- 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 20
$92
Average ticket price on Sep 20
$92
Fastest journey on Sep 20
2 h 3 m
Average journey duration on Sep 20
2 h 12 m
Trains on Sep 20
6
Distance
91 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Luton to Colchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Luton to Colchester will cost around $92 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $92.
It's difficult to get from Luton to Colchester without transferring at least 2 times.
X07786+
C36842+
P01247
C02762+
P67205+
C36836
C22666+
P85904+
P01232
X07788+
P01238+
C38014
C22666+
P66920+
Tube from London St Pancras International to London Liverpool Street
X07786+
C36842+
P01247
X07788+
P01238+
C38014
C02762+
P67205+
C36836
C22666+
P85904+
P01232
X07789+
P01339+
Tube from London St Pancras International to London Liverpool StreetOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Luton to Colchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $56 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 9m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.1kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $56, while a train costs an average of $73.
Distance: 56 miles (91 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$73 Average price | $56 Average price Cheapest | $26 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 9m Average total duration Fastest 1h 39m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 13m Average total duration 2h 43m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 37m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Luton to Colchester:
A bus is $17 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Luton to Colchester costing on average $73.
Other travel options to Colchester take longer:
Bus takes on average 2h 43m.
Tickets start at around $73 compared to roughly $26 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-46.80. The journey takes 1h 39m versus 1h 37m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Luton to Colchester trains for today, Saturday, September 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
P66939+ C02573+ Tube from London St Pancras International to London Liverpool Street | 7:59 AM Luton station (LUT) | 2h14 | 10:13 AM Colchester station (COL) | 2 transfers | |
P01231+ Tube from London St Pancras International to London Liverpool Street+ C02663 | 8:12 AM Luton station (LUT) | 2h04 | 10:16 AM Colchester station (COL) | 2 transfers | |
F21160+ C38082+ C02611 | 8:29 AM Luton station (LUT) | 2h07 | 10:36 AM Colchester station (COL) | 2 transfers | |
P67208+ C02626+ Tube from London St Pancras International to London Liverpool Street | 8:42 AM Luton station (LUT) | 2h22 | 11:04 AM Colchester station (COL) | 2 transfers | |
P66943+ Tube from London St Pancras International to London Liverpool Street+ C02567 | 8:59 AM Luton station (LUT) | 2h15 | 11:14 AM Colchester station (COL) | 2 transfers | |
P01237+ Tube from London St Pancras International to London Liverpool Street+ C02648 | 9:12 AM Luton station (LUT) | 2h05 | 11:17 AM Colchester station (COL) | 2 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Luton to Colchester run on average 6 times per day, taking around 1h 39m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $37 but you can travel from only $36 by bus.
The earliest train runs at 03:40, the last at 23:03. The fastest train covers the 56 miles (91 km) distance in 1h 12m.
Distance 56 miles (91 km) |
Average train duration 1h 39m |
Cheapest ticket price $37 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 1h 12m |
First train 3:40 AM |
Last train 11:03 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 14 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 Luton 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 Luton to Colchester trains use the Luton to Colchester station pair, with some services arriving at Hythe (Essex). Use this guide to compare Luton and Colchester train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Luton has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Car Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Luton.
Wi-Fi is available at Luton. ATMs are available at Luton.
Ticket office support is available at Luton.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Luton: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Luton: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Luton: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category B3 station: Step free access via lift to platform 5 only (some trains to Bedford/ the East Midlands) only. Steps to all other platforms. Assistance Meeting Point is the Ticket Office. This station doesn't have tactile surfaces along all platform edges. Please pay attention to where the platform surface changes from smooth to paved or contact us for assistance, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All Thameslink ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. Ticket machines are of an accessible design, however their location and the station itself may not be so please check the station access note for further details, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: Wheelchairs may only be available when the station is staffed, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Luton Airport Parkway is 1 km from Luton city centre. Public transport options include:
Luton Airport Parkway has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Car Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Luton Airport Parkway.
Wi-Fi is available at Luton Airport Parkway. ATMs are available at Luton Airport Parkway.
Ticket office support is available at Luton Airport Parkway.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Luton Airport Parkway: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Luton Airport Parkway: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Luton Airport Parkway: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category A station: This station has step-free level access to all platforms via lifts. Assistance Meeting Point is the Ticket Office, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All Thameslink ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. Ticket machines are of an accessible design, however their location and the station itself may not be so please check the station access note for further details, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: Wheelchairs may only be available when the station is staffed, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
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.
Hythe (Essex) is 1 km from Colchester city centre. Public transport options include:
Hythe (Essex) has practical services for this route, including Parking, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office, and Bike Parking.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Hythe (Essex): Parking.
Available at Hythe (Essex): Bike Parking.
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.
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 options are available at Colchester Town.
Wi-Fi is available at Colchester Town.
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.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Colchester Town: Parking, WC.
Available at Colchester Town: Bike Parking.
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.
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