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London to Colchester train with Abellio Greater Anglia

Fri 16 Jan
+ Add return
Abellio Greater Anglia
Great Western Rail
Avanti West Coast
West Midlands Trains
Deutsche Bahn
1,000+ travel companies
Abellio Greater Anglia
Great Western Rail
Avanti West Coast
West Midlands Trains
Deutsche Bahn
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from London to Colchester

Showing times and prices for 16 Jan

Cheapest price

£22

Average price

£31

Fastest journey

46 m

Average duration

52 m

Trains per day

6

Distance

83 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from London to Colchester will cost around £31 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £22.

Fast trains

Of the 6 trains that leave London for Colchester every day 6 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

These direct trains cover the 83 km distance in an average of 52 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 46 m .

The slowest trains will take 1 h 3 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.

Abellio Greater AngliaP47530
09:000h46
London Liverpool Street (LST)
09:46Colchester station (COL)
£221One-way
0 changes
Abellio Greater AngliaP47524
08:300h47
London Liverpool Street (LST)
09:17Colchester station (COL)
£241One-way
0 changes
Abellio Greater AngliaP47522
08:000h48
London Liverpool Street (LST)
08:48Colchester station (COL)
£241One-way
0 changes
Abellio Greater AngliaP47412
08:160h57
London Liverpool Street (LST)
09:13Colchester station (COL)
£271One-way
0 changes
Abellio Greater AngliaP46993
08:361h03
London Liverpool Street (LST)
09:39Colchester station (COL)
£441One-way
0 changes

Travel Information

Compare train and coach for London to Colchester

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from London to Colchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from £13. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 53m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £13, and a coach costs an average of £22.

Distance: 83 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach

£25

Average Price

Cheapest

£36

Average Price

1h 23m

Average total duration

Fastest

53m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

2h 44m

Average total duration

2h 14m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.0 - 0.1kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

Abellio Greater Anglia

Most popular train company

National Express

Most popular bus company

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

London to Colchester train times

The table below shows live departures for London to Colchester trains for today, Thursday 15 January. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 13:00
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
greater_anglia18:00 London
0h45
18:45 Colchester0 changesdirect
greater_anglia22:48 London
1h11
23:59 Colchester0 changesdirect
Friday 16 January
greater_angliaP47522
On time
08:00 London Liverpool Street (LST)
0h48
08:48 Colchester station (COL)
0 changesdirect
greater_angliaP47680
On time
08:02 London Liverpool Street (LST)
1h04
09:06 Colchester station (COL)
0 changesdirect
greater_angliaP47412
On time
08:16 London Liverpool Street (LST)
0h57
09:13 Colchester station (COL)
0 changesdirect
greater_angliaP47524
On time
08:30 London Liverpool Street (LST)
0h47
09:17 Colchester station (COL)
0 changesdirect
greater_angliaP46993
On time
08:36 London Liverpool Street (LST)
1h03
09:39 Colchester station (COL)
0 changesdirect
greater_angliaP47530
On time
09:00 London Liverpool Street (LST)
0h46
09:46 Colchester station (COL)
0 changesdirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets London 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.

Fri
16 Jan
Sat
17 Jan
Sun
18 Jan
Mon
19 Jan
Tue
20 Jan
Wed
21 Jan
Thu
22 Jan

How far in advance should I book train tickets from London to Colchester?

The best time to book your train from London to Colchester is 35 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the London to Colchester route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from London to Colchester per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from London to Colchester.

Journey information

Overview: Train from London to Colchester

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from London to Colchester run on average 10 times per day, taking around 53m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £13 if you book in advance.

There are 9 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 83 km distance in 46m.

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
83 km
Average train duration
53m
Cheapest ticket price
£13
Trains per day
10
Direct trains
9
Fastest train
46m
First train
00:01
Last train
23:58
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: Abellio Greater Anglia from London to Colchester trainsAbellio Greater Anglia trains will get you between London and Colchester from £13. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Abellio 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 Duration
45m
Cheapest Price
£11
Abellio Greater Anglia frequency
9 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

Trains from London to Colchester 

The train from London to Colchester takes approximately 1 hour, with the fastest intercity service taking just 45 minutes. Trains from London Liverpool Street to Colchester operate throughout the day, every day of the week. The route is covered by Greater Anglia.

London to Colchester train times: Daily departures 

Trains on this journey are frequent, with multiple services per hour during peak times. From Monday to Friday, there are more than 100 services per day from London to Colchester. The earliest trains from Monday to Saturday depart before 5:30 a.m., and the first train on Sunday departs just before 8:00 a.m. The last train departs after midnight every day.

How long is the journey by train from London to Colchester? 

All trains from London to Colchester are direct. The fastest trains on this route are intercity services that take just 45 minutes to reach Colchester from London. There are several regional trains on this route as well. These involve more stops and take between one and 1.25 hours.

What are the departure and arrival stations for trains from London to Colchester? 

Departure train station: Trains from London to Colchester depart from London Liverpool Street in the city's financial district. The major transport hub is easily accessible by public transport from anywhere in the city. The station boasts numerous facilities, including ATMs, gift shops, newsagents, food outlets, a pharmacy, toilets, luggage storage, and a ticket office.

Arrival train stations: Most trains, including all intercity services, arrive at Colchester Railway Station. The town's main train station, Colchester is a 20-minute walk or a 10-minute bus journey north from the town centre. Colchester Railway Station has many facilities, including a newsagent, waiting areas, food outlets, an ATM, step-free access, and toilets. A few trains from London also arrive at Colchester Town Railway Station in the centre. The station has one platform, a waiting area, and a ticket machine.

Which train companies travel from London to Colchester? 

All train services from London to Colchester are operated by Greater Anglia, the main rail provider for the eastern UK.

Greater Anglia London to Colchester 

Greater Anglia operates frequent trains from London to Colchester. Trains depart from early in the morning until late at night throughout the week, with multiple services departing per hour. All trains on this journey are direct but vary in duration according to the number of stops. The fastest Greater Anglia trains are intercity services and take just 45 minutes to reach Colchester from London.

London to Colchester trains: Services on board 

Passengers travelling from London to Colchester can reserve first-class seats on all intercity services and some other services. First-class passengers can enjoy complimentary refreshments, spacious seating, and power sockets. All trains from London to Colchester have toilets and WiFi, and most have a quiet coach and café bar. 

Greater Anglia has an extensive assisted travel scheme for those with mobility issues. Passengers should contact the assisted travel team at least 12 hours before departure for service. Passengers who wish to take a bicycle on board can do so by reserving a space in advance.Only foldable bikes can be taken on trains departing Liverpool Street Station between 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Passengers are also permitted to take up to two small pets, provided they are not placed on a seat. 

How to find cheap train tickets from London to Colchester

Booking a ticket in advance is the easiest way to find a train ticket for less. Discounted tickets are available for both standard and first-class seats. Other ways to save include booking a ticket for a slower train and being flexible about travel times and dates.

FAQs: London to Colchester train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from London 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.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from London to Colchester can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £13, while the average price tends to be around £25.
The train journey from London to Colchester covers a distance of 83 km and takes approximately 46m. Trains run 10 per day.
The train distance from London to Colchester is 83 km.
The first train from London to Colchester leaves at 0:01.
The last train from London to Colchester departs at 23:58.
Trains from London to Colchester run approximately 10 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from London to Colchester.
Yes, there is a direct train between London and Colchester. The service operates 9 times per day, provided by Abellio Greater Anglia.
To get from London to Colchester, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from London to Colchester.
The train station in London that goes to Colchester is London Liverpool Street (LST), and it arrives at Colchester station (COL).
The cheapest way to get from London to Colchester is by train, costing approximately £13.
Booking trains from London 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 London to Colchester offers pleasant views of the English countryside, with glimpses of rolling hills, fields, and charming villages, providing a relaxing and scenic experience.
Yes, a day trip from London to Colchester is feasible. The journey takes 46m, covering a distance of 83 km, with trains running 10 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 London to Colchester.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in London and Colchester

London
Colchester
The major train station for departures in London is London Liverpool Street. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at London Liverpool Street for your trip from London to Colchester.
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday 03:10 - 01:00 Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday 04:00 - 01:00 Friday,Saturday,Sunday 03:40 - 01:00 Adjacent to Platform 10
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
3 km
Shopping
Shopping
  • Type of shops available: Wide range of shops
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: No
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Staff help available: Yes
  • Step free access coverage: Yes
  • Step free access note: All the platforms are on the same level. There are lifts and escalators available to get to the Liverpool Street bus station and shops.
  • Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available at the taxi rank along platform 10 (during station opening hours) and outside the station entrance (during station closing hours)
  • Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
  • Accessible toilets: Yes
  • Ramp for train access: Yes
  • Wheelchairs available: Yes
  • Wheelchairs available open hours: Monday - Sunday 24 Hours a Day
  • Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes
WC
WC
  • Toilets Location: The Station Public toilets are located down the stairs, opposite platform 11. Accessible toilets and baby changing facilities are available adjacent to platform 10.
  • National key toilets: Yes
  • National key toilets location: Adjacent to Platform 10 and can be operated by a radar key. There is also a buzzer at the toilet door.
  • Baby changing facilities: Yes
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: Yes
  • Storage location: Inside station next to taxi rank alongside platform 10 and outside Bishopsgate entrance
  • Storage CCTV: Yes
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office
  • Helpline Contact: 0800 028 28 78
  • Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens
Public transport options for London Liverpool Street
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Replacement transport stop on either Liverpool Street (outside the station entrance), or beside Platform 10, depending on operational requirements
  • Metro: Liverpool Street underground station has connections to the Central, Circle, Hammersmith & City and Metropolitan lines.
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
ATMATM
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday - Sunday 05:00 - 23:59
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
23 km
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: No
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Staff help available: Yes
  • Step free access coverage: Yes
  • Step free access note: Level access to platforms, lifts to airport facilities. Ticket Office is step free. Wheelchair users can board trains with ease as the platforms are level with the trains.
  • Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
  • Accessible toilets: Yes
  • Ramp for train access: No
  • Wheelchairs available: Yes
  • Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
WC
WC
  • National key toilets: No
  • Baby changing facilities: Yes
Public transport options for Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3
  • Onward travel information: National Rail trains serving London Paddington National Express coaches to Victoria Coach Station and Gatwick Airport London Underground
  • Metro: Connection available with the London Underground (Piccadilly Line)
Amenities at train station
ParkingParking
AccessibilityAccessibility
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday - Sunday 05:00 - 23:59
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
25 km
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: No
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Staff help available: Yes
  • Step free access coverage: Yes
  • Step free access note: Level access to platforms, lifts to airport facilities. Ticket Office is step free. Wheelchair users can board trains with ease as the platforms are level with the trains.
  • Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
  • Ramp for train access: Yes
  • Wheelchairs available: Yes
  • Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No

More options for your journey from London to Colchester

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

HomeTrainsTrain Times to Colchester London to Colchester train

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