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Trains from Bedford to Colchester

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East Midlands Railway
Greater Anglia

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Each fare is the lowest adult economy ticket fare found by our customers on Trainline. Fares booked further in advance than the dates displayed may be cheaper. Prices are updated daily, subject to change and indicative of price last update. Limited availability. Discount cards and coach journeys excluded, prices exclusive of booking fee.
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Trains to Colchester from Bedford

It takes an average of 2h 40m to travel from Bedford to Colchester by train, over a distance of around 61 miles (97 km). There are normally 34 trains per day travelling from Bedford to Colchester and tickets for this journey start from £62.10 when you book in advance.

First train

03:43

Last train

22:43

Departure stationBedford
Arrival stationColchester
Journey time

From 2h 13m

Distance

61 miles (97 km)

Frequency

34 trains per day

Changes

2 changes

Price

From £62.10

Train operators

East Midlands Railway, Greater Anglia, Thameslink

Travel from Bedford to Colchester by train in 2 hours 13 minutes

If you want to know more about the journey from Bedford to Colchester by train, look no further!

The average journey time from Bedford to Colchester by train is 2 hours 40 minutes, although on the fastest services it can take just 2 hours 13 minutes. You'll usually find 34 trains per day travelling the 61 miles (97 km) between these two destinations. You'll need to make 2 changes along the way to Colchester. You'll be travelling with Greater Anglia, East Midlands Railway or Thameslink on your way to Colchester, as these are the main rail operators on this route.

Plan your trip ahead of time and book early if you want to snap up the cheapest fares. Tickets from Bedford to Colchester start from £62.10 when you book in advance, so use our Journey Planner to view the latest prices. Travelling Off-Peak or using a Railcard are also great ways to save.

Keep reading for more information about the train journey to Colchester, including FAQs, and tips on booking cheap train tickets. Check the timetable above for live train times or if you're ready to book, just start a search for tickets with us today.

What do people frequently ask about the train journey from Bedford to Colchester?

Want to know more about your journey from Bedford to Colchester? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.

How do you travel to Colchester from Bedford?

To get to Colchester from Bedford, why not take the train? With 34 trains per day and an average journey time of 2 hours and 40 minutes, taking the train is a great way to travel. See our Journey Planner for up-to-date times and prices.

How long does it take to get from Bedford to Colchester by train?

On average, it takes around 2 hours and 40 minutes to travel from Bedford to Colchester by train, although you can get there in 2 hours and 13 minutes on the fastest services. With 34 trains per day running on this route, journey times may vary, so check our Journey Planner for more information.

How much is the train ticket from Bedford to Colchester?

The price of a train ticket from Bedford to Colchester can start from as little as £62.10, depending on the time of day, route and class you book. Train tickets may also be cheaper when you book in advance compared to buying them on the day.

How fast can trains travel from Bedford to Colchester?

The fastest time a train can travel the 61 miles (97 km) from Bedford to Colchester is 2 hours and 13 minutes.

How do I find cheap train tickets from Bedford to Colchester?

As most UK train companies increase their prices as the departure date approaches, our Trainline team of experts have put together these tips to help you find the cheapest tickets.

1. Book in advance

Train tickets from Bedford to Colchester start at £62.10§ one way for a Standard Class ticket if you book in advance. UK train companies usually release Advance tickets up to 12 weeks ahead of time, and these can be cheaper than tickets bought on the day of travel.

2. Sign up to Ticket Alert

If you're planning a trip more than 12 weeks ahead, sign up to our Ticket Alert to get notified when Advance tickets are released for your travel date.

3. Use a Railcard

National Railcards offer a 1/3 off eligible train tickets in the UK and can be a great investment if you travel throughout the year. Buy one with us and you'll be able to store it digitally in our app, so you'll always have it on your travels.

4. Book split tickets

Our handy feature SplitSave will 'split' your train journey into multiple tickets, which can be much cheaper than buying a single ticket. Find out more about split tickets.

5. Travel Off-Peak

If you can be flexible with your travel times, Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak tickets are usually cheaper in the UK. Generally, Off-Peak times are any time at weekends and outside of Monday to Friday morning and evening rush hours.

6. Consider a Season Ticket

Best for commuters, if you catch a train on the same route more than 3 times per week, you could save money with a Season Ticket. With annual, monthly, weekly and flexi options available, find out if a Season Ticket for Bedford to Colchester is right for you.

For more money-saving tips on UK and European train travel, read our cheap train tickets guide.

§Advance adult single fare. Excludes booking fee. Prices seen by Trainline customers in the last 30 days. Availability limited.
† Average savings on advance fares booked at least one week before day of travel vs Anytime fares purchased on day of travel. Subject to availability. Excludes coach.

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