- Must visit
Colchester Castle Museum
Main city museum inside the castle, covering Roman Colchester, local archaeology and later history in a dramatic historic setting.
2,000+ travel companies
2,000+ travel companies
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
4.942K ratings
Google Play
4.6136K reviews
Journey information
Overview: Train from Northampton to Colchester
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Northampton to Colchester run on average 5 times per day, taking around 2h 13m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £49 but you can travel from only £43 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 04:14, the last at 23:02. The fastest train covers the 129 km distance in 1h 58m.
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 £43
Distance 129 km |
Average train duration 2h 13m |
Cheapest ticket price £49 |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 1h 58m |
First train 4:14 |
Last train 23:02 |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 70 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 £43
Live departures
Northampton to Colchester train times
The table below shows live departures for Northampton to Colchester trains for today, Monday 12 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 11:48 Northampton | 2h25 | 14:13 Colchester | 4 changes | |
| 11:48 Northampton | 2h25 | 14:13 Colchester | 3 changes | |
| 12:18 Northampton | 2h28 | 14:46 Colchester | 3 changes | |
| 12:48 Northampton | 2h26 | 15:14 Colchester | 4 changes | |
| 12:48 Northampton | 2h26 | 15:14 Colchester | 3 changes | |
| 13:18 Northampton | 2h28 | 15:46 Colchester | 3 changes | |
| 13:48 Northampton | 2h25 | 16:13 Colchester | 4 changes | |
| 13:48 Northampton | 2h25 | 16:13 Colchester | 3 changes | |
| 14:18 Northampton | 2h27 | 16:45 Colchester | 3 changes | |
| 14:48 Northampton | 2h23 | 17:11 Colchester | 4 changes | |
| 14:48 Northampton | 2h45 | 17:33 Colchester | 3 changes | |
| 15:18 Northampton | 2h21 | 17:39 Colchester | 3 changes | |
| 15:48 Northampton | 2h26 | 18:14 Colchester | 4 changes | |
| 15:48 Northampton | 2h26 | 18:14 Colchester | 3 changes | |
| 16:18 Northampton | 2h15 | 18:33 Colchester | 3 changes | |
| 16:48 Northampton | 2h26 | 19:14 Colchester | 4 changes | |
| 16:48 Northampton | 2h26 | 19:14 Colchester | 3 changes | |
| 17:18 Northampton | 2h20 | 19:38 Colchester | 3 changes | |
| 17:48 Northampton | 2h25 | 20:13 Colchester | 4 changes | |
| 17:48 Northampton | 2h25 | 20:13 Colchester | 3 changes | |
| 18:18 Northampton | 2h30 | 20:48 Colchester | 3 changes | |
| 18:48 Northampton | 2h25 | 21:13 Colchester | 4 changes | |
| 18:48 Northampton | 2h25 | 21:13 Colchester | 3 changes | |
| 19:17 Northampton | 2h29 | 21:46 Colchester | 3 changes | |
| 19:48 Northampton | 2h25 | 22:13 Colchester | 4 changes | |
| 19:48 Northampton | 2h25 | 22:13 Colchester | 3 changes | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Why should you book Northampton to Colchester trains with Omio?
West Midlands Trains as well as Greater Anglia offer trains services from Northampton to Colchester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Northampton to Colchester.
Why book with Omio vs West Midlands Trains?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for West Midlands Trains, but also compare tickets for the likes of Greater Anglia to find the best option for your trip from Northampton 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.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Greater Anglia to find the best option for your trip from Northampton to Colchester.
Train companies: West Midlands Trains, Greater Anglia from Northampton to Colchester trainsWest Midlands Trains, Greater Anglia trains will get you between Northampton and Colchester from £43. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
West Midlands Trains
About
West Midlands Trains is a train operator based in the United Kingdom, providing services across the West Midlands region. It operates a variety of train types, including the Class 350 Desiro, Class 323 Electrostar, Class 170 Turbostar, and Class 172 Turbostar. These trains offer a range of onboard facilities, such as free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and air conditioning. Passengers can purchase a range of tickets, including single, return, and season tickets. The most popular routes operated by West Midlands Trains include Birmingham to London Euston, Birmingham to Wolverhampton, and Birmingham to Coventry.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average West Midlands Trains Duration
1h 58m
Cheapest West Midlands Trains Price
£49
West Midlands Trains frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas
Cancellation Policy
According to ticket conditions
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for an additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs require a ticket at 50% of adult fare. Guide dogs travel free
Quiet zone
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 58m
Cheapest Greater Anglia Price
£53
Greater Anglia frequency
1 a day
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
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: Northampton to Colchester train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Northampton 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 Northampton to Colchester can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £49, while the average price tends to be around £72.
The train journey from Northampton to Colchester covers a distance of 129 km and takes approximately 1h 58m. Trains run 5 per day.
The train distance from Northampton to Colchester is 129 km.
The first train from Northampton to Colchester leaves at 4:14.
The last train from Northampton to Colchester departs at 23:02.
Trains from Northampton to Colchester run approximately 5 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Northampton to Colchester.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Northampton to Colchester.
There is no night train service from Northampton to Colchester.
The train station in Northampton that goes to Colchester is Northampton station (NMP), and it arrives at Colchester station (COL).
Booking trains from Northampton 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 Northampton to Colchester offers a mix of urban and rural views, passing through the scenic countryside of East Anglia, with glimpses of charming villages and farmlands.
Yes, you can take the train from Northampton to Colchester.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Northampton and Colchester
Most Northampton to Colchester trains use the Northampton to Colchester station pair. Use this guide to compare Northampton and Colchester train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Northampton
Arrival train stations in Colchester
Which Northampton station do trains to Colchester leave from?
Trains from Northampton to Colchester leave from Northampton. The station is 2 km from Northampton city centre at Northampton station, Black Lion Hill, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 1SP.
NorthamptonNorthampton station, Black Lion Hill, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 1SP+44 3301235247
City-centre transport
Getting to Northampton from Northampton city centre
Northampton is 2 km from Northampton city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus8, 8A · 14m · £2 · every ~8 min
Northampton train station facilities and services
Northampton has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Northampton.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are available at Northampton.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Northampton. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0800 0248 997, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Northampton: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Northampton: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Northampton: 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 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 Northampton arrive at?
Trains from Northampton to Colchester arrive at Colchester. Colchester is 2 km from Colchester city centre.
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 · £0.89 · 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.
Most popular train connections from Northampton
More options for your journey from Northampton to Colchester
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Colchester and Northampton
Most popular train connections to Colchester
The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy
We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.
