Luton to Colchester train with Greater Anglia

Thu 17 Sept
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Greater Anglia
Thameslink
east_midlands_trains
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
2,000+ travel companies
Greater Anglia
Thameslink
east_midlands_trains
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Luton to Colchester

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 17 Sept

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

Cheap tickets

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.

Fast trains

To travel from Luton to Colchester you need to make at least 2 changes.

  • Greater AngliaP66929+Elizabeth lineC38019+ThameslinkW45522
    7:132h00
    Luton station (LUT)
    9:13Colchester station (COL)
    £681One-way
    2 changes
  • Greater AngliaP01218+ThameslinkW45418+TubeTube from London St Pancras International to London Liverpool Street
    6:432h05
    Luton station (LUT)
    8:48Colchester station (COL)
    £681One-way
    2 changes
  • Greater AngliaP66918+ThameslinkW45532+Elizabeth lineC37932
    6:132h00
    Luton station (LUT)
    8:13Colchester station (COL)
    £681One-way
    2 changes
  • ThameslinkW45385+Greater AngliaP67192+Elizabeth lineC37915
    6:022h05
    Luton station (LUT)
    8:07Colchester station (COL)
    £681One-way
    2 changes
  • ThameslinkC10100+Greater AngliaP01215+Elizabeth lineC37947
    6:241h53
    Luton station (LUT)
    8:17Colchester station (COL)
    £681One-way
    2 changes

Travel Information

Compare coach and train for Luton to Colchester

Omio 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

Compare train with

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

Greater Anglia

Most popular train company

National Express

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 Luton to Colchester is a coach with an average price of £35.

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.

The fastest way to travel from Luton to Colchester is by train with an average journey time of 1h 33m.

Other travel options to Colchester take longer:

Coach takes on average 2h 39m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Luton 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 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.

Live departures

Luton to Colchester train times

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.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Greater AngliaP67192+Elizabeth lineC37915+ThameslinkW453856:02 Luton station (LUT)
2h05
8:07 Colchester station (COL)2 changes
Greater AngliaP66918+Elizabeth lineC37932+ThameslinkW455326:13 Luton station (LUT)
2h00
8:13 Colchester station (COL)2 changes
ThameslinkC10100+Greater AngliaP01215+Elizabeth lineC379476:24 Luton station (LUT)
1h53
8:17 Colchester station (COL)2 changes
TubeTube from London St Pancras International to London Liverpool Street+Greater AngliaP01218+ThameslinkW454186:43 Luton station (LUT)
2h05
8:48 Colchester station (COL)2 changes
Greater AngliaP67198+ThameslinkC10102+Elizabeth lineC379876:56 Luton station (LUT)
2h10
9:06 Colchester station (COL)2 changes
Greater AngliaP66929+Elizabeth lineC38019+ThameslinkW455227:13 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 prices and tickets Luton 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.

Thu
17 Sept
Fri
18 Sept
Sat
19 Sept
Sun
20 Sept
Mon
21 Sept
Tue
22 Sept
Wed
23 Sept

Why should you book Luton to Colchester trains with Omio?

Greater Anglia as well as Thameslink or east_midlands_trains offer trains services from Luton to Colchester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Luton to Colchester.

Why book with Omio vs Greater Anglia?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Greater Anglia, but also compare tickets for the likes of Thameslink or east_midlands_trains to find the best option for your trip from Luton to Colchester.
  • 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 Greater Anglia with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Luton to Colchester.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Thameslink or east_midlands_trains to find the best option for your trip from Luton to Colchester.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Luton to Colchester.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Luton to Colchester

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

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.

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 £22
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
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 £22

Train companies: Greater Anglia, Thameslink, east_midlands_trains from Luton to Colchester trainsGreater Anglia, Thameslink, east_midlands_trains trains will get you between Luton and Colchester from £22. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

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 Greater Anglia Duration
1h 51m
Cheapest Greater Anglia Price
£25
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

Thameslink

About
Thameslink is a train service that operates in the United Kingdom. It is operated by Govia Thameslink Railway and serves the counties of Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, London, and Surrey. The trains run from early morning until late at night, with some services running 24 hours a day. There are a variety of train types available, including Class 700 Desiro City, Class 377 Electrostar, Class 387/1 Electrostar, and Class 319/0. Ticket types include Anytime, Off-Peak, Super Off-Peak, and Advance. Onboard facilities include Wi-Fi, power sockets, and air conditioning. The most popular routes for Thameslink are London to Brighton, London to Bedford, and London to Luton.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Thameslink Duration
2h 32m
Cheapest Thameslink Price
£24
Thameslink frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund available if service is canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service on some routes offering drinks and snacks
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating
Pets
Small pets free of charge. Dogs must be on a lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone

east_midlands_trains

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average east_midlands_trains Duration
1h 31m
Cheapest east_midlands_trains Price
£45
east_midlands_trains frequency
4 a day

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.

  • Must visit

Colchester Castle Museum

Main city museum inside the castle, covering Roman Colchester, local archaeology and later history in a dramatic historic setting.

  • 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.

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.

FAQs: Luton to Colchester train

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.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Luton to Colchester can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £24, while the average price tends to be around £42.
The train journey from Luton to Colchester covers a distance of 91 km and takes approximately 1h 51m. Trains run 8 per day.
The train distance from Luton to Colchester is 91 km.
The first train from Luton to Colchester leaves at 3:40.
The last train from Luton to Colchester departs at 23:03.
Trains from Luton to Colchester run approximately 8 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Luton to Colchester.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Luton to Colchester.
To get from Luton to Colchester, you can choose from several travel options including coach and train.
There is no night train service from Luton to Colchester.
The train station in Luton that goes to Colchester is Luton station (LUT), and it arrives at Colchester station (COL).
The cheapest way to get from Luton to Colchester is by coach, costing approximately £22.
Booking trains from Luton 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 Luton to Colchester is not particularly known for its scenic views, as it primarily passes through urban and suburban areas, with some glimpses of the English countryside.
Yes, a day trip from Luton to Colchester is feasible with a travel time of 1h 51m each way and a total distance of 91 km. There are 6 trains 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 Luton to Colchester.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Luton and Colchester

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.

Departure train stations in Luton
Arrival train stations in Colchester

Which Luton station do trains to Colchester leave from?

Trains from Luton to Colchester leave from Luton. The station is from Luton city centre at Luton station, Station Road, Luton, Bedfordshire, LU1 2LT.
LutonLuton station, Station Road, Luton, Bedfordshire, LU1 2LTWifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingCar Rental
City-centre transport

Getting to Luton from Luton city centre

Bus17 · 7m · £2 · every ~2 min

Luton 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

Food and drink options are available at Luton.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Luton. ATMs are available at Luton.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Luton.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Luton: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Luton: Bike Parking, Car Rental.

Accessibility

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 ParkwayLuton Airport Parkway station, Parkway Road, Luton, Bedfordshire, LU1 3JWWifiShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingCar Rental
City-centre transport

Getting to Luton Airport Parkway from Luton city centre

Luton Airport Parkway is 1 km from Luton city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainCorby - London St Pancras International, Sheffield - London St Pancras International, Nottingham - London St Pancras International, Kettering - London St Pancras International, Wellingborough - London St Pancras International, East Midlands Parkway - London St Pancras International · 2m · £0.90 · every ~4 min
BusX4, X1, X2, Z, A, X3 · 5m · £4 · every ~41 min
612, X10 · 5m · £0.90 · every ~2 min
44, 45, 366 · 6m · £2 · every ~2 min
101, 100 · 10m · £4 · every ~7 min

Luton Airport Parkway train station facilities and services

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

Food and drink options are available at Luton Airport Parkway.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Luton Airport Parkway. ATMs are available at Luton Airport Parkway.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Luton Airport Parkway.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Luton Airport Parkway: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Luton Airport Parkway: Bike Parking, Car Rental.

Accessibility

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.

More options for your journey from Luton to Colchester

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