- 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
kr229
Average price
kr419
Fastest journey
1 h 40 m
Average duration
1 h 40 m
Trains per day
8
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 kr419 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only kr229.
It's difficult to get from Cambridge to Colchester without transferring at least once.
P02120 · P01275
P02110 · P01257
P02096 · P01228
P02116 · P01266
P02101 · P01239
P02110 · P01257
P02116 · P01266
P02120 · P01275
P02101 · P01239
P02105 · P01248Omio 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 kr86. 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 kr86, and a bus costs an average of kr172.
Distance: 39 miles (64 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
kr312 Average price Cheapest | kr355 Average price | kr168 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 kr44 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Cambridge to Colchester costing on average kr355.
Other travel options to Colchester take longer:
Train takes on average 1h 49m.
Tickets start at around kr312 compared to roughly kr168 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about kr-143.31. 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.
The table below shows live departures for Cambridge to Colchester trains for tomorrow, Monday, August 3. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
P02096 · P01228 | 6:40 AM Cambridge station (CBG) | 1h49 | 8:29 AM Colchester station (COL) | 1 transfer | |
G28268+ P01220+ C38036 | 6:55 AM Cambridge South | 2h22 | 9:17 AM Colchester station (COL) | 2 transfers | |
P02101 · P01239 | 7:48 AM Cambridge station (CBG) | 1h40 | 9:28 AM Colchester station (COL) | 1 transfer | |
P02105 · P01248 | 8:48 AM Cambridge station (CBG) | 1h40 | 10:28 AM Colchester station (COL) | 1 transfer | |
W45489+ P01236+ C38194 | 8:55 AM Cambridge South | 2h25 | 11:20 AM Colchester station (COL) | 2 transfers | |
P02110 · P01257 | 9:48 AM Cambridge station (CBG) | 1h40 | 11:28 AM Colchester station (COL) | 1 transfer | |
P02116 · P01266 | 10:48 AM Cambridge station (CBG) | 1h40 | 12:28 PM Colchester station (COL) | 1 transfer | |
P02120 · P01275 | 11:48 AM Cambridge station (CBG) | 1h40 | 1:28 PM Colchester station (COL) | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
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 Cambridge to Colchester run on average 6 times per day, taking around 1h 49m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at kr86 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 kr86 |
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 |
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 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.

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.
Cambridge is 1 km from Cambridge city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options are available at Cambridge.
Wi-Fi is available at Cambridge. ATMs are available at Cambridge.
Ticket office support is available at Cambridge.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Cambridge: Parking, WC.
Available at Cambridge: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
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.
Cambridge North is 3 km from Cambridge city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options are available at Cambridge North.
Wi-Fi is available at Cambridge North.
Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from information point, Helpline Contact: 0800 028 2878.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Cambridge North: Parking, WC.
Available at Cambridge North: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
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.
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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