- 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 Sept
£68
Average ticket price on 17 Sept
£68
Fastest journey on 17 Sept
1 h 53 m
Average journey duration on 17 Sept
2 h 1 m
Trains on 17 Sept
6
Distance
91 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Luton to Colchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Luton to Colchester will cost around £68 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £68.
To travel from Luton to Colchester you need to make at least 2 changes.
P66929+
C38019+
W45522
P01218+
W45418+
Tube from London St Pancras International to London Liverpool Street
P66918+
W45532+
C37932
W45385+
P67192+
C37915
C10100+
P01215+
C37947
C10100+
P01215+
C37947
P66929+
C38019+
W45522
P66918+
W45532+
C37932
P01218+
W45418+
Tube from London St Pancras International to London Liverpool Street
W45385+
P67192+
C37915Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Luton to Colchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £35 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 3m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.1kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £35, while a train costs an average of £42.
Distance: 91 km
Most popular Train | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£42 Average Price | £35 Average Price Cheapest | £19 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 3m Average total duration Fastest 1h 33m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 9m Average total duration 2h 39m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 37m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.2kg 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.
This is compared to other travel options from Luton to Colchester:
A coach is £7 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Luton to Colchester costing on average £42.
Other travel options to Colchester take longer:
Coach takes on average 2h 39m.
You'll arrive about 4m sooner (1h 33m by train vs 1h 37m by car). Tickets start at around £42 compared to roughly £19 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.
The table below shows live departures for Luton to Colchester trains for tomorrow, Thursday 17 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
P67192+ C37915+ W45385 | 6:02 Luton station (LUT) | 2h05 | 8:07 Colchester station (COL) | 2 changes | |
P66918+ C37932+ W45532 | 6:13 Luton station (LUT) | 2h00 | 8:13 Colchester station (COL) | 2 changes | |
C10100+ P01215+ C37947 | 6:24 Luton station (LUT) | 1h53 | 8:17 Colchester station (COL) | 2 changes | |
Tube from London St Pancras International to London Liverpool Street+ P01218+ W45418 | 6:43 Luton station (LUT) | 2h05 | 8:48 Colchester station (COL) | 2 changes | |
P67198+ C10102+ C37987 | 6:56 Luton station (LUT) | 2h10 | 9:06 Colchester station (COL) | 2 changes | |
P66929+ C38019+ W45522 | 7:13 Luton station (LUT) | 2h00 | 9:13 Colchester station (COL) | 2 changes | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Luton to Colchester run on average 8 times per day, taking around 1h 33m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £24 but you can travel from only £22 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 03:40, the last at 23:03. The fastest train covers the 91 km distance in 1h 51m.
Distance 91 km |
Average train duration 1h 33m |
Cheapest ticket price £24 |
Trains per day 8 |
Fastest train 1h 51m |
First train 3:40 |
Last train 23:03 |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sept |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 14 days |
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
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Luton 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 Luton to Colchester trains use the Luton to Colchester station pair, with some services arriving at Hythe (Essex). Use this guide to compare Luton and Colchester train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Luton has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Car Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Luton.
Wi-Fi is available at Luton. ATMs are available at Luton.
Ticket office support is available at Luton.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Luton: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Luton: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Luton: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category B3 station: Step free access via lift to platform 5 only (some trains to Bedford/ the East Midlands) only. Steps to all other platforms. Assistance Meeting Point is the Ticket Office. This station doesn't have tactile surfaces along all platform edges. Please pay attention to where the platform surface changes from smooth to paved or contact us for assistance, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All Thameslink ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. Ticket machines are of an accessible design, however their location and the station itself may not be so please check the station access note for further details, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: Wheelchairs may only be available when the station is staffed, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Luton Airport Parkway is 1 km from Luton city centre. Public transport options include:
Luton Airport Parkway has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Car Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Luton Airport Parkway.
Wi-Fi is available at Luton Airport Parkway. ATMs are available at Luton Airport Parkway.
Ticket office support is available at Luton Airport Parkway.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Luton Airport Parkway: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Luton Airport Parkway: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Luton Airport Parkway: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category A station: This station has step-free level access to all platforms via lifts. Assistance Meeting Point is the Ticket Office, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All Thameslink ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. Ticket machines are of an accessible design, however their location and the station itself may not be so please check the station access note for further details, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: Wheelchairs may only be available when the station is staffed, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
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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