Colchester to Manchester train with Avanti West Coast

Fri 30 Oct
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Avanti West Coast
Greater Anglia
East Midlands Railway
West Midlands Trains
Great Western Railway
2,000+ travel companies
Avanti West Coast
Greater Anglia
East Midlands Railway
West Midlands Trains
Great Western Railway
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Colchester to Manchester

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 30 Oct
Cheapest price on 30 Oct
£49
Average ticket price on 30 Oct
£64
Fastest journey on 30 Oct
3 h 44 m
Average journey duration on 30 Oct
3 h 55 m
Trains on 30 Oct
5
Distance
276 km
Cheap tickets

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 £64 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £49.

Fast trains

To travel from Colchester to Manchester you need to make at least 2 changes.

  • Avanti West CoastW34203+Greater AngliaP01283+TubeTube from London Liverpool Street to London Euston
    2 changes
  • Avanti West CoastW33963+Greater AngliaP01279+TubeTube from London Liverpool Street to London Euston
    2 changes
  • Avanti West CoastW33815+Greater AngliaP66986+TubeTube from London Liverpool Street to London Euston
    2 changes
  • Avanti West CoastW34102+Greater AngliaP01228+TubeTube from London Liverpool Street to London Euston
    2 changes
  • Avanti West CoastW34059+Greater AngliaP01223+TubeTube from London Liverpool Street to London Euston
    2 changes

Journey information

Overview: Train from Colchester to Manchester

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Colchester to Manchester run on average 4 times per day, taking around 3h 31m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £54 but you can travel from only £31 by coach.

The earliest train runs at 00:04, the last at 23:57. The fastest train covers the 276 km distance in 3h 6m.

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 £31
Distance
276 km
Average train duration
3h 31m
Cheapest ticket price
£54
Trains per day
4
Fastest train
3h 6m
First train
0:04
Last train
23:57
Cheapest Month
Jul
Cheapest Day
Mon
High Season
Oct - Dec
Low Season
Jul - Sept
Busiest Day
Sat
Least Busy Day
Mon
Best time to book
56 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 £31

Frequently asked questions about your Colchester to Manchester trip

Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Colchester to Manchester.

The cost of a train ticket from Colchester to Manchester can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £54, while the average price tends to be around £95.
The train journey from Colchester to Manchester covers a distance of 276 km and takes approximately 3h 6m. Trains run 4 per day.
The train distance from Colchester to Manchester is 276 km.
The first train from Colchester to Manchester leaves at 0:04.
The last train from Colchester to Manchester departs at 23:57.
Trains from Colchester to Manchester run approximately 4 times per day.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Colchester to Manchester.

Live departures

Colchester to Manchester train times

The table below shows live departures for Colchester to Manchester trains for tomorrow, Friday 30 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Greater AngliaP01223+TubeTube from London Liverpool Street to London Euston+Avanti West CoastW340598:02 Colchester station (COL)
4h03
12:05 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)2 changes
Avanti West CoastW34102+Greater AngliaP01228+TubeTube from London Liverpool Street to London Euston8:31 Colchester station (COL)
3h48
12:19 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)2 changes
Avanti West CoastW33963+TubeTube from London Liverpool Street to London Euston+Greater AngliaP0127914:00 Colchester station (COL)
3h44
17:44 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)2 changes
Avanti West CoastW34203+TubeTube from London Liverpool Street to London Euston+Greater AngliaP0128314:30 Colchester station (COL)
3h49
18:19 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)2 changes
TubeTube from London Liverpool Street to London Euston+Avanti West CoastW33815+Greater AngliaP6698614:33 Colchester station (COL)
4h11
18:44 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)2 changes

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Why should you book Colchester to Manchester trains with Omio?

Avanti West Coast as well as Greater Anglia, East Midlands Railway, West Midlands Trains and more offer trains services from Colchester to Manchester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Colchester to Manchester.

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, East Midlands Railway or West Midlands Trains 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, Raileurope or Rome2rio?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Greater Anglia, East Midlands Railway or West Midlands Trains 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.

Train companies: Avanti West Coast, East Midlands Railway, Greater Anglia, West Midlands Trains from Colchester to Manchester trainsAvanti West Coast, East Midlands Railway, Greater Anglia, West Midlands Trains trains will get you between Colchester and Manchester from £31. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Avanti West Coast

About
Avanti West Coast is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates high-speed trains between London and major cities in the UK, including Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow and Edinburgh. The company offers a range of ticket types, including Standard, First Class and Advance tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, comfortable seating and a range of food and drinks. The most popular routes for Avanti West Coast are London to Birmingham, London to Manchester and London to Glasgow. The company operates a fleet of Pendolino and Super Voyager trains, which offer a smooth and comfortable journey.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Avanti West Coast Duration
3h 6m
Cheapest Avanti West Coast Price
£54
Avanti West Coast frequency
4 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
First Class: Complimentary meals and drinks. Standard Class: Onboard shop with drinks and snacks
Seat reservation
First Class: Included in ticket price. Standard Class: Optional reservation for £8-12
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance for boarding/alighting available
Pets
Small pets free in carriers. Dogs £30 per single journey. Guide dogs free
Quiet zone

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
4h 11m
Cheapest East Midlands Railway Price
£107
East Midlands Railway frequency
1 a day
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
4h 11m
Cheapest Greater Anglia Price
£78
Greater Anglia frequency
1 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

West Midlands Trains

About
West Midlands Trains is a train operator based in the United Kingdom, providing services across the West Midlands region. It operates a variety of train types, including the Class 350 Desiro, Class 323 Electrostar, Class 170 Turbostar, and Class 172 Turbostar. These trains offer a range of onboard facilities, such as free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and air conditioning. Passengers can purchase a range of tickets, including single, return, and season tickets. The most popular routes operated by West Midlands Trains include Birmingham to London Euston, Birmingham to Wolverhampton, and Birmingham to Coventry.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average West Midlands Trains Duration
4h 8m
Cheapest West Midlands Trains Price
£93
West Midlands Trains frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas
Cancellation Policy
According to ticket conditions
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for an additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs require a ticket at 50% of adult fare. Guide dogs travel free
Quiet zone

Companies, tickets, and onboard amenities between Colchester and Manchester

Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.

Yes, there is a high-speed train service from Colchester to Manchester.
There is no night train service from Colchester to Manchester.

Complete guide to Manchester

Things to do in Manchester

Discover the best of Manchester — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Manchester trip today.

  • Must visit

Science and Industry Museum

Major science and industry museum on historic railway land, with galleries on textiles, transport and Manchester’s role in modern innovation.

  • Must visit

Manchester Museum

Large university museum with natural history, archaeology and cultural collections, plus changing exhibitions in a prominent Oxford Road building.

  • Must visit

Manchester Art Gallery

Leading art museum with British and European paintings, design, costume and craft collections in a landmark city-centre building.

Pound sterling (£)

Moderate for a UK city. Hotels can be pricey at peak times, but dining, pubs and local transport are usually cheaper than London.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-15 for fast food or a simple meal.
Mid-range
£18-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
£70+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
£3-4.50 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is good and not already added. Round up taxi fares; cafés usually do not require tips.

Plan your visit to Manchester

Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in Manchester.

The train journey from Colchester to Manchester offers varied scenery, with sections passing through picturesque countryside, rolling hills, and quaint towns, particularly as you travel through regions like the East Midlands and the outskirts of the Peak District.

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.

FAQs
Booking trains from Colchester to Manchester in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
Yes, you can take the train from Colchester to Manchester.

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.

Departure train stations in Colchester
Arrival train stations in Manchester

Which Colchester station do trains to Manchester leave from?

Trains from Colchester to Manchester 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 8450507080WifiShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingInformation Desk
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 · £1 · 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.

Hythe (Essex)Hythe station, Station Road, Hythe, Essex, CO2 8JRParkingAccessibilityLost and Found OfficeBike Parking
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 · £1 · every ~2 min
Bus54 · 7m · £1 · 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.

Colchester TownColchester Town station, St. Botolphs Circus, Colchester, Essex, CO2 7EFWifiParkingDiningAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Colchester Town from Colchester city centre

Bus43 · 1m · £1 · 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.

Train stations for Colchester to Manchester

Check train stations information for Colchester and Manchester, including where trains depart and arrive on this route.

The train station in Colchester that goes to Manchester is Colchester, and it arrives at Manchester Piccadilly.

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