Portsmouth to Colchester train

Mon 27 Jul
+ Add return
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
Regionale
West Midlands Trains
CrossCountry
2,000+ travel companies
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
Regionale
West Midlands Trains
CrossCountry
2,000+ travel companies
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  • South Western Railway
    7:373h37
    Portsmouth
    11:14Colchester
    £411One-way
    0 changes
  • South Western Railway
    8:373h40
    Portsmouth
    12:17Colchester
    £1021One-way
    0 changes

Travel Information

Compare coach and train for Portsmouth to Colchester

Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Portsmouth to Colchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £35. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 36m. 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 £35, and a train costs an average of £38.

Distance: 184 km

Compare train with

Train
Most popular
Coach

£71

Average Price

£53

Average Price

Cheapest

4h 6m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 36m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

5h 33m

Average total duration

5h 3m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.2 - 0.5kg

CO2 emissions

Direct Options

Direct Options

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

Live departures

Portsmouth to Colchester train times

The table below shows live departures for Portsmouth to Colchester trains for tomorrow, Monday 27 July. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
South Western Railway7:37 Portsmouth
3h37
11:14 Colchester0 changesdirect
South Western Railway8:37 Portsmouth
3h40
12:17 Colchester0 changesdirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Portsmouth to Colchester 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.

Mon
27 Jul
Tue
28 Jul
Wed
29 Jul
Thu
30 Jul
Fri
31 Jul
Sat
01 Aug
Sun
02 Aug

Journey information

Overview: Train from Portsmouth to Colchester

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Portsmouth to Colchester run on average 5 times per day, taking around 3h 36m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £38 but you can travel from only £35 by coach.

The earliest train runs at 04:12, the last at 21:38. The fastest train covers the 184 km distance in 3h 22m.

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 £35
Distance
184 km
Average train duration
3h 36m
Cheapest ticket price
£38
Trains per day
5
Fastest train
3h 22m
First train
4:12
Last train
21:38
Cheapest Month
Mar
Cheapest Day
Sat
High Season
Apr - Jun
Low Season
Jan - Mar
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 £35

FAQs: Portsmouth to Colchester train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth to Colchester can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £38, while the average price tends to be around £71.
The train journey from Portsmouth to Colchester covers a distance of 184 km and takes approximately 3h 22m. Trains run 5 per day.
The train distance from Portsmouth to Colchester is 184 km.
The first train from Portsmouth to Colchester leaves at 4:12.
The last train from Portsmouth to Colchester departs at 21:38.
Trains from Portsmouth to Colchester run approximately 5 times per day.
To get from Portsmouth to Colchester, you can choose from several travel options including coach and train.
There is no night train service from Portsmouth to Colchester.
The train station in Portsmouth that goes to Colchester is Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS), and it arrives at Colchester station (COL).
The cheapest way to get from Portsmouth to Colchester is by coach, costing approximately £35.
Booking trains from Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth to Colchester offers a mix of urban and rural views, with scenic glimpses of the English countryside, coastal areas, and small towns, particularly as you pass through regions like the South Downs and along parts of the coast.
A day trip from Portsmouth to Colchester is not feasible as the journey takes 3h 22m and the distance is 184 km. Trains operate 4 times 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.
Currently, there is no direct train service available from Portsmouth to Colchester.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Portsmouth and Colchester

Most Portsmouth to Colchester trains use the Portsmouth & Southsea to Colchester station pair, with some services arriving at Hythe (Essex). Use this guide to compare Portsmouth and Colchester train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Portsmouth
Arrival train stations in Colchester

Which Portsmouth station do trains to Colchester leave from?

Trains from Portsmouth to Colchester leave from Portsmouth & Southsea. The station is from Portsmouth city centre at Portsmouth & Southsea station, Commercial Road, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO1 1EQ.
Portsmouth & SouthseaPortsmouth & Southsea station, Commercial Road, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO1 1EQWifiParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike Rental
City-centre transport

Getting to Portsmouth & Southsea from Portsmouth city centre

Location for Rail Replacement ServicesStation Street bus stop at side of Railway Station near Matalan car park.

Portsmouth & Southsea train station facilities and services

Portsmouth & Southsea has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Portsmouth & Southsea.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Portsmouth & Southsea. ATMs are available at Portsmouth & Southsea.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Portsmouth & Southsea.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Portsmouth & Southsea: Parking, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Portsmouth & Southsea: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Portsmouth & Southsea: 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. Please be aware that some platforms at this station have no or only partial tactile paving on the platform edge, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All South Western Railway ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. All machines are accessible, however the station may not be so please check the station access note for further details, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.

Portsmouth HarbourPortsmouth Harbour station, The Hard Interchange, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO1 3PAWifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar Rental
City-centre transport

Getting to Portsmouth Harbour from Portsmouth city centre

Portsmouth Harbour is 1 km from Portsmouth city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainLondon Victoria - Portsmouth Harbour, Brighton - Portsmouth Harbour, Littlehampton - Portsmouth Harbour, Three Bridges - Portsmouth Harbour, Barnham - Portsmouth Harbour, Gatwick Airport - Portsmouth Harbour, Havant - Portsmouth Harbour, Bognor Regis - Portsmouth Harbour · 3m · £1 · every ~4 min
Bus1, 2, 8, 3, 7, X4, H1, X5, Pr1 · 6m · £2 · every ~214 min

Portsmouth Harbour train station facilities and services

Portsmouth Harbour has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, 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 Portsmouth Harbour.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Portsmouth Harbour. ATMs are available at Portsmouth Harbour.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Portsmouth Harbour.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Portsmouth Harbour: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Portsmouth Harbour: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Portsmouth Harbour: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step-free category B Station - Steps or 20m ramp (approx. 1:11 gradient) to main entrance, or steps to side entrance. 32m ramp (gradient up to 1:8) from Wightlink IoW ferry terminal. Level access to all platforms. Stepped footbridge between platforms is also available. Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All South Western Railway ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. All machines are accessible, however the station may not be so please check the station access note for further details, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.

FrattonFratton station, Selbourne Terrace, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO1 5AWWifiShoppingParkingDiningAccessibilityWCLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Fratton from Portsmouth city centre

Fratton is 1 km from Portsmouth city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainPortsmouth Harbour - London Waterloo, Portsmouth Harbour - Eastleigh, Portsmouth Harbour - Southampton Central, Portsmouth & Southsea - Southampton Central, Portsmouth Harbour - Woking, Portsmouth & Southsea - London Waterloo, Portsmouth Harbour - Guildford, Portsmouth Harbour - Winchester, Portsmouth Harbour - Basingstoke, Portsmouth & Southsea - Woking, Portsmouth Harbour - Woolston, Portsmouth & Southsea - Woolston, Portsmouth Harbour - Petersfield, Portsmouth Harbour - Fareham · 3m · £1 · every ~10 min
Bus1 · 4m · every ~30 min
13 · 6m · £2 · every ~6 min

Fratton train station facilities and services

Fratton has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Fratton.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Fratton.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Fratton. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point, Helpline Contact: 0800 5282100.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Fratton: Parking, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Fratton: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Fratton: 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, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All South Western Railway ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. All machines are accessible, however the station may not be so please check the station access note for further details, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.

More options for your journey from Portsmouth to Colchester

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

HomeTrainsTrain Times to Colchester Portsmouth to Colchester train

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