- 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 Southampton to Colchester
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 04 Nov
- Cheapest price on 04 Nov
- £93
- Average ticket price on 04 Nov
- £93
- Fastest journey on 04 Nov
- 3 h 2 m
- Average journey duration on 04 Nov
- 3 h 14 m
- Trains on 04 Nov
- 6
- Distance
- 194 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Southampton to Colchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Southampton to Colchester will cost around £93 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £93.
Fast trains
To travel from Southampton to Colchester you need to make at least 2 changes.
L78757+
Tube from London Waterloo to Stratford (London)+
P669428:00 3h13 Southampton Central (SOU) 11:13 Colchester station (COL) £93 1 One-way 2 changes- L79358+Tube from London Waterloo to Stratford (London)+
G00858+P012459:15 3h02 Southampton Central (SOU) 12:17 Colchester station (COL) £93 1 One-way 3 changes - L78765+C04652+Tube from London Waterloo to Stratford (London)
9:00 3h14 Southampton Central (SOU) 12:14 Colchester station (COL) £93 1 One-way 2 changes - G00855+P01236+
C38186+
W353588:15 3h05 Southampton Central (SOU) 11:20 Colchester station (COL) £93 1 One-way 3 changes - L80065+Tube from London Waterloo to Stratford (London)+P01341
9:30 3h34 Southampton Central (SOU) 13:04 Colchester station (COL) £93 1 One-way 2 changes
- L79358+Tube from London Waterloo to Stratford (London)+G00858+P01245
9:15 3h02 Southampton Central (SOU) 12:17 Colchester station (COL) £93 1 One-way 3 changes - G00855+P01236+C38186+W35358
8:15 3h05 Southampton Central (SOU) 11:20 Colchester station (COL) £93 1 One-way 3 changes - L78757+Tube from London Waterloo to Stratford (London)+P66942
8:00 3h13 Southampton Central (SOU) 11:13 Colchester station (COL) £93 1 One-way 2 changes - L78765+C04652+Tube from London Waterloo to Stratford (London)
9:00 3h14 Southampton Central (SOU) 12:14 Colchester station (COL) £93 1 One-way 2 changes - L80065+Tube from London Waterloo to Stratford (London)+P01341
9:30 3h34 Southampton Central (SOU) 13:04 Colchester station (COL) £93 1 One-way 2 changes
Journey information
Overview: Train from Southampton to Colchester
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Southampton to Colchester run on average 6 times per day, taking around 2h 46m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £35 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 04:12, the last at 23:03. The fastest train covers the 194 km distance in 2h 14m.
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
Distance 194 km |
Average train duration 2h 46m |
Cheapest ticket price £35 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 2h 14m |
First train 4:12 |
Last train 23:03 |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Fri |
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
Frequently asked questions about your Southampton to Colchester trip
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Southampton to Colchester.
The cost of a train ticket from Southampton to Colchester can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £35, while the average price tends to be around £63.
The train journey from Southampton to Colchester covers a distance of 194 km and takes approximately 2h 14m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train distance from Southampton to Colchester is 194 km.
The first train from Southampton to Colchester leaves at 4:12.
The last train from Southampton to Colchester departs at 23:03.
Trains from Southampton to Colchester run approximately 6 times per day.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Southampton to Colchester.
Live departures
Southampton to Colchester train times
The table below shows live departures for Southampton to Colchester trains for tomorrow, Wednesday 4 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| L78757+P66942+Tube from London Waterloo to Stratford (London) | 8:00 Southampton Central (SOU) | 3h13 | 11:13 Colchester station (COL) | 2 changes | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Why should you book Southampton to Colchester trains with Omio?
South Western Railway as well as CrossCountry or Greater Anglia offer trains services from Southampton to Colchester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Southampton to Colchester.
Why book with Omio vs South Western Railway?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for South Western Railway, but also compare tickets for the likes of CrossCountry or Greater Anglia to find the best option for your trip from Southampton 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 South Western Railway with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Southampton to Colchester.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of CrossCountry or Greater Anglia to find the best option for your trip from Southampton to Colchester.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Southampton to Colchester.
Train companies: South Western Railway, CrossCountry, Greater Anglia from Southampton to Colchester trainsSouth Western Railway, CrossCountry, Greater Anglia trains will get you between Southampton and Colchester from £35. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
South Western Railway
About
South Western Railway is a train operating company in the United Kingdom, providing services in the south and south-west of England. It operates a variety of train types, including high-speed trains, local stopping services, and suburban commuter trains. It also offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Off-Peak, and Super Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. The most popular routes for South Western Railway include London Waterloo to Portsmouth Harbour, London Waterloo to Weymouth, and London Waterloo to Bournemouth.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average South Western Railway Duration
2h 31m
Cheapest South Western Railway Price
£35
South Western Railway frequency
4 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated luggage areas at end of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund depends on ticket type and timing of cancellation
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled by operator
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar service with hot and cold drinks, snacks, sandwiches
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for a fee, free for some ticket types
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free, dogs must be on lead
Quiet zone
CrossCountry
About
CrossCountry is a fast-speed train operator in the United Kingdom, offering both express and regional services across the country. Express services, such as the CrossCountry Voyager and XC Trains, provide quick and comfortable journeys with amenities like free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a selection of snacks and drinks. Regional services, including the CrossCountry Regional and Regional Express, make more local stops for a leisurely trip. Ticket options include Standard Class and First Class, as well as Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak fares to suit different budgets and schedules. Popular routes include London to Birmingham, Manchester to Edinburgh, and Bristol to Reading.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average CrossCountry Duration
2h 14m
Cheapest CrossCountry Price
£74
CrossCountry frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage storage areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled services
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require ticket
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
2h 38m
Cheapest Greater Anglia Price
£74
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
Companies, tickets, and onboard amenities between Southampton and Colchester
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Southampton to Colchester.
There is no night train service from Southampton to Colchester.
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.
Plan your visit to Colchester
Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in Colchester.
The train journey from Southampton to Colchester offers a mix of urban and rural scenery, including views of the lush countryside, charming villages, and the coastal landscapes of Essex as you approach Colchester.
FAQs: Southampton to Colchester train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Southampton 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.
Booking trains from Southampton to Colchester in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
Yes, you can take the train from Southampton to Colchester.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Southampton and Colchester
Most Southampton to Colchester trains use the Southampton Central to Colchester station pair. Use this guide to compare Southampton and Colchester train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Southampton
Arrival train stations in Colchester
Which Southampton station do trains to Colchester leave from?
Trains from Southampton to Colchester leave from Southampton Central. The station is 1 km from Southampton city centre at Southampton Central station, Blechynden Terrace, Southampton, Hampshire, SO15 1AL.
Southampton CentralSouthampton Central station, Blechynden Terrace, Southampton, Hampshire, SO15 1AL+44 345 600 0650
City-centre transport
Getting to Southampton Central from Southampton city centre
BusX4, X5 · 5m · £2 · every ~20 min
Southampton Central train station facilities and services
Southampton Central has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Car Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Southampton Central.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Southampton Central. ATMs are available at Southampton Central.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Southampton Central.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Southampton Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Southampton Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Southampton Central: 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 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: Yes.
Which Colchester station do trains from Southampton arrive at?
Trains from Southampton 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 · £1 · 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.
Train stations for Southampton to Colchester
Check train stations information for Southampton and Colchester, including where trains depart and arrive on this route.
The train station in Southampton that goes to Colchester is Southampton Central, and it arrives at Colchester.
Most popular train connections from Southampton
More options for your journey from Southampton to Colchester
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Colchester and Southampton
Most popular train connections to Colchester
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