Colchester to Exeter train with Great Western Railway

Sun, Jun 21
+ Add return
Great Western Railway
Greater Anglia
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
iryo
2,000+ travel companies
Great Western Railway
Greater Anglia
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
iryo
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Colchester to Exeter

Showing times and prices for Jun 21

Cheapest price

$247

Average price

$247

Fastest journey

3 h 39 m

Average duration

3 h 40 m

Trains per day

17

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 $247 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $247.

Fast trains

It's difficult to get from Colchester to Exeter without transferring at least 2 times.

  • Greater Anglia
    6:56 AM4h09
    Colchester
    11:05 AMExeter
    $2471One-way
    2 transfers
  • Greater Anglia
    8:30 AM3h40
    Colchester
    12:10 PMExeter
    $2471One-way
    2 transfers
  • Greater Anglia
    9:06 AM3h54
    Colchester
    1:00 PMExeter
    $2471One-way
    2 transfers
  • Greater Anglia
    9:30 AM3h41
    Colchester
    1:11 PMExeter
    $2471One-way
    2 transfers
  • Greater Anglia
    10:30 AM3h39
    Colchester
    2:09 PMExeter
    $2471One-way
    2 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train, bus, and flight for Colchester to Exeter

Omio recommends booking the train 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 $59. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 34m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $59, and a flight costs an average of $252.

Distance: 207 miles (334 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus
Flight
Driving

$87

Average price

$79

Average price

Cheapest

$434

Average price

$83

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

4h 4m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 34m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

7h 30m

Average total duration

7h 0m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

9h 29m

Average total duration

6h 29m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

4h 40m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from Colchester to Exeter is a bus with an average price of $79 (€65).

This is compared to other travel options from Colchester to Exeter:

A bus is $8 (€7) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Colchester to Exeter costing on average $87 (€71).

A bus is $355 (€290) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Colchester to Exeter costing on average $434 (€355).

The fastest way to travel from Colchester to Exeter is by train with an average journey time of 3h 34m.

Other travel options to Exeter take longer:

Flight takes on average 6h 29m.

Bus takes on average 7h 0m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Colchester and Exeter including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Colchester to Exeter among Omio's users.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.

You'll arrive about 1h 6m sooner (3h 34m by train vs 4h 40m by car). Tickets start at around $87 (€71) compared to roughly $83 (€68) 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.

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

Colchester to Exeter train times

The table below shows live departures for Colchester to Exeter trains for tomorrow, Sunday, June 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Greater Anglia6:56 AM Colchester
4h09
11:05 AM Exeter2 transfers
Greater Anglia8:30 AM Colchester
3h40
12:10 PM Exeter2 transfers
Greater Anglia9:06 AM Colchester
3h54
1:00 PM Exeter2 transfers
Greater Anglia9:30 AM Colchester
3h41
1:11 PM Exeter2 transfers
Greater Anglia10:30 AM Colchester
3h39
2:09 PM Exeter2 transfers

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Colchester to Exeter by train, bus, or flight

Compare train, bus, and flight 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.

Sun
Jun 21
Mon
Jun 22
Tue
Jun 23
Wed
Jun 24
Thu
Jun 25
Fri
Jun 26
Sat
Jun 27

Why should you book Colchester to Exeter trains with Omio?

Great Western Railway as well as Greater Anglia offer trains services from Colchester to Exeter.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Colchester to Exeter.

Why book with Omio vs Great Western Railway?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Great Western Railway, but also compare tickets for the likes of Greater Anglia to find the best option for your trip from Colchester to Exeter.
  • 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 Great Western Railway with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Colchester to Exeter.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Greater Anglia to find the best option for your trip from Colchester to Exeter.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Colchester to Exeter.

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 15 times per day, taking around 3h 34m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $61 (€50) but you can travel from only $59 (€48) 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 3h 59m.

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 $59 (€48)
Distance
207 miles (334 km)
Average train duration
3h 34m
Cheapest ticket price
$61 (€50)
Trains per day
15
Fastest train
3h 59m
First train
12:02 AM
Last train
11:48 PM
Cheapest Month
Dec
Cheapest Day
Tue
High Season
Jul - Sep
Low Season
Oct - Dec
Busiest Day
Fri
Least Busy Day
Fri
Best time to book
7 days
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 $59 (€48)

Train companies: Great Western Railway, Greater Anglia from Colchester to Exeter trainsGreat Western Railway, Greater Anglia trains will get you between Colchester and Exeter from $59 (€48). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Great Western Railway

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
$61 (€50)
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

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 26m
Cheapest Price
$247 (€202)
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

Complete guide to Exeter

Things to do in Exeter

Discover the best of Exeter — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Exeter trip today.

  • Must visit

Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Art Gallery

Exeter’s main museum and gallery, known for collections on Devon history, world cultures, fine art, and natural history. A strong first stop for understanding the city.

  • Recommended

Bill Douglas Cinema Museum

A specialist museum at the University of Exeter with remarkable collections on the history of moving images, cinema, and visual media.

  • Recommended

Spacex

Contemporary visual arts gallery in Exeter with changing exhibitions by regional and national artists. A local favorite for independent art programming.

Pound Sterling

Costs are moderate by UK standards. Pubs and casual dining are reasonable, while hotels and fine dining cost more in peak periods.

Average meal costs

Budget
GBP 8-15 for takeaway or a simple lunch.
Mid-range
GBP 18-30 per person at a mid-range restaurant.
Fine dining
GBP 50+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
GBP 3-4 for a regular coffee.

Tipping culture

Service is often included only at some restaurants. If not added, tip about 10% for good service. Round up taxi fares. Tipping is not expected for counter service.

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
Train ticket prices from Colchester to Exeter can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $61 (€50), while the average price is around $87 (€71).
The train from Colchester to Exeter takes 3h 59m and runs 15 per day.
The distance by train from Colchester to Exeter is 207 miles (334 km).
The first train from Colchester to Exeter leaves at 12:02 AM.
The last train from Colchester to Exeter leaves at 11:48 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Colchester to Exeter.
There is no direct train service currently available from Colchester to Exeter.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Colchester to Exeter.
The train station in Colchester that goes to Exeter is Colchester station (COL), which connects to Exeter St Davids (EXD).
The cheapest way to get from Colchester to Exeter is by bus, with a cost of around $59 (€48).
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.
A day trip from Colchester to Exeter is not feasible as the journey takes 3h 59m. However, there are 12 trains per day for this route.
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.
Yes, you can take the train from Colchester to Exeter.
Since neither Colchester nor Exeter are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United Kingdom and United Kingdom. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
Popular day trips by train from Exeter include Bristol, Plymouth, Barnstaple, Exmouth, Bath.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Colchester to Exeter among Omio's users.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
Yes, rail passes such as the BritRail Pass are valid on most trains within the United Kingdom, offering unlimited travel on participating train operators for a set period.
The currency used in the United Kingdom is the British Pound Sterling (GBP). For travelers, using a card is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially in cities and for transportation tickets, though carrying some cash can be useful for small purchases or in rural areas.
In Exeter, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like the city center and near popular attractions. Be wary of unofficial taxi services and always use licensed providers to avoid scams. Additionally, travelers should protect personal belongings on public transport and stay alert to common fraud attempts such as overcharging or counterfeit tickets.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Colchester to Exeter

Most Colchester to Exeter trains use the Colchester to Exeter St Davids station pair, with some services arriving at Exeter St Thomas. Use this guide to compare Colchester and Exeter train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Colchester
Arrival train stations in Exeter

Which Colchester station do trains to Exeter leave from?

Trains from Colchester to Exeter leave from Colchester. The station is 1 miles (2 km) from Colchester city centre at Colchester [North] station, Station Approach Road, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1XD.
ColchesterColchester [North] station, Station Approach Road, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1XD+44 8450507080WifiShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Colchester from Colchester city centre

Colchester is 1 km from Colchester city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainClacton-on-Sea - London Liverpool Street, Clacton-on-Sea - Colchester, Colchester Town - London Liverpool Street, Colchester Town - Colchester, Walton-on-the-Naze - Colchester · 8m · $1 · every ~5 min
Bus2A, 68, 87, 53, 53A, 52, 51, X20 · 6m · $2 · every ~31 min

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.

Colchester TownColchester Town station, St. Botolphs Circus, Colchester, Essex, CO2 7EFWifiParkingDiningAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Colchester Town from Colchester city centre

Bus43 · 1m · $1 · every ~1 min
68, 55, 68A · 1m · $4 · every ~4 min

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.

Hythe (Essex)Hythe station, Station Road, Hythe, Essex, CO2 8JRParkingAccessibilityLost and Found OfficeBike Parking
City-centre transport

Getting to Hythe (Essex) from Colchester city centre

Hythe (Essex) is 1 km from Colchester city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainColchester - Clacton-on-Sea, Colchester - Walton-on-the-Naze · 4m · $1 · every ~2 min
Bus54 · 7m · $1 · every ~11 min
54 · 11m · $4 · every ~11 min

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.

More options for your journey from Colchester to Exeter

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

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