Chelmsford to Colchester train with Abellio Greater Anglia

Sat, Dec 20
+ Add return
Abellio Greater Anglia
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1,000+ travel companies
Abellio Greater Anglia
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
iryo
Italo
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Chelmsford to Colchester

Showing times and prices for Dec 23

Cheapest price

$14

Average price

$18

Fastest journey

21 m

Average duration

27 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 $18 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $14.

Fast trains

Of the 4 trains that leave Chelmsford for Colchester on Tue, Dec 23, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Tue, Dec 23 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 21 m .

On Tue, Dec 23 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.

Abellio Greater Anglia
05:36PM0h26
Chelmsford
06:02PMColchester
$141One-way
0 transfers
Abellio Greater Anglia
07:52PM0h21
Chelmsford
08:13PMColchester
$141One-way
0 transfers
Abellio Greater Anglia
05:34AM0h30
Chelmsford
06:04AMColchester
$211One-way
0 transfers
Abellio Greater Anglia
07:37AM0h29
Chelmsford
08:06AMColchester
$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 today, Monday, December 22. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 8:36 AM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
greater_anglia9:34 AM Chelmsford
0h30
10:04 AM Colchester0 transfersDirect
greater_anglia5:06 PM Chelmsford
0h27
5:33 PM Colchester0 transfersDirect
greater_anglia8:34 PM Chelmsford
0h30
9:04 PM Colchester0 transfersDirect
Tuesday, December 23
greater_anglia5:34 AM Chelmsford
0h30
6:04 AM Colchester0 transfersDirect
greater_anglia7:37 AM Chelmsford
0h29
8:06 AM Colchester0 transfersDirect

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.

Tue
Dec 23
Wed
Dec 24
Thu
Dec 25
Fri
Dec 26
Sat
Dec 27
Sun
Dec 28
Mon
Dec 29

Why should you book Chelmsford to Colchester trains with Omio?

Abellio Greater Anglia operates all train services from Chelmsford to Colchester. Omio is the only official third party seller for Abellio Greater Anglia tickets.

Why book with Omio vs Abellio 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 Abellio 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 Trainline and Rail Europe?

Multiple modes of transport
  • Official reseller: Abellio Greater Anglia tickets can only be bought on Omio or Abellio Greater Anglia's website as Omio is the only official third party seller for Abellio Greater Anglia tickets. Trainline, RailEurope, and Rail.Ninja do not sell Abellio Greater Anglia tickets as they are not official sellers.
  • 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
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Chelmsford to Colchester run on average 6 times per day, taking around 25m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $10 (€8) but you can travel from only $6 (€5) by bus.

There are 6 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.

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
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.

FAQs
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.
The train from Chelmsford to Colchester takes 18m and runs 6 per day.
The last train from Chelmsford to Colchester leaves at 11:58 PM.
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.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Chelmsford to Colchester.
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.
Train ticket prices from Chelmsford to Colchester can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $10 (€8), while the average price is around $19 (€15).
The distance by train from Chelmsford to Colchester is 21 miles (34 km).
The cheapest way to get from Chelmsford to Colchester is by bus, with a cost of around $6 (€5).
The train station in Chelmsford that goes to Colchester is Chelmsford station (CHM), which connects to Colchester station (COL).
The first train from Chelmsford to Colchester leaves at 12:11 AM.
There is no high speed train available from Chelmsford to Colchester.
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.

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
WifiWifi
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:50 - 22:00 Saturday 05:50 - 22:00 Sunday 07:00 - 23:00
Shopping
Shopping
  • Type of shops available: Newsagent Flower stall Hairdresser Dry cleaner
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: Premium Bay
Accessibility
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
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
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

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