- 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 20 Sept
Cheapest price on 20 Sept
£92
Average ticket price on 20 Sept
£92
Fastest journey on 20 Sept
3 h 1 m
Average journey duration on 20 Sept
3 h 29 m
Trains on 20 Sept
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 £92 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £92.
Fast trains
To travel from Southampton to Colchester you need to make at least 2 changes.
G00874+
P01274+
W35216+
C3793512:153h01Southampton Central (SOU)15:16Colchester station (COL)£921One-way3 changes- G00880+P01282+C05986+C3801613:153h01Southampton Central (SOU)16:16Colchester station (COL)£921One-way3 changes
L80180+C03059 · C02506+C3682212:253h46Southampton Central (SOU)16:11Colchester station (COL)£921One-way4 changes- L80180+P01282+
Tube from London Waterloo to Stratford (London)12:253h51Southampton Central (SOU)16:16Colchester station (COL)£921One-way2 changes - L80184+P67225+Tube from London Waterloo to Stratford (London)13:253h46Southampton Central (SOU)17:11Colchester station (COL)£921One-way2 changes
- G00874+P01274+W35216+C3793512:153h01Southampton Central (SOU)15:16Colchester station (COL)£921One-way3 changes
- G00880+P01282+C05986+C3801613:153h01Southampton Central (SOU)16:16Colchester station (COL)£921One-way3 changes
- L80180+C03059 · C02506+C3682212:253h46Southampton Central (SOU)16:11Colchester station (COL)£921One-way4 changes
- L80184+P67225+Tube from London Waterloo to Stratford (London)13:253h46Southampton Central (SOU)17:11Colchester station (COL)£921One-way2 changes
- L80180+P01282+Tube from London Waterloo to Stratford (London)12:253h51Southampton Central (SOU)16:16Colchester station (COL)£921One-way2 changes
Travel Information
Compare coach and train for Southampton to Colchester
Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Southampton to Colchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £62 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 9m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £62, while a train costs an average of £67.
Distance: 194 km
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£67 Average Price | £62 Average Price Cheapest | £37 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 9m Average total duration Fastest 2h 39m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 49m Average total duration 5h 19m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 0m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The cheapest way to travel from Southampton to Colchester is a coach with an average price of £62.
This is compared to other travel options from Southampton to Colchester:
A coach is £5 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Southampton to Colchester costing on average £67.
The fastest way to travel from Southampton to Colchester is by train with an average journey time of 2h 39m.
Other travel options to Colchester take longer:
Coach takes on average 5h 19m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Southampton and Colchester including taking a coach and train.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.
You'll arrive about 21m sooner (2h 39m by train vs 3h 0m by car). Tickets start at around £67 compared to roughly £37 in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
Live departures
Southampton to Colchester train times
The table below shows live departures for Southampton to Colchester trains for today, Saturday 19 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| L80187+P67212+Tube from London Waterloo to Stratford (London) | On time 8:00 Southampton Central (SOU) | 4h04 | 12:04 Colchester station (COL) | 2 changes | |
| G00856+C42288+C38137+P01237 | On time 8:15 Southampton Central (SOU) | 3h02 | 11:17 Colchester station (COL) | 3 changes | |
| L80357+P66946+Tube from London Waterloo to Stratford (London) | On time 8:30 Southampton Central (SOU) | 3h43 | 12:13 Colchester station (COL) | 2 changes | |
| L80191+P67216+Tube from London Waterloo to Stratford (London) | On time 9:00 Southampton Central (SOU) | 4h04 | 13:04 Colchester station (COL) | 2 changes | |
| G00859+Y15273+C37834+P01246 | On time 9:15 Southampton Central (SOU) | 3h01 | 12:16 Colchester station (COL) | 3 changes | |
| L80066+C03046 · W35363+C36811 | On time 9:30 Southampton Central (SOU) | 3h34 | 13:04 Colchester station (COL) | 4 changes | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Southampton 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.
Sun
20 Sept
20 Sept
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21 Sept
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26 Sept
Why should you book Southampton to Colchester trains with Omio?
South Western Railway as well as CrossCountry 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 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 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.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Southampton to Colchester
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Southampton to Colchester run on average 7 times per day, taking around 2h 34m. 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 3h 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 34m |
Cheapest ticket price £35 |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 3h 14m |
First train 4:12 |
Last train 23:03 |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Wed |
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
Train companies: South Western Railway, CrossCountry from Southampton to Colchester trainsSouth Western Railway, CrossCountry trains will get you between Southampton and Colchester from £42. 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
3h 14m
Cheapest South Western Railway Price
£35
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 58m
Cheapest CrossCountry Price
£91
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
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: 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.
The cost of a train ticket from Southampton to Colchester can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £42, while the average price tends to be around £67.
The train journey from Southampton to Colchester covers a distance of 194 km and takes approximately 2h 20m. 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.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Southampton to Colchester.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Southampton to Colchester.
To get from Southampton to Colchester, you can choose from several travel options including coach and train.
There is no night train service from Southampton to Colchester.
The train station in Southampton that goes to Colchester is Southampton Central (SOU), and it arrives at Colchester station (COL).
The cheapest way to get from Southampton to Colchester is by train, costing approximately £42.
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.
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.
A day trip from Southampton to Colchester is not feasible as the journey takes 2h 20m. However, trains run 6 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.
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 · £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.
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
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