Colchester to Exeter train with Great Western Rail

Fri, Nov 07
+ Add return
Great Western Rail
Abellio Greater Anglia
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
Italo
1,000+ travel companies
Great Western Rail
Abellio Greater Anglia
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
Italo
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Colchester to Exeter

Showing times and prices for Nov 07

Cheapest price

$52

Average price

$108

Fastest journey

4 h 8 m

Average duration

4 h 47 m

Trains per day

3

Distance

334 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Colchester to Exeter is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Colchester to Exeter will cost around $108 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $52.

Fast trains

Of the 3 trains that leave Colchester for Exeter on Fri, Nov 07, 3 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 334 km distance in an average of 4 h 47 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 8 m .

On Fri, Nov 07 the slowest trains will take 5 h 59 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.

Great Western Rail
04:12AM4h15
Colchester
08:27AMExeter
$521One-way
0 transfers
Great Western Rail
10:00AM4h08
Colchester
02:08PMExeter
$841One-way
0 transfers
South Western Railway
04:44AM5h59
Colchester
10:43AMExeter
$1881One-way
0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train and bus for Colchester to Exeter

Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Colchester to Exeter among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €38. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 44m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €38, and a train costs an average of €43.

Distance: 207 miles (334 km)

Compare train with

Train
Most popular
Bus

€80

Average price

€61

Average price

Cheapest

4h 14m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 44m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

7h 30m

Average total duration

7h 0m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

Great Western Rail

Most popular train company

National Express

Most popular bus company

Direct Options

Direct Options

Live departures

Colchester to Exeter train times

The table below shows live departures for Colchester to Exeter trains for today, Thursday, November 6. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 9:43 AM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
great_western10:00 AM Colchester
4h08
2:08 PM Exeter0 transfersDirect
Friday, November 7
great_western4:12 AM Colchester
4h15
8:27 AM Exeter0 transfersDirect
south_west_trains4:44 AM Colchester
5h59
10:43 AM Exeter0 transfersDirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Colchester to Exeter 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
Sat
Nov 08
Sun
Nov 09
Mon
Nov 10
Tue
Nov 11
Wed
Nov 12
Thu
Nov 13

Journey information

Overview: Train from Colchester to Exeter

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Colchester to Exeter run on average 12 times per day, taking around 3h 44m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $52 (€43) but you can travel from only $46 (€38) by bus.

The earliest train runs at 00:02, the last at 23:48. The fastest train covers the 207 miles (334 km) distance in 4h 0m.

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 $46 (€38)
Distance
207 miles (334 km)
Average train duration
3h 44m
Cheapest ticket price
$52 (€43)
Trains per day
12
Fastest train
4h 0m
First train
00:02
Last train
23:48
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 $46 (€38)

Train companies: Great Western Rail, Abellio Greater Anglia from Colchester to Exeter trainsGreat Western Rail, Abellio Greater Anglia trains will get you between Colchester and Exeter from $46 (€38). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Great Western Rail

About
Great Western Railway is a train operating company in the United Kingdom. It operates services from London Paddington to the West of England, South Wales and the Cotswolds. It also operates services from London Paddington to Oxford, Reading and Bristol. It offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, air conditioning and catering services. The most popular routes for Great Western Railway are London Paddington to Bristol, Reading and Oxford.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 59m
Cheapest Price
$52 (€42)
Great Western Rail frequency
11 a day
Luggage included
Two pieces of luggage and one piece of hand luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, dedicated luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, sandwiches. First Class at-seat service on some routes
Seat reservation
Optional seat reservations available for a fee. Free in First Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone

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
3h 25m
Cheapest Price
$250 (€204)
Abellio Greater Anglia frequency
16 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 Colchester to Exeter

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Colchester to Exeter 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 Exeter, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
The train from Colchester to Exeter takes 4h 0m and runs 12 per day.
Typically, spending 2 to 3 days in Exeter allows visitors to explore the city's historic sites, such as Exeter Cathedral, the Royal Albert Memorial Museum, and the Quayside, while also enjoying local dining and shopping experiences.
The last train from Colchester to Exeter leaves at 11:48 PM.
The distance by train from Colchester to Exeter is 207 miles (334 km).
Train ticket prices from Colchester to Exeter can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $52 (€43), while the average price is around $97 (€80).
The cheapest way to get from Colchester to Exeter is by bus, with a cost of around $46 (€38).
The train station in Colchester that goes to Exeter is Colchester station (COL), which connects to Exeter St Davids (EXD).
There is no direct train service currently available from Colchester to Exeter.
The first train from Colchester to Exeter leaves at 12:02 AM.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Colchester to Exeter.
There is no high speed train available from Colchester to Exeter.
Yes, you can take the train from Colchester to Exeter.
A day trip from Colchester to Exeter is not feasible as the journey takes 4h 0m. However, there are 12 trains per day for this route.
The train journey from Colchester to Exeter offers a mix of urban and rural scenery, including views of the countryside, coastal areas near the South West, and charming small towns, providing a pleasant visual experience.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Colchester to Exeter

Colchester
Exeter
The major train station for departures in Colchester is Colchester. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Colchester for your trip from Colchester to Exeter.
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:00 - 22:00 Saturday 05:30 - 21:00 Sunday 06:00 - 21:00
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
Shopping
Shopping
  • Type of shops available: News agent Dry cleaner Passport Photo Booth
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: Premium Bays
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 all platforms. The accessible (radar key) toilets are located on Platforms 2 and 4
  • National key toilets: Yes
  • Baby changing facilities: Yes
Bike Parking
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 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
WifiWifi
ParkingParking
DiningDining
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday - Friday 06:10 - 20:15 Saturday 07:00 - 18:45 Sunday Closed
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: There is a Council managed car park behind the station
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
  • Ramp for train access: Yes
  • Wheelchairs available: No
  • Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
WC
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
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: Yes
  • Storage location: Within station, forecourt and on platform
  • Storage CCTV: Yes
Information Desk
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
ParkingParking
AccessibilityAccessibility
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
information
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: No
Accessibility
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
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

More options for your journey from Colchester to Exeter

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