train 21:43 |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Best time to book 4 days |
Compare Greater Anglia classes and the amenities included in each one.
Discover the best of Derby — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Derby trip today.
Interactive museum in a restored mill exploring making, industry and design through hands-on galleries and working displays.
City museum and art gallery with collections on local history, archaeology, natural history and paintings by Joseph Wright.
Independent contemporary art gallery in Derby’s Cathedral Quarter, showing changing exhibitions by regional and national artists.
Historic shopping and cultural quarter with independent businesses, heritage buildings and easy access to key city sights.
Revitalised city-centre square with water features, seating and event space, ideal for a pause between nearby attractions.
Large landscaped park with lakes, open lawns and riverside paths, popular for walks, picnics and seasonal events.
A soft white bread roll unique to Derby, often filled with bacon, cheese or salad. It is a local bakery staple with a name strongly tied to the city.
A blue veined cow’s milk cheese traditionally made in Derbyshire. It is prized for its rich, mellow flavour and long connection to the county’s cheesemaking.
A crumbly, buttery oat biscuit from Derbyshire, traditionally baked on a griddle. It is a historic local bake often served with cheese or butter.
Elegant modern British dining in a refined setting, known for carefully prepared tasting and seasonal menus in the city centre.
Well known Derby ale house and eatery serving British pub dishes, cobs and local beers in a characterful historic building.
Smart yet relaxed restaurant serving Italian inspired dishes, steaks and seafood. Popular for polished service and central location.
Moderate for the UK. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while local buses and casual meals remain fairly manageable for visitors.
Service is often included. If not, 10-12.5% in restaurants is usual for good service. Round up or add £1-2 for taxis. Cafe tipping is optional.
Official public transport app
Derby Railway Station -> Derby Bus Station, Derby
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Colchester to Derby 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 Derby, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Colchester to Derby trains use the Colchester to Derby station pair. Use this guide to compare Colchester and Derby train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Colchester is 1 km from Colchester city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options are available at Colchester.
Wi-Fi is available at Colchester. ATMs are available at Colchester.
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.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Colchester: Parking, WC.
Available at Colchester: Bike Parking.
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.
Derby is 1 km from Derby city centre. Public transport options include:
Derby has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Car Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Derby.
ATMs are available at Derby.
Ticket office support is available at Derby.
Available at Derby: Parking, WC.
Available at Derby: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Derby: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A step free station. This station has step free access. There are lifts to all platforms. There is a subway to platforms 2,3,4 and 5. Platforms 6 and 7 are accessed by lift only. This station has tactile paving at the edges of all platforms and at the foot and top of stairwells, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, 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: Yes.
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