- 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 Liverpool to Colchester
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 17 Sept
Cheapest price on 17 Sept
£87
Average ticket price on 17 Sept
£156
Fastest journey on 17 Sept
4 h 3 m
Average journey duration on 17 Sept
4 h 11 m
Trains on 17 Sept
6
Distance
312 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Liverpool to Colchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Liverpool to Colchester will cost around £156 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £87.
Fast trains
To travel from Liverpool to Colchester you need to make at least 2 changes.
W34119+
P01259+
Tube from London Euston to London Liverpool Street+
C169279:104h36Moorfields (MRF)13:46Colchester station (COL)£871One-way4 changes- W34085+P66950+Tube from London Euston to London Liverpool Street9:084h05Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)13:13Colchester station (COL)£1031One-way2 changes
- W34090+
G30852+P01259+Tube from London Euston to London Liverpool Street9:104h36Moorfields (MRF)13:46Colchester station (COL)£1031One-way4 changes - W33955+C04652+Tube from London Euston to London Liverpool Street8:074h07Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)12:14Colchester station (COL)£2031One-way2 changes
- W34170+P01250+Tube from London Euston to London Liverpool Street8:434h03Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)12:46Colchester station (COL)£2031One-way2 changes
- W34170+P01250+Tube from London Euston to London Liverpool Street8:434h03Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)12:46Colchester station (COL)£2031One-way2 changes
- W34089+C16920+C04652+Tube from London Euston to London Liverpool Street8:104h04Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)12:14Colchester station (COL)£2361One-way3 changes
- W34085+P66950+Tube from London Euston to London Liverpool Street9:084h05Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)13:13Colchester station (COL)£1031One-way2 changes
- W33955+C04652+Tube from London Euston to London Liverpool Street8:074h07Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)12:14Colchester station (COL)£2031One-way2 changes
- W34119+P01259+Tube from London Euston to London Liverpool Street+C169279:104h36Moorfields (MRF)13:46Colchester station (COL)£871One-way4 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Liverpool to Colchester
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Liverpool to Colchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £32 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 4h 4m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.3kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £32, while a train costs an average of £60.
Distance: 312 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£60 Average Price | £32 Average Price Cheapest | £74 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 4m Average total duration Fastest 3h 34m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 7m Average total duration 8h 37m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 49m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.8kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The cheapest way to travel from Liverpool to Colchester is a coach with an average price of £32.
This is compared to other travel options from Liverpool to Colchester:
A coach is £28 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Liverpool to Colchester costing on average £60.
The fastest way to travel from Liverpool to Colchester is by train with an average journey time of 3h 34m.
Other travel options to Colchester take longer:
Coach takes on average 8h 37m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Liverpool and Colchester including taking a train and coach.
Take the train. On this route, it beats driving on both time and money.
The journey is about 1h 15m faster (3h 34m by train vs 4h 49m by car) and roughly £15 cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls (£60 vs £74). 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.
Live departures
Liverpool to Colchester train times
The table below shows live departures for Liverpool to Colchester trains for tomorrow, Thursday 17 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| W33955+C04652+Tube from London Euston to London Liverpool Street | 8:07 Liverpool Lime Street (LIV) | 4h07 | 12:14 Colchester station (COL) | 2 changes | |
| W34089+C04652+Tube from London Euston to London Liverpool Street+C16920 | 8:10 Liverpool Lime Street (LIV) | 4h04 | 12:14 Colchester station (COL) | 3 changes | |
| W34170+Tube from London Euston to London Liverpool Street+P01250 | 8:43 Liverpool Lime Street (LIV) | 4h03 | 12:46 Colchester station (COL) | 2 changes | |
| W34085+Tube from London Euston to London Liverpool Street+P66950 | 9:08 Liverpool Lime Street (LIV) | 4h05 | 13:13 Colchester station (COL) | 2 changes | |
| W34119+C16927+Tube from London Euston to London Liverpool Street+G30852 | 9:10 Moorfields (MRF) | 4h36 | 13:46 Colchester station (COL) | 4 changes | |
| W34090+G30852+Tube from London Euston to London Liverpool Street+C16927 | 9:10 Moorfields (MRF) | 4h36 | 13:46 Colchester station (COL) | 4 changes | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Liverpool to Colchester by train or coach
Compare train and coach 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.
Thu
17 Sept
17 Sept
Fri
18 Sept
18 Sept
Sat
19 Sept
19 Sept
Sun
20 Sept
20 Sept
Mon
21 Sept
21 Sept
Tue
22 Sept
22 Sept
Wed
23 Sept
23 Sept
Why should you book Liverpool to Colchester trains with Omio?
Avanti West Coast operates all trains services from Liverpool to Colchester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Liverpool to Colchester.
Why book with Omio vs Avanti West Coast?
- 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 Avanti West Coast with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Liverpool to Colchester.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Raileurope?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Liverpool to Colchester.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Liverpool to Colchester
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Liverpool to Colchester run on average 6 times per day, taking around 3h 34m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £60 but you can travel from only £32 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 04:41, the last at 20:51. The fastest train covers the 312 km distance in 4h 3m.
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 £32
Distance 312 km |
Average train duration 3h 34m |
Cheapest ticket price £60 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 4h 3m |
First train 4:41 |
Last train 20:51 |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sept |
Best time to book 35 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
Coach from £32
Train companies: Avanti West Coast from Liverpool to Colchester trainsAvanti West Coast trains will get you between Liverpool and Colchester from £32. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Avanti West Coast
About
Avanti West Coast is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates high-speed trains between London and major cities in the UK, including Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow and Edinburgh. The company offers a range of ticket types, including Standard, First Class and Advance tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, comfortable seating and a range of food and drinks. The most popular routes for Avanti West Coast are London to Birmingham, London to Manchester and London to Glasgow. The company operates a fleet of Pendolino and Super Voyager trains, which offer a smooth and comfortable journey.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Avanti West Coast Duration
4h 3m
Cheapest Avanti West Coast Price
£60
Avanti West Coast frequency
16 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
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
First Class: Complimentary meals and drinks. Standard Class: Onboard shop with drinks and snacks
Seat reservation
First Class: Included in ticket price. Standard Class: Optional reservation for £8-12
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance for boarding/alighting available
Pets
Small pets free in carriers. Dogs £30 per single journey. Guide dogs free
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: Liverpool to Colchester train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Liverpool 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 Liverpool to Colchester can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £60, while the average price tends to be around £60.
The train journey from Liverpool to Colchester covers a distance of 312 km and takes approximately 4h 3m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train distance from Liverpool to Colchester is 312 km.
The first train from Liverpool to Colchester leaves at 4:41.
The last train from Liverpool to Colchester departs at 20:51.
Trains from Liverpool to Colchester run approximately 6 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Liverpool to Colchester.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Liverpool to Colchester.
To get from Liverpool to Colchester, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Liverpool to Colchester.
The train station in Liverpool that goes to Colchester is Liverpool Lime Street (LIV), and it arrives at Colchester station (COL).
The cheapest way to get from Liverpool to Colchester is by coach, costing approximately £32.
Booking trains from Liverpool 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 Liverpool to Colchester offers views of the English countryside, passing through areas such as the rolling hills of the Midlands and the scenic landscapes of East Anglia, although it is not considered one of the most picturesque routes in the UK.
A day trip from Liverpool to Colchester is not feasible as the journey duration is 4h 3m. Trains run 5 times per day for this 312 km journey.
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 Liverpool to Colchester.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Liverpool and Colchester
Most Liverpool to Colchester trains use the Liverpool Lime Street to Colchester station pair, with some services arriving at Hythe (Essex). Use this guide to compare Liverpool and Colchester train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Liverpool
Arrival train stations in Colchester
Liverpool Lime StreetLime St, Liverpool L1 1JD, United Kingdom+44 3457114141
City-centre transport
Getting to Liverpool Lime Street from Liverpool city centre
Suburban train linesWirral Line (green)
Bus lines9, 10, 61, 82, 79, 86C, 500
Train linesNorthern, West Midlands, TransPennine Express, East Midlands, Avanti West Coast, Transport for Wales, London Northwestern
Location for Rail Replacement ServicesRail replacement services depart at the Bus stop on Skelhorne Street, near the Tesco Express. L3 5GA.
Liverpool Lime Street train station facilities and services
Liverpool Lime Street 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, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food options include: Caffè Nero, Costa Coffee, Upper Crust, Starbucks, JD Wetherspoon
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free public Wi-Fi available. ATMs are located near Platform 7.
Tickets and information
The ticket office is open Mon - Sat: 05:00 - 23:38, Sun: 07:15 - 23:05. Information desks are located in the main concourse.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is the Excess Baggage Co. lockers and staffed luggage storage counter are located in the main concourse near the escalators across from Platform 6. Open daily 08:00 to 21:00. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Liverpool Lime Street: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Liverpool Lime Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Liverpool Lime Street: Full wheelchair access throughout the station, with help points at the Skelhorne Street entrance and at customer information desk in the main concourse.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Pembroke Studios, Riley’s Rooms, Holiday Inn Liverpool City Center.
Liverpool CentralLiverpool Central station, Ranelagh Street, Liverpool, Merseyside, L1 1JT
City-centre transport
Getting to Liverpool Central from Liverpool city centre
BusN1 · 21m · £4
City Explorer 101 · 32m · every ~3 min
Liverpool Central train station facilities and services
Liverpool Central 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, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Liverpool Central.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Liverpool Central. ATMs are available at Liverpool Central.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Liverpool Central. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0151 555 1111, 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 Liverpool Central: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Liverpool Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Liverpool Central: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A: “This station has step free access to all platforms / the platform” All platforms can be accessed via lift, Accessible ticket machines: There are no 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.
Liverpool James StreetLiverpool James Street station, James Street, Liverpool, Merseyside, L2 7PQ
City-centre transport
Getting to Liverpool James Street from Liverpool city centre
Liverpool James Street is 1 km from Liverpool city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainWest Kirby - West Kirby, Chester - Chester, Hooton - Chester, Ellesmere Port - Birkenhead Hamilton Square, Rock Ferry - West Kirby, Rock Ferry - Ellesmere Port, Ellesmere Port - Ellesmere Port, New Brighton - New Brighton, Moorfields - Chester, Ellesmere Port - Chester, Hooton - Ellesmere Port, Birkenhead Hamilton Square - West Kirby · 3m · £0.90 · every ~22 min
Bus10A · 8m · £4 · every ~25 min
838 · 13m
Liverpool James Street train station facilities and services
Liverpool James Street 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, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Liverpool James Street.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Liverpool James Street. ATMs are available at Liverpool James Street.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Liverpool James Street. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0151 555 1111, 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 Liverpool James Street: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Liverpool James Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Liverpool James Street: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A: “This station has step free access to all platforms / the platform”The Ticket Office is step free via James Street only and platforms can be accessed via lifts, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Which Colchester station do trains from Liverpool arrive at?
Trains from Liverpool 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 Liverpool
More options for your journey from Liverpool to Colchester
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Colchester and Liverpool
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