The cheapest and fastest trains from Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Colchester Town (CET)
Cheapest price on 18 Sept
£68
Average ticket price on 18 Sept
£82
Fastest journey on 18 Sept
3 h 59 m
Average journey duration on 18 Sept
4 h 4 m
Trains on 18 Sept
2
Distance
276 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Colchester Town (CET) is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Colchester Town (CET) will cost around £82 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £68.
On Fri 18 Sept, we found 2 trains from Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Colchester Town (CET), including 2 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 276 km distance in an average of 4 h 4 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 59 m .
The slowest trains will take 4 h 9 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.
5:293h59Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)9:28Colchester Town (CET)£681One-way0 changes
16:544h09Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)21:03Colchester Town (CET)£961One-way0 changes
5:293h59Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)9:28Colchester Town (CET)£681One-way0 changes
16:544h09Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)21:03Colchester Town (CET)£961One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare coach and train for Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Colchester Town (CET)
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Colchester Town (CET) among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £48 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 4h 2m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £48, while a train costs an average of £121.
Distance: 276 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£121 Average Price | £48 Average Price Cheapest | £57 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 2m Average total duration Fastest 3h 32m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 45m Average total duration 7h 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 29m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Colchester Town (CET):
A coach is £74 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Colchester Town (CET) costing on average £121.
Other travel options to Colchester Town (CET) take longer:
Coach takes on average 7h 15m.
You'll arrive about 57m sooner (3h 32m by train vs 4h 29m by car). Tickets start at around £121 compared to roughly £57 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.
Compare prices and tickets Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Colchester Town (CET) 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.
18 Sept
19 Sept
20 Sept
21 Sept
22 Sept
23 Sept
24 Sept
Why should you book Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Colchester Town (CET) trains with Omio?
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 bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Colchester Town (CET).
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Raileurope?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Colchester Town (CET).
Journey information
Overview: Train from Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Colchester Town (CET)
Trains from Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Colchester Town (CET) run on average 9 times per day, taking around 3h 32m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £83 but you can travel from only £41 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 06:34, the last at 09:54. The fastest train covers the 276 km distance in 4h 13m.
Distance 276 km |
Average train duration 3h 32m |
Cheapest ticket price £83 |
Trains per day 9 |
Fastest train 4h 13m |
First train 6:34 |
Last train 9:54 |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Train companies: Avanti West Coast from Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Colchester Town (CET) trainsAvanti West Coast trains will get you between Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) and Colchester Town (CET) from £41. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Avanti West Coast
FAQs: Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Colchester Town (CET) train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Colchester Town (CET) 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 Town (CET), this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) and Colchester Town (CET)
Most Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Colchester Town (CET) trains use the Manchester Piccadilly to Colchester station pair. Use this guide to compare Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) and Colchester Town (CET) train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Getting to Manchester Piccadilly from Manchester city centre
Manchester Piccadilly train station facilities and services
Manchester Piccadilly has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food options include: Burger King, Caffè Nero, Carluccio’s, Hotel Chocolat, Starbucks, The Pasty Shop, Costa Coffee, Pret a Manger, Upper Crust, McDonald's, & more
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Pay as you go Wi-Fi is available through BT Wi-Fi. ATMs are there are ATM machines on the main concourse, Platform 10 and on the mezzanine level.
Tickets and information
The ticket office is open Mon - Sat: 04:30 - 22:30, Sun: 07:00 - 22:30. Information desks are located near the Fairfield Street entrance on the mezzanine level.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is operated by Excess Baggage Co. Llocated between Platforms 10 and 11 and open daily from 08:00 to 21:00.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Manchester Piccadilly: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Manchester Piccadilly: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Piccadilly: There is step-free access throughout the station. Ramps for train access and wheelchairs are also available.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Manchester - Piccadilly, Premier Inn Manchester City, Staycity Aparthotels - Manchester Piccadilly.
Getting to Colchester Town from Colchester city centre
Colchester Town train station facilities and services
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
Food and drink options are available at Colchester Town.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Colchester Town.
Tickets and information
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.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Colchester Town: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Colchester Town: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
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.
Most popular train connections from Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
More options for your journey from Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Colchester Town (CET)
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