- Must visit
Colchester Castle Museum
Main city museum inside the castle, covering Roman Colchester, local archaeology and later history in a dramatic historic setting.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Edinburgh to Colchester
Showing times and prices for 21 Aug
Cheapest price
£96
Average price
£114
Fastest journey
5 h 46 m
Average duration
5 h 50 m
Trains per day
9
Distance
525 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Edinburgh to Colchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Edinburgh to Colchester will cost around £114 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £96.
Fast trains
To travel from Edinburgh to Colchester you need to make at least 2 changes.
C01968 · C02042+
P01279 · P017745:508h09Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)13:59Colchester station (COL)£961One-way3 changes- C01968+
Tube from London Kings Cross to London Liverpool Street+C046515:506h24Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)12:14Colchester station (COL)£1011One-way2 changes 
G25682+Tube from London Kings Cross to London Liverpool Street+C046298:266h21Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)14:47Colchester Town (CET)£1071One-way2 changes- G08170+P01082+Tube from London Kings Cross to London Liverpool Street5:376h00Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)11:37Colchester station (COL)£1101One-way2 changes
- C02006+P67125 · P017779:306h31Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)16:01Colchester station (COL)£1121One-way2 changes
- G08180+Tube from London Kings Cross to London Liverpool Street+P012598:005h46Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)13:46Colchester station (COL)£1251One-way2 changes
- G08186+Tube from London Kings Cross to London Liverpool Street+P012689:005h46Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)14:46Colchester station (COL)£1251One-way2 changes
- G80049+P01277+Tube from London Kings Cross to London Liverpool Street10:005h46Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)15:46Colchester station (COL)£1251One-way2 changes
- G25682+Tube from London Kings Cross to London Liverpool Street+P012638:265h50Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)14:16Colchester station (COL)£1241One-way2 changes
- G08170+P01082+Tube from London Kings Cross to London Liverpool Street5:376h00Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)11:37Colchester station (COL)£1101One-way2 changes
Travel Information
Compare coach, train and flight for Edinburgh to Colchester
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Edinburgh to Colchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the flight with prices starting from £42. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 22m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a flight costs an average of £42, and a train costs an average of £64.
Distance: 525 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight | Coach |
|---|---|---|
£86 Average Price | £62 Average Price Cheapest | £71 Average Price |
5h 55m Average total duration 5h 25m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 22m Average total duration Fastest 1h 22m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 13h 13m Average total duration 12h 43m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Most popular train company |  Most popular airline |  Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Edinburgh to Colchester train times
The table below shows live departures for Edinburgh to Colchester trains for tomorrow, Friday 21 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| G08170+P01082+Tube from London Kings Cross to London Liverpool Street | 5:37 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 6h00 | 11:37 Colchester station (COL) | 2 changes | |
| C01968 · C02042+P01279 · P01774 | 5:50 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 8h09 | 13:59 Colchester station (COL) | 3 changes | |
| C01968+Tube from London Kings Cross to London Liverpool Street+C04651 | 5:50 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 6h24 | 12:14 Colchester station (COL) | 2 changes | |
| G08180+Tube from London Kings Cross to London Liverpool Street+P01259 | 8:00 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 5h46 | 13:46 Colchester station (COL) | 2 changes | |
| G25682+Tube from London Kings Cross to London Liverpool Street+P01263 | 8:26 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 5h50 | 14:16 Colchester station (COL) | 2 changes | |
| G25682+Tube from London Kings Cross to London Liverpool Street+C04629 | 8:26 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 6h21 | 14:47 Colchester Town (CET) | 2 changes | |
| G08186+Tube from London Kings Cross to London Liverpool Street+P01268 | 9:00 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 5h46 | 14:46 Colchester station (COL) | 2 changes | |
| C02006+P67125 · P01777 | 9:30 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 6h31 | 16:01 Colchester station (COL) | 2 changes | |
| G80049+Tube from London Kings Cross to London Liverpool Street+P01277 | 10:00 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 5h46 | 15:46 Colchester station (COL) | 2 changes | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Edinburgh to Colchester 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.
Fri
21 Aug
21 Aug
Sat
22 Aug
22 Aug
Sun
23 Aug
23 Aug
Mon
24 Aug
24 Aug
Tue
25 Aug
25 Aug
Wed
26 Aug
26 Aug
Thu
27 Aug
27 Aug
Why should you book Edinburgh to Colchester trains with Omio?
London North Eastern Railway as well as Lumo offer trains services from Edinburgh to Colchester.
Omio is the only official third party seller for London North Eastern Railway tickets.
Why book with Omio vs London North Eastern Railway?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for London North Eastern Railway, but also compare tickets for the likes of Lumo to find the best option for your trip from Edinburgh to Colchester.
- 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 London North Eastern Railway with all available travel options, which are bus, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Edinburgh to Colchester.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Edinburgh to Colchester
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Edinburgh to Colchester run on average 7 times per day, taking around 5h 25m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £64 but you can travel from only £42 by flight.
The earliest train runs at 03:42, the last at 23:00. The fastest train covers the 525 km distance in 5h 50m.
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
Flight from £42
Distance 525 km |
Average train duration 5h 25m |
Cheapest ticket price £64 |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 5h 50m |
First train 3:42 |
Last train 23:00 |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sept |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 14 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
Flight from £42
Train companies: London North Eastern Railway, Lumo from Edinburgh to Colchester trainsLondon North Eastern Railway, Lumo trains will get you between Edinburgh and Colchester from £42. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
London North Eastern Railway
About
LNER is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates a wide range of services, from high-speed intercity trains to local services. Its most popular routes include London to Edinburgh, London to Leeds, and London to York. LNER offers a variety of train types, including the Azuma, InterCity 225, and HST. The Azuma is a modern, high-speed train that offers comfortable seating and onboard Wi-Fi. The InterCity 225 is a classic train that offers a more traditional experience. The HST is a high-speed train that offers a smooth ride and plenty of legroom. LNER offers a variety of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak. Advance tickets are the cheapest option and must be booked in advance. Anytime tickets are more expensive but can be used at any time. Off-Peak tickets are the most affordable option for travelling during off-peak times. Onboard facilities include comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. LNER also offers a range of discounts and special offers, making it an affordable and convenient way to travel.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
6h 31m
Cheapest Price
£64
London North Eastern Railway frequency
5 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
Refund policies apply as per ticket conditions
Refund
Full refund available if train is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, and light meals. First Class passengers receive complimentary refreshments
Seat reservation
Seat reservations are included with Advance tickets. Optional for other ticket types at £0-£2 per person depending on route
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, passenger assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on a lead. Maximum two pets per passenger
Quiet zone
Lumo
About
Lumo are an open access operator launched in 2021 owned by FirstGroup providing train travel from London to Scotland and the North-East of England. It runs between London and Edinburgh along the East Coast Main Line. Lumo trains offer 100% electric travel along with amenities like comforable seating, free WiFi & their LumoEats at-seat catering in their single Standard Class. Lumo offered two ticket types their advance tickets LumoFixed which are only valid on the date and train booked but are exchangeable prior to departure and their Anytime tickets which can be used on any Lumo train on the date of your ticket.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
5h 50m
Cheapest Price
£68
Lumo frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
One piece of hand luggage and one piece of hold luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage storage areas at the end of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refunds according to ticket type conditions
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled by operator
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, and light meals. First Class includes complimentary refreshments
Seat reservation
Seat reservation included with all tickets
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces available, accessible toilets, and staff assistance for boarding
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs on leads allowed with fee
Quiet zone
Complete guide to Colchester
Things to do in Colchester
Discover the best of Colchester — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Colchester trip today.
- Recommended
The Natural History Museum
Natural history museum in a former church, with displays on Essex wildlife, geology and environment, suited to families and curious visitors.
- Recommended
Hollytrees Museum
Museum charting the city’s social history, from everyday objects to changing local life, housed in a restored historic building.
- Must visit
Castle Park
Central park beside the castle with lawns, mature trees and Roman remains. Ideal for a stroll, picnic or pause between sights.
- Recommended
High Street
Historic main street lined with shops and civic buildings, useful for exploring the town centre and taking in everyday city life.
- Recommended
Dutch Quarter
Characterful district of timber-framed houses and narrow streets, known for its historic atmosphere and photogenic townscape.
- Gluten-free
Colchester Oysters
Native Colchester oysters, served raw or dressed. They have been harvested locally since Roman times and are the town’s best-known traditional food.
- Gluten-free
Smoked Eel
Smoked eel from the Essex coast and estuaries, traditionally cured and smoked for a rich flavour tied to local fishing heritage.
- Gluten-free
Essex Clanger
A traditional Essex bake made with potatoes, onions and pork or beef, slowly cooked until soft. It is a longstanding county comfort food.
Le Talbooth
Fine dining restaurant in Dedham Vale near Colchester, known for polished British cooking and a refined countryside setting.
Church Street Tavern
Established restaurant serving modern British dishes and seafood in a smart yet relaxed setting near the town centre.
Timbers
Popular casual venue for brunch, coffee and seasonal plates, with a friendly atmosphere and strong local reputation.
British pound sterling (£)
Moderate for England: hotels and dining cost less than London, but more than smaller UK towns. Buses are reasonable; central sightseeing is mostly low cost.
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 restaurants.
- Coffee
- £2.80-4 for cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service is sometimes included. If not, tip about 10% in restaurants for good service. Taxis are often rounded up or tipped 10%. Cafés usually do not expect tips, but small change is appreciated.
First Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2.50
- Day pass
- £5.80
To the city centre
Colchester Station -> Colchester High Street, Colchester
- Distance
- 2 km
- Travel time
- 15 min
- First Bus Essex single fares in Colchester are distance-based; standard adult singles start at £2.00 and are £2.50 for 0.5 to 2 miles.
- Contactless Tap & Cap is available on First Bus in Colchester, so you can pay by card or device and your daily spend is capped at the day ticket price.
FAQs: Edinburgh to Colchester train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Edinburgh to Colchester 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 Colchester, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Edinburgh to Colchester can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £64, while the average price tends to be around £86.
The train journey from Edinburgh to Colchester covers a distance of 525 km and takes approximately 5h 50m. Trains run 7 per day.
The train distance from Edinburgh to Colchester is 525 km.
The first train from Edinburgh to Colchester leaves at 3:42.
The last train from Edinburgh to Colchester departs at 23:00.
Trains from Edinburgh to Colchester run approximately 7 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Edinburgh to Colchester.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Edinburgh to Colchester.
To get from Edinburgh to Colchester, you can choose from several travel options including coach, train and flight.
There is no night train service from Edinburgh to Colchester.
The train station in Edinburgh that goes to Colchester is Edinburgh Waverley (EDB), and it arrives at Colchester station (COL).
The cheapest way to get from Edinburgh to Colchester is by flight, costing approximately £19.
Booking trains from Edinburgh to Colchester in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Edinburgh to Colchester offers a mix of scenic views, especially in the initial stages as it passes through the picturesque landscapes of Scotland and Northern England. However, as the train approaches more urban areas in the South, the scenery becomes more industrial and residential.
A day trip from Edinburgh to Colchester is not feasible as the journey takes 5h 50m. There are 6 trains per day for this route.
For a fulfilling visit to Colchester, two to three days should suffice to explore its historical sites, such as Colchester Castle and the Roman ruins, enjoy local museums, and experience the natural beauty of nearby areas like High Woods Country Park.
Yes, you can take the train from Edinburgh to Colchester.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Edinburgh and Colchester
Most Edinburgh to Colchester trains use the Edinburgh Waverley to Colchester station pair, with some services arriving at Colchester Town. Use this guide to compare Edinburgh and Colchester train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Edinburgh
Arrival train stations in Colchester
Edinburgh WaverleyPrinces St, Edinburgh EH1 1BB, United Kingdom+44 3457114141
City-centre transport
Getting to Edinburgh Waverley from Edinburgh city centre
BusUk090 · 12m · £0.90 · every ~32 min
Edinburgh Waverley train station facilities and services
Edinburgh Waverley has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food options include: Bagel Factory, Burger King, Caffè Nero, Costa Coffee, JD Wetherspoon, The Pasty Shop, The Beer House, M&S, Pret a Manger
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free public Wi-Fi available. ATMs are there are a few ATM machines around the station.
Tickets and information
The ticket office is open Mon - Sat: 05:00 - 23:59, Sun: 07:00 - 23:59. Information desks are information booths are located on the concourse. .
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is you can leave luggage at Excessive Baggage Company on Platform 2. . Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Edinburgh Waverley: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Edinburgh Waverley: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Edinburgh Waverley: Entrances are step free. Station is equipped with an elevator. Staffed with guide communicators for the deaf. Tactile warning strips are on the platform edges for the blind.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Old Waverley Hotel, Jurys Inn Edinburgh, The Scotsman Hotel.
Which Colchester station do trains from Edinburgh arrive at?
Trains from Edinburgh to Colchester most often arrive at Colchester. Some services arrive at Colchester Town, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Colchester arrival station.
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.
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.
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.
Most popular train connections from Edinburgh
More options for your journey from Edinburgh to Colchester
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Colchester and Edinburgh
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