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Carlisle to Colchester train times and prices
Plan your journey from Carlisle to Colchester with ease. Explore the first and last train times, departure and arrival stations, distance, journey time, and price options to make the most of your trip.
* Note: Lowest prices are based on an analysis of recent historical pricing data. Live fares fluctuate based on demand and how far in advance you book.
7-day train ticket price trend
€108.82
On Wed 21
Live timetable and departures
The journey from Carlisle to Colchester on the fastest train in 6h 47m, usually 7h 51m. Each day, 12 trains leave from Carlisle, starting at 06:54 and ending at 22:02. Get real-time updates on train schedules, delays, and cancellations. Save time, effort, and money with TrainPal.
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
14:54 Carlisle | 6h 57m, 2 change | 21:51 Colchester | LNER | Find tickets |
16:53 Carlisle | 6h 47m, 2 change | 23:40 Colchester | LNER | Find tickets |
17:32 Carlisle | 14h 57m, 4 change | 08:29 Colchester | LNER | Find tickets |
18:24 Carlisle | 15h 35m, 4 change | 09:59 Colchester | LNER | Find tickets |
18:32 Carlisle | 15h 56m, 4 change | 10:28 Colchester | LNER | Find tickets |
Compare train operators from Carlisle to Colchester
- Greater Anglia
- LNER
- Northern
First Class
Essential onboard policies
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Luggage
- Most UK train operators allow passengers to bring a reasonable amount of luggage free of charge.
- This is commonly considered three items per passenger, typically 2 larger bags and 1 smaller bag. Larger items cover suitcases, backpacks, and other similarly-sized items.
- Bags go in overhead racks, under seats, or in designated floor-level luggage stacks.
- Occasionally, some providers have stricter policies, such as Lumo, which enforces a limit of 1 medium suitcase and 1 small under-seat bag per person.
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Bicycle
- Standard bicycles and folding bikes are generally allowed.
- Bike reservations are required on some services and are usually free.
- Some operators also permit tandems and e-bikes.
- Please note that e-scooters, motorcycles, tricycles, and bicycle trailers are not permitted.
- We strongly recommend checking the specific cycle policy on your train operator's website before you travel.
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Children
- Children under 5 usually travel free when accompanied by a fare-paying passenger.
- Children aged 5–15 get 50% off, and 16-year-olds can use the 16-17 Saver Railcard for 50% off.
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Pets
- Each provider generally allows up to two animals per passenger free of charge, but individual operators can have additional restrictions.
- Throughout the journey, dogs must be on a lead, and any other pets must remain in their carrier.
- Animals are not permitted on seats or in restaurant carriages.
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Passenger assistance
- Passengers with disabilities or additional needs can arrange free assistance with their train operator.
- This includes help at the station, boarding and leaving the train, and making connections. Assistance can also include ramps for wheelchair users and help finding accessible facilities or the correct platform.
- Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets are available on many trains, although facilities vary by service.
- To ensure support is available for your journey, this service should be booked in advance.
Arriving in Colchester
Top Things to Do:
Take in sweeping views of the city from the rooftop of Colchester Cathedral before venturing down to the Roman vaults beneath
Catch a glimpse of the ancient Roman walls as you lazy away the afternoon picnicking in Castle Park
Rifle through vintage clothes, quirky gifts and retro sweets at South Lanes' indie shops
Popular Areas in Colchester:
Dutch Quarter for quiet lanes of pretty timber-framed houses, the city centre for big-name shops and restaurants, and The Hythe for riverside walks around the old port.
TrainPal's Travel Expert Experience
"Visiting Colchester: Colchester was Roman Britain’s first capital, and the 20-minute walk from Colchester station to the centre follows roughly the same route the Romans used. Look out for the elephant sculptures, too. Emperor Claudius was said to have marched these animals through what is now Colchester following their conquest of Britain in AD 43. If you don’t fancy the walk, though, hop on a connecting train to Colchester Town."
Delay Repay & Refund Policies from Carlisle to Colchester
Apply for LNER Delay Repay
If your LNER train is delayed or cancelled, you can claim compensation based on your arrival time:
30 to 59 minutes: 50% of a single ticket, or 50% of the delayed portion of a return ticket.
60 to 119 minutes: 100% of a single ticket, or 100% of the delayed portion of a return ticket.
120+ minutes: 100% of a single or return ticket. (Note: Two separate Advance Single tickets do not count as a return; you can only claim for the specific delayed ticket).
FAQ
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How much is a train from Carlisle to Colchester?
Tickets from Carlisle to Colchester typically cost €171.08, but can be as cheap as €108.82 when booked in advance. Other factors that may affect the ticket price include time of day and ticket type, so be sure to research before purchasing.
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How long is the train from Carlisle to Colchester?
The journey should take, on average, 7h 51m, though it can be as quick as 6h 47m when booking specific services. Be sure to click the "Fastest" tab when searching your route to find out.
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Is there a direct train from Carlisle to Colchester?
Yes, there is a direct train between Carlisle and Colchester. However, you will find indirect services listed too, including where you will have to make a changeover. Check each listing for either ‘direct’ or how many stops are required when purchasing your ticket.
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How far in advance can I book my train from Carlisle to Colchester?
You can typically book tickets from Carlisle to Colchester up to 12 weeks before departure.
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Do Carlisle to Colchester trains offer Wi-Fi?
Although WiFi is becoming increasingly present on rail services, it can still depend on who provides your specific route. For instance, Merseyrail and older Northern models do not offer WiFi currently; all other providers do, however.
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How far is Carlisle from Colchester?
The distance between Carlisle and Colchester is approximately 260 miles (419km), depending on the specific stations you travel between.
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How frequent are trains from Carlisle to Colchester?
There is 12 train running from Carlisle to Colchester per day. Please note that trains run more regularly during peak hours.
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How can I buy the cheapest tickets from Carlisle to Colchester?
To get the cheapest ticket, we recommend buying in advance, as early as 12 weeks before departure. We'd also strongly suggest travelling during off-peak hours where possible and getting a Railcard, which typically offers ⅓ off your ticket cost and is available to most travellers!
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How do I check if my train is delayed or cancelled?
Keep a close eye on your journey via the TrainPal app, which offers real-time information on train status and notifications of any train strikes that will impact you.
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Can my tickets be refunded or changed?
In the UK, refund and change policies for train tickets vary by type. Advance tickets are generally non-refundable but may be changeable for a fee. Flexible tickets, like Anytime and Off-Peak tickets, offer more options for refunds and changes. Review the specific terms and conditions of your ticket or refer to UK train ticket types for precise details.
* Prices are dynamic and subject to change. Ticket prices vary based on time of day, route, and class. This pricing does not apply to discounted Split tickets and Railcards.
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