- Must visit
Colchester Castle Museum
Major museum inside the Norman castle, presenting Roman finds and town history. Essential for understanding Colchester from Iron Age to modern times.
Cheapest price on Sep 18
€71
Average ticket price on Sep 18
€125
Fastest journey on Sep 18
3 h 13 m
Average journey duration on Sep 18
3 h 15 m
Trains on Sep 18
6
Distance
246 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Bristol to Colchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Bristol to Colchester will cost around €125 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €71.
It's difficult to get from Bristol to Colchester without transferring at least 2 times.
W34472+
C37893+
P01245
G14898+
P01241+
C37841
G14897+
C37803+
P66942
G01062+
G15041+
P01241+
C37849
G00854+
G15042+
C37884+
C04652
G01062+
G15041+
P01241+
C37849
G14897+
C37803+
P66942
G00854+
G15042+
C37884+
C04652
G14898+
P01241+
C37841
W34472+
C37893+
P01245Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Bristol to Colchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of €69 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 13m. 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 bus costs an average of €69, while a train costs an average of €88.
Distance: 152 miles (246 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
€88 Average price | €69 Average price Cheapest | €64 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 13m Average total duration Fastest 2h 43m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 6m Average total duration 5h 36m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 29m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.6kg 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.
This is compared to other travel options from Bristol to Colchester:
A bus is €20 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Bristol to Colchester costing on average €88.
Other travel options to Colchester take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 36m.
You'll arrive about 46m sooner (2h 43m by train vs 3h 29m by car). Tickets start at around €88 compared to roughly €64 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.
The table below shows live departures for Bristol to Colchester trains for today, Thursday, September 17. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G14897+ C37803+ P66942 | 8:00 AM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 3h13 | 11:13 AM Colchester station (COL) | 2 transfers | |
W35169+ C38186+ P01236+ G66721 | Delayed 7:26 AM 8:01 AMBristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 3h19 | 11:20 AM Colchester station (COL) | 3 transfers | |
G14898+ C37841+ P01241 | On time 8:30 AM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 3h16 | 11:46 AM Colchester station (COL) | 2 transfers | |
G15041+ P01241+ C37849+ G01062 | 8:33 AM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 3h13 | 11:46 AM Colchester station (COL) | 3 transfers | |
W34472+ C37893+ P01245 | On time 9:00 AM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 3h17 | 12:17 PM Colchester station (COL) | 2 transfers | |
G15042+ C37884+ C04652+ G00854 | On time 9:00 AM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 3h14 | 12:14 PM Colchester station (COL) | 3 transfers | |
G15062 · W35223+ C37909+ C04627 | On time 9:08 AM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 3h29 | 12:37 PM Colchester station (COL) | 3 transfers | |
G14899+ P01250+ C37926 | 9:30 AM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 3h16 | 12:46 PM Colchester station (COL) | 2 transfers | |
W35432+ G01064+ P01341+ C37942 | 9:33 AM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 3h31 | 1:04 PM Colchester station (COL) | 3 transfers | |
W34477+ P66950+ C37536 | On time 10:00 AM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 3h13 | 1:13 PM Colchester station (COL) | 2 transfers | |
G14900+ C37601+ P01259 | 10:30 AM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 3h16 | 1:46 PM Colchester station (COL) | 2 transfers | |
W35178+ C37601+ G00869_G01067+ P01259 | 10:33 AM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 3h13 | 1:46 PM Colchester station (COL) | 3 transfers | |
G14901+ C38047+ C04655 | 11:00 AM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 3h13 | 2:13 PM Colchester station (COL) | 2 transfers | |
G15066 · W35227+ C04630+ C38069 | 11:18 AM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 3h19 | 2:37 PM Colchester station (COL) | 3 transfers | |
G14902+ C37695+ P01268 | 11:30 AM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 3h16 | 2:46 PM Colchester station (COL) | 2 transfers | |
G15045+ G01069+ C37695+ P01268 | 11:33 AM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 3h13 | 2:46 PM Colchester station (COL) | 3 transfers | |
G14903+ C37722+ C04658 | 12:00 PM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 3h14 | 3:14 PM Colchester station (COL) | 2 transfers | |
W34490+ C38154+ P01277 | On time 12:30 PM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 3h16 | 3:46 PM Colchester station (COL) | 2 transfers | |
G15046+ C38161+ G01073+ P01277 | 12:32 PM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 3h14 | 3:46 PM Colchester station (COL) | 3 transfers | |
W34493+ P66964+ C38189 | On time 1:00 PM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 3h13 | 4:13 PM Colchester station (COL) | 2 transfers | |
G15220 · G15047+ C38195+ P01280 | 1:09 PM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 3h07 | 4:16 PM Colchester station (COL) | 3 transfers | |
G14904+ C37851+ P01285 | 1:30 PM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 3h15 | 4:45 PM Colchester station (COL) | 2 transfers | |
W34498+ C37895+ P66980 | On time 2:00 PM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 3h11 | 5:11 PM Colchester station (COL) | 2 transfers | |
G15522 · W35187+ C37911+ P01288 | 2:09 PM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 3h08 | 5:17 PM Colchester station (COL) | 3 transfers | |
G14905+ C37952+ P66984 | 2:30 PM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 3h09 | 5:39 PM Colchester station (COL) | 2 transfers | |
W35188+ P66984+ C37952+ G01080 | Delayed 1:52 PM 2:33 PMBristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 3h06 | 5:39 PM Colchester station (COL) | 3 transfers | |
G14906+ P66988+ C38007 | 3:00 PM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 3h15 | 6:15 PM Colchester station (COL) | 2 transfers | |
G15074 · W35236+ P66990+ C38063 | 3:16 PM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 3h21 | 6:37 PM Colchester station (COL) | 3 transfers | |
G14907+ P67240+ C37671 | 3:30 PM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 3h14 | 6:44 PM Colchester station (COL) | 2 transfers | |
G14908+ P66993+ C37741 | 4:00 PM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 3h15 | 7:15 PM Colchester station (COL) | 2 transfers | |
G14908+ C38128+ P66993 | 4:00 PM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 3h15 | 7:15 PM Colchester station (COL) | 2 transfers | |
G15525 · W35194+ C37766+ P01307 | 4:08 PM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 3h11 | 7:19 PM Colchester station (COL) | 3 transfers | |
W34510+ C38183+ P66997 | On time 4:30 PM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 3h08 | 7:38 PM Colchester station (COL) | 2 transfers | |
W35435+ G01083+ C38197+ P67151 | 4:33 PM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 3h12 | 7:45 PM Colchester station (COL) | 3 transfers | |
W34513+ P67000+ C37863 | On time 5:00 PM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 3h13 | 8:13 PM Colchester station (COL) | 2 transfers | |
G15224 · W35196+ P01313+ C37438 | 5:08 PM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 3h08 | 8:16 PM Colchester station (COL) | 3 transfers | |
G14909+ C37905+ P01318 | 5:29 PM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 3h19 | 8:48 PM Colchester station (COL) | 2 transfers | |
W35198+ G00723+ P01318+ C37494 | Delayed 4:55 PM 5:33 PMBristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 3h15 | 8:48 PM Colchester station (COL) | 3 transfers | |
G14910+ C37532+ P01321 | 6:00 PM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 3h16 | 9:16 PM Colchester station (COL) | 2 transfers | |
W34519+ C37985+ P67263 | 6:30 PM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 3h16 | 9:46 PM Colchester station (COL) | 2 transfers | |
G15050+ P67263+ G00730+ C37993 | 6:32 PM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 3h14 | 9:46 PM Colchester station (COL) | 3 transfers | |
G14911+ C38025+ P67008 | 7:00 PM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 3h13 | 10:13 PM Colchester station (COL) | 2 transfers | |
W34523+ C37674+ P67268 | 7:30 PM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 3h16 | 10:46 PM Colchester station (COL) | 2 transfers | |
G00735+ W35202+ C37674+ P67268 | On time 7:33 PM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 3h13 | 10:46 PM Colchester station (COL) | 3 transfers | |
G14912+ C38101+ P67010 | 8:00 PM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 3h13 | 11:13 PM Colchester station (COL) | 2 transfers | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and bus 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.
Trains from Bristol to Colchester run on average 8 times per day, taking around 2h 43m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €31 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 03:42, the last at 22:00. The fastest train covers the 152 miles (246 km) distance in 2h 19m.
Distance 152 miles (246 km) |
Average train duration 2h 43m |
Cheapest ticket price €31 |
Trains per day 8 |
Fastest train 2h 19m |
First train 3:42 AM |
Last train 10:00 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 5 days |
Discover the best of Colchester — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Colchester trip today.
Major museum inside the Norman castle, presenting Roman finds and town history. Essential for understanding Colchester from Iron Age to modern times.
Award-winning museum on former barracks, covering military life and the Essex Regiment. Strong collections make it a standout for social and army history.
Natural history museum in a former church, with local wildlife, geology, and family displays. A useful stop for learning about Essex's environment.
Historic park around the castle with formal planting, Roman walls, and central lawns. A classic place to relax while exploring the old town.
Charming conservation area of timber-framed buildings and narrow streets, reflecting the town's links with Dutch and Flemish settlers.
Main shopping and historic street lined with heritage buildings, independent businesses, and civic landmarks. A practical and atmospheric town-centre walk.
Colchester Native Oysters are famed shellfish from local estuaries, eaten raw or dressed. They are one of Britain’s oldest recorded regional delicacies.
Essex Eel Pie is a traditional regional pie of chopped eel in rich gravy. It reflects the historic importance of estuary fishing in Essex.
Tiptree Jam Tart uses the county’s famous Wilkin & Sons preserves in a simple buttery tart. It is a classic Essex tea-room style dessert.
Well-regarded modern British restaurant serving seasonal tasting-style plates in an intimate, refined atmosphere.
Established seafood restaurant known for oysters, fish and polished service in a smart but relaxed setting near the town centre.
Popular casual venue for brunch, coffee and comfort food with a stylish interior and a strong local following.
Moderate for the UK: hotels and dining cost less than London, while local buses and casual meals stay fairly manageable for tourists.
Restaurants may add service; if not, tip 10-12% for good service. Taxi fares are often rounded up. Tipping in cafes is optional.
Official public transport app
Colchester Railway Station -> Colchester Town Centre, Colchester
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bristol 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.

Most Bristol to Colchester trains use the Bristol Temple Meads to Colchester station pair, with some services arriving at Hythe (Essex). Use this guide to compare Bristol and Colchester train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Bristol Temple Meads has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: The Pasty Shop, Starbucks, Upper Crust, Pumpkin Café, Hart's Bakery
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are located near Platform 3.
The ticket office is open Mon - Sat: 05:30 - 21:30, Sun: 06:45 - 21:30. Information desks are located near the main entrance.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Bristol Temple Meads: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Bristol Temple Meads: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bristol Temple Meads: Wheelchair access, elevators, escalators. .
Nearby hotels include Holiday Inn Express Bristol City Center, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Bristol City Center, Hilton Garden Inn Bristol City Center.
Redland is 1 km from Bristol city centre. Public transport options include:
Redland has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Redland.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Redland: Parking.
Available at Redland: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Redland: Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step Free - Category A Station - This station has step free access to the platform. Safety warning - Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge. Please take extra care when using this station, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Clifton Down has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Clifton Down.
Wi-Fi is available at Clifton Down.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Clifton Down: Parking.
Available at Clifton Down: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Clifton Down: Staff help available: No, Step free access note: Step free Category B1 station - step free access available to both platforms via ramp and choice of drop off points, however adjacent car parks need to be used for full step free access. Safety warning - Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge. Please take extra care when using this station, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are not available, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: No, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Colchester is 1 km from Colchester city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options are available at Colchester.
Wi-Fi is available at Colchester. ATMs are available at Colchester.
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.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Colchester: Parking, WC.
Available at Colchester: Bike Parking.
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) is 1 km from Colchester city centre. Public transport options include:
Hythe (Essex) has practical services for this route, including Parking, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office, and Bike Parking.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Hythe (Essex): Parking.
Available at Hythe (Essex): Bike Parking.
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.
Colchester Town has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Colchester Town.
Wi-Fi is available at Colchester Town.
Ticket office support is available at Colchester Town. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0800 028 28 78.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Colchester Town: Parking, WC.
Available at Colchester Town: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Colchester Town: 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, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
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