- Must visit
Poole Museum
Harbour-front museum telling Poole’s story through local archaeology, ceramics and maritime displays in restored historic buildings.
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Travel Information
Compare coach and train for Colchester to Poole
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Colchester to Poole among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £33 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 50m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £33, while a coach costs an average of £53.
Distance: 240 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£33 Average Price Cheapest | £53 Average Price | £45 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 50m Average total duration Fastest 3h 20m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 5m Average total duration 8h 35m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 28m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Colchester to Poole is a train with an average price of £33.
This is compared to other travel options from Colchester to Poole:
A train is £20 less than a coach for this route with tickets for a coach from Colchester to Poole costing on average £53.
The fastest way to travel from Colchester to Poole is by train with an average journey time of 3h 20m.
Other travel options to Poole take longer:
Coach takes on average 8h 35m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Colchester and Poole including taking a coach and train.
Take the train. On this route, it beats driving on both time and money.
The journey is about 8m faster (3h 20m by train vs 3h 28m by car) and roughly £11 cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls (£33 vs £45). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
Compare prices and tickets Colchester to Poole 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.
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Why should you book Colchester to Poole trains with Omio?
South Western Railway operates all trains services from Colchester to Poole.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Colchester to Poole.
Why book with Omio vs South Western Railway?
- 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 South Western Railway with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Colchester to Poole.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Colchester to Poole.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Colchester to Poole
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Colchester to Poole run on average 6 times per day, taking around 3h 20m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £33 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 05:00, the last at 20:33. The fastest train covers the 240 km distance in 3h 37m.
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 240 km |
Average train duration 3h 20m |
Cheapest ticket price £33 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 3h 37m |
First train 5:00 |
Last train 20:33 |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Wed |
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: South Western Railway from Colchester to Poole trainsSouth Western Railway trains will get you between Colchester and Poole from £33. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
South Western Railway
About
South Western Railway is a train operating company in the United Kingdom, providing services in the south and south-west of England. It operates a variety of train types, including high-speed trains, local stopping services, and suburban commuter trains. It also offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Off-Peak, and Super Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. The most popular routes for South Western Railway include London Waterloo to Portsmouth Harbour, London Waterloo to Weymouth, and London Waterloo to Bournemouth.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average South Western Railway Duration
3h 37m
Cheapest South Western Railway Price
£33
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated luggage areas at end of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund depends on ticket type and timing of cancellation
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled by operator
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar service with hot and cold drinks, snacks, sandwiches
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for a fee, free for some ticket types
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free, dogs must be on lead
Quiet zone
Complete guide to Poole
Things to do in Poole
Discover the best of Poole — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Poole trip today.
- Recommended
Poole Pottery Visitor Centre
Working pottery and visitor centre showing how traditional Poole pottery is made, with displays, demonstrations and a shop for collectors.
- Recommended
RNLI Poole Old Lifeboat Museum
Compact RNLI museum by the quayside exploring lifeboat history, rescues and the heritage of the volunteer service founded in Poole.
- Must visit
Poole Quay
Historic waterfront lined with old buildings, pubs and boat activity. It is ideal for harbour views, walks, events and ferries around the bay.
- Must visit
Sandbanks Beach
Long sandy beach backed by pine trees and sea views, popular for swimming, walking and sunsets near the Sandbanks peninsula.
- Recommended
Poole Park
Large urban park with boating lake, gardens, play areas and regular events. A good family stop close to central Poole.
- Gluten-free
Poole Harbour Oysters
Fresh native oysters from nearby Poole Harbour, prized for their clean, briny flavour and long shellfish tradition on this Dorset coast.
- Gluten-free
Dorset Crab
Brown crab landed on the south coast, often served dressed or in sandwiches. It is a classic local seafood choice tied to Poole’s fishing heritage.
- Gluten-free
Dorset Scallops
Sweet, delicate scallops from Lyme Bay and the Dorset coast, commonly pan-fried. They are a regional favourite on Poole seafood menus.
The View Restaurant
Smart waterside dining room at Harbour Heights with modern British cooking and wide views over Poole Harbour and Sandbanks.
Custom House
Popular harbourside seafood restaurant known for fish, shellfish and relaxed waterside dining close to Poole Quay.
Jenkins and Sons
Lively quay restaurant serving seafood, grills and British favourites with harbour views and a polished but informal atmosphere.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for the UK coast: hotels rise in summer, meals are mid-priced, and local buses are manageable for most visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-14 for fast food or a simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- £18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £50+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service is sometimes included. If not, tip 10-12.5% in restaurants for good service. Taxis are often rounded up or tipped about 10%. Cafés usually do not expect tips.
Morebus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2.60
- Day pass
- £5.20
To the city centre
Poole Railway Station -> Poole Bus Station
- Distance
- 0.7 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Contactless bank card payment and tap on tap off are available on Morebus services, including the m1/m2 and Zone A day tickets.
- For central Poole, Poole Railway Station is walkable to Poole Bus Station and the town centre, so you may not need onward transport.
FAQs: Colchester to Poole train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Colchester to Poole 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 Poole, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Colchester to Poole can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £33, while the average price tends to be around £33.
The train journey from Colchester to Poole covers a distance of 240 km and takes approximately 3h 37m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train distance from Colchester to Poole is 240 km.
The first train from Colchester to Poole leaves at 5:00.
The last train from Colchester to Poole departs at 20:33.
Trains from Colchester to Poole run approximately 6 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Colchester to Poole.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Colchester to Poole.
To get from Colchester to Poole, you can choose from several travel options including coach and train.
There is no night train service from Colchester to Poole.
The train station in Colchester that goes to Poole is Colchester station (COL), and it arrives at Poole station (POO).
The cheapest way to get from Colchester to Poole is by train, costing approximately £33.
Booking trains from Colchester to Poole 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 Poole offers a mix of urban and rural scenery, taking passengers through the picturesque countryside of southern England, with views of rolling hills and charming villages.
A day trip from Colchester to Poole is not feasible as the journey takes 3h 37m and covers 240 km. Trains run 4 times per day.
To fully explore Poole's attractions, including its harbour, beaches, and nearby nature reserves, plan for a stay of 2 to 3 days.
Yes, you can take the train from Colchester to Poole.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Colchester and Poole
Most Colchester to Poole trains use the Colchester to Poole station pair, with some services arriving at Parkstone (Dorset). Use this guide to compare Colchester and Poole 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 Poole
Which Colchester station do trains to Poole leave from?
Trains from Colchester to Poole 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.
Hythe (Essex)Hythe station, Station Road, Hythe, Essex, CO2 8JR
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 · £0.90 · every ~2 min
Bus54 · 7m · £0.90 · 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.
Which Poole station do trains from Colchester arrive at?
Trains from Colchester to Poole most often arrive at Poole. Some services arrive at Parkstone (Dorset), so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Poole arrival station.
PoolePoole station, Serpentine Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 2BQ
City-centre transport
Getting to Poole from Poole city centre
Poole is 1 km from Poole city centre. Public transport options include:
Location for Rail Replacement ServicesStation forecourt, off Serpentine Road
Poole train station facilities and services
Poole has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Poole.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Poole. ATMs are available at Poole.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Poole.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Poole: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Poole: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Poole: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step-free category B Station - There is level access to both sides of the station by ramps. Interchange between platforms is via a ramped underpass at the London end of the platforms. Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All South Western Railway ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. All machines are accessible, however the station may not be so please check the station access note for further details, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Parkstone (Dorset)Parkstone station, Station Road, Parkstone, Dorset, BH14 8UD
City-centre transport
Getting to Parkstone (Dorset) from Poole city centre
Parkstone (Dorset) is 3 km from Poole city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainPoole - London Waterloo, Poole - Eastleigh, Weymouth - London Waterloo, Weymouth - Southampton Central, Weymouth - Bournemouth, Poole - Brockenhurst, Poole - Winchester, Poole - Bournemouth, Weymouth - Woking, Weymouth - Eastleigh, Poole - Southampton Central · 3m · £0.90 · every ~4 min
Buscity_sightseeing_bournemouth · 7m · every ~2 min
m1, 419, 449, N1 · 13m · £2 · every ~34 min
m1, U2, N1 · 14m · £2 · every ~47 min
Parkstone (Dorset) train station facilities and services
Parkstone (Dorset) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office and Bike Parking.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Parkstone (Dorset).
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Parkstone (Dorset).
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Parkstone (Dorset): Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Parkstone (Dorset): Bike Parking.
Most popular train connections from Colchester
More options for your journey from Colchester to Poole
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Poole and Colchester
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