EXETER to COLCHESTER train from £66 with Great Western Railway

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The cheapest and fastest trains from Exeter to Colchester

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 07 Oct

Cheapest price on 07 Oct

£63

Average ticket price on 07 Oct

£89

Fastest journey on 07 Oct

3 h 56 m

Average journey duration on 07 Oct

4 h 4 m

Trains on 07 Oct

Distance

334 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Exeter to Colchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Exeter to Colchester will cost around £89 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £63.

Fast trains

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

Y80277 · W34593+C37930+P67004
16:414h32
Exeter St Thomas (EXT)
21:13Colchester station (COL)
£631One-way
3 changes
Y80272 · W34589+P67255+C37838
15:424h22
Exeter St Thomas (EXT)
20:04Colchester station (COL)
£631One-way
3 changes
G14923+C37976+P67275
13:424h16
Exeter St Davids (EXD)
17:58Colchester station (COL)
£631One-way
2 changes
Y80266 · W34583+P66993+C38121
14:434h32
Exeter St Thomas (EXT)
19:15Colchester station (COL)
£731One-way
3 changes
Y80260 · G14924+P66988+C37999
13:424h33
Exeter St Thomas (EXT)
18:15Colchester station (COL)
£731One-way
3 changes

Journey information

Overview: Train from Exeter to Colchester

United Kingdom

Trains from Exeter to Colchester run on average 12 times per day, taking around 3h 34m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £66 if you book in advance.

The earliest train runs at 00:42, the last at 22:00. The fastest train covers the 334 km distance in 3h 19m.

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

334 km

Average train duration

3h 34m

Cheapest ticket price

£66

Trains per day

Fastest train

3h 19m

First train

0:42

Last train

22:00

Cheapest Month

Oct

Cheapest Day

Wed

High Season

Jul - Sept

Low Season

Jan - Mar

Best time to book

7 days

Price information

Live departures

Exeter to Colchester train times

The table below shows live departures for Exeter to Colchester trains for tomorrow, Wednesday 7 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at

Provider	Departs	Duration	Arrives	Changes
W34572+P66964+C38175	12:15 Exeter St Davids (EXD)	3h58	16:13 Colchester station (COL)	2 changes
G01075+W35434+C37861+P01285	12:27 Exeter St Davids (EXD)	4h18	16:45 Colchester station (COL)	3 changes
Y80254 · W34577+C37877+P66980	12:42 Exeter St Thomas (EXT)	4h29	17:11 Colchester station (COL)	3 changes
W34577+C37877+P66980	13:15 Exeter St Davids (EXD)	3h56	17:11 Colchester station (COL)	2 changes
G01080+W35188+C37952+P66984	13:27 Exeter St Davids (EXD)	4h12	17:39 Colchester station (COL)	3 changes
G14923+C37976+P67275	13:42 Exeter St Davids (EXD)	4h16	17:58 Colchester station (COL)	2 changes
Y80260 · G14924+C37999+P66988	13:42 Exeter St Thomas (EXT)	4h33	18:15 Colchester station (COL)	3 changes
G14924+P66988+C37999	14:15 Exeter St Davids (EXD)	4h00	18:15 Colchester station (COL)	2 changes
Y80266 · W34583+P66993+C38121	14:43 Exeter St Thomas (EXT)	4h32	19:15 Colchester station (COL)	3 changes
Y80272 · W34589+C37838+P67255	15:42 Exeter St Thomas (EXT)	4h22	20:04 Colchester station (COL)	3 changes
Y80277 · W34593+P67004+C37930	16:41 Exeter St Thomas (EXT)	4h32	21:13 Colchester station (COL)	3 changes
Y80279+G00730+G15050+C37993	17:06 Exeter St Thomas (EXT)	4h58	22:04 Colchester station (COL)	4 changes
This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Why should you book Exeter to Colchester trains with Omio?

Great Western Railway operates all trains services from Exeter to Colchester.

Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Exeter to Colchester.

Why book with Omio vs Great 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 Great Western Railway with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Exeter to Colchester.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu?

Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Exeter to Colchester.

Train companies: Great Western Railway from Exeter to Colchester trainsGreat Western Railway trains will get you between Exeter and Colchester from £66. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Great Western Railway

About

Great Western Railway is a train operating company in the United Kingdom. It operates services from London Paddington to the West of England, South Wales and the Cotswolds. It also operates services from London Paddington to Oxford, Reading and Bristol. It offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, air conditioning and catering services. The most popular routes for Great Western Railway are London Paddington to Bristol, Reading and Oxford.

Luggage & cancellation policy

Average Great Western Railway Duration

3h 19m

Cheapest Great Western Railway Price

£66

Great Western Railway frequency

12 a day

Luggage included

Two pieces of luggage and one piece of hand luggage included in ticket price

Luggage storage

Overhead racks, dedicated luggage areas at 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

Cafe bar serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, sandwiches. First Class at-seat service on some routes

Seat reservation

Optional seat reservations available for a fee. Free in First Class

Toilets

USB plugs

Accessibility

Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance service available

Pets

Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger

Quiet zone

Learn more about Great Western Railway

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.

Must visit

Colchester Castle Museum

Main city museum inside the castle, covering Roman Colchester, local archaeology and later history in a dramatic historic setting.

View on map Visit website

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.

View on map Visit website

Recommended

Hollytrees Museum

Museum charting the city’s social history, from everyday objects to changing local life, housed in a restored historic building.

View on map Visit website

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.

Best day trips from Colchester by train

The most popular day trips by train from Colchester are London, Ipswich, Norwich, Chelmsford and Stratford. Find out what you can do in these day trip destinations and how to book your train from Colchester on Omio.

Day trip from Colchester to London by train

Why visit London for the day?

London blends royal history with modern city life, known for its museums, theatre and global food scene. Along the Thames, grand landmarks sit beside diverse neighbourhoods shaped by finance, fashion and contemporary culture.

How to get from Colchester to London by train?

There are 8 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 83 km distance in 45m.

Find tickets to London

Day trip from Colchester to Ipswich by train

Why visit Ipswich for the day?

Ipswich is one of England’s oldest towns, known for its waterfront and maritime past. Its medieval streets, parks and Suffolk atmosphere make it feel historic yet lived-in.

How to get from Colchester to Ipswich by train?

There are 7 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:02, the last at 23:55. The fastest train covers the 26 km distance in 18m.

Find tickets to Ipswich

Day trip from Colchester to Norwich by train

Why visit Norwich for the day?

Norwich is known for its Norman cathedral, medieval lanes and strong independent character. Its historic market, literary links and mix of old churches and creative spaces give it a lively but relaxed feel.

How to get from Colchester to Norwich by train?

There are 8 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:02, the last at 23:51. The fastest train covers the 86 km distance in 56m.

Find tickets to Norwich

Day trip from Colchester to Chelmsford by train

Why visit Chelmsford for the day?

Chelmsford is Essex’s county city, known for its cathedral and its links to Guglielmo Marconi. A compact centre, riverside parks and a relaxed modern feel give it an easy balance of history and everyday city life.

How to get from Colchester to Chelmsford by train?

There are 10 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:06, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 34 km distance in 17m.

Find tickets to Chelmsford

Day trip from Colchester to Stratford by train

Why visit Stratford for the day?

Stratford-upon-Avon is best known as Shakespeare’s birthplace, with a historic centre of Tudor buildings and riverside theatre. It feels like a traditional English market town, shaped by literary heritage, calm walks along the Avon and a steady cultural atmosphere.

How to get from Colchester to Stratford by train?

There are 8 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:09, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 73 km distance in 39m.

Find tickets to Stratford

FAQs: Exeter to Colchester train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Exeter 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 Exeter to Colchester can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £66, while the average price tends to be around £95.

The train journey from Exeter to Colchester covers a distance of 334 km and takes approximately 3h 19m. Trains run 12 per day.

The train distance from Exeter to Colchester is 334 km.

The first train from Exeter to Colchester leaves at 0:42.

The last train from Exeter to Colchester departs at 22:00.

Trains from Exeter to Colchester run approximately 12 times per day.

Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Exeter to Colchester.

Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Exeter to Colchester.

There is no night train service from Exeter to Colchester.

The train station in Exeter that goes to Colchester is Exeter St Davids (EXD), and it arrives at Colchester station (COL).

Booking trains from Exeter 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 Exeter to Colchester offers a mix of scenic views, especially through the rolling hills and countryside of Devon and Somerset, before transitioning into more urban landscapes as you approach Colchester.

Yes, you can take the train from Exeter to Colchester.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Exeter and Colchester

Most Exeter to Colchester trains use the Exeter St Davids to Colchester station pair. Use this guide to compare Exeter and Colchester train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Exeter

Arrival train stations in Colchester

Which Exeter station do trains to Colchester leave from?

Trains from Exeter to Colchester leave from Exeter St Thomas. The station is 1 km from Exeter city centre at Exeter St Thomas station, Cowick Street, Exeter, Devon, EX4 1AJ.

Exeter St ThomasExeter St Thomas station, Cowick Street, Exeter, Devon, EX4 1AJ Wifi

City-centre transport

Getting to Exeter St Thomas from Exeter city centre

Exeter St Thomas is 1 km from Exeter city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainExmouth - Paignton · 21m · £0.89 · every ~2 min

BusA, B, C, E, P · 9m · £2 · every ~44 min

Exeter St Thomas train station facilities and services

Exeter St Thomas has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Exeter St Thomas.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Exeter St Thomas.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Exeter St Thomas: Parking.

Bike and car services

Available at Exeter St Thomas: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Exeter St Thomas: Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Step free Category C Station - This station does not have step free access to any platform. Safety warning - Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge. Please take extra care when using this station, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are not available, 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.

More about Exeter St Thomas

Exeter St DavidsExeter St Davids station, Bonhay Road, Exeter, Devon, EX4 4NT+44 3451652030 Wifi

City-centre transport

Getting to Exeter St Davids from Exeter city centre

Exeter St Davids is 1 km from Exeter city centre. Public transport options include:

Bus355, 6A, 5B, 4A, 4, 66 · 6m · £2 · every ~20 min

4, 4A, Uni, K · 8m · £2 · every ~19 min

Exeter St Davids train station facilities and services

Exeter St Davids has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.