The cheapest and fastest trains from Plymouth to Colchester
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
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.
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.
8:15 AM4h58Plymouth1:13 PMColchester$1081One-way0 transfers
9:15 AM4h58Plymouth2:13 PMColchester$1091One-way0 transfers
9:15 AM4h58Plymouth2:13 PMColchester$1091One-way0 transfers
8:15 AM4h58Plymouth1:13 PMColchester$1081One-way0 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 |
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).
Other travel options to Colchester take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 21m.
Bus takes on average 9h 8m.
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.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
C02513+ Tube from London Paddington to London Liverpool Street+ P66948 | On time 12:05 PM Plymouth station (PLY) | 5h31 | 5:36 PM Colchester station (COL) | 2 transfers | |
W35407+ Tube from London Paddington to London Liverpool Street+ P66952 | On time 1:06 PM Plymouth station (PLY) | 5h30 | 6:36 PM Colchester station (COL) | 2 transfers | |
W35408+ Tube from London Paddington to London Liverpool Street+ F13397 | On time 2:15 PM Plymouth station (PLY) | 5h02 | 7:17 PM Colchester station (COL) | 2 transfers | |
W29795+ C00125+ Tube from London Paddington to London Liverpool Street+ P67235 | On time 2:27 PM Plymouth station (PLY) | 5h45 | 8:12 PM Colchester station (COL) | 3 transfers | |
C00842+ Tube from London Paddington to London Liverpool Street+ F10589 | On time 3:15 PM Plymouth station (PLY) | 5h00 | 8:15 PM Colchester station (COL) | 2 transfers | |
C01240+ Tube from London Paddington to London Liverpool Street+ P66966 | 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.
Jun 22
Jun 23
Jun 24
Jun 25
Jun 26
Jun 27
Jun 28
Why should you book Plymouth to Colchester trains with Omio?
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
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.
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 |
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
Great Western Railway (GWR)
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.

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.
Which Plymouth station do trains to Colchester leave from?
Getting to Plymouth from Plymouth city centre
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.
Which Colchester station do trains from Plymouth arrive at?
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.
Most popular train connections from Plymouth
More options for your journey from Plymouth to Colchester
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