Manchester to Colchester train with Avanti West Coast

Sat 29 Aug
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Avanti West Coast
East Midlands Railway
Transport for Wales
Northern Trains Limited
TransPennine Express
2,000+ travel companies
Avanti West Coast
East Midlands Railway
Transport for Wales
Northern Trains Limited
TransPennine Express
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Manchester to Colchester

Showing times and prices for 29 Aug

Cheapest price

£81

Average price

£101

Fastest journey

3 h 52 m

Average duration

4 h 22 m

Trains per day

7

Distance

276 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Manchester to Colchester will cost around £101 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £81.

Fast trains

Of the 7 trains that leave Manchester for Colchester every day 7 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

These direct trains cover the 276 km distance in an average of 4 h 22 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 52 m .

The slowest trains will take 5 h 4 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.

  • Avanti West Coast
    10:545h12
    Manchester
    16:06Colchester
    £811One-way
    0 changes
  • Avanti West Coast
    9:543h52
    Manchester
    13:46Colchester
    £851One-way
    0 changes
  • Avanti West Coast
    8:143h59
    Manchester
    12:13Colchester
    £891One-way
    0 changes
  • Avanti West Coast
    10:345h03
    Manchester
    15:37Colchester
    £1081One-way
    0 changes
  • East Midlands Railway
    6:125h04
    Manchester
    11:16Colchester
    £1091One-way
    0 changes

Travel Information

Compare coach, train and flight for Manchester to Colchester

Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Manchester to Colchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £31. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 9m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £31, and a flight costs an average of £63.

Distance: 276 km

Compare train with

Train
Most popular
Coach
Flight

£67

Average Price

£46

Average Price

Cheapest

£90

Average Price

4h 37m

Average total duration

4h 7m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

8h 18m

Average total duration

7h 48m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 9m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 9m

Onboard

+

2h 0m

Additional time*

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.3 - 0.7kg

CO2 emissions

0.8 - 1.6kg

CO2 emissions

Avanti West Coast

Most popular train company

National Express

Most popular bus company

British Airways

Most popular airline

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

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

Live departures

Manchester to Colchester train times

The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Colchester trains for today, Friday 28 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Avanti West CoastW33952+Greater AngliaC04651+TubeTube from London Euston to London Liverpool Street8:14 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
4h00
12:14 Colchester station (COL)2 changes
Avanti West CoastW33902+TubeTube from London Euston to London Liverpool Street+Greater AngliaP01263
On time
10:34 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h42
14:16 Colchester station (COL)
2 changes
Avanti West CoastW33934+CrossCountryW29877+Greater AngliaP66964+TubeTube from London Euston to London Liverpool Street
Delayed
12:14 12:03Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
4h10
16:13 Colchester station (COL)
3 changes
East Midlands RailwayC04359+Greater AngliaP01783
On time
12:43 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
7h10
19:53 Colchester station (COL)
1 change
East Midlands RailwayC04365+Greater AngliaP01783
On time
14:43 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
5h10
19:53 Colchester station (COL)
1 change
Avanti West CoastW34140+CrossCountryG01160+TubeTube from London Euston to London Liverpool Street+Greater AngliaP01313
Delayed
16:14 16:03Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
4h13
20:16 Colchester station (COL)
3 changes
East Midlands RailwayC04372+Greater AngliaP01786
On time
16:43 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
5h08
21:51 Colchester station (COL)
1 change
Avanti West CoastW34285+TubeTube from London Euston to London Liverpool Street+Greater AngliaP01318
On time
16:54 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h54
20:48 Colchester station (COL)
2 changes
Avanti West CoastW34125+TubeTube from London Euston to London Liverpool Street+Greater AngliaP67004
On time
17:14 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h59
21:13 Colchester station (COL)
2 changes
Saturday 29 August
East Midlands Railway6:12 Manchester
5h04
11:16 Colchester0 changesdirect

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Manchester to Colchester by coach, train or flight

Compare coach, train and flight 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.

Sat
29 Aug
Sun
30 Aug
Mon
31 Aug
Tue
01 Sept
Wed
02 Sept
Thu
03 Sept
Fri
04 Sept

Why should you book Manchester to Colchester trains with Omio?

Avanti West Coast as well as East Midlands Railway, Transport for Wales, Northern Trains Limited, TransPennine Express and more offer trains services from Manchester to Colchester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Manchester to Colchester.

Why book with Omio vs Avanti West Coast?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Avanti West Coast, but also compare tickets for the likes of East Midlands Railway, Transport for Wales, Northern Trains Limited or TransPennine Express to find the best option for your trip from Manchester 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 Avanti West Coast with all available travel options, which are bus, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Manchester to Colchester.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu, Raileurope or Rome2rio?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of East Midlands Railway, Transport for Wales, Northern Trains Limited or TransPennine Express to find the best option for your trip from Manchester to Colchester.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Manchester to Colchester.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Manchester to Colchester

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Manchester to Colchester run on average 7 times per day, taking around 4h 7m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £52 but you can travel from only £31 by coach.

The earliest train runs at 01:13, the last at 21:43. The fastest train covers the 276 km distance in 3h 42m.

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 £31
Distance
276 km
Average train duration
4h 7m
Cheapest ticket price
£52
Trains per day
7
Fastest train
3h 42m
First train
1:13
Last train
21:43
Cheapest Month
Jan
Cheapest Day
Fri
High Season
Apr - Jun
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Wed
Least Busy Day
Wed
Best time to book
1 day
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 £31

Train companies: Avanti West Coast, East Midlands Railway, Transport for Wales, Northern Trains Limited, TransPennine Express from Manchester to Colchester trainsAvanti West Coast, East Midlands Railway, Transport for Wales, Northern Trains Limited, TransPennine Express trains will get you between Manchester and Colchester from £31. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Avanti West Coast

About
Avanti West Coast is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates high-speed trains between London and major cities in the UK, including Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow and Edinburgh. The company offers a range of ticket types, including Standard, First Class and Advance tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, comfortable seating and a range of food and drinks. The most popular routes for Avanti West Coast are London to Birmingham, London to Manchester and London to Glasgow. The company operates a fleet of Pendolino and Super Voyager trains, which offer a smooth and comfortable journey.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 42m
Cheapest Price
£52
Avanti West Coast frequency
7 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
First Class: Complimentary meals and drinks. Standard Class: Onboard shop with drinks and snacks
Seat reservation
First Class: Included in ticket price. Standard Class: Optional reservation for £8-12
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance for boarding/alighting available
Pets
Small pets free in carriers. Dogs £30 per single journey. Guide dogs free
Quiet zone

East Midlands Railway

About
East Midlands Trains is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates services from London to the East Midlands, Yorkshire, and the North West. East Midlands Trains operates a fleet of Class 158, Class 156, Class 170, Class 222 and Class 180 diesel multiple units, as well as Class 222 Meridian electric multiple units. East Midlands Trains also offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. The most popular routes for East Midlands Trains are London to Nottingham, Sheffield, and Leeds.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
5h 4m
Cheapest Price
£72
East Midlands Railway frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 piece of hand luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for a fee. Free for Advance ticket holders
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs must be on lead and require a ticket (£6 for day ticket)
Quiet zone

Transport for Wales

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 32m
Cheapest Price
£187
Transport for Wales frequency
10 a day

Northern Trains Limited

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 47m
Cheapest Price
£188
Northern Trains Limited frequency
5 a day

TransPennine Express

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
9h 50m
Cheapest Price
£202
TransPennine Express frequency
1 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: Manchester to Colchester train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester 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 Manchester to Colchester can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £52, while the average price tends to be around £67.
The train journey from Manchester to Colchester covers a distance of 276 km and takes approximately 3h 42m. Trains run 7 per day.
The train distance from Manchester to Colchester is 276 km.
The first train from Manchester to Colchester leaves at 1:13.
The last train from Manchester to Colchester departs at 21:43.
Trains from Manchester to Colchester run approximately 7 times per day.
Yes, there is a high-speed train service from Manchester to Colchester.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Manchester to Colchester.
To get from Manchester to Colchester, you can choose from several travel options including coach, train and flight.
There is no night train service from Manchester to Colchester.
The train station in Manchester that goes to Colchester is Manchester Piccadilly (MAN), and it arrives at Colchester station (COL).
The cheapest way to get from Manchester to Colchester is by coach, costing approximately £31.
Booking trains from Manchester 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 Manchester to Colchester offers a mix of urban and rural landscapes, with views of the industrial heritage of the North West, rolling countryside in the Midlands, and glimpses of East Anglia's flat rural scenery. While not considered one of the most scenic routes in the UK, it provides a varied backdrop for travellers.
A day trip from Manchester to Colchester is not feasible as the journey takes 3h 42m. There are 5 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 Manchester to Colchester.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Manchester and Colchester

Most Manchester to Colchester trains use the Manchester Piccadilly to Colchester station pair, with some services arriving at Colchester Town. Use this guide to compare Manchester and Colchester train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Manchester
Arrival train stations in Colchester

Which Manchester station do trains to Colchester leave from?

Trains from Manchester to Colchester leave from Manchester Piccadilly. The station is 1 km from Manchester city centre at Piccadilly Station Approach, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M60 7RA, United Kingdom.
Manchester PiccadillyPiccadilly Station Approach, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M60 7RA, United Kingdom+44 3457114141WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Manchester Piccadilly from Manchester city centre

Bus201, 203, 202, 205 · 1m · £2 · every ~56 min
TramBlue Line, Red Line, Pink Line, Purple Line, Yellow Line · 3m · £2 · every ~47 min

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.

Manchester VictoriaManchester Victoria station, Station Approach, Todd Street, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M3 1WYParkingDiningAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar Rental
City-centre transport

Getting to Manchester Victoria from Manchester city centre

TrainManchester Airport - Redcar Central, Manchester Airport - Saltburn, Manchester Airport - York, Manchester Piccadilly - York, Manchester Piccadilly - Redcar Central, Manchester Airport - Darlington, Manchester Airport - Sheffield, Liverpool Lime Street - Manchester Victoria, Manchester Airport - Scarborough, Manchester Airport - Hull, Manchester Airport - Huddersfield, Manchester Airport - Middlesbrough, Manchester Airport - Liverpool Lime Street, Manchester Airport - Leeds, Manchester Airport - Manchester Victoria · 10m · £0.90 · every ~3 min
Bus41, 135 · 5m · £2 · every ~32 min
T1 · 10m
X43 · 29m · every ~1 min
TramBlue Line, Navy Line, Green Line, Yellow Line · 5m · £2 · every ~23 min

Manchester Victoria train station facilities and services

Manchester Victoria has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Car Rental.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Manchester Victoria.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Manchester Victoria.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Manchester Victoria: Parking, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Manchester Victoria: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Victoria: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A station, Scooter Friendly Station - Step free access around the whole station via use of lifts between platforms 3-6, connection with Manchester Metrolink using ramps, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Accepts Cash & Cards Located near the ticket office, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: As per ticket office opening hours, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.

Manchester AirportManchester Airport station, Malaga Avenue, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M90 3RRWifiShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCTicket OfficeBike ParkingInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Manchester Airport from Manchester city centre

Manchester Airport is 13 km from Manchester city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainLiverpool Lime Street - Manchester Airport, Manchester Piccadilly - Crewe, Blackpool North - Manchester Airport, Barrow-in-Furness - Manchester Airport, Windermere - Manchester Airport, Manchester Piccadilly - Wilmslow, Manchester Piccadilly - Manchester Airport, Millom - Manchester Airport, Lancaster - Manchester Airport, Manchester Oxford Road - Manchester Airport, Corkickle - Manchester Airport, Preston - Manchester Airport · 17m · £4 · every ~9 min
BusUk980, Uk076, Uk074, Uk072, Ukn23 · 30m · £0.90 · every ~2 min
43, 103 · 1h 2m · £2 · every ~29 min
43, 103 · 1h 6m · £2 · every ~29 min
TramNavy Line · 51m · £4 · every ~16 min
Navy Line · 54m · £4 · every ~8 min

Manchester Airport train station facilities and services

Manchester Airport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Manchester Airport.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Manchester Airport. ATMs are available at Manchester Airport.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Manchester Airport. Information desks are information available from staff: ,Yes - from help point,Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0800 107 2149, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Manchester Airport: Parking, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Manchester Airport: Bike Parking.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Airport: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: re Step free access is provided from the Ground Transport Interchange to all platforms via lifts or ramps. This station is staffed for all services. This station is Category A. Station staff can provide assistance from Meeting Point 1 (adjacent to the Station Booking Office) and throughout the railway station, and with boarding and alighting the train. Customers requiring assistance should make themselves known to station staff no less than 20 minutes prior to the departure time of their train. Customers requiring assistance to access other services or to connect with terminals should request this from their airline or Manchester Airport Group. Assistance can be requested in advance by contacting the TransPennine Express Assisted Travel Team on 0800 107 2149 (18001 prefix for TextRelay). Please be aware that some platforms at this station have no or only partial tactile paving on the platform edge, Accessible public telephones: In the station cafe on platforms 2 and 3, 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: Yes.

HomeTrainsTrain Times to Colchester Manchester to Colchester train

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