No booking fees on the app
Best Price Promise
Delay Repay
24/7 customer support
Colchester to Chelmsford train times and prices
* 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
€16.14
On Tue 20
Compare train operators from Colchester to Chelmsford
First Class
Standard
Essential onboard policies
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
Departing from Colchester
Address:
Station Approach Road, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1XD
Public Transport Links:
Bus: Local bus services stop on both the station forecourt on Station Approach Road and Station Way, with connections across Colchester and the surrounding area. The X20 Airlink to Stansted Airport departs from right outside the station.
Taxi: A licensed taxi rank is located near the main entrance on Station Approach Road at the front of the station car park.
Car: A SABA-operated station car park with 931 spaces is available on Station Approach Road, with secure cycle parking also available.
Platforms:
Officially known as Colchester North, the station is managed by Greater Anglia and has 4 platforms, with step-free access to all platforms either from the street or via lifts. Note that Colchester Town station, closer to the city centre, is a separate and smaller station on St Botolph’s Circus.
TrainPal's Travel Expert Experience
"CoffeeLink is located just inside the main station entrance, making it a great practical stop for a good coffee and something to eat before boarding your train. For more food options, head south along North Station Road towards the city centre – there’s a variety of interesting eateries and bars here, including some great Indian restaurants. Castle Park is a 15-minute walk from the station and well worth the detour. Colchester Castle sits at its heart, along with the remains of Duncan’s Gate and Roman townhouses, making Colchester’s claim as Britain’s first city very tangible."
FAQs about Colchester Station
Are there two train stations in Colchester?
Yes, in fact, Colchester has three railway stations. Colchester (also known as Colchester North) on Station Approach Road is the main intercity station, while Colchester Town on St Botolph’s Circus is a smaller station closer to the city centre. Hythe station serves the southern part of the city. All three stations are operated by Greater Anglia.
Which Colchester station goes to London?
Both Colchester North and Colchester Town operate services to London Liverpool Street with Greater Anglia. Colchester North is the main intercity station with faster and more frequent services, reaching Liverpool Street in approximately 50-60 minutes. Colchester Town services run hourly and typically take 1 hour and 10 minutes.
How big is Colchester station?
Colchester station has four platforms and handles over 3 million passengers a year. With the most direct services to London Liverpool Street, Ipswich, Norwich and Stansted Airport, it serves as the main rail hub for Colchester.
How far is Colchester station from the town?
Colchester North station is approximately 1 mile from the city centre – around a 15-20 minute walk south along North Station Road. For a shorter walk to the centre, Colchester Town station on St Botolph’s Circus can also be a convenient option.
Arriving in Chelmsford
Top Things to Do:
Lose yourself among the picturesque landscaped parkland surrounding Hylands House, Chelmsford's elegant stately home
Awaken your inner tarzan as you monkey around in the treetops at Go Ape Chelmsford
Step into foodie heaven and try exotic dishes from across the world at Chelmsford Market
Popular Areas in Chelmsford:
Bond Street for riverside dining and big-name shopping, Moulsham Street for characterful cafés and cosy pubs, and Writtle for village-green charm just outside the city.
TrainPal's Travel Expert Experience
"Visiting Chelmsford: Chelmsford Station is right in the heart of town, so you'll be minutes from the high street and onward buses as soon as you arrive. For a break from the urban hustle and bustle, follow the waterways of the Chelmer and Can rivers that run through the city. These will take you past winding canals and peaceful lakes just moments from the shops."
FAQ
-
How much is a train from Colchester to Chelmsford?
Tickets from Colchester to Chelmsford typically cost €20.74, but can be as cheap as €16.14 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.
-
How long is the train from Colchester to Chelmsford?
The journey should take, on average, 25m, though it can be as quick as 17m when booking specific services. Be sure to click the "Fastest" tab when searching your route to find out.
-
Is there a direct train from Colchester to Chelmsford?
Yes, there is a direct train between Colchester and Chelmsford. 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.
-
How far in advance can I book my train from Colchester to Chelmsford?
You can typically book tickets from Colchester to Chelmsford up to 12 weeks before departure.
-
Do Colchester to Chelmsford 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.
-
How far is Colchester from Chelmsford?
The distance between Colchester and Chelmsford is approximately 21 miles (34km), depending on the specific stations you travel between.
-
How frequent are trains from Colchester to Chelmsford?
There is 10 train running from Colchester to Chelmsford per day. Please note that trains run more regularly during peak hours.
-
How can I buy the cheapest tickets from Colchester to Chelmsford?
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!
-
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.
-
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.
More train routes
* 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.
New user welcome pack