How to get to Colchester from Exeter

Wed 07 Oct
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Travel Information

Compare train, coach and flight for Exeter to Colchester

Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Exeter to Colchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £80 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 4h 4m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £80, while a flight costs an average of £372.

Distance: 334 km

Compare flight with

Most popular
Flight
Train
Coach
Driving

£372

Average Price

£95

Average Price

£80

Average Price

Cheapest

£61

Average Price

(fuel + tolls)

4h 56m

Average total duration

2h 56m

Onboard

+

2h 0m

Additional time*

4h 4m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 34m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

7h 33m

Average total duration

7h 3m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

5h 9m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

Loganair

Most popular airline

Great Western Railway

Most popular train company

National Express

Most popular bus company

Your own car or car rental

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from Exeter to Colchester is a coach with an average price of £80.

This is compared to other travel options from Exeter to Colchester:

A coach is £15 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Exeter to Colchester costing on average £95.

A coach is £292 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Exeter to Colchester costing on average £372.

The fastest way to travel from Exeter to Colchester is by train with an average journey time of 4h 4m.

Other travel options to Colchester take longer:

Flight takes on average 4h 56m.

Coach takes on average 7h 33m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Exeter and Colchester including taking a train, coach and flight.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.

You'll arrive about 1h 35m sooner (3h 34m by train vs 5h 9m by car). Tickets start at around £95 compared to roughly £61 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.

Travel options
from Exeter to Colchester

How to get to Colchester from Exeter by train, bus, flight or ferry.

Our recommendation

bus

The best way to travel from Exeter to Colchester is by taking a coach because it’s the best combination of price and speed.

  • National ExpressNX504 · NXA8 · NX717
    7:409h15
    Exeter, Honiton Road
    16:55Colchester, East Hill / High Street
    £581One-way
    2 changes

Cheapest

  • National ExpressNX504 · NXA8 · NX717
    7:409h15
    Exeter, Honiton Road
    16:55Colchester, East Hill / High Street
    £581One-way
    2 changes

Fastest

  • Great Western RailwayW34577+Elizabeth lineC37877+Greater AngliaP66980
    13:153h56
    Exeter St Davids (EXD)
    17:11Colchester station (COL)
    £731One-way
    2 changes

Other options

  • Great Western RailwayG14923+Greater AngliaP67275+Elizabeth lineC37976
    13:424h16
    Exeter St Davids (EXD)
    17:58Colchester station (COL)
    £631One-way
    2 changes
  • Great Western RailwayY80272 · W34589+Greater AngliaP67255+Elizabeth lineC37838
    15:424h22
    Exeter St Thomas (EXT)
    20:04Colchester station (COL)
    £631One-way
    3 changes
  • Great Western RailwayY80277 · W34593+Greater AngliaP67004+Elizabeth lineC37930
    16:414h32
    Exeter St Thomas (EXT)
    21:13Colchester station (COL)
    £631One-way
    3 changes
  • National ExpressNX504 · NXA8 · NX717
    7:309h25
    Exeter, Bampfylde Street / Stover Court
    16:55Colchester, East Hill / High Street
    £581One-way
    2 changes
  • National ExpressNX501 · NXA8 · NX717
    9:2010h30
    Exeter, Honiton Road
    19:50Colchester, East Hill / High Street
    £621One-way
    2 changes
  • National ExpressNX501 · NXA8 · NX717
    9:2010h30
    Exeter, Honiton Road
    19:50Colchester, East Hill / High Street
    £621One-way
    2 changes

Find all the dates and times for this journey by train, bus, flight, and ferry .

Compare prices and tickets Prices for trains, coaches, flights and ferries

Compare train, coach and flight 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.

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Best day trips from Colchester by train

The most popular day trips by train from Colchester are London, Ipswich, Norwich, Chelmsford and Clacton-on-Sea. Find out what you can do in these day trip destinations and how to book your train from Colchester on Omio.

A view of London

Day trip from Colchester to London by train

Why visit London for the day?

London blends royal history with modern city life, known for its museums, theatre and global food scene. Along the Thames, grand landmarks sit beside diverse neighbourhoods shaped by finance, fashion and contemporary culture.

A view of Ipswich

Day trip from Colchester to Ipswich by train

Why visit Ipswich for the day?

Ipswich is one of England’s oldest towns, known for its waterfront and maritime past. Its medieval streets, parks and Suffolk atmosphere make it feel historic yet lived-in.

A view of Norwich

Day trip from Colchester to Norwich by train

Why visit Norwich for the day?

Norwich is known for its Norman cathedral, medieval lanes and strong independent character. Its historic market, literary links and mix of old churches and creative spaces give it a lively but relaxed feel.

A view of Chelmsford

Day trip from Colchester to Chelmsford by train

Why visit Chelmsford for the day?

Chelmsford is Essex’s county city, known for its cathedral and its links to Guglielmo Marconi. A compact centre, riverside parks and a relaxed modern feel give it an easy balance of history and everyday city life.

A view of Clacton-on-Sea

Day trip from Colchester to Clacton-on-Sea by train

Why visit Clacton-on-Sea for the day?

Clacton-on-Sea is a traditional Essex resort known for its sandy beach, pier and classic seaside amusements. Its promenade and relaxed coastal atmosphere give it the feel of a long-established British holiday town.

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FAQs: Exeter to Colchester

Travel to Colchester easily. Whether you want fast, cheap or something entirely different, our travel experts have collected everything you need to know so you can find the best option from Exeter to Colchester.

FAQs
There are 3 options to travel between Exeter and Colchester including taking a train, coach and flight.
The cheapest way to travel from Exeter to Colchester is a coach with an average price of £80.

This is compared to other travel options from Exeter to Colchester:

A coach is £15 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Exeter to Colchester costing on average £95.

A coach is £292 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Exeter to Colchester costing on average £372.

The fastest way to travel from Exeter to Colchester is by train with an average journey time of 4h 4m.

Other travel options to Colchester take longer:

Flight takes on average 4h 56m.

Coach takes on average 7h 33m.

The Exeter to Colchester distance is approximately 334 km.
The average frequency per day from Exeter to Colchester is:
  • Around 12 trains per day.
  • Around 8 flights per day.
  • Around 8 coaches per day.

However, we recommend checking specific travel dates for your route between Exeter and Colchester as scheduled services by train, coach and flight can vary by season or day of the week.

These are the most popular departure and arrival points from Exeter to Colchester:
  • Flights mostly depart from Exeter International Airport and arrive in London Heathrow Airport.
  • Trains mostly depart from Exeter St Davids (EXD) and arrive in Colchester station (COL).
  • Coaches mostly depart from Exeter, Honiton Road and arrive in Colchester, East Hill / High Street.
If finding a good deal is your main consideration for your trip from Exeter to Colchester, then we'll help you find the best value travel companies for you:
  • Travel with Loganair, British Airways to go to Colchester by flight.
  • Travel with Great Western Railway to go to Colchester by train.
  • Travel with National Express to go to Colchester by coach.
Omio customers who travel from Exeter to Colchester often also extend their vacation to go to London Liverpool Street (LST), London, Stratford (London) (SRA), Edinburgh, Chelmsford. Omio can help you plan your trip by finding the best connections between Colchester and these popular destinations at a great price.
To get from Exeter to Colchester, you can choose from several travel options including train, coach and flight.
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.

Travelling from Exeter to Colchester: related information

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

HomeTravelTravel to United KingdomTravel to ColchesterHow to get to Colchester from Exeter

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