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The cheapest and fastest trains from Colchester to Leicester
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 18 Sept
Cheapest price on 18 Sept
£46
Average ticket price on 18 Sept
£54
Fastest journey on 18 Sept
2 h 46 m
Average journey duration on 18 Sept
3 h 4 m
Trains on 18 Sept
4
Distance
162 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Colchester to Leicester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Colchester to Leicester will cost around £54 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £46.
Fast trains
On Fri 18 Sept, we found 4 trains from Colchester to Leicester, including 4 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 162 km distance in an average of 3 h 4 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 46 m .
The slowest trains will take 3 h 31 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.
8:312h46Colchester11:17Leicester£461One-way0 changes- 7:312h46Colchester10:17Leicester£471One-way0 changes
- 5:113h11Colchester8:22Leicester£551One-way0 changes
14:183h31Colchester17:49Leicester£661One-way0 changes
- 8:312h46Colchester11:17Leicester£461One-way0 changes
- 7:312h46Colchester10:17Leicester£471One-way0 changes
- 5:113h11Colchester8:22Leicester£551One-way0 changes
- 14:183h31Colchester17:49Leicester£661One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare coach and train for Colchester to Leicester
Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Colchester to Leicester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £37 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 16m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £37, while a train costs an average of £45.
Distance: 162 km
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£45 Average Price | £37 Average Price Cheapest | £32 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 16m Average total duration Fastest 2h 46m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 13m Average total duration 3h 43m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 44m 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 |
The cheapest way to travel from Colchester to Leicester is a coach with an average price of £37.
This is compared to other travel options from Colchester to Leicester:
A coach is £8 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Colchester to Leicester costing on average £45.
The fastest way to travel from Colchester to Leicester is by train with an average journey time of 2h 46m.
Other travel options to Leicester take longer:
Coach takes on average 3h 43m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Colchester and Leicester including taking a coach and train.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.
Tickets start at around £45 compared to roughly £32 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-12.95. The journey takes 2h 46m versus 2h 44m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
Live departures
Colchester to Leicester train times
The table below shows live departures for Colchester to Leicester trains for today, Thursday 17 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
W70861+ P85639+P01223 | Delayed 8:35 8:02Colchester station (COL) | 2h44 | 10:46 Leicester station (LEI) | 2 changes | |
C21645+P01228+ C38283+ C09988 | Delayed 9:05 8:31Colchester station (COL) | 2h46 | 11:17 Leicester station (LEI) | 3 changes | |
| Friday 18 September | |||||
| 5:11 Colchester | 3h11 | 8:22 Leicester | 0 changesdirect | |
| 7:31 Colchester | 2h46 | 10:17 Leicester | 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 Leicester by coach or train
Compare coach and train 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
18 Sept
18 Sept
Sat
19 Sept
19 Sept
Sun
20 Sept
20 Sept
Mon
21 Sept
21 Sept
Tue
22 Sept
22 Sept
Wed
23 Sept
23 Sept
Thu
24 Sept
24 Sept
Why should you book Colchester to Leicester trains with Omio?
East Midlands Railway as well as Greater Anglia offer trains services from Colchester to Leicester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Colchester to Leicester.
Why book with Omio vs East Midlands Railway?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for East Midlands Railway, but also compare tickets for the likes of Greater Anglia to find the best option for your trip from Colchester to Leicester.
- 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 East Midlands Railway with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Colchester to Leicester.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Rome2rio?
- 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 Leicester.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Colchester to Leicester.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Colchester to Leicester
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Colchester to Leicester run on average 7 times per day, taking around 2h 46m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £35 but you can travel from only £32 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 04:41, the last at 22:15. The fastest train covers the 162 km distance in 2h 36m.
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 £32
Distance 162 km |
Average train duration 2h 46m |
Cheapest ticket price £35 |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 2h 36m |
First train 4:41 |
Last train 22:15 |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Best time to book 4 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 £32
Train companies: East Midlands Railway, Greater Anglia from Colchester to Leicester trainsEast Midlands Railway, Greater Anglia trains will get you between Colchester and Leicester from £32. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
East Midlands Railway
About
East Midlands Trains is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates services from London to the East Midlands, Yorkshire, and the North West. East Midlands Trains operates a fleet of Class 158, Class 156, Class 170, Class 222 and Class 180 diesel multiple units, as well as Class 222 Meridian electric multiple units. East Midlands Trains also offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. The most popular routes for East Midlands Trains are London to Nottingham, Sheffield, and Leeds.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average East Midlands Railway Duration
2h 36m
Cheapest East Midlands Railway Price
£35
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 piece of hand luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the 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
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for a fee. Free for Advance ticket holders
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs must be on lead and require a ticket (£6 for day ticket)
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 31m
Cheapest Greater Anglia Price
£60
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.
Standard
- Free Wi-Fi
- Power plugs
Complete guide to Leicester
Things to do in Leicester
Discover the best of Leicester — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Leicester trip today.
- Must visit
King Richard III Visitor Centre
Modern museum telling the story of Richard III through archaeology, history and the king’s Leicester burial site.
- Recommended
Leicester Museum & Art Gallery
Leicester’s main art and history museum, with dinosaur galleries, fine art and displays on the city’s people and past.
- Recommended
Jewry Wall Museum
Museum beside Roman remains, exploring local archaeology from Roman Leicester to later city history in a compact setting.
- Recommended
St Martin's Square
Lively regenerated waterside with bars, boats, public art and an easy walk linking the city centre to the canal heritage area.
- Recommended
Victoria Park
Large central park with formal gardens, broad lawns and space to relax near the university and city centre.
- Recommended
Abbey Park
Attractive green space around abbey ruins and the River Soar, good for walks, wildlife and traces of medieval Leicester.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Red Leicester Cheese
Red Leicester is a crumbly orange cow’s milk cheese from Leicestershire, long linked to the county and traditionally coloured with annatto for its rich hue.
Melton Mowbray Pork Pie
Melton Mowbray pork pie is a hand-raised pie from Leicestershire with seasoned chopped pork and a distinctive free-form crust, traditionally eaten cold.
- Gluten-free
Stilton
Stilton is a famous English blue cheese historically traded through Leicestershire, prized for its creamy texture and strong savoury flavour on local cheeseboards.
Laguna
Popular Indian restaurant on the Golden Mile known for rich curries, tandoori dishes and a lively, family-friendly atmosphere.
Knight & Garter
Stylish modern British restaurant and bar in St Martins Square, known for seasonal plates, cocktails and a polished but relaxed dining room.
Shivalli
Long-running vegetarian Gujarati restaurant serving thalis, snacks and sweets in a simple, busy setting loved by local families.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for a UK city. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while local buses and casual meals remain fairly affordable for visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- £18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £50+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £2.80-4 for a coffee.
Tipping culture
Service may be included in restaurants; if not, 10-12.5% is common for good service. Round up taxi fares. Tipping in cafés is optional, often just small change.
Leicester Buses
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2
- Day pass
- £4.80
To the city centre
Leicester Railway Station -> Clock Tower, Leicester
- Distance
- 0.8 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Contactless tap-on and tap-off with fare capping is being introduced across Leicester buses; check the operator or Leicester Buses site for current rollout details.
- Leicester Buses Flexi tickets are valid across participating operators in the Flexi area and can be bought in participating operators’ ticketing apps.
FAQs: Colchester to Leicester train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Colchester to Leicester 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 Leicester, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Colchester to Leicester can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £35, while the average price tends to be around £45.
The train journey from Colchester to Leicester covers a distance of 162 km and takes approximately 2h 36m. Trains run 7 per day.
The train distance from Colchester to Leicester is 162 km.
The first train from Colchester to Leicester leaves at 4:41.
The last train from Colchester to Leicester departs at 22:15.
Trains from Colchester to Leicester run approximately 7 times per day.
Yes, there is a high-speed train service from Colchester to Leicester.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Colchester to Leicester.
To get from Colchester to Leicester, you can choose from several travel options including coach and train.
There is no night train service from Colchester to Leicester.
The train station in Colchester that goes to Leicester is Colchester station (COL), and it arrives at Leicester station (LEI).
The cheapest way to get from Colchester to Leicester is by coach, costing approximately £32.
Booking trains from Colchester to Leicester 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 Leicester offers a mix of urban and rural views, passing through the picturesque countryside of the East of England, offering glimpses of charming villages and open fields. While it may not be renowned as one of the most scenic routes in the UK, it provides a pleasant and varied landscape for travellers.
A day trip from Colchester to Leicester is not feasible as the journey takes 2h 36m, exceeding the 120-minute threshold. However, there are 6 trains per day covering a distance of 162 km.
Two to three days is typically enough to explore Leicester's key attractions, including the King Richard III Visitor Centre, Leicester Cathedral, and the National Space Centre, while also enjoying the local culture and dining.
Yes, you can take the train from Colchester to Leicester.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Colchester and Leicester
Most Colchester to Leicester trains use the Colchester to Leicester station pair. Use this guide to compare Colchester and Leicester 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 Leicester
Which Colchester station do trains to Leicester leave from?
Trains from Colchester to Leicester 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 Leicester station do trains from Colchester arrive at?
Trains from Colchester to Leicester arrive at Leicester. Leicester is 1 km from Leicester city centre.
LeicesterLeicester station, London Road, Leicester, Leicestershire, LE2 0QB+44 8457125678
City-centre transport
Getting to Leicester from Leicester city centre
BusX7 · 4m · £2 · every ~3 min
16 · 7m · every ~6 min
Hop · 11m · £2 · every ~14 min
Leicester train station facilities and services
Leicester has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Leicester.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Leicester. ATMs are available at Leicester.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Leicester. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 08000 11 33 23, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Leicester: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Leicester: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Leicester: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category A access station. There is step free access to the main entrance and lifts to all platforms. Customers with wheelchairs who require assistance on graduated slopes should press the ticket gate 'assistance' button located at the bottom of the stairs near the self service ticket machines. To ensure availability of staff to assist, it is imperative that customers book assistance in advance. This station has tactile paving at the edge of all platforms and at the bottom of all staircases, 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.
Most popular train connections from Colchester
More options for your journey from Colchester to Leicester
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Leicester and Colchester
Most popular train connections to Leicester
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