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4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff to Colchester
Cheapest price
$51
Average price
$67
Fastest journey
3 h 41 m
Average duration
4 h 17 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
285 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cardiff to Colchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Colchester will cost around $67 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $51.
Of the 2 trains that leave Cardiff for Colchester on Sat, Jul 04, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Jul 04 the direct trains cover the 285 km distance in an average of 4 h 17 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 41 m .
On Sat, Jul 04 the slowest trains will take 4 h 52 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.
5:14 AM4h52Cardiff10:06 AMColchester$511One-way0 transfers- 7:23 AM3h41Cardiff11:04 AMColchester$821One-way0 transfers
- 7:23 AM3h41Cardiff11:04 AMColchester$821One-way0 transfers
- 5:14 AM4h52Cardiff10:06 AMColchester$511One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Cardiff to Colchester
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Colchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $39. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 4m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $39, and a train costs an average of $51.
Distance: 177 miles (285 km)
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$77 Average price | $65 Average price Cheapest | $76 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 34m Average total duration Fastest 3h 4m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 59m Average total duration 6h 29m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 18m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Cardiff to Colchester:
A bus is $12 (€10) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cardiff to Colchester costing on average $77 (€63).
Other travel options to Colchester take longer:
Bus takes on average 6h 29m.
You'll arrive about 1h 14m sooner (3h 4m by train vs 4h 18m by car). Tickets start at around $77 (€63) compared to roughly $76 (€62) 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
Cardiff to Colchester train times
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Colchester trains for tomorrow, Saturday, July 4. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5:14 AM Cardiff | 4h52 | 10:06 AM Colchester | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 7:23 AM Cardiff | 3h41 | 11:04 AM Colchester | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cardiff 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.
Jul 04
Jul 05
Jul 06
Jul 07
Jul 08
Jul 09
Jul 10
Why should you book Cardiff to Colchester trains with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs Great Western Railway?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Great Western Railway, but also compare tickets for the likes of Great Western Railway (GWR) to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff 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 Great Western Railway with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cardiff to Colchester.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Cardiff to Colchester.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cardiff to Colchester
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Cardiff to Colchester run on average 6 times per day, taking around 3h 4m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $51 (€42) but you can travel from only $39 (€32) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 04:41, the last at 21:20. The fastest train covers the 177 miles (285 km) distance in 3h 23m.
Distance 177 miles (285 km) |
Average train duration 3h 4m |
Cheapest ticket price $51 (€42) |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 3h 23m |
First train 4:41 AM |
Last train 9:20 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 28 days |
Train companies: Great Western Railway, Great Western Railway (GWR) from Cardiff to Colchester trainsGreat Western Railway, Great Western Railway (GWR) trains will get you between Cardiff and Colchester from $39 (€32). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Great Western Railway
Great Western Railway (GWR)
FAQs: Trains from Cardiff to Colchester
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff 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 Cardiff to Colchester
Most Cardiff to Colchester trains use the Cardiff Central to Colchester station pair, with some services arriving at Colchester Town. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Colchester train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Getting to Cardiff Central from Cardiff city centre
Cardiff Central train station facilities and services
Cardiff Central 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, and Car Rental.
Food and drink
Food options include: Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen, Pret a Manger, Tesco Express
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are located outside of the main entrance.
Tickets and information
The ticket office is open Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30, Sat: 05:40 - 21:30, Sun: 07:30 - 21:30.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cardiff Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Cardiff Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff Central: There is step-free access in the whole station. There are also ramps for train access and elevators in the station.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Clayton Hotel Cardiff, Cardiff Marriott Hotel, Travelodge Cardiff Central.
Getting to Cardiff Queen Street from Cardiff city centre
Cardiff Queen Street train station facilities and services
Cardiff Queen Street has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Cardiff Queen Street.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Cardiff Queen Street. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 03333 211202, 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 Cardiff Queen Street: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Cardiff Queen Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff Queen Street: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machines are near the main entrance and take cash and major debit and credit cards, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Travelodge.
Getting to Heath High Level from Cardiff city centre
Heath High Level is 4 km from Cardiff city centre. Public transport options include:
Heath High Level train station facilities and services
Heath High Level has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office, Bike Parking, and Bike Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Heath High Level.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Heath High Level: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Heath High Level: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Heath High Level: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Category B3. The station is not suitable for wheelchair or powered mobility scooter users. Platform 1 (to Rhymney) has a long, steep access ramp. Platform 2 (to Cardiff) is only accessible via 41 steps. Customers travelling from the Rhymney Valley are advised to alight at Cardiff Queen Street and return to Heath Low Level, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machine(s) do not accept cash. Payment is by major debit and credit cards only, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Which Colchester station do trains from Cardiff 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 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.
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.
More options for your journey from Cardiff to Colchester
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Colchester and Cardiff
Most popular train connections to Colchester
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