Trains from London to Colchester from PHP 1,007.21

Whether you're commuting, planning a weekend escape or exploring one of Britain’s oldest recorded towns, travelling from London to Colchester by train is one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to go. With modern, spacious carriages and journey times of under an hour, it’s no surprise this route is a favourite among commuters and sightseers alike. You can leave behind the rush of the capital, watch the scenery change from the city skyline to open countryside, and arrive in a town where Roman walls, cobbled streets and castle grounds await.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the journey, from train times and ticket prices to station facilities and ideas for what to do once you arrive.

The main station serving the town is simply called Colchester Station. It’s managed by Greater Anglia and sits on the Great Eastern Main Line, making it a key stop for those heading to and from London, Ipswich and Norwich. The station is a busy one, often filled with both weekday commuters and weekend visitors, and it's well-equipped with everything you’d expect. There’s a ticket office open throughout the week, step-free access to all platforms, ticket machines, assistance staff, clean toilet facilities, baby changing areas, waiting rooms, seating, on-site shops and a car park. It ticks a lot of boxes, that’s for sure.

The station is located a little way north of the town centre, but it’s still more than within easy reach. Whether you’re walking, catching a local bus or grabbing a taxi, you’ll be in the heart of Colchester within a few minutes of stepping off the train. At the other end of the line, you’ll be departing from London Liverpool Street Station. This major central hub offers excellent connections to the London Underground, with easy access to the Circle, Central, Hammersmith & City and Metropolitan lines, as well as plenty of shops, cafés and places to relax before departure.

What line is the London to Colchester route on?

If you want to get the train from London to Colchester, you’ll need to start your journey at London Liverpool Street. Operated by Greater Anglia, trains run between London Liverpool Street and Colchester throughout the day, completing the direct 53 miles journey in under an hour.

Which train company goes to Colchester? 

Greater Anglia is the train company that goes from London to Colchester, with services starting in London Liverpool Street. There are over 111 trains per day going back and forth, so you won’t struggle to find a time that works with your plans.

The price of a train ticket from London to Colchester varies a lot, depending on the time of day you travel, the day of the week and how far in advance you book. Tickets start from PHP 1,007.21 for off-peak tickets bought in advance, with prices increasing to around £30 for busier, more popular trains.

Various services are running between London Liverpool Street and Colchester, some of which are as quick as 45 minutes. If you get a longer service, you can expect the journey time to be between 50 minutes and an hour. It all depends on the number of stops. Services start at around 05:20 and run until 00:46. 

There are various ways to buy tickets from London to Colchester, including buying them at the station. At London Liverpool Street, you’ll find self-service machines and staffed ticket booths, where you can buy all types of train tickets, use a Railcard and ask questions about the journey. However, it’s a lot more convenient to use Trip.com, where you can buy tickets from London to Colchester online. This enables you to browse various journey times, compare prices, use Railcards and have the tickets ready before you travel. There’s no need to worry about running into a queue at the busy station and missing your train.

Stepping off the train in Colchester feels like stepping into a different pace of life, a town steeped in history but full of fresh energy. Just a short walk or bus ride from the station, the town centre invites you in with cobbled streets, cosy pubs, and independent shops. One of the highlights for visitors is Colchester Castle, which sits proudly in Castle Park and offers a brilliant look into the town’s Roman roots and Norman history. The park surrounding the castle is perfect for a relaxing afternoon stroll, a family picnic, or even just a quiet moment on the grass beneath the trees.

If you’re in the mood to explore further, Colchester is also home to a thriving arts scene, a well-loved zoo, and a wide selection of galleries, cafés and restaurants that reflect the town’s mix of heritage and creativity. Whether you’re here for history, shopping, or just to unwind somewhere new, Colchester has a warm and welcoming feel that makes it well worth the trip.