Harwich to Colchester train with Greater Anglia

Sun, Jun 21
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Greater Anglia
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
iryo
Frecciarossa
2,000+ travel companies
Greater Anglia
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
iryo
Frecciarossa
2,000+ travel companies
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Travel Information

Compare bus and train for Harwich to Colchester

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Harwich to Colchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $16. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 29m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $16, and a train costs an average of $16.

Distance: 16 miles (27 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Driving

$16

Average price

Cheapest

$7

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

59m

Average total duration

Fastest

29m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

33m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

Greater Anglia

Most popular train company

Your own car or car rental

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from Harwich to Colchester is a train with an average price of $16 (€13).
The fastest way to travel from Harwich to Colchester is by train with an average journey time of 29m.

Other travel options to Colchester take longer:

Bus takes on average 1h 18m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Harwich and Colchester including taking a bus and train.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Harwich to Colchester 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 4m sooner (29m by train vs 33m by car). Tickets start at around $16 (€13) compared to roughly $7 (€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.

Compare prices and tickets Harwich to Colchester by bus or train

Compare bus and 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.

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Jun 21
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Jun 23
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Jun 27

Why should you book Harwich to Colchester trains with Omio?

Greater Anglia operates all trains services from Harwich to Colchester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Harwich to Colchester.

Why book with Omio vs Greater Anglia?

  • 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 Greater Anglia with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Harwich to Colchester.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu?

  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Harwich to Colchester.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Harwich to Colchester

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Harwich to Colchester run on average 22 times per day, taking around 29m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $16 (€13) if you book in advance.

There are 4 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:05, the last at 23:32. The fastest train covers the 16 miles (27 km) distance in 28m.

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
Distance
16 miles (27 km)
Average train duration
29m
Cheapest ticket price
$16 (€13)
Trains per day
22
Direct trains
4
Fastest train
28m
First train
12:05 AM
Last train
11:32 PM
Cheapest Month
Mar
Cheapest Day
Mon
High Season
Jul - Sep
Low Season
Oct - Dec
Best time to book
2 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

Train companies: Greater Anglia from Harwich to Colchester trainsGreater Anglia trains will get you between Harwich and Colchester from $16 (€13). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

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
28m
Cheapest Price
$16 (€13)
Greater Anglia frequency
22 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 Harwich to Colchester

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Harwich 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.

FAQs
Train ticket prices from Harwich to Colchester can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $16 (€13), while the average price is around $16 (€13).
The train from Harwich to Colchester takes 28m and runs 22 per day.
The distance by train from Harwich to Colchester is 16 miles (27 km).
The first train from Harwich to Colchester leaves at 12:05 AM.
The last train from Harwich to Colchester leaves at 11:32 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Harwich to Colchester.
Yes, there is a direct train from Harwich to Colchester. This service operates 4 times per day, provided by Greater Anglia.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Harwich to Colchester.
The train station in Harwich that goes to Colchester is Harwich Town (HWC), which connects to Colchester station (COL).
The cheapest way to get from Harwich to Colchester is by train, with a cost of around $16 (€13).
The train journey from Harwich to Colchester offers views of the picturesque Essex countryside, including rolling fields and glimpses of the Stour Estuary, providing a pleasant and scenic experience.
Yes, a day trip from Harwich to Colchester is feasible with a travel time of 28m and a distance of 16 miles (27 km). Trains run 17 times per day.
To fully explore Colchester's historic sites, including Colchester Castle and the Roman ruins, while also enjoying its cultural venues like the Firstsite art gallery and the natural beauty of Castle Park, plan to spend around 2 to 3 days.
Yes, you can take the train from Harwich to Colchester.
Since neither Harwich nor Colchester 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 Colchester include London, Chelmsford, Ipswich, Stratford, Clacton-on-Sea.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Harwich to Colchester 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 Colchester, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in busy areas like the town center and near popular attractions. Common scams include overcharging by taxis that are not licensed and fraudulent street vendors. It's advisable to use official transportation services and remain vigilant in crowded places to avoid these issues.
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 Harwich to Colchester

Most Harwich to Colchester trains use the Harwich International to Colchester station pair, with some services arriving at Hythe (Essex). Use this guide to compare Harwich and Colchester train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Harwich
Arrival train stations in Colchester

Which Harwich station do trains to Colchester leave from?

Trains from Harwich to Colchester leave from Harwich International. The station is 1 miles (2 km) from Harwich city centre at Harwich International station, Parkeston Quay, Harwich, Essex, CO12 4SR.
Harwich InternationalHarwich International station, Parkeston Quay, Harwich, Essex, CO12 4SRWifiShoppingParkingATMAccessibilityWCLost and Found OfficeBike ParkingInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Harwich International from Harwich city centre

Harwich International is 2 km from Harwich city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainHarwich Town - Manningtree, Harwich Town - Colchester, Harwich Town - London Liverpool Street · 5m · $1 · every ~2 min
Bus22 · 24m · $4 · every ~3 min
22 · 25m · $4 · every ~3 min

Harwich International train station facilities and services

Harwich International has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office, Bike Parking, and Information Desk.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Harwich International. ATMs are available at Harwich International.

Tickets and information

Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point, Helpline Contact: 0800 028 28 78.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Harwich International: Parking, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Harwich International: Bike Parking.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Harwich International: 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 ticket machines: There are no accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: No, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.

Harwich TownHarwich Town station, George Street, Harwich, Essex, CO12 3NAWifiParkingDiningAccessibilityHotelLost and Found OfficeBike ParkingInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Harwich Town from Harwich city centre

Onward travel informationLocal Bus services from station forecourt
Location for Rail Replacement ServicesReplacement transport stop at the front of the station by the bus stop

Harwich Town train station facilities and services

Harwich Town has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Bike Parking, and Information Desk.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Harwich Town.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Harwich Town.

Tickets and information

Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point, Helpline Contact: 0800 028 28 78.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Harwich Town: Parking.

Bike and car services

Available at Harwich Town: Bike Parking.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Harwich 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.

DovercourtDovercourt station, Kingsway, Harwich, Essex, CO12 3AG+44 8456007245WifiParkingDiningAccessibilityHotelLost and Found OfficeBike ParkingInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Dovercourt from Harwich city centre

TrainHarwich Town - Manningtree, Harwich Town - Colchester, Harwich Town - London Liverpool Street · 1m · $1 · every ~2 min
Bus3, 22 · 2m · $4 · every ~6 min

Dovercourt train station facilities and services

Dovercourt has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Bike Parking, and Information Desk.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Dovercourt.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Dovercourt.

Tickets and information

Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point, Helpline Contact: 0800 028 28 78.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Dovercourt: Parking.

Bike and car services

Available at Dovercourt: Bike Parking.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Dovercourt: 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.

More options for your journey from Harwich to Colchester

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