- Must visit
Colchester Castle Museum
Main city museum inside the castle, covering Roman Colchester, local archaeology and later history in a dramatic historic setting.
Cheapest price on 17 Oct
£9
Average ticket price on 17 Oct
£20
Fastest journey on 17 Oct
46 m
Average journey duration on 17 Oct
46 m
Trains on 17 Oct
58
Distance
83 km
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 £20 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £9.
On Sat 17 Oct, we found 58 trains from London to Colchester, including 58 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 83 km distance in an average of 46 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 46 m .
The slowest trains will take 46 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.
P01273
P66960
P66955
P66965
P66981
P01219
P01227
P01221
P01255
P01260Trains from London to Colchester run on average 11 times per day, taking around 55m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £6 if you book in advance.
There are 11 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 83 km distance in 44m.
Distance 83 km |
Average train duration 55m |
Cheapest ticket price £6 |
Trains per day 11 |
Direct trains 11 |
Fastest train 44m |
First train 0:01 |
Last train 23:58 |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 1 day |
The table below shows live departures for London to Colchester trains for today, Friday 16 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
P01218 | On time 8:00 London Liverpool Street (LST) | 0h48 | 8:48 Colchester station (COL) | 0 changesdirect | |
P67197 | On time 8:02 London Liverpool Street (LST) | 1h04 | 9:06 Colchester station (COL) | 0 changesdirect | |
P66929 | On time 8:16 London Liverpool Street (LST) | 0h57 | 9:13 Colchester station (COL) | 0 changesdirect | |
P01220 | On time 8:30 London Liverpool Street (LST) | 0h47 | 9:17 Colchester station (COL) | 0 changesdirect | |
P01075 | On time 8:36 London Liverpool Street (LST) | 1h03 | 9:39 Colchester station (COL) | 0 changesdirect | |
P01226 | On time 9:00 London Liverpool Street (LST) | 0h46 | 9:46 Colchester station (COL) | 0 changesdirect | |
P67203 | On time 9:02 London Liverpool Street (LST) | 1h02 | 10:04 Colchester station (COL) | 0 changesdirect | |
C04649 | On time 9:18 London Liverpool Street (LST) | 0h55 | 10:13 Colchester station (COL) | 0 changesdirect | |
P01230 | On time 9:30 London Liverpool Street (LST) | 0h46 | 10:16 Colchester station (COL) | 0 changesdirect | |
P01079 | On time 9:36 London Liverpool Street (LST) | 1h01 | 10:37 Colchester station (COL) | 0 changesdirect | |
P01233 | On time 10:00 London Liverpool Street (LST) | 0h46 | 10:46 Colchester station (COL) | 0 changesdirect | |
P67207 | On time 10:02 London Liverpool Street (LST) | 1h02 | 11:04 Colchester station (COL) | 0 changesdirect | |
P66942 | On time 10:18 London Liverpool Street (LST) | 0h55 | 11:13 Colchester station (COL) | 0 changesdirect | |
P01236 | On time 10:30 London Liverpool Street (LST) | 0h50 | 11:20 Colchester station (COL) | 0 changesdirect | |
P01082 | On time 10:36 London Liverpool Street (LST) | 1h01 | 11:37 Colchester station (COL) | 0 changesdirect | |
P01241 | On time 11:00 London Liverpool Street (LST) | 0h46 | 11:46 Colchester station (COL) | 0 changesdirect | |
C04676 | On time 11:02 London Liverpool Street (LST) | 1h02 | 12:04 Colchester station (COL) | 0 changesdirect | |
C04652 | 11:18 London Liverpool Street (LST) | 0h56 | 12:14 Colchester station (COL) | 0 changesdirect | |
P01245 | 11:30 London Liverpool Street (LST) | 0h47 | 12:17 Colchester station (COL) | 0 changesdirect | |
C04627 | On time 11:36 London Liverpool Street (LST) | 1h01 | 12:37 Colchester station (COL) | 0 changesdirect | |
P01250 | On time 12:00 London Liverpool Street (LST) | 0h46 | 12:46 Colchester station (COL) | 0 changesdirect | |
P01341 | On time 12:02 London Liverpool Street (LST) | 1h02 | 13:04 Colchester station (COL) | 0 changesdirect | |
P66950 | On time 12:18 London Liverpool Street (LST) | 0h55 | 13:13 Colchester station (COL) | 0 changesdirect | |
P01254 | On time 12:30 London Liverpool Street (LST) | 0h46 | 13:16 Colchester station (COL) | 0 changesdirect | |
P01087 | On time 12:36 London Liverpool Street (LST) | 1h01 | 13:37 Colchester station (COL) | 0 changesdirect | |
P01259 | On time 13:00 London Liverpool Street (LST) | 0h46 | 13:46 Colchester station (COL) | 0 changesdirect | |
C04679 | On time 13:02 London Liverpool Street (LST) | 1h02 | 14:04 Colchester station (COL) | 0 changesdirect | |
C04655 | 13:18 London Liverpool Street (LST) | 0h55 | 14:13 Colchester station (COL) | 0 changesdirect | |
P01263 | On time 13:30 London Liverpool Street (LST) | 0h46 | 14:16 Colchester station (COL) | 0 changesdirect | |
C04630 | On time 13:36 London Liverpool Street (LST) | 1h01 | 14:37 Colchester station (COL) | 0 changesdirect | |
P01268 | On time 14:00 London Liverpool Street (LST) | 0h46 | 14:46 Colchester station (COL) | 0 changesdirect | |
C04682 | On time 14:02 London Liverpool Street (LST) | 1h02 | 15:04 Colchester station (COL) | 0 changesdirect | |
C04658 | On time 14:18 London Liverpool Street (LST) | 0h56 | 15:14 Colchester station (COL) | 0 changesdirect | |
P01272 | On time 14:30 London Liverpool Street (LST) | 0h47 | 15:17 Colchester station (COL) | 0 changesdirect | |
P01093 | On time 14:36 London Liverpool Street (LST) | 1h01 | 15:37 Colchester station (COL) | 0 changesdirect | |
P01277 | On time 15:00 London Liverpool Street (LST) | 0h46 | 15:46 Colchester station (COL) | 0 changesdirect | |
P67227 | On time 15:02 London Liverpool Street (LST) | 1h02 | 16:04 Colchester station (COL) | 0 changesdirect | |
P66964 | On time 15:18 London Liverpool Street (LST) | 0h55 | 16:13 Colchester station (COL) | 0 changesdirect | |
P01280 | On time 15:30 London Liverpool Street (LST) | 0h46 | 16:16 Colchester station (COL) | 0 changesdirect | |
P01098 | On time 15:36 London Liverpool Street (LST) | 1h02 | 16:38 Colchester station (COL) | 0 changesdirect | |
P01285 | On time 16:00 London Liverpool Street (LST) | 0h45 | 16:45 Colchester station (COL) | 0 changesdirect | |
P67231 | On time 16:02 London Liverpool Street (LST) | 1h03 | 17:05 Colchester station (COL) | 0 changesdirect | |
P66980 | 16:14 London Liverpool Street (LST) | 0h57 | 17:11 Colchester station (COL) | 0 changesdirect | |
P01288 | 16:30 London Liverpool Street (LST) | 0h47 | 17:17 Colchester station (COL) | 0 changesdirect | |
P01102 | On time 16:32 London Liverpool Street (LST) | 1h02 | 17:34 Colchester station (COL) | 0 changesdirect | |
P66984 | On time 16:42 London Liverpool Street (LST) | 0h57 | 17:39 Colchester station (COL) | 0 changesdirect | |
P67275 | On time 17:02 London Liverpool Street (LST) | 0h56 | 17:58 Colchester station (COL) | 0 changesdirect | |
P66988 | 17:17 London Liverpool Street (LST) | 0h58 | 18:15 Colchester station (COL) | 0 changesdirect | |
P01297 | On time 17:30 London Liverpool Street (LST) | 0h49 | 18:19 Colchester station (COL) | 0 changesdirect | |
P01110 | On time 17:32 London Liverpool Street (LST) | 1h01 | 18:33 Colchester station (COL) | 0 changesdirect | |
P66990 | On time 17:40 London Liverpool Street (LST) | 0h57 | 18:37 Colchester station (COL) | 0 changesdirect | |
P67240 | On time 17:47 London Liverpool Street (LST) | 0h57 | 18:44 Colchester station (COL) | 0 changesdirect | |
P01304 | On time 18:00 London Liverpool Street (LST) | 0h49 | 18:49 Colchester station (COL) | 0 changesdirect | |
P67244 | On time 18:02 London Liverpool Street (LST) | 1h00 | 19:02 Colchester station (COL) | 0 changesdirect | |
P66993 | On time 18:16 London Liverpool Street (LST) | 0h59 | 19:15 Colchester station (COL) | 0 changesdirect | |
P01307 | On time 18:30 London Liverpool Street (LST) | 0h49 | 19:19 Colchester station (COL) | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Discover the best of Colchester — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Colchester trip today.
Main city museum inside the castle, covering Roman Colchester, local archaeology and later history in a dramatic historic setting.
Natural history museum in a former church, with displays on Essex wildlife, geology and environment, suited to families and curious visitors.
Museum charting the city’s social history, from everyday objects to changing local life, housed in a restored historic building.
Central park beside the castle with lawns, mature trees and Roman remains. Ideal for a stroll, picnic or pause between sights.
Historic main street lined with shops and civic buildings, useful for exploring the town centre and taking in everyday city life.
Characterful district of timber-framed houses and narrow streets, known for its historic atmosphere and photogenic townscape.
Native Colchester oysters, served raw or dressed. They have been harvested locally since Roman times and are the town’s best-known traditional food.
Smoked eel from the Essex coast and estuaries, traditionally cured and smoked for a rich flavour tied to local fishing heritage.
A traditional Essex bake made with potatoes, onions and pork or beef, slowly cooked until soft. It is a longstanding county comfort food.
Fine dining restaurant in Dedham Vale near Colchester, known for polished British cooking and a refined countryside setting.
Established restaurant serving modern British dishes and seafood in a smart yet relaxed setting near the town centre.
Popular casual venue for brunch, coffee and seasonal plates, with a friendly atmosphere and strong local reputation.
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.
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.
Official public transport app
Colchester Station -> Colchester High Street, Colchester
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.

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.
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.

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.
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.

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.
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.

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.
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.

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

Most London to Colchester trains use the London Liverpool Street to Colchester station pair, with some services arriving at Hythe (Essex). Use this guide to compare London and Colchester train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
London Liverpool Street is 3 km from London city centre. Public transport options include:
London Liverpool Street has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at London Liverpool Street.
Wi-Fi is available at London Liverpool Street. ATMs are available at London Liverpool Street.
Ticket office support is available at London Liverpool Street. Information desks are 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.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at London Liverpool Street: Parking, WC.
Available at London Liverpool Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at London Liverpool Street: 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.
Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3 is 23 km from London city centre. Public transport options include:
Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3 has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3. ATMs are available at Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3.
Ticket office support is available at Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3: Parking, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3: 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.
Heathrow Terminal 5 is 25 km from London city centre. Public transport options include:
Heathrow Terminal 5 has practical services for this route, including Parking, Accessibility, Lounge, Lost and Found Office and Ticket Office.
Ticket office support is available at Heathrow Terminal 5.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Heathrow Terminal 5: Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Heathrow Terminal 5: 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.
Colchester is 1 km from Colchester city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options are available at Colchester.
Wi-Fi is available at Colchester. ATMs are available at Colchester.
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.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Colchester: Parking, WC.
Available at Colchester: Bike Parking.
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) is 1 km from Colchester city centre. Public transport options include:
Hythe (Essex) has practical services for this route, including Parking, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office and Bike Parking.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Hythe (Essex): Parking.
Available at Hythe (Essex): Bike Parking.
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.
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 options are available at Colchester Town.
Wi-Fi is available at Colchester Town.
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.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Colchester Town: Parking, WC.
Available at Colchester Town: Bike Parking.
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.
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