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The cheapest and fastest trains from Chelmsford to Colchester
Showing times and prices for Nov 07
Cheapest price
$18
Average price
$20
Fastest journey
21 m
Average duration
24 m
Trains per day
4
Distance
34 km
Cheap tickets
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 $20 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $18.
Fast trains
Of the 4 trains that leave Chelmsford for Colchester on Fri, Nov 07, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Nov 07 the direct trains cover the 34 km distance in an average of 24 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 21 m .
On Fri, Nov 07 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.
07:51AM0h22
Chelmsford08:13AMColchester
$181One-way
0 transfers
04:59AM0h30
Chelmsford05:29AMColchester
$211One-way
0 transfers
10:00PM0h21
Chelmsford10:21PMColchester
$211One-way
0 transfers
08:52AM0h21
Chelmsford09:13AMColchester
$211One-way
0 transfers
08:52AM0h21
Chelmsford09:13AMColchester
$211One-way
0 transfers
10:00PM0h21
Chelmsford10:21PMColchester
$211One-way
0 transfers
07:51AM0h22
Chelmsford08:13AMColchester
$181One-way
0 transfers
04:59AM0h30
Chelmsford05:29AMColchester
$211One-way
0 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 bus with prices starting from €5. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 25m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €5, and a train costs an average of €8.
Distance: 21 miles (34 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus |
|---|---|
€15 Average price | €5 Average price Cheapest |
55m Average total duration Fastest 25m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 22m Average total duration 52m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Chelmsford to Colchester train times
The table below shows live departures for Chelmsford to Colchester trains for tomorrow, Friday, November 7. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at 4:47 PM
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4:59 AM Chelmsford | 0h30 | 5:29 AM Colchester | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 7:51 AM Chelmsford | 0h22 | 8:13 AM Colchester | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 8:52 AM Chelmsford | 0h21 | 9:13 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 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.
Fri
Nov 07
Nov 07
Sat
Nov 08
Nov 08
Sun
Nov 09
Nov 09
Mon
Nov 10
Nov 10
Tue
Nov 11
Nov 11
Wed
Nov 12
Nov 12
Thu
Nov 13
Nov 13
Journey information
Overview: Train from Chelmsford to Colchester
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $6 (€5)
Distance 21 miles (34 km) |
Average train duration 25m |
Cheapest ticket price $10 (€8) |
Trains per day 6 |
Direct trains 6 |
Fastest train 18m |
First train 00:11 |
Last train 23:58 |
Key Takeaways
Train Ticket Prices
- Budget Options: Train tickets from Chelmsford to Colchester start from as low as $10 (€8) if booked well in advance.
- Standard Fares: Typically, trains cost $18 (€15) depending on the train type and class.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $6 (€5)
Train companies: Abellio Greater Anglia from Chelmsford to Colchester trainsAbellio Greater Anglia trains will get you between Chelmsford and Colchester from $6 (€5). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Abellio Greater Anglia
About
Greater Anglia is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates a wide range of services, from commuter trains to intercity services. The commuter trains run at regular intervals throughout the day, while the intercity services run at peak times. The train types include the InterCity 125, InterCity 225, Class 90, Class 91, Class 360 and Class 379. The ticket types available are Standard, First Class and Advance. Onboard facilities include Wi-Fi, power sockets, air conditioning and refreshment trolleys. The most popular routes for Greater Anglia are London Liverpool Street to Norwich, London Liverpool Street to Cambridge and London Liverpool Street to Ipswich.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
18m
Cheapest Price
$14 (€11)
Abellio Greater Anglia frequency
6 a day
Luggage included
Two items of luggage per person included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar service on intercity routes with hot and cold drinks, snacks. No service on local routes.
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for a fee. Free for First Class tickets.
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs require a ticket (£6 flat fee). Guide dogs travel free.
Quiet zone
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.
The train from Chelmsford to Colchester takes 18m and runs 6 per day.
Train ticket prices from Chelmsford to Colchester can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $10 (€8), while the average price is around $18 (€15).
The last train from Chelmsford to Colchester leaves at 11:58 PM.
The cheapest way to get from Chelmsford to Colchester is by bus, with a cost of around $6 (€5).
The first train from Chelmsford to Colchester leaves at 12:11 AM.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Chelmsford to Colchester.
To fully explore Colchester's historic sites, including Colchester Castle and the Roman ruins, while also enjoying its cultural venues like the Firstsite art gallery and the natural beauty of Castle Park, plan to spend around 2 to 3 days.
Yes, you can take the train from Chelmsford to Colchester.
Yes, there is a direct train from Chelmsford to Colchester. This service operates 6 times per day, provided by Abellio Greater Anglia.
Yes, a day trip from Chelmsford to Colchester is feasible as the journey takes just 18m and the distance is 21 miles (34 km). Trains run frequently with 6 trips per day.
The train journey from Chelmsford to Colchester primarily travels through the Essex countryside, offering views of fields, small towns, and rural landscapes, which some passengers may find scenic.
The distance by train from Chelmsford to Colchester is 21 miles (34 km).
The train station in Chelmsford that goes to Colchester is Chelmsford station (CHM), which connects to Colchester station (COL).
There is no high speed train available from Chelmsford to Colchester.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Chelmsford to Colchester
Chelmsford
Colchester
The major train station for departures in Chelmsford is Chelmsford. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Chelmsford for your trip from Chelmsford to Colchester.
Amenities at train station
Wifi
Shopping
Parking
Dining
ATM
Accessibility
WC
Lost and Found Office
Ticket Office
Bike Parkinginformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:50 - 22:00 Saturday 05:50 - 22:00 Sunday 07:00 - 23:00
Shopping
- Type of shops available: Newsagent Flower stall Hairdresser Dry cleaner
Parking
- Car Park: Premium Bay
Accessibility
- 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
WC
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on each platform. The accessible (radar key) toilets are located on the Ground Floor, near the lifts.
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: There is a dedicated Cycle Point, with free cycle parking, plus secure cycle parking and premium cycle parking. This is in Park Road, opposite the station.
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transit options for Chelmsford
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Replacement transport stop at the bus stop on Victoria Road by station entrance
The major train station for arrivals in Colchester is Colchester. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Colchester for your journey to Colchester from Chelmsford.
Amenities at train station
WifiShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWC
HotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike Parking
Information Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:00 - 22:00 Saturday 05:30 - 21:00 Sunday 06:00 - 21:00
Distance to city center
1 kmShopping
- Type of shops available: News agent Dry cleaner Passport Photo Booth
Parking
- Car Park: Premium Bays
Accessibility
- 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
WC
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on all platforms. The accessible (radar key) toilets are located on Platforms 2 and 4
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: Situated by the South entrance, and in the main car park by the North entrance. A secure 134-space cycle compound is also available (key fob required, speak to station staff for availability).
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Information Desk
- Information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 0800 028 28 78
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens
Public transit options for Colchester
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Replacement transport stop at the bus stop by main station entrance
Amenities at train station
WifiParkingDiningAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 06:10 - 20:15 Saturday 07:00 - 18:45 Sunday Closed
Parking
- Car Park: There is a Council managed car park behind the station
Accessibility
- 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
WC
- Toilets Location: Toilets are located alongside the ticket office and only open when the station is staffed.
- National key toilets: No
- Baby changing facilities: No
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: Within station, forecourt and on platform
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Information Desk
- Information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 0800 028 28 78
Public transit options for Colchester Town
- Onward travel information: Colchester Town Station is around 5 minutes walk from Colchester Bus Station
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Town Railway Station Bus Stops (stop B) for planned rail replacement only.
Amenities at train station
ParkingAccessibilityLost and Found OfficeBike Parkinginformation
Distance to city center
1 kmParking
- Car Park: No
Accessibility
- 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
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: Platforms
- Storage CCTV: No
Public transit options for Hythe (Essex)
- Onward travel information: Local Colchester Town service Buses stop near station
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Replacement bus services stop at station entrance adjacent to level crossing
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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