- 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 on Sep 19
$33
Average ticket price on Sep 19
$33
Fastest journey on Sep 19
1 h 31 m
Average journey duration on Sep 19
1 h 31 m
Trains on Sep 19
1
Distance
72 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Ely to Colchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Ely to Colchester will cost around $33 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $33.
On Sat, Sep 19, we found 1 trains from Ely to Colchester, including 1 direct services.
On Sat, Sep 19 the direct trains cover the 72 km distance in an average of 1 h 31 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 31 m .
On Sat, Sep 19 the slowest trains will take 1 h 31 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 Ely to Colchester among Omio's users.
Distance: 44 miles (72 km)
Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|
$20 Average price (fuel + tolls) | |
1h 18m Average total duration (door-to-door) | |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
The table below shows live departures for Ely to Colchester trains for tomorrow, Saturday, September 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 8:32 AM Ely | 1h31 | 10:03 AM Colchester | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Take a train from Ely to Colchester and enjoy the approximately 44 miles (72 km) long journey. Find schedules and pricing options for a convenient and affordable trip.
The earliest train runs at 05:40, the last at 22:27.
Distance 44 miles (72 km) |
First train 5:40 AM |
Last train 10:27 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
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 Ely 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 Ely to Colchester trains use the Ely to Colchester station pair. Use this guide to compare Ely and Colchester train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Ely has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Ely.
Wi-Fi is available at Ely.
Ticket office support is available at Ely. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0800 028 28 78, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Ely: Parking, WC.
Available at Ely: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Ely: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, 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 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.
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