The cheapest and fastest trains from Colchester to Reading
Cheapest price
$51
Average price
$51
Fastest journey
2 h 6 m
Average duration
2 h 6 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
138 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Colchester to Reading is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Colchester to Reading will cost around $51 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $51.
Of the 1 trains that leave Colchester for Reading on Sun, Jun 21, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Jun 21 the direct trains cover the 138 km distance in an average of 2 h 6 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 6 m .
On Sun, Jun 21 the slowest trains will take 2 h 6 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.
8:06 AM2h06Colchester10:12 AMReading$511One-way0 transfers
8:06 AM2h06Colchester10:12 AMReading$511One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train for Colchester to Reading
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Colchester to Reading among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $51. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 45m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $51, and a train costs an average of $51.
Distance: 85 miles (138 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|
$86 Average price Cheapest | $38 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 15m Average total duration Fastest 1h 45m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 9m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Other travel options to Reading take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 40m.
You'll arrive about 24m sooner (1h 45m by train vs 2h 9m by car). Tickets start at around $86 (€70) compared to roughly $38 (€31) 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 Reading train times
The table below shows live departures for Colchester to Reading trains for tomorrow, Sunday, June 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 8:06 AM Colchester | 2h06 | 10:12 AM Reading | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Colchester to Reading by train
Compare train 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.
Jun 21
Jun 22
Jun 23
Jun 24
Jun 25
Jun 26
Jun 27
Why should you book Colchester to Reading trains with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs Greater Anglia?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Greater Anglia, but also compare tickets for the likes of Elizabeth line to find the best option for your trip from Colchester to Reading.
- 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.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Colchester to Reading
Trains from Colchester to Reading run on average 8 times per day, taking around 1h 45m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $51 (€41) if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 03:54, the last at 23:12. The fastest train covers the 85 miles (138 km) distance in 1h 52m.
Distance 85 miles (138 km) |
Average train duration 1h 45m |
Cheapest ticket price $51 (€41) |
Trains per day 8 |
Fastest train 1h 52m |
First train 3:54 AM |
Last train 11:12 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 28 days |
Train companies: Greater Anglia, Elizabeth line from Colchester to Reading trainsGreater Anglia, Elizabeth line trains will get you between Colchester and Reading from $51 (€41). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Greater Anglia
Elizabeth line
FAQs: Trains from Colchester to Reading
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Colchester to Reading 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 Reading, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Colchester to Reading
Most Colchester to Reading trains use the Colchester to Reading station pair. Use this guide to compare Colchester and Reading train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Which Colchester station do trains to Reading leave from?
Getting to Colchester from Colchester city centre
Colchester is 1 km from Colchester city centre. Public transport options include:
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.
Getting to Hythe (Essex) from Colchester city centre
Hythe (Essex) is 1 km from Colchester city centre. Public transport options include:
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.
Getting to Colchester Town from Colchester city centre
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.
Which Reading station do trains from Colchester arrive at?
Getting to Reading from Reading city centre
Reading train station facilities and services
Reading has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Car Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Reading.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are available at Reading.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Reading.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Reading: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Reading: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Reading: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: platforms can be reached via lift and bridge, ticket office is step free, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible public telephones: Accessible low-level Pay Phone is available at the station main concourse. Please request staff assistance if you need to, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxi are available at the station entrance. please request staff assistance if you need to, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Accessible ticket machines are located at the station entrance by the ticket office and at the car park, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Most popular train connections from Colchester
More options for your journey from Colchester to Reading
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
