The cheapest and fastest trains from Cambridge to Colchester
Cheapest price
$34
Average price
$35
Fastest journey
1 h 40 m
Average duration
1 h 40 m
Trains per day
3
Distance
64 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cambridge to Colchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cambridge to Colchester will cost around $35 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $34.
Of the 3 trains that leave Cambridge for Colchester on Fri, Jun 19, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Jun 19 the direct trains cover the 64 km distance in an average of 1 h 40 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 40 m .
On Fri, Jun 19 the slowest trains will take 1 h 41 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
8:48 AM1h40Cambridge10:28 AMColchester$341One-way0 transfers
3:48 PM1h41Cambridge5:29 PMColchester$351One-way0 transfers
9:48 AM1h40Cambridge11:28 AMColchester$351One-way0 transfers
9:48 AM1h40Cambridge11:28 AMColchester$351One-way0 transfers
8:48 AM1h40Cambridge10:28 AMColchester$341One-way0 transfers
3:48 PM1h41Cambridge5:29 PMColchester$351One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Cambridge to Colchester
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cambridge to Colchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $9. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 1h 43m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $9, and a bus costs an average of $18.
Distance: 39 miles (64 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$33 Average price Cheapest | $37 Average price | $18 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 19m Average total duration 1h 49m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 13m Average total duration Fastest 1h 43m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 24m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.2kg 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 Cambridge to Colchester:
A train is $5 (€4) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Cambridge to Colchester costing on average $37 (€31).
Other travel options to Colchester take longer:
Train takes on average 1h 49m.
Tickets start at around $33 (€27) compared to roughly $18 (€14) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-15.05 (€-12.32). The journey takes 1h 49m versus 1h 24m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
Live departures
Cambridge to Colchester train times
The table below shows live departures for Cambridge to Colchester trains for tomorrow, Friday, June 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 8:48 AM Cambridge | 1h40 | 10:28 AM Colchester | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:48 AM Cambridge | 1h40 | 11:28 AM Colchester | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 3:48 PM Cambridge | 1h41 | 5:29 PM Colchester | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cambridge to Colchester by train or bus
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.
Jun 19
Jun 20
Jun 21
Jun 22
Jun 23
Jun 24
Jun 25
Why should you book Cambridge to Colchester trains with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs Greater Anglia?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Greater Anglia, but also compare tickets for the likes of Thameslink to find the best option for your trip from Cambridge 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 Greater Anglia with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cambridge to Colchester.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Thameslink to find the best option for your trip from Cambridge to Colchester.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Cambridge to Colchester.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cambridge to Colchester
Trains from Cambridge to Colchester run on average 6 times per day, taking around 1h 49m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $9 (€7) if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 03:35, the last at 22:50. The fastest train covers the 39 miles (64 km) distance in 1h 33m.
Distance 39 miles (64 km) |
Average train duration 1h 49m |
Cheapest ticket price $9 (€7) |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 1h 33m |
First train 3:35 AM |
Last train 10:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 49 days |
Train companies: Greater Anglia, Thameslink from Cambridge to Colchester trainsGreater Anglia, Thameslink trains will get you between Cambridge and Colchester from $9 (€7). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Greater Anglia
Thameslink
FAQs: Trains from Cambridge to Colchester
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cambridge 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.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Cambridge to Colchester
Most Cambridge to Colchester trains use the Cambridge to Colchester station pair, with some services arriving at Hythe (Essex). Use this guide to compare Cambridge and Colchester train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Which Cambridge station do trains to Colchester leave from?
Getting to Cambridge from Cambridge city centre
Cambridge is 1 km from Cambridge city centre. Public transport options include:
Cambridge train station facilities and services
Cambridge has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Car Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Cambridge.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Cambridge. ATMs are available at Cambridge.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Cambridge.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cambridge: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Cambridge: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Cambridge: 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.
Getting to Cambridge North from Cambridge city centre
Cambridge North is 3 km from Cambridge city centre. Public transport options include:
Cambridge North train station facilities and services
Cambridge North has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Cambridge North.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Cambridge North.
Tickets and information
Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from information point, Helpline Contact: 0800 028 2878.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cambridge North: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Cambridge North: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Cambridge North: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible taxis: Details of the nearest taxi will be supplied by station staff, 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: Yes.
Which Colchester station do trains from Cambridge arrive at?
Getting to Colchester from Colchester city centre
Colchester is 1 km from Colchester city centre. Public transport options include:
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.
Getting to Hythe (Essex) from Colchester city centre
Hythe (Essex) is 1 km from Colchester city centre. Public transport options include:
Hythe (Essex) train station facilities and services
Hythe (Essex) has practical services for this route, including Parking, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office, and Bike Parking.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Hythe (Essex): Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Hythe (Essex): Bike Parking.
Accessibility
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.
Getting to Colchester Town from Colchester city centre
Colchester Town train station facilities and services
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
Food and drink options are available at Colchester Town.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Colchester Town.
Tickets and information
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.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Colchester Town: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Colchester Town: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
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.
Most popular train connections from Cambridge
More options for your journey from Cambridge to Colchester
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