- 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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The cheapest and fastest trains from Oxford to Colchester
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 06 Oct
Cheapest price on 06 Oct
£18
Average ticket price on 06 Oct
£24
Fastest journey on 06 Oct
2 h 34 m
Average journey duration on 06 Oct
2 h 38 m
Trains on 06 Oct
2
Distance
149 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Oxford to Colchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Oxford to Colchester will cost around £24 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £18.
Fast trains
On Tue 06 Oct, we found 2 trains from Oxford to Colchester, including 2 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 149 km distance in an average of 2 h 38 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 34 m .
The slowest trains will take 2 h 42 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.
8:322h42Oxford11:14Colchester£181One-way0 changes
13:312h34Oxford16:05Colchester£291One-way0 changes
- 13:312h34Oxford16:05Colchester£291One-way0 changes
- 8:322h42Oxford11:14Colchester£181One-way0 changes
Journey information
Overview: Train from Oxford to Colchester
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Oxford to Colchester run on average 9 times per day, taking around 2h 5m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £40 but you can travel from only £33 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 03:42, the last at 22:43. The fastest train covers the 149 km distance in 1h 44m.
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 £33
Distance 149 km |
Average train duration 2h 5m |
Cheapest ticket price £40 |
Trains per day 9 |
Fastest train 1h 44m |
First train 3:42 |
Last train 22:43 |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 7 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 £33
Live departures
Oxford to Colchester train times
The table below shows live departures for Oxford to Colchester trains for today, Monday 5 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
.png) | 5:20 Oxford | 2h26 | 7:46 Colchester | 2 changes | |
| 6:00 Oxford | 2h17 | 8:17 Colchester | 2 changes | |
| 6:31 Oxford | 2h34 | 9:05 Colchester | 3 changes | |
| 6:48 Oxford | 2h00 | 8:48 Colchester | 2 changes | |
| 7:30 Oxford | 2h16 | 9:46 Colchester | 2 changes | |
| 7:53 Oxford | 2h20 | 10:13 Colchester | 2 changes | |
| 9:00 Oxford | 2h13 | 11:13 Colchester | 2 changes | |
| 9:32 Oxford | 2h14 | 11:46 Colchester | 2 changes | |
| 9:59 Oxford | 2h15 | 12:14 Colchester | 2 changes | |
| 10:29 Oxford | 2h17 | 12:46 Colchester | 2 changes | |
| 11:00 Oxford | 2h13 | 13:13 Colchester | 2 changes | |
| 11:32 Oxford | 2h14 | 13:46 Colchester | 2 changes | |
| 12:00 Oxford | 2h13 | 14:13 Colchester | 2 changes | |
| 12:32 Oxford | 2h14 | 14:46 Colchester | 2 changes | |
| 13:00 Oxford | 2h14 | 15:14 Colchester | 2 changes | |
| 13:31 Oxford | 2h15 | 15:46 Colchester | 2 changes | |
| 14:02 Oxford | 2h11 | 16:13 Colchester | 2 changes | |
| 14:31 Oxford | 2h14 | 16:45 Colchester | 2 changes | |
| 15:01 Oxford | 2h10 | 17:11 Colchester | 2 changes | |
| 15:31 Oxford | 2h27 | 17:58 Colchester | 2 changes | |
| 16:00 Oxford | 2h19 | 18:19 Colchester | 2 changes | |
| 16:31 Oxford | 2h13 | 18:44 Colchester | 2 changes | |
| 17:00 Oxford | 2h14 | 19:14 Colchester | 2 changes | |
| 17:31 Oxford | 2h14 | 19:45 Colchester | 2 changes | |
| 18:00 Oxford | 2h13 | 20:13 Colchester | 2 changes | |
| 18:27 Oxford | 2h21 | 20:48 Colchester | 2 changes | |
| 19:01 Oxford | 2h12 | 21:13 Colchester | 2 changes | |
| 19:30 Oxford | 2h16 | 21:46 Colchester | 2 changes | |
| 20:08 Oxford | 2h08 | 22:16 Colchester | 2 changes | |
| 20:36 Oxford | 2h10 | 22:46 Colchester | 2 changes | |
| 21:02 Oxford | 2h11 | 23:13 Colchester | 2 changes | |
| 21:32 Oxford | 2h33 | 0:05 Colchester | 2 changes | |
| 22:01 Oxford | 2h14 | 0:15 Colchester | 2 changes | |
| 22:23 Oxford | 3h13 | 1:36 Colchester | 2 changes | |
| 23:07 Oxford | 2h50 | 1:57 Colchester | 2 changes | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Why should you book Oxford to Colchester trains with Omio?
Elizabeth line as well as Chiltern Railways, Greater Anglia, Great Western Railway and more offer trains services from Oxford to Colchester.
Omio is the only official third party seller for Elizabeth line tickets.
Why book with Omio vs Elizabeth line?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Elizabeth line, but also compare tickets for the likes of Chiltern Railways, Greater Anglia or Great Western Railway to find the best option for your trip from Oxford 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 Elizabeth line with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Oxford to Colchester.
Train companies: Greater Anglia, Great Western Railway, Chiltern Railways, Elizabeth line from Oxford to Colchester trainsGreater Anglia, Great Western Railway, Chiltern Railways, Elizabeth line trains will get you between Oxford and Colchester from £33. 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 44m
Cheapest Greater Anglia Price
£45
Greater Anglia frequency
2 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
Great Western Railway
About
Great Western Railway is a train operating company in the United Kingdom. It operates services from London Paddington to the West of England, South Wales and the Cotswolds. It also operates services from London Paddington to Oxford, Reading and Bristol. It offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, air conditioning and catering services. The most popular routes for Great Western Railway are London Paddington to Bristol, Reading and Oxford.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Great Western Railway Duration
1h 47m
Cheapest Great Western Railway Price
£45
Great Western Railway frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
Two pieces of luggage and one piece of hand luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, dedicated luggage areas at 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
Cafe bar serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, sandwiches. First Class at-seat service on some routes
Seat reservation
Optional seat reservations available for a fee. Free in First Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone
Chiltern Railways
About
Chiltern Railways is a regional train company in the United Kingdom. Check the different ticket types for your next journey: Duo, Anytime, Season, Super Off Peak, Off Peak and Advance. It operates services from London Marylebone to Birmingham Snow Hill, Oxford, Banbury, Aylesbury, High Wycombe, and Stratford-upon-Avon. It also runs services from Birmingham Moor Street to Stratford-upon-Avon. Chiltern Railways offers a range of train types, including InterCity 125, Class 165 and Class 168 trains. These trains are equipped with comfortable seating, air conditioning, power sockets, and free Wi-Fi. The company offers a variety of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, Off-Peak, and Super Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include a café bar, a shop, and a quiet coach. The most popular routes for Chiltern Railways are London Marylebone to Birmingham Snow Hill, Oxford, and High Wycombe.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Chiltern Railways Duration
2h 30m
Cheapest Chiltern Railways Price
£40
Chiltern Railways frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
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
Optional seat reservation for £3. Free for Advance tickets
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating
Pets
Small pets free in carriers. Dogs allowed with lead
Quiet zone
Elizabeth line
About
Tfl Rail is a railway service operated by Transport for London in the United Kingdom. It operates on the Great Western Main Line and the Heathrow branch of the London Underground. The service runs from Paddington in London to Reading, Maidenhead, Slough, and Heathrow Airport. It also serves the towns of Taplow, Burnham, Twyford, and Hayes & Harlington. All trains are air-conditioned and feature onboard Wi-Fi, power sockets, and digital information screens. Tfl Rail offers a range of ticket types, including single and return tickets, season tickets, and Oyster cards. Oyster cards are the most popular ticket type, allowing passengers to pay for their journey with a single card. The most popular routes for Tfl Rail are Paddington to Reading, Paddington to Maidenhead, and Paddington to Heathrow Airport. These routes offer frequent services and provide passengers with a convenient way to travel between London and the surrounding areas.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Elizabeth line Duration
2h 19m
Cheapest Elizabeth line Price
£45
Elizabeth line frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
Standard luggage allowance included with ticket
Luggage storage
Dedicated luggage storage areas in carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refunds available through TfL website or customer service
Refund
Full refund available for service cancellations
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
No dedicated dining car. Passengers can bring their own food and drinks
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Step-free access at most stations, wheelchair spaces on trains, priority seating
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be leashed. Guide dogs welcome
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: Oxford to Colchester train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Oxford 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 Oxford to Colchester can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £40, while the average price tends to be around £65.
The train journey from Oxford to Colchester covers a distance of 149 km and takes approximately 1h 44m. Trains run 9 per day.
The train distance from Oxford to Colchester is 149 km.
The first train from Oxford to Colchester leaves at 3:42.
The last train from Oxford to Colchester departs at 22:43.
Trains from Oxford to Colchester run approximately 9 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Oxford to Colchester.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Oxford to Colchester.
There is no night train service from Oxford to Colchester.
The train station in Oxford that goes to Colchester is Oxford station (OXF), and it arrives at Colchester station (COL).
Booking trains from Oxford 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 Oxford to Colchester primarily passes through urban and suburban areas, with views of the English countryside in sections, particularly between Oxford and London. While not renowned for being particularly scenic, passengers can still enjoy glimpses of rolling hills and green landscapes along parts of the route.
Yes, you can take the train from Oxford to Colchester.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Oxford and Colchester
Most Oxford to Colchester trains use the Oxford to Colchester station pair, with some services arriving at Hythe (Essex). Use this guide to compare Oxford and Colchester train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Oxford
Arrival train stations in Colchester
Which Oxford station do trains to Colchester leave from?
Trains from Oxford to Colchester leave from Oxford. The station is 1 km from Oxford city centre at Oxford station, Park End Street, Oxford, Oxfordshire, OX1 1HS.
OxfordOxford station, Park End Street, Oxford, Oxfordshire, OX1 1HS+44 3451652030
City-centre transport
Getting to Oxford from Oxford city centre
BusS1, Ns1 · 6m · £0.89 · every ~12 min
5, 3, 3A, 400, N3, N400 · 9m · £2 · every ~66 min
X1, X15, 600 · 9m · £2 · every ~14 min
X20, 120 · 10m · every ~10 min
Oxford train station facilities and services
Oxford has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Oxford.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Oxford. ATMs are available at Oxford.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Oxford.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Oxford: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Oxford: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Oxford: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step Free Category A Station - This station has step free access to all platforms via lifts and an overbridge to access platform 4. Safety warning - Please be aware that some platforms at this station have no or only partial tactile paving on the platform edge. Please take extra care when using this station, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible taxis: Accessible Taxis available at this station Please request staff assistance or call our free help line for, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Situated by the ticket office, 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 Oxford arrive at?
Trains from Oxford 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 · £0.89 · 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.
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 · £0.89 · every ~2 min
Bus54 · 7m · £0.89 · 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.
Most popular train connections from Oxford
More options for your journey from Oxford to Colchester
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Colchester and Oxford
Most popular train connections to Colchester
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