- 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
$15
Average price
$15
Fastest journey
28 m
Average duration
28 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
21 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Clacton-on-Sea to Colchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Clacton-on-Sea to Colchester will cost around $15 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $15.
Of the 2 trains that leave Clacton-on-Sea for Colchester on Wed, Aug 05, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Aug 05 the direct trains cover the 21 km distance in an average of 28 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 28 m .
On Wed, Aug 05 the slowest trains will take 28 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.




Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Clacton-on-Sea to Colchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $6. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 28m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $6, and a train costs an average of $10.
Distance: 13 miles (21 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$15 Average price | $6 Average price Cheapest | $6 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
58m Average total duration Fastest 28m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 31m Average total duration 1h 1m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 31m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Clacton-on-Sea to Colchester:
A bus is $9 (€7) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Clacton-on-Sea to Colchester costing on average $15 (€12).
Other travel options to Colchester take longer:
Bus takes on average 1h 1m.
You'll arrive about 3m sooner (28m by train vs 31m by car). Tickets start at around $15 (€12) compared to roughly $6 (€5) 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.
The table below shows live departures for Clacton-on-Sea to Colchester trains for tomorrow, Wednesday, August 5. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 12:05 PM Clacton-on-Sea | 0h28 | 12:33 PM Colchester | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:05 PM Clacton-on-Sea | 0h28 | 8:33 PM Colchester | 0 transfersDirect | |
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 Clacton-on-Sea to Colchester run on average 6 times per day, taking around 28m. 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 00:22, the last at 23:52. The fastest train covers the 13 miles (21 km) distance in 28m.
Distance 13 miles (21 km) |
Average train duration 28m |
Cheapest ticket price $10 (€8) |
Trains per day 6 |
Direct trains 6 |
Fastest train 28m |
First train 12:22 AM |
Last train 11:52 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 28 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 Clacton-on-Sea 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 Clacton-on-Sea to Colchester trains use the Clacton-on-Sea to Colchester station pair, with some services arriving at Hythe (Essex). Use this guide to compare Clacton-on-Sea and Colchester train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Clacton-on-Sea has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Information Desk.
Wi-Fi is available at Clacton-on-Sea. ATMs are available at Clacton-on-Sea.
Ticket office support is available at Clacton-on-Sea. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,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 Clacton-on-Sea: Parking, WC.
Available at Clacton-on-Sea: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Clacton-on-Sea: 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 public telephones: Accessible (Card Only) telephone available on concourse, Accessible taxis: Details of nearest taxis are shown on station information poster, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Ticket machine located on station concourse, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
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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