- Must visit
Colchester Castle Museum
Main city museum inside the castle, covering Roman Colchester, local archaeology and later history in a dramatic historic setting.
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9:352h11Milton Keynes11:46Colchester£671One-way0 changes
- 9:352h11Milton Keynes11:46Colchester£671One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Milton Keynes to Colchester
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Milton Keynes to Colchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £38. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 47m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £38, and a train costs an average of £47.
Distance: 115 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£64 Average Price | £46 Average Price Cheapest |
2h 17m Average total duration Fastest 1h 47m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 23m Average total duration 4h 53m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Milton Keynes to Colchester train times
The table below shows live departures for Milton Keynes to Colchester trains for today, Tuesday 4 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
P01218+ Tube from London Euston to London Liverpool Street+ Y80775 | Delayed 7:00 6:32Milton Keynes Central (MKC) | 2h16 | 8:48 Colchester station (COL) | 2 changes | |
P66929+ W34019+Tube from London Euston to London Liverpool Street | Delayed 7:16 6:59Milton Keynes Central (MKC) | 2h14 | 9:13 Colchester station (COL) | 2 changes | |
| P01075+W33943+Tube from London Euston to London Liverpool Street | Delayed 7:36 7:17Milton Keynes Central (MKC) | 2h22 | 9:39 Colchester station (COL) | 2 changes | |
| P01226+C17898+Tube from London Euston to London Liverpool Street | Delayed 8:00 7:29Milton Keynes Central (MKC) | 2h17 | 9:46 Colchester station (COL) | 2 changes | |
| P67203+Y80789+Tube from London Euston to London Liverpool Street | Delayed 8:02 7:35Milton Keynes Central (MKC) | 2h29 | 10:04 Colchester station (COL) | 2 changes | |
| C04648+Tube from London Euston to London Liverpool Street+C17977 | Delayed 8:18 7:46Milton Keynes Central (MKC) | 2h27 | 10:13 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 Milton Keynes to Colchester by train or coach
Compare train and coach 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.
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Why should you book Milton Keynes to Colchester trains with Omio?
Greater Anglia as well as Avanti West Coast or West Midlands Trains offer trains services from Milton Keynes to Colchester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Milton Keynes 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 Avanti West Coast or West Midlands Trains to find the best option for your trip from Milton Keynes 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 train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Milton Keynes to Colchester.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Raileurope?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Avanti West Coast or West Midlands Trains to find the best option for your trip from Milton Keynes to Colchester.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Milton Keynes to Colchester.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Milton Keynes to Colchester
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Milton Keynes to Colchester run on average 8 times per day, taking around 1h 47m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £47 but you can travel from only £38 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 03:30, the last at 22:57. The fastest train covers the 115 km distance in 2h 11m.
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 £38
Distance 115 km |
Average train duration 1h 47m |
Cheapest ticket price £47 |
Trains per day 8 |
Fastest train 2h 11m |
First train 3:30 |
Last train 22:57 |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Best time to book 21 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 £38
Train companies: Greater Anglia, Avanti West Coast, West Midlands Trains from Milton Keynes to Colchester trainsGreater Anglia, Avanti West Coast, West Midlands Trains trains will get you between Milton Keynes and Colchester from £38. 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 Duration
2h 11m
Cheapest Price
£47
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
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
1h 47m
Cheapest Price
£102
Avanti West Coast frequency
15 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
West Midlands Trains
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 45m
West Midlands Trains frequency
9 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.
- 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.
- Must visit
Castle Park
Central park beside the castle with lawns, mature trees and Roman remains. Ideal for a stroll, picnic or pause between sights.
- Recommended
High Street
Historic main street lined with shops and civic buildings, useful for exploring the town centre and taking in everyday city life.
- Recommended
Dutch Quarter
Characterful district of timber-framed houses and narrow streets, known for its historic atmosphere and photogenic townscape.
- Gluten-free
Colchester Oysters
Native Colchester oysters, served raw or dressed. They have been harvested locally since Roman times and are the town’s best-known traditional food.
- Gluten-free
Smoked Eel
Smoked eel from the Essex coast and estuaries, traditionally cured and smoked for a rich flavour tied to local fishing heritage.
- Gluten-free
Essex Clanger
A traditional Essex bake made with potatoes, onions and pork or beef, slowly cooked until soft. It is a longstanding county comfort food.
Le Talbooth
Fine dining restaurant in Dedham Vale near Colchester, known for polished British cooking and a refined countryside setting.
Church Street Tavern
Established restaurant serving modern British dishes and seafood in a smart yet relaxed setting near the town centre.
Timbers
Popular casual venue for brunch, coffee and seasonal plates, with a friendly atmosphere and strong local reputation.
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.
First Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2.50
- Day pass
- £5.80
To the city centre
Colchester Station -> Colchester High Street, Colchester
- Distance
- 2 km
- Travel time
- 15 min
- First Bus Essex single fares in Colchester are distance-based; standard adult singles start at £2.00 and are £2.50 for 0.5 to 2 miles.
- Contactless Tap & Cap is available on First Bus in Colchester, so you can pay by card or device and your daily spend is capped at the day ticket price.
FAQs: Milton Keynes to Colchester train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Milton Keynes 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.
The cost of a train ticket from Milton Keynes to Colchester can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £47, while the average price tends to be around £64.
The train journey from Milton Keynes to Colchester covers a distance of 115 km and takes approximately 2h 11m. Trains run 8 per day.
The train distance from Milton Keynes to Colchester is 115 km.
The first train from Milton Keynes to Colchester leaves at 3:30.
The last train from Milton Keynes to Colchester departs at 22:57.
Trains from Milton Keynes to Colchester run approximately 8 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Milton Keynes to Colchester.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Milton Keynes to Colchester.
To get from Milton Keynes to Colchester, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Milton Keynes to Colchester.
The train station in Milton Keynes that goes to Colchester is Milton Keynes Central (MKC), and it arrives at Colchester station (COL).
The cheapest way to get from Milton Keynes to Colchester is by coach, costing approximately £38.
Booking trains from Milton Keynes 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 Milton Keynes to Colchester is not particularly noted for being scenic, as it primarily travels through urban and suburban areas, with views of towns, residential developments, and some countryside along the way.
A day trip from Milton Keynes to Colchester is not feasible as the journey takes 2h 11m. However, there are 6 trains per day connecting these locations.
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 Milton Keynes to Colchester.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Milton Keynes and Colchester
Most Milton Keynes to Colchester trains use the Milton Keynes Central to Colchester station pair, with some services arriving at Hythe (Essex). Use this guide to compare Milton Keynes and Colchester train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Milton Keynes
Arrival train stations in Colchester
Which Milton Keynes station do trains to Colchester leave from?
Trains from Milton Keynes to Colchester leave from Milton Keynes Central. The station is 2 km from Milton Keynes city centre at Milton Keynes Central station, 302 Eldergate, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, MK9 1LA.
Milton Keynes CentralMilton Keynes Central station, 302 Eldergate, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, MK9 1LA+44 3301235247
City-centre transport
Getting to Milton Keynes Central from Milton Keynes city centre
Milton Keynes Central is 1 km from Milton Keynes city centre. Public transport options include:
BusMk1, X5 · 7m · £2 · every ~11 min
Milton Keynes Central train station facilities and services
Milton Keynes Central has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Milton Keynes Central.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are available at Milton Keynes Central.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Milton Keynes Central. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0800 0248 997, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Milton Keynes Central: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Milton Keynes Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Milton Keynes Central: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible public telephones: Public telephones are accessible - situated on the concourse and at the front of the station outside the main entrance, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available, 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.
Which Colchester station do trains from Milton Keynes arrive at?
Trains from Milton Keynes to Colchester most often arrive at Colchester. Some services arrive at Hythe (Essex), so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Colchester arrival station.
ColchesterColchester [North] station, Station Approach Road, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1XD+44 8450507080
City-centre transport
Getting to Colchester from Colchester city centre
Colchester is 1 km from Colchester city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainClacton-on-Sea - London Liverpool Street, Clacton-on-Sea - Colchester, Colchester Town - London Liverpool Street, Colchester Town - Colchester, Walton-on-the-Naze - Colchester · 8m · £0.90 · every ~5 min
Bus2A, 68, 87, 53, 53A, 52, 51, X20 · 6m · £2 · every ~31 min
Colchester train station facilities and services
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
Food and drink options are available at Colchester.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Colchester. ATMs are available at Colchester.
Tickets and information
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.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Colchester: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Colchester: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
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)Hythe station, Station Road, Hythe, Essex, CO2 8JR
City-centre transport
Getting to Hythe (Essex) from Colchester city centre
Hythe (Essex) is 1 km from Colchester city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainColchester - Clacton-on-Sea, Colchester - Walton-on-the-Naze · 4m · £0.90 · every ~2 min
Bus54 · 7m · £0.90 · every ~11 min
54 · 11m · £3 · every ~11 min
Hythe (Essex) train station facilities and services
Hythe (Essex) has practical services for this route, including Parking, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office and Bike Parking.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Hythe (Essex): Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Hythe (Essex): Bike Parking.
Accessibility
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 TownColchester Town station, St. Botolphs Circus, Colchester, Essex, CO2 7EF
City-centre transport
Getting to Colchester Town from Colchester city centre
Bus43 · 1m · £0.90 · every ~1 min
68, 55, 68A · 1m · £3 · every ~4 min
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 Milton Keynes
More options for your journey from Milton Keynes to Colchester
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Colchester and Milton Keynes
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