The cheapest and fastest trains from Colchester to Manchester
Cheapest price
£80
Average price
£95
Fastest journey
3 h 49 m
Average duration
4 h 38 m
Trains per day
5
Distance
276 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Colchester to Manchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Colchester to Manchester will cost around £95 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £80.
Of the 5 trains that leave Colchester for Manchester every day 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 276 km distance in an average of 4 h 38 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 49 m .
The slowest trains will take 6 h 57 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.
7:344h10Colchester11:44Manchester£801One-way0 changes
9:303h49Colchester13:19Manchester£861One-way0 changes
9:134h06Colchester13:19Manchester£901One-way0 changes
8:134h06Colchester12:19Manchester£1011One-way0 changes
21:436h57Colchester4:40Manchester£1211One-way0 changes
9:303h49Colchester13:19Manchester£861One-way0 changes
9:134h06Colchester13:19Manchester£901One-way0 changes
8:134h06Colchester12:19Manchester£1011One-way0 changes
7:344h10Colchester11:44Manchester£801One-way0 changes
21:436h57Colchester4:40Manchester£1211One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare coach, train and flight for Colchester to Manchester
Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Colchester to Manchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £36. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 3m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £36, and a flight costs an average of £56.
Distance: 276 km
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Coach | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£102 Average Price | £56 Average Price Cheapest | £172 Average Price |
4h 18m Average total duration 3h 48m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 36m Average total duration 8h 6m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 3m Average total duration Fastest 1h 3m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions | 0.8 - 1.6kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Colchester to Manchester train times
The table below shows live departures for Colchester to Manchester trains for tomorrow, Thursday 30 July. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 7:34 Colchester | 4h10 | 11:44 Manchester | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 8:13 Colchester | 4h06 | 12:19 Manchester | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 9:13 Colchester | 4h06 | 13:19 Manchester | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 9:30 Colchester | 3h49 | 13:19 Manchester | 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 Manchester by coach, train or flight
Compare coach, train and flight 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.
30 Jul
31 Jul
01 Aug
02 Aug
03 Aug
04 Aug
05 Aug
Why should you book Colchester to Manchester trains with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs Avanti West Coast?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Avanti West Coast, but also compare tickets for the likes of Greater Anglia to find the best option for your trip from Colchester to Manchester.
- 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 Avanti West Coast with all available travel options, which are bus, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Colchester to Manchester.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Raileurope?
- 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 Manchester.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Colchester to Manchester.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Colchester to Manchester
Trains from Colchester to Manchester run on average 5 times per day, taking around 3h 48m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £63 but you can travel from only £36 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 00:04, the last at 23:57. The fastest train covers the 276 km distance in 3h 44m.
Distance 276 km |
Average train duration 3h 48m |
Cheapest ticket price £63 |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 3h 44m |
First train 0:04 |
Last train 23:57 |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 56 days |
Train companies: Avanti West Coast, Greater Anglia from Colchester to Manchester trainsAvanti West Coast, Greater Anglia trains will get you between Colchester and Manchester from £36. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Avanti West Coast
Greater Anglia
FAQs: Colchester to Manchester train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Colchester to Manchester 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 Manchester, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Colchester and Manchester
Most Colchester to Manchester trains use the Colchester to Manchester Piccadilly station pair, with some services arriving at Manchester Victoria. Use this guide to compare Colchester and Manchester train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Which Colchester station do trains to Manchester leave from?
Getting to Colchester from Colchester city centre
Colchester is 1 km from Colchester city centre. Public transport options include:
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.
Getting to Hythe (Essex) from Colchester city centre
Hythe (Essex) is 1 km from Colchester city centre. Public transport options include:
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.
Getting to Colchester Town from Colchester city centre
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.
Which Manchester station do trains from Colchester arrive at?
Getting to Manchester Piccadilly from Manchester city centre
Manchester Piccadilly train station facilities and services
Manchester Piccadilly has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food options include: Burger King, Caffè Nero, Carluccio’s, Hotel Chocolat, Starbucks, The Pasty Shop, Costa Coffee, Pret a Manger, Upper Crust, McDonald's, & more
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Pay as you go Wi-Fi is available through BT Wi-Fi. ATMs are there are ATM machines on the main concourse, Platform 10 and on the mezzanine level.
Tickets and information
The ticket office is open Mon - Sat: 04:30 - 22:30, Sun: 07:00 - 22:30. Information desks are located near the Fairfield Street entrance on the mezzanine level.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is operated by Excess Baggage Co. Llocated between Platforms 10 and 11 and open daily from 08:00 to 21:00.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Manchester Piccadilly: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Manchester Piccadilly: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Piccadilly: There is step-free access throughout the station. Ramps for train access and wheelchairs are also available.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Manchester - Piccadilly, Premier Inn Manchester City, Staycity Aparthotels - Manchester Piccadilly.
Getting to Manchester Victoria from Manchester city centre
Manchester Victoria train station facilities and services
Manchester Victoria has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Car Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Manchester Victoria.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Manchester Victoria.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Manchester Victoria: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Manchester Victoria: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Victoria: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A station, Scooter Friendly Station - Step free access around the whole station via use of lifts between platforms 3-6, connection with Manchester Metrolink using ramps, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Accepts Cash & Cards Located near the ticket office, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: As per ticket office opening hours, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Getting to Manchester Airport from Manchester city centre
Manchester Airport is 13 km from Manchester city centre. Public transport options include:
Manchester Airport train station facilities and services
Manchester Airport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Manchester Airport.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Manchester Airport. ATMs are available at Manchester Airport.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Manchester Airport. Information desks are information available from staff: ,Yes - from help point,Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0800 107 2149, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Manchester Airport: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Manchester Airport: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Airport: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: re Step free access is provided from the Ground Transport Interchange to all platforms via lifts or ramps. This station is staffed for all services. This station is Category A. Station staff can provide assistance from Meeting Point 1 (adjacent to the Station Booking Office) and throughout the railway station, and with boarding and alighting the train. Customers requiring assistance should make themselves known to station staff no less than 20 minutes prior to the departure time of their train. Customers requiring assistance to access other services or to connect with terminals should request this from their airline or Manchester Airport Group. Assistance can be requested in advance by contacting the TransPennine Express Assisted Travel Team on 0800 107 2149 (18001 prefix for TextRelay). Please be aware that some platforms at this station have no or only partial tactile paving on the platform edge, Accessible public telephones: In the station cafe on platforms 2 and 3, 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.
More options for your journey from Colchester to Manchester
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