Chiltern Railways
CrossCountry
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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.
Trains to Colchester from Cardiff Central
It takes an average of 4h 59m to travel from Cardiff Central to Colchester by train, over a distance of around 177 miles (285 km). There are normally 72 trains per day travelling from Cardiff Central to Colchester and tickets for this journey start from £38 when you book in advance.
| First train | 03:25 | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 22:47 | |
| Departure station | Cardiff Central | |
| Arrival station | Colchester | |
| Journey time | From 3h 21m | |
| Distance | 177 miles (285 km) | |
| Frequency | 72 trains per day | |
| Changes | 2 changes | |
| Price | From £38 | |
| Train operators | Chiltern Railways, CrossCountry, Great Western Railway, Greater Anglia, Transport for Wales |
Trains to Colchester from Cardiff Central
Want to travel from Cardiff Central to Colchester by train? Start your journey with us.
It takes an average of 4 hours 59 minutes to travel from Cardiff Central to Colchester by train. You'll find on average 72 trains per day running on this route.
There aren't any direct services on this line, but it's still easy to travel to Colchester by train; you'll need to make 2 changes.
Trains on this route are operated by Great Western Railway, Greater Anglia, Transport for Wales and Chiltern Railways.
The journey from Cardiff Central to Colchester starts at £38.00. Generally, booking Advance train tickets works out cheaper.
See our Journey Planner for up-to-date times and prices.
What do people frequently ask about the train journey from Cardiff Central to Colchester?
Want to know more about your journey from Cardiff Central to Colchester? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
Are there direct trains from Cardiff Central to Colchester?
What's the distance between Cardiff Central and Colchester by train?
Can you travel from Cardiff Central to Colchester without taking a flight?
What is the best way to get to Colchester from Cardiff Central?
What time is the first train from Cardiff Central to Colchester?
What time is the last train from Cardiff Central to Colchester?
How often do trains go from Cardiff Central to Colchester?
Do you need to prebook train tickets from Cardiff Central to Colchester?
Is there a return trip from Cardiff Central to Colchester?
How do I find cheap train tickets from Cardiff Central 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 Cardiff Central to Colchester start at £38§ 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 Cardiff Central 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.