4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest trains from Chelmsford to Colchester
Cheapest price
$14
Average price
$18
Fastest journey
22 m
Average duration
27 m
Trains per day
3
Distance
34 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Chelmsford to Colchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Chelmsford to Colchester will cost around $18 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $14.
Of the 3 trains that leave Chelmsford for Colchester on Sun, Jun 21, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Jun 21 the direct trains cover the 34 km distance in an average of 27 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 22 m .
On Sun, Jun 21 the slowest trains will take 30 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.
9:42 PM0h29Chelmsford10:11 PMColchester$141One-way0 transfers- 2:54 PM0h22Chelmsford3:16 PMColchester$211One-way0 transfers
- 8:43 AM0h30Chelmsford9:13 AMColchester$211One-way0 transfers
- 2:54 PM0h22Chelmsford3:16 PMColchester$211One-way0 transfers
- 9:42 PM0h29Chelmsford10:11 PMColchester$141One-way0 transfers
- 8:43 AM0h30Chelmsford9:13 AMColchester$211One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Chelmsford to Colchester
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Chelmsford to Colchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $14. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 26m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $14, and a bus costs an average of $21.
Distance: 21 miles (34 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$20 Average price Cheapest | $21 Average price | $9 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
56m Average total duration Fastest 26m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 25m Average total duration 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 38m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Chelmsford to Colchester:
A train is $1 (€0.88) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Chelmsford to Colchester costing on average $21 (€17).
Other travel options to Colchester take longer:
Bus takes on average 55m.
You'll arrive about 12m sooner (26m by train vs 38m by car). Tickets start at around $20 (€16) compared to roughly $9 (€7) 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.
Direct services run with Greater Anglia.
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
Chelmsford to Colchester train times
The table below shows live departures for Chelmsford to Colchester trains for tomorrow, Sunday, June 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8:43 AM Chelmsford | 0h30 | 9:13 AM Colchester | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 2:54 PM Chelmsford | 0h22 | 3:16 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 Chelmsford 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 21
Jun 22
Jun 23
Jun 24
Jun 25
Jun 26
Jun 27
Why should you book Chelmsford to Colchester trains with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs Greater Anglia?
- 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 Chelmsford 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 Chelmsford to Colchester.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Chelmsford to Colchester
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Chelmsford to Colchester run on average 8 times per day, taking around 26m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $14 (€11) if you book in advance.
There are 7 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:11, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 21 miles (34 km) distance in 18m.
Distance 21 miles (34 km) |
Average train duration 26m |
Cheapest ticket price $14 (€11) |
Trains per day 8 |
Direct trains 7 |
Fastest train 18m |
First train 12:11 AM |
Last train 11:58 PM |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 2 days |
Train companies: Greater Anglia from Chelmsford to Colchester trainsGreater Anglia trains will get you between Chelmsford and Colchester from $14 (€11). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Greater Anglia
FAQs: Trains from Chelmsford to Colchester
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chelmsford 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 Chelmsford to Colchester
Most Chelmsford to Colchester trains use the Chelmsford to Colchester station pair, with some services arriving at Hythe (Essex). Use this guide to compare Chelmsford and Colchester train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Which Chelmsford station do trains to Colchester leave from?
Getting to Chelmsford from Chelmsford city centre
Chelmsford train station facilities and services
Chelmsford has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Chelmsford.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Chelmsford. ATMs are available at Chelmsford.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Chelmsford.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Chelmsford: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Chelmsford: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Chelmsford: 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.
Which Colchester station do trains from Chelmsford 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 Chelmsford
More options for your journey from Chelmsford to Colchester
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Colchester and Chelmsford
Most popular train connections to Colchester
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