- 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 Leicester to Colchester
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 20 Sept
Cheapest price on 20 Sept
£48
Average ticket price on 20 Sept
£108
Fastest journey on 20 Sept
3 h 29 m
Average journey duration on 20 Sept
4 h 4 m
Trains on 20 Sept
6
Distance
162 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Leicester to Colchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Leicester to Colchester will cost around £108 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £48.
Fast trains
To travel from Leicester to Colchester you need to make at least 3 changes.
EM729800 · C21881+
C36836+
P672057:594h12Leicester station (LEI)12:11Colchester station (COL)£481One-way4 changes- EM744100 · C21857+
P85919+P012478:473h29Leicester station (LEI)12:16Colchester station (COL)£1201One-way3 changes - EM744100 · C21857+
Tube from London St Pancras International to Stratford (London)+P672098:474h24Leicester station (LEI)13:11Colchester station (COL)£1201One-way3 changes - EM729800 · C21881+P01247+Tube from London St Pancras International to Stratford (London)7:594h17Leicester station (LEI)12:16Colchester station (COL)£1201One-way3 changes
- EM744000 · C21856+P67209+P856659:024h09Leicester station (LEI)13:11Colchester station (COL)£1201One-way3 changes
- EM744100 · C21857+P85919+P012478:473h29Leicester station (LEI)12:16Colchester station (COL)£1201One-way3 changes
- EM744000 · C21856+P67209+P856659:024h09Leicester station (LEI)13:11Colchester station (COL)£1201One-way3 changes
- EM729800 · C21881+C36836+P672057:594h12Leicester station (LEI)12:11Colchester station (COL)£481One-way4 changes
- EM729800 · C21881+P67205+P856567:594h12Leicester station (LEI)12:11Colchester station (COL)£1201One-way3 changes
- EM729800 · C21881+P01247+Tube from London St Pancras International to Stratford (London)7:594h17Leicester station (LEI)12:16Colchester station (COL)£1201One-way3 changes
Travel Information
Compare coach and train for Leicester to Colchester
Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Leicester to Colchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £31 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 51m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £31, while a train costs an average of £97.
Distance: 162 km
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£97 Average Price | £31 Average Price Cheapest | £32 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 51m Average total duration Fastest 2h 21m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 4m Average total duration 3h 34m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 49m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Leicester to Colchester is a coach with an average price of £31.
This is compared to other travel options from Leicester to Colchester:
A coach is £66 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Leicester to Colchester costing on average £97.
The fastest way to travel from Leicester to Colchester is by train with an average journey time of 2h 21m.
Other travel options to Colchester take longer:
Coach takes on average 3h 34m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Leicester and Colchester including taking a coach and train.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.
You'll arrive about 28m sooner (2h 21m by train vs 2h 49m by car). Tickets start at around £97 compared to roughly £32 in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
Live departures
Leicester to Colchester train times
The table below shows live departures for Leicester to Colchester trains for today, Saturday 19 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
P01778 · P67126+ XC023500 | Delayed 12:52 12:10Leicester station (LEI) | 3h49 | 15:59 Colchester station (COL) | 2 changes | |
 Y14774+Tube from London Euston to Stratford (London)+P67232+XC032200 | Delayed 12:48 12:50Leicester station (LEI) | 4h14 | 17:04 Colchester station (COL) | 3 changes | |
 C17946+Tube from London Euston to Stratford (London)+P01289+XC001300 | Delayed 13:11 13:00Leicester station (LEI) | 4h16 | 17:16 Colchester station (COL) | 3 changes | |
| EM715600 · C21538+P85690+P67232 | On time 13:10 Leicester station (LEI) | 3h54 | 17:04 Colchester station (COL) | 3 changes | |
| P01781 · P67144+XC023300 | Delayed 14:52 14:10Leicester station (LEI) | 3h49 | 17:59 Colchester station (COL) | 2 changes | |
| XC001100+C17950+Tube from London Euston to Stratford (London)+P01308 | On time 15:00 Leicester station (LEI) | 4h16 | 19:16 Colchester station (COL) | 3 changes | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Leicester to Colchester 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.
Sun
20 Sept
20 Sept
Mon
21 Sept
21 Sept
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22 Sept
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26 Sept
26 Sept
Why should you book Leicester to Colchester trains with Omio?
East Midlands Railway operates all trains services from Leicester to Colchester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Leicester to Colchester.
Why book with Omio vs East Midlands 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 East Midlands Railway with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Leicester to Colchester.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Rome2rio?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Leicester to Colchester.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Leicester to Colchester
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Leicester to Colchester run on average 7 times per day, taking around 2h 21m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £42 but you can travel from only £29 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 04:41, the last at 22:15. The fastest train covers the 162 km distance in 2h 54m.
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 £29
Distance 162 km |
Average train duration 2h 21m |
Cheapest ticket price £42 |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 2h 54m |
First train 4:41 |
Last train 22:15 |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 1 day |
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 £29
Train companies: East Midlands Railway from Leicester to Colchester trainsEast Midlands Railway trains will get you between Leicester and Colchester from £29. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
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
2h 54m
Cheapest East Midlands Railway Price
£42
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
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: Leicester to Colchester train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Leicester 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 Leicester to Colchester can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £47, while the average price tends to be around £106.
The train journey from Leicester to Colchester covers a distance of 162 km and takes approximately 2h 2m. Trains run 5 per day.
The train distance from Leicester to Colchester is 162 km.
The first train from Leicester to Colchester leaves at 4:41.
The last train from Leicester to Colchester departs at 22:15.
Trains from Leicester to Colchester run approximately 5 times per day.
Yes, there is a high-speed train service from Leicester to Colchester.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Leicester to Colchester.
To get from Leicester to Colchester, you can choose from several travel options including coach and train.
There is no night train service from Leicester to Colchester.
The train station in Leicester that goes to Colchester is Leicester station (LEI), and it arrives at Colchester station (COL).
The cheapest way to get from Leicester to Colchester is by coach, costing approximately £38.
Booking trains from Leicester 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 Leicester to Colchester offers a pleasant view of the English countryside, featuring rolling hills, picturesque fields, and charming villages, especially as you travel through regions like Leicestershire and Essex.
A day trip from Leicester to Colchester is not feasible as the journey takes 2h 2m. Trains run 6 times per day.
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 Leicester to Colchester.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Leicester and Colchester
Most Leicester to Colchester trains use the Leicester to Colchester station pair, with some services arriving at Hythe (Essex). Use this guide to compare Leicester and Colchester train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Leicester
Arrival train stations in Colchester
Which Leicester station do trains to Colchester leave from?
Trains from Leicester to Colchester leave from Leicester. The station is 1 km from Leicester city centre at Leicester station, London Road, Leicester, Leicestershire, LE2 0QB.
LeicesterLeicester station, London Road, Leicester, Leicestershire, LE2 0QB+44 8457125678
City-centre transport
Getting to Leicester from Leicester city centre
BusX7 · 4m · £2 · every ~3 min
16 · 7m · every ~6 min
Hop · 11m · £2 · every ~14 min
Leicester train station facilities and services
Leicester has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Leicester.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Leicester. ATMs are available at Leicester.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Leicester. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 08000 11 33 23, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Leicester: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Leicester: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Leicester: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category A access station. There is step free access to the main entrance and lifts to all platforms. Customers with wheelchairs who require assistance on graduated slopes should press the ticket gate 'assistance' button located at the bottom of the stairs near the self service ticket machines. To ensure availability of staff to assist, it is imperative that customers book assistance in advance. This station has tactile paving at the edge of all platforms and at the bottom of all staircases, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this 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: Yes.
Which Colchester station do trains from Leicester arrive at?
Trains from Leicester to Colchester most often arrive at Colchester. Some services arrive at Hythe (Essex), 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.
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 Leicester
More options for your journey from Leicester to Colchester
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Colchester and Leicester
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