- Recommended
Southend Central Museum and Planetarium
Museum beside Prittlewell Priory covering local archaeology, social history and natural history. A strong introduction to Southend and Essex.
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Travel Information
Compare coach and train for Colchester to Southend-on-Sea
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Colchester to Southend-on-Sea among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £26 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 1h 41m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £26, while a train costs an average of £27.
Distance: 41 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£27 Average Price | £26 Average Price Cheapest |
1h 41m Average total duration Fastest 1h 11m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 43m Average total duration 2h 13m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Compare prices and tickets Colchester to Southend-on-Sea 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 Southend-on-Sea trains with Omio?
Greater Anglia operates all trains services from Colchester to Southend-on-Sea.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Colchester to Southend-on-Sea.
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 bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Colchester to Southend-on-Sea.
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 Southend-on-Sea.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Colchester to Southend-on-Sea
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Colchester to Southend-on-Sea run on average 8 times per day, taking around 1h 11m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £26 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 03:42, the last at 23:07. The fastest train covers the 41 km distance in 1h 16m.
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 41 km |
Average train duration 1h 11m |
Cheapest ticket price £26 |
Trains per day 8 |
Fastest train 1h 16m |
First train 3:42 |
Last train 23:07 |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 7 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 Southend-on-Sea trainsGreater Anglia trains will get you between Colchester and Southend-on-Sea from £26. 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
1h 16m
Cheapest Greater Anglia Price
£26
Greater Anglia frequency
25 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 Southend-on-Sea
Things to do in Southend-on-Sea
Discover the best of Southend-on-Sea — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Southend-on-Sea trip today.
- Recommended
Prittlewell Priory
Historic house museum in Priory Park with restored rooms, monastic remains and displays on local life. Good for history and architecture.
Southend Pier Museum
Compact museum at the end of the pier exploring the pier’s engineering, railway and seaside heritage. Worth adding to a pier visit.
- Must visit
Southend Seafront
Popular beachfront promenade for walking, cycling and sea views, linking the pier, gardens and classic seaside attractions.
- Recommended
Old Leigh
Lively old fishing quarter with cobbled lanes, cockle sheds, pubs, small galleries and estuary views. Full of local character.
- Recommended
Priory Park
Large park with formal gardens, lake, play areas and the priory complex. A pleasant green space for walks near the centre.
Fish and chips
Freshly landed fish, usually cod or haddock, in batter with chips. A classic Essex seaside meal tied to Southend’s long pier and beachfront chippies.
- Gluten-free
Essex oysters
Briny native or rock oysters from the Thames Estuary area, traditionally eaten very fresh. They reflect the long shellfish heritage of the Essex coast.
Potted shrimps or local prawns
Sweet, delicate prawns from the nearby North Sea and estuary waters, often served simply with bread and butter. A long-standing local seafood favourite.
Food
Stylish restaurant in nearby Leigh-on-Sea focused on British seafood and seasonal cooking. Cosy, polished dining room with estuary character.
Osborne Bros
Historic seafront fish restaurant known for oysters, cockles and classic seafood. Traditional, no-frills atmosphere close to the beach.
The Peterboat
Popular seafood restaurant and fishmonger serving fresh local catch, shellfish and grilled fish. Smart but relaxed setting near the seafront.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for a UK seaside city. Dining and hotels cost less than London, but peak summer stays and seafront areas raise prices. Local buses and trains are standard UK-priced.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-12 for fast food or a basic meal.
- 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
Tipping is modest. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is usual if service is not included. Round up taxi fares. Cafés and pubs do not require tips, but small change is appreciated.
First Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2
- Day pass
- £6.00
To the city centre
Chalkwell -> Southend Central
- Distance
- 3 km
- Travel time
- 5 min
- Most local buses accept contactless payment, and First Bus Tap&Cap limits what you pay to the day ticket price.
- For travel across multiple bus operators, the Southend Octopus day ticket is available at £7.00 on participating services.
FAQs: Colchester to Southend-on-Sea train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Colchester to Southend-on-Sea 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 Southend-on-Sea, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Colchester to Southend-on-Sea can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £26, while the average price tends to be around £27.
The train journey from Colchester to Southend-on-Sea covers a distance of 41 km and takes approximately 1h 16m. Trains run 8 per day.
The train distance from Colchester to Southend-on-Sea is 41 km.
The first train from Colchester to Southend-on-Sea leaves at 3:42.
The last train from Colchester to Southend-on-Sea departs at 23:07.
Trains from Colchester to Southend-on-Sea run approximately 8 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Colchester to Southend-on-Sea.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Colchester to Southend-on-Sea.
To get from Colchester to Southend-on-Sea, you can choose from several travel options including coach and train.
There is no night train service from Colchester to Southend-on-Sea.
The train station in Colchester that goes to Southend-on-Sea is Colchester station (COL), and it arrives at Southend Victoria (SOV).
The cheapest way to get from Colchester to Southend-on-Sea is by train, costing approximately £26.
Booking trains from Colchester to Southend-on-Sea 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 Southend-on-Sea offers passengers views of the picturesque Essex countryside, with glimpses of rolling fields and charming villages, though it is primarily a practical route rather than a notably scenic one.
Yes, a day trip from Colchester to Southend-on-Sea is feasible with a journey duration of 1h 16m and a distance of 41 km. Trains run frequently with 5 trips per day.
For a fulfilling experience in Southend-on-Sea, two to three days are ideal to explore its main attractions, including the longest pleasure pier in the world, Adventure Island amusement park, and the beautiful coastline.
Yes, you can take the train from Colchester to Southend-on-Sea.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Colchester and Southend-on-Sea
Most Colchester to Southend-on-Sea trains use the Colchester to Southend Victoria station pair, with some services arriving at Southend Airport. Use this guide to compare Colchester and Southend-on-Sea 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 Southend-on-Sea
Which Colchester station do trains to Southend-on-Sea leave from?
Trains from Colchester to Southend-on-Sea 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.
Colchester TownColchester Town station, St. Botolphs Circus, Colchester, Essex, CO2 7EF
City-centre transport
Getting to Colchester Town from Colchester city centre
Bus43 · 1m · £0.90 · 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.
Which Southend-on-Sea station do trains from Colchester arrive at?
Trains from Colchester to Southend-on-Sea most often arrive at Southend Victoria. Some services arrive at Southend Airport, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Southend-on-Sea arrival station.
Southend VictoriaSouthend Victoria station, Victoria Avenue, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, SS2 6AZ
City-centre transport
Getting to Southend Victoria from Southend-on-Sea city centre
Bus25, 7, 20, 825, 827, 21S, 28, 21, 3, 26, 20S · 3m · £3 · every ~69 min
Southend Victoria train station facilities and services
Southend Victoria has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Southend Victoria.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Southend Victoria. ATMs are available at Southend Victoria.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Southend Victoria. 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 Southend Victoria: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Southend Victoria: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Southend Victoria: 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: Taxi rank at front of 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: No.
PrittlewellPrittlewell station, Station Approach, Prittlewell, Essex, SS2 5BT+44 3450507080
City-centre transport
Getting to Prittlewell from Southend-on-Sea city centre
Prittlewell is 1 km from Southend-on-Sea city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainSouthend Victoria - London Liverpool Street · 2m · £0.90 · every ~6 min
Prittlewell train station facilities and services
Prittlewell has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Prittlewell.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Prittlewell.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Prittlewell.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Prittlewell: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Prittlewell: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Prittlewell: Staff help available: 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.
Thorpe BayThorpe Bay station, Station Road, Thorpe Bay, Essex, SS1 3JY+44 8450507080
City-centre transport
Getting to Thorpe Bay from Southend-on-Sea city centre
Thorpe Bay is 3 km from Southend-on-Sea city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainLondon Fenchurch Street - Shoeburyness, London Liverpool Street - Shoeburyness, Barking - Shoeburyness, Upminster - Shoeburyness · 4m · £0.90 · every ~11 min
Bus817 · 8m · £4
2, 2A · 13m · £2 · every ~15 min
2, 7, 8, 2A · 16m · £2 · every ~23 min
Thorpe Bay train station facilities and services
Thorpe Bay has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Thorpe Bay.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Thorpe Bay.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Thorpe Bay. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 03457 44 44 22, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Thorpe Bay: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Thorpe Bay: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Thorpe Bay: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: There are no lifts at the station, but step free access is available to both platforms from street level, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Most popular train connections from Colchester
More options for your journey from Colchester to Southend-on-Sea
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Southend-on-Sea and Colchester
Most popular train connections to Southend-on-Sea
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