- 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 Aug 29
€31
Average ticket price on Aug 29
€31
Fastest journey on Aug 29
1 h 15 m
Average journey duration on Aug 29
1 h 21 m
Trains on Aug 29
6
Distance
41 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Southend-on-Sea to Colchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Southend-on-Sea to Colchester will cost around €31 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €31.
It's difficult to get from Southend-on-Sea to Colchester without transferring at least once.
P66772 · P67204
P76766 · P66939
C04051 · P01076
P76775 · P01080
P66772 · P66517 · P01227
P66772 · P66517 · P01227
P66779 · P66523 · P01234
P76766 · P66939
C04051 · P01076
P76775 · P01080Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Southend-on-Sea to Colchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of €31 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 1h 39m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of €31, while a train costs an average of €31.
Distance: 25 miles (41 km)
Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|
€31 Average price Cheapest | €13 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 39m Average total duration Fastest 1h 9m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 7m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Tickets start at around €31 compared to roughly €13 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about €-17.96. The journey takes 1h 9m versus 1h 7m 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 Southend-on-Sea to Colchester trains for tomorrow, Saturday, August 29. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
C04051 · P01076 | 8:11 AM Southend Victoria (SOV) | 1h26 | 9:37 AM Colchester station (COL) | 1 transfer | |
P66772 · P66517 · P01227 | 8:31 AM Southend Victoria (SOV) | 1h15 | 9:46 AM Colchester station (COL) | 2 transfers | |
P66772 · P67204 | 8:31 AM Southend Victoria (SOV) | 1h33 | 10:04 AM Colchester station (COL) | 1 transfer | |
P76766 · P66939 | 8:51 AM Southend Victoria (SOV) | 1h22 | 10:13 AM Colchester station (COL) | 1 transfer | |
P76775 · P01080 | 9:11 AM Southend Victoria (SOV) | 1h26 | 10:37 AM Colchester station (COL) | 1 transfer | |
P66779 · P66523 · P01234 | 9:31 AM Southend Victoria (SOV) | 1h15 | 10:46 AM Colchester station (COL) | 2 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and bus 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 Southend-on-Sea to Colchester run on average 13 times per day, taking around 1h 9m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €29 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 04:01, the last at 23:07. The fastest train covers the 25 miles (41 km) distance in 1h 1m.
Distance 25 miles (41 km) |
Average train duration 1h 9m |
Cheapest ticket price €29 |
Trains per day 13 |
Fastest train 1h 1m |
First train 4:01 AM |
Last train 11:07 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Best time to book 42 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 Southend-on-Sea 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 Southend-on-Sea to Colchester trains use the Southend Victoria to Colchester station pair, with some services arriving at Hythe (Essex). Use this guide to compare Southend-on-Sea and Colchester train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Southend Victoria has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Southend Victoria.
Wi-Fi is available at Southend Victoria. ATMs are available at Southend Victoria.
Ticket office support is available at Southend Victoria. 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 Southend Victoria: Parking, WC.
Available at Southend Victoria: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Southend Victoria: 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: Taxi rank at front of station, 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.
Prittlewell is 1 km from Southend-on-Sea city centre. Public transport options include:
Prittlewell has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Bike Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Prittlewell.
Wi-Fi is available at Prittlewell.
Ticket office support is available at Prittlewell.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Prittlewell: Parking.
Available at Prittlewell: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Prittlewell: Staff help available: 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.
Chalkwell is 3 km from Southend-on-Sea city centre. Public transport options include:
Chalkwell has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Chalkwell.
Wi-Fi is available at Chalkwell.
Ticket office support is available at Chalkwell. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 03457 44 44 22, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Chalkwell: Parking, WC.
Available at Chalkwell: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Chalkwell: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Step free access is not available to either platform at this station, Accessible public telephones: No, Accessible ticket machines: There are 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: 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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