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Trains from Birmingham to Colchester

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Avanti West Coast
Chiltern Railways

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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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  3. Birmingham to Colchester

Trains to Colchester from Birmingham

It takes an average of 4h 25m to travel from Birmingham to Colchester by train, over a distance of around 125 miles (201 km). There are normally 78 trains per day travelling from Birmingham to Colchester and tickets for this journey start from £44.50 when you book in advance.

First train

04:08

Last train

00:41

Departure stationBirmingham
Arrival stationColchester
Journey time

From 2h 57m

Distance

125 miles (201 km)

Frequency

78 trains per day

Changes

1 change

Price

From £44.50

Train operators

Avanti West Coast, Chiltern Railways, CrossCountry, Great Western Railway, Greater Anglia, London Overground, Lumo, Transport for Wales

What are the train times from Birmingham to Colchester?

Check out the next trains departing from Birmingham to Colchester for Tuesday 27th October 2026 using our handy timetable below, including platform and live travel information. You can view the full day timetable or search for a different date here.
DepartsArrivesDuration
12:4715:462h 59m, 2 changes
12:4916:133h 24m, 3 changes
13:1716:162h 59m, 2 changes
13:4716:452h 58m, 2 changes
13:4917:113h 22m, 3 changes
14:1717:173h 0m, 2 changes
14:2117:393h 18m, 2 changes
14:4717:583h 11m, 2 changes
14:4918:153h 26m, 3 changes
15:1718:193h 2m, 2 changes

Travel by train from Birmingham to Colchester

Looking to travel from Birmingham to Colchester by train? You've come to the right place!

Generally, the train from Birmingham to Colchester takes around 4 hours 25 minutes, but can take just 2 hours 57 minutes on the fastest services. There are up to 78 trains per day from Birmingham to Colchester.

You'll need to make 1 change along the way as there aren't any direct services on this line.

Avanti West Coast, Great Western Railway, Lumo and Greater Anglia trains run on this route.

Book your ticket from £44.50 for this journey. Booking early is one of the most effective ways to save money.

Start your search for train tickets from Birmingham to Colchester in our Journey Planner.

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

Want to know more about your journey from Birmingham 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 Birmingham?

To get to Colchester from Birmingham, why not take the train? With 78 trains per day and an average journey time of 4 hours and 25 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 Birmingham to Colchester by train?

On average, it takes around 4 hours and 25 minutes to travel from Birmingham to Colchester by train, although you can get there in 2 hours and 57 minutes on the fastest services. With 78 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 Birmingham to Colchester?

The price of a train ticket from Birmingham to Colchester can start from as little as £44.50, 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 Birmingham to Colchester?

The fastest time a train can travel the 125 miles (201 km) from Birmingham to Colchester is 2 hours and 57 minutes.

How do I find cheap train tickets from Birmingham 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 Birmingham to Colchester start at £44.50§ 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 Birmingham 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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