Plymouth to Colchester train with Great Western Railway

Mon, Jun 22
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Great Western Railway
Great Western Railway (GWR)
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
iryo
2,000+ travel companies
Great Western Railway
Great Western Railway (GWR)
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
iryo
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Plymouth to Colchester

Showing times and prices for Jun 22

Cheapest price

$108

Average price

$109

Fastest journey

4 h 58 m

Average duration

4 h 58 m

Trains per day

2

Distance

390 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Plymouth to Colchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Plymouth to Colchester will cost around $109 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $108.

Fast trains

Of the 2 trains that leave Plymouth for Colchester on Mon, Jun 22, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Mon, Jun 22 the direct trains cover the 390 km distance in an average of 4 h 58 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 58 m .

On Mon, Jun 22 the slowest trains will take 4 h 58 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.

  • Great Western Railway
    8:15 AM4h58
    Plymouth
    1:13 PMColchester
    $1081One-way
    0 transfers
  • Great Western Railway
    9:15 AM4h58
    Plymouth
    2:13 PMColchester
    $1091One-way
    0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train, bus, and flight for Plymouth to Colchester

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Plymouth to Colchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $82. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 14m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $82, and a flight costs an average of $25.

Distance: 242 miles (390 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus
Flight
Driving

$111

Average price

$91

Average price

Cheapest

$244

Average price

$98

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

4h 51m

Average total duration

4h 21m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

9h 38m

Average total duration

9h 8m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

5h 14m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 14m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

6h 2m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from Plymouth to Colchester is a bus with an average price of $91 (€74).

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

A bus is $21 (€17) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Plymouth to Colchester costing on average $111 (€91).

A bus is $153 (€126) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Plymouth to Colchester costing on average $244 (€200).

The fastest way to travel from Plymouth to Colchester is by flight with an average journey time of 2h 14m.

Other travel options to Colchester take longer:

Train takes on average 4h 21m.

Bus takes on average 9h 8m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Plymouth and Colchester including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Plymouth 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 1h 41m sooner (4h 21m by train vs 6h 2m by car). Tickets start at around $111 (€91) compared to roughly $98 (€81) 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

Plymouth to Colchester train times

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

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Great Western RailwayC02513+TubeTube from London Paddington to London Liverpool Street+Greater AngliaP66948
On time
12:05 PM Plymouth station (PLY)
5h31
5:36 PM Colchester station (COL)
2 transfers
Great Western RailwayW35407+TubeTube from London Paddington to London Liverpool Street+Greater AngliaP66952
On time
1:06 PM Plymouth station (PLY)
5h30
6:36 PM Colchester station (COL)
2 transfers
Great Western RailwayW35408+TubeTube from London Paddington to London Liverpool Street+Greater AngliaF13397
On time
2:15 PM Plymouth station (PLY)
5h02
7:17 PM Colchester station (COL)
2 transfers
CrossCountryW29795+Great Western RailwayC00125+TubeTube from London Paddington to London Liverpool Street+Greater AngliaP67235
On time
2:27 PM Plymouth station (PLY)
5h45
8:12 PM Colchester station (COL)
3 transfers
Great Western RailwayC00842+TubeTube from London Paddington to London Liverpool Street+Greater AngliaF10589
On time
3:15 PM Plymouth station (PLY)
5h00
8:15 PM Colchester station (COL)
2 transfers
Great Western RailwayC01240+TubeTube from London Paddington to London Liverpool Street+Greater AngliaP66966
On time
4:15 PM Plymouth station (PLY)
5h21
9:36 PM Colchester station (COL)
2 transfers

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Plymouth to Colchester 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.

Mon
Jun 22
Tue
Jun 23
Wed
Jun 24
Thu
Jun 25
Fri
Jun 26
Sat
Jun 27
Sun
Jun 28

Why should you book Plymouth to Colchester trains with Omio?

Great Western Railway as well as Great Western Railway (GWR) offer trains services from Plymouth to Colchester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Plymouth to Colchester.

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 Great Western Railway (GWR) to find the best option for your trip from Plymouth to Colchester.
  • 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 Plymouth to Colchester.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu?

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

Journey information

Overview: Train from Plymouth to Colchester

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Plymouth to Colchester run on average 6 times per day, taking around 4h 21m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $108 (€89) but you can travel from only $25 (€21) by flight.

The earliest train runs at 04:41, the last at 22:23. The fastest train covers the 242 miles (390 km) distance in 4h 58m.

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
Flight from $25 (€21)
Distance
242 miles (390 km)
Average train duration
4h 21m
Cheapest ticket price
$108 (€89)
Trains per day
6
Fastest train
4h 58m
First train
4:41 AM
Last train
10:23 PM
Cheapest Month
Oct
Cheapest Day
Thu
High Season
Jul - Sep
Low Season
Oct - Dec
Busiest Day
Thu
Least Busy Day
Thu
Best time to book
28 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
Flight from $25 (€21)

Train companies: Great Western Railway, Great Western Railway (GWR) from Plymouth to Colchester trainsGreat Western Railway, Great Western Railway (GWR) trains will get you between Plymouth and Colchester from $25 (€21). 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
4h 58m
Cheapest Price
$108 (€89)
Great Western Railway frequency
4 a day
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

Great Western Railway (GWR)

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 30m
Cheapest Price
$291 (€238)
Great Western Railway (GWR) frequency
16 a day

FAQs: Trains from Plymouth to Colchester

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Plymouth 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 Plymouth to Colchester can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $108 (€89), while the average price is around $111 (€91).
The train from Plymouth to Colchester takes 4h 58m and runs 6 per day.
The distance by train from Plymouth to Colchester is 242 miles (390 km).
The first train from Plymouth to Colchester leaves at 4:41 AM.
The last train from Plymouth to Colchester leaves at 10:23 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Plymouth to Colchester.
There is no direct train service currently available from Plymouth to Colchester.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Plymouth to Colchester.
The train station in Plymouth that goes to Colchester is Plymouth station (PLY), which connects to Colchester station (COL).
The cheapest way to get from Plymouth to Colchester is by flight, with a cost of around $25 (€21).
The train journey from Plymouth to Colchester offers varied scenery, including the picturesque coastline as you depart Plymouth and travel through Devon, as well as rolling countryside and charming villages along the route.
A day trip from Plymouth to Colchester is not feasible as the travel duration is 4h 58m, and the frequency of trains is 5 per day. The distance is 242 miles (390 km).
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 Plymouth to Colchester.
Since neither Plymouth 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 Plymouth 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 Plymouth to Colchester

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

Departure train stations in Plymouth
Arrival train stations in Colchester

Which Plymouth station do trains to Colchester leave from?

Trains from Plymouth to Colchester leave from Plymouth. The station is 0 miles (1 km) from Plymouth city centre at Plymouth station, North Road, Plymouth, Devon, PL4 6AB.
PlymouthPlymouth station, North Road, Plymouth, Devon, PL4 6AB+44 3451652030WifiShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike Rental
City-centre transport

Getting to Plymouth from Plymouth city centre

Bus13, 2, 170 · 4m · $2 · every ~11 min

Plymouth train station facilities and services

Plymouth has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Bike Rental.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Plymouth.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Plymouth. ATMs are available at Plymouth.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Plymouth.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Plymouth: Parking, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Plymouth: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Plymouth: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step Free Category A Station - This station has step free access to all platforms via lifts and the station subway. Safety warning - Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge. Please take extra care when using this station, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible public telephones: Station pay phones are not accessible, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available. Please request staff assistance, 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, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.

More options for your journey from Plymouth to Colchester

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