Colchester to Stratford (London) Trains From £6.50*

Get to the capital in less than an hour on a Greater Anglia train. Services directly from Colchester to Stratford (London) take roughly 49 minutes and run up to five times an hour. The relaxing journey takes you through Essex’s towns, villages and greenery.

Greater Anglia operates commuter and intercity trains linking Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex and parts of Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire to Greater London. It also offers regional trains to/from the East of England, as well as the Stansted Express. Great Yarmouth, Diss and Clacton-on-Sea are just some of the stations served.

Departing from Colchester

The Colchester to Stratford train departs from the city’s primary station, Colchester. All rail services on this route are operated by Greater Anglia. Destinations along the route include Ipswich, Chelmsford, Shenfield, and London Liverpool Street.

Located on Station Approach Road in the northern part of the city, Colchester station is served by local buses. Cabs drop off passengers at one of the two taxi ranks via the south entrance.

Main stops

While there are quicker direct services from Colchester to Stratford (London) with no intermediate stops, some trains may also stop at Marks Tey, Witham or Shenfield. Stops vary based on the time, route and operator.

Arriving at Stratford (London)

Stratford (London) station is a major interchange on Station Street. With multiple levels offering rail, Tube (Central and Jubilee lines) and Docklands Light Railway (DLR) services, it is Britain’s fifth busiest railway station. Trains are operated by Greater Anglia, c2c (weekends only), Elizabeth line and London Overground. Services provide direct access to stations like Shoeburyness, Heathrow Terminal 5, Richmond and Epping. Many buses stop around the station. Taxis pick up and drop off passengers by the lower concourse or the entrance to Westfield.

While some may be keen to head into central London, Stratford is a go-to destination in its own right. This part of East London has all you need, whether that’s shops, restaurants, nature spots or cultural venues. Stroll around Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and Hackney Marshes, indulge in shopping and great food at Westfield and catch a show at Sadler’s Wells East.

Greater Anglia train classes

• Standard Class: Travelling in Standard Class gets you free Wi-Fi access. Plug sockets and USB ports are available to stay charged throughout your journey. Buy cheap train tickets when you book ahead.
• First Class: Colchester to Stratford First Class amenities include larger seats with extra legroom, tables and refreshments served during weekday services. Greater Anglia’s Stansted Express trains have no First Class carriages.

Greater Anglia train travel advice

• Luggage: The restrictions for luggage are two large suitcases under 158 centimetres or less than 32 kilograms, but they’re not typically enforced. There is no luggage limit on the Stansted Express.
• Bicycles: You’ll need a reservation (which is free) to bring a bike. Note that London and Cambridge have peak-time restrictions. On the Stansted Express, only folded bikes are permitted. 
• Children: Travel is free for under-5s. Most tickets (including the Stansted Express) are half price for 5–15-year-olds and 16–17 Saver Railcard holders.
• Pets: Each passenger can bring up to two cats, dogs or small domestic animals. They should be kept in a carrier or on a lead and off seats.
• Passenger Assist: Greater Anglia recommends giving staff at least two hours’ notice if you need help reserving wheelchair spaces, etc.

*Information is subject to change. Please check the latest train timetable before your trip.