- Recommended
Harwich Museum
Harwich’s main local museum, covering maritime trade, naval history and town life inside a Georgian building on Main Road.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Colchester to Harwich
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 20 Sept
Cheapest price on 20 Sept
£23
Average ticket price on 20 Sept
£23
Fastest journey on 20 Sept
33 m
Average journey duration on 20 Sept
34 m
Trains on 20 Sept
15
Distance
27 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Colchester to Harwich is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Colchester to Harwich will cost around £23 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £23.
Fast trains
To travel from Colchester to Harwich you need to make at least one change.
8:130h38Colchester8:51Harwich£231One-way1 change- 9:180h33Colchester9:51Harwich£231One-way1 change
- 10:170h34Colchester10:51Harwich£231One-way1 change
- 11:170h34Colchester11:51Harwich£231One-way1 change
- 12:170h34Colchester12:51Harwich£231One-way1 change
- 9:180h33Colchester9:51Harwich£231One-way1 change
- 10:170h34Colchester10:51Harwich£231One-way1 change
- 11:170h34Colchester11:51Harwich£231One-way1 change
- 12:170h34Colchester12:51Harwich£231One-way1 change
- 13:170h34Colchester13:51Harwich£231One-way1 change
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Colchester to Harwich
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Colchester to Harwich among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £12 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 56m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £12, while a train costs an average of £12.
Distance: 27 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|
£12 Average Price Cheapest | £6 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
56m Average total duration Fastest 26m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 34m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Colchester to Harwich is a train with an average price of £12.
The fastest way to travel from Colchester to Harwich is by train with an average journey time of 26m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Colchester and Harwich including taking a train and coach.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.
You'll arrive about 8m sooner (26m by train vs 34m by car). Tickets start at around £12 compared to roughly £6 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.
Direct services run with Greater Anglia.
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.
Live departures
Colchester to Harwich train times
The table below shows live departures for Colchester to Harwich trains for today, Saturday 19 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| F21159 · P67330 | On time 11:47 Colchester station (COL) | 0h29 | 12:16 Harwich International (HPQ) | 1 change | |
| F21159 · P67330 | On time 11:47 Colchester station (COL) | 0h32 | 12:19 Dovercourt (DVC) | 1 change | |
| F21159 · P67330 | On time 11:47 Colchester station (COL) | 0h35 | 12:22 Harwich Town (HWC) | 1 change | |
| F21158 · P67334 | On time 12:47 Colchester station (COL) | 0h35 | 13:22 Harwich Town (HWC) | 1 change | |
| F21158 · P67334 | On time 12:47 Colchester station (COL) | 0h32 | 13:19 Dovercourt (DVC) | 1 change | |
| F21158 · P67334 | On time 12:47 Colchester station (COL) | 0h29 | 13:16 Harwich International (HPQ) | 1 change | |
| F21157 · P67338 | On time 13:47 Colchester station (COL) | 0h32 | 14:19 Dovercourt (DVC) | 1 change | |
| F21157 · P67338 | On time 13:47 Colchester station (COL) | 0h29 | 14:16 Harwich International (HPQ) | 1 change | |
| F21157 · P67338 | On time 13:47 Colchester station (COL) | 0h35 | 14:22 Harwich Town (HWC) | 1 change | |
| F21156 · P67342 | On time 14:47 Colchester station (COL) | 0h29 | 15:16 Harwich International (HPQ) | 1 change | |
| F21156 · P67342 | On time 14:47 Colchester station (COL) | 0h32 | 15:19 Dovercourt (DVC) | 1 change | |
| F21156 · P67342 | On time 14:47 Colchester station (COL) | 0h35 | 15:22 Harwich Town (HWC) | 1 change | |
| F21155 · P67346 | On time 15:47 Colchester station (COL) | 0h35 | 16:22 Harwich Town (HWC) | 1 change | |
| F21155 · P67346 | On time 15:47 Colchester station (COL) | 0h29 | 16:16 Harwich International (HPQ) | 1 change | |
| F21155 · P67346 | On time 15:47 Colchester station (COL) | 0h32 | 16:19 Dovercourt (DVC) | 1 change | |
| F21154 · P67355 | On time 16:47 Colchester station (COL) | 0h32 | 17:19 Dovercourt (DVC) | 1 change | |
| F21154 · P67355 | On time 16:47 Colchester station (COL) | 0h29 | 17:16 Harwich International (HPQ) | 1 change | |
| F21154 · P67355 | On time 16:47 Colchester station (COL) | 0h35 | 17:22 Harwich Town (HWC) | 1 change | |
| F21152 · P67364 | On time 17:47 Colchester station (COL) | 0h32 | 18:19 Dovercourt (DVC) | 1 change | |
| F21152 · P67364 | On time 17:47 Colchester station (COL) | 0h29 | 18:16 Harwich International (HPQ) | 1 change | |
| F21152 · P67364 | On time 17:47 Colchester station (COL) | 0h35 | 18:22 Harwich Town (HWC) | 1 change | |
| F21151 · P67372 | On time 18:47 Colchester station (COL) | 0h32 | 19:19 Dovercourt (DVC) | 1 change | |
| F21151 · P67372 | On time 18:47 Colchester station (COL) | 0h35 | 19:22 Harwich Town (HWC) | 1 change | |
| F21151 · P67372 | On time 18:47 Colchester station (COL) | 0h29 | 19:16 Harwich International (HPQ) | 1 change | |
| P67256 · P67378 | On time 19:50 Colchester station (COL) | 0h33 | 20:23 Harwich Town (HWC) | 1 change | |
| P67256 · P67378 | On time 19:50 Colchester station (COL) | 0h30 | 20:20 Dovercourt (DVC) | 1 change | |
| P67256 · P67378 | On time 19:50 Colchester station (COL) | 0h27 | 20:17 Harwich International (HPQ) | 1 change | |
| P66037 | On time 20:04 Colchester station (COL) | 0h22 | 20:26 Harwich International (HPQ) | 0 changesdirect | |
| F21150 · P67382 | On time 20:47 Colchester station (COL) | 0h32 | 21:19 Dovercourt (DVC) | 1 change | |
| F21150 · P67382 | On time 20:47 Colchester station (COL) | 0h29 | 21:16 Harwich International (HPQ) | 1 change | |
| F21150 · P67382 | On time 20:47 Colchester station (COL) | 0h35 | 21:22 Harwich Town (HWC) | 1 change | |
| P67264 · P67388 | On time 21:47 Colchester station (COL) | 0h32 | 22:19 Dovercourt (DVC) | 1 change | |
| P67264 · P67388 | On time 21:47 Colchester station (COL) | 0h35 | 22:22 Harwich Town (HWC) | 1 change | |
| Sunday 20 September | |||||
| 8:13 Colchester | 0h38 | 8:51 Harwich | 1 change | |
| 9:18 Colchester | 0h33 | 9:51 Harwich | 1 change | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Colchester to Harwich 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
20 Sept
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Wed
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26 Sept
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Why should you book Colchester to Harwich trains with Omio?
Greater Anglia operates all trains services from Colchester to Harwich.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Colchester to Harwich.
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 Harwich.
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 Harwich.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Colchester to Harwich
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Colchester to Harwich run on average 23 times per day, taking around 26m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £12 if you book in advance.
There are 5 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:05, the last at 23:48. The fastest train covers the 27 km distance in 21m.
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
Distance 27 km |
Average train duration 26m |
Cheapest ticket price £12 |
Trains per day 23 |
Direct trains 5 |
Fastest train 21m |
First train 0:05 |
Last train 23:48 |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Fri |
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
Train companies: Greater Anglia from Colchester to Harwich trainsGreater Anglia trains will get you between Colchester and Harwich from £12. 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 Greater Anglia Duration
21m
Cheapest Greater Anglia Price
£12
Greater Anglia frequency
20 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 Harwich
Things to do in Harwich
Discover the best of Harwich — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Harwich trip today.
- Recommended
LV18 Lightvessel
A preserved light vessel in the harbour area, open as a floating museum showing lighthouse and shipboard working life.
- Recommended
The Electric Palace Cinema
A historic cinema with occasional tours and heritage interest, notable for its early architecture and continuing cultural role.
- Must visit
Harwich Old Town
Harwich’s historic centre has narrow lanes, period houses and maritime character, making it ideal for a self-guided walk.
- Recommended
The Ha'penny Pier
A broad promenade and beach area popular for estuary views, fresh air and an easy waterside walk near the town centre.
- Recommended
Beacon Hill
A raised green space with coastal views, fortifications and open lawns, well suited to a short walk above the waterfront.
- Gluten-free
Essex Oysters
A traditional Essex shellfish staple: native oysters served raw or lightly dressed. They are prized for the clean, briny flavour of nearby estuary waters.
- Gluten-free
Cockles
Cockles gathered from the Essex coast, usually eaten cold with vinegar and pepper. They are a long-standing seaside snack around ports and estuaries.
Potted Shrimps
Brown shrimps from the east coast, often served potted with spiced butter on toast. They are a classic regional delicacy linked to coastal fishing towns.
Mr Chips
Well-known local fish and chip shop serving classic seaside favourites in a relaxed, no-fuss setting near the town centre.
The Pier Hotel
Historic waterfront pub and restaurant in old Harwich, known for seafood, British mains and a characterful maritime atmosphere.
The Stingray
Friendly traditional pub in Harwich offering British pub dishes, drinks and a laid-back local atmosphere close to the historic core.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for the UK coast. Hotels can rise in peak season, but pubs, cafés and local buses are generally manageable for most visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-14 for fast food or a simple café meal.
- Mid-range
- £15-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £45+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £2.80-4 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is modest. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is not included. Round up for taxis. Cafés and pubs usually do not expect tips, but small change is appreciated.
First Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £1.80
- Day pass
- £11.50
To the city centre
Harwich International station -> Harwich Town station
- Distance
- 2 km
- Travel time
- 3 min
- Greater Anglia runs the rail service between Harwich International and Harwich Town; buy before boarding from the station machine where available.
- For an all-day rail pass on the Mayflower line, Greater Anglia sells the Mayflower Line Ranger for £11.50, valid from 08:45 on weekdays and anytime at weekends.
FAQs: Colchester to Harwich train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Colchester to Harwich 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 Harwich, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Colchester to Harwich can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £12, while the average price tends to be around £12.
The train journey from Colchester to Harwich covers a distance of 27 km and takes approximately 21m. Trains run 23 per day.
The train distance from Colchester to Harwich is 27 km.
The first train from Colchester to Harwich leaves at 0:05.
The last train from Colchester to Harwich departs at 23:48.
Trains from Colchester to Harwich run approximately 23 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Colchester to Harwich.
Yes, there is a direct train between Colchester and Harwich. The service operates 5 times per day, provided by Greater Anglia.
To get from Colchester to Harwich, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Colchester to Harwich.
The train station in Colchester that goes to Harwich is Colchester station (COL), and it arrives at Harwich International (HPQ).
The cheapest way to get from Colchester to Harwich is by train, costing approximately £12.
Booking trains from Colchester to Harwich 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 Harwich offers pleasant views of the Essex countryside, featuring rolling fields and glimpses of the River Stour as you approach Harwich.
Yes, a day trip from Colchester to Harwich is feasible. The journey takes 21m and the distance is 27 km. Trains run frequently with a total of 8 trips per day.
A visit to Harwich can be comfortably enjoyed in 1 to 2 days, allowing time to explore its historic maritime sites, enjoy a coastal walk, and visit local museums and attractions.
Yes, you can take the train from Colchester to Harwich.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Colchester and Harwich
Most Colchester to Harwich trains use the Colchester to Harwich International station pair, with some services arriving at Dovercourt. Use this guide to compare Colchester and Harwich 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 Harwich
Which Colchester station do trains to Harwich leave from?
Trains from Colchester to Harwich 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.
Which Harwich station do trains from Colchester arrive at?
Trains from Colchester to Harwich most often arrive at Harwich International. Some services arrive at Dovercourt, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Harwich arrival station.
Harwich InternationalHarwich International station, Parkeston Quay, Harwich, Essex, CO12 4SR
City-centre transport
Getting to Harwich International from Harwich city centre
Harwich International is 2 km from Harwich city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainHarwich Town - Manningtree, Harwich Town - Colchester, Harwich Town - London Liverpool Street · 5m · £0.90 · every ~2 min
Bus22 · 24m · £3 · every ~3 min
22 · 25m · £3 · every ~3 min
Harwich International train station facilities and services
Harwich International has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Harwich International. ATMs are available at Harwich International.
Tickets and information
Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point, Helpline Contact: 0800 028 28 78.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Harwich International: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Harwich International: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Harwich International: 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 ticket machines: There are no accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: No, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
DovercourtDovercourt station, Kingsway, Harwich, Essex, CO12 3AG+44 8456007245
City-centre transport
Getting to Dovercourt from Harwich city centre
TrainHarwich Town - Manningtree, Harwich Town - Colchester, Harwich Town - London Liverpool Street · 1m · £0.90 · every ~2 min
Bus3, 22 · 2m · £3 · every ~6 min
Dovercourt train station facilities and services
Dovercourt has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Dovercourt.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Dovercourt.
Tickets and information
Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point, Helpline Contact: 0800 028 28 78.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Dovercourt: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Dovercourt: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Dovercourt: 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.
Harwich TownHarwich Town station, George Street, Harwich, Essex, CO12 3NA
City-centre transport
Getting to Harwich Town from Harwich city centre
Onward travel informationLocal Bus services from station forecourt
Location for Rail Replacement ServicesReplacement transport stop at the front of the station by the bus stop
Harwich Town train station facilities and services
Harwich Town has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Harwich Town.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Harwich Town.
Tickets and information
Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point, Helpline Contact: 0800 028 28 78.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Harwich Town: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Harwich Town: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Harwich 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.
Most popular train connections from Colchester
More options for your journey from Colchester to Harwich
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Harwich and Colchester
Most popular train connections to Harwich
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