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Trains from Colchester to Exeter

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CrossCountry
Great Western Railway

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  1. Home
  2. Train times
  3. Colchester to Exeter

Trains to Exeter from Colchester

First train

04:11

Last train

23:11

Departure stationColchester
Arrival stationExeter
Journey time

From 3h 32m

Distance

208 miles (335 km)

Frequency

71 trains per day

Changes

2 changes

Train operators

CrossCountry, Great Western Railway, Greater Anglia, South Western Railway

What are the train times from Colchester to Exeter?

Get from Colchester to Exeter in as little as 3 hours 32 minutes on the fastest trains, so you can make the most of your time.

The average train journey from Colchester to Exeter takes around 4 hours 57 minutes. There are around 71 trains that operate on this route daily.

As there are no direct trains between Colchester and Exeter, you'll need to make 2 changes.

Great Western Railway, Greater Anglia, South Western Railway and CrossCountry trains operate on this route.

Booking in advance often results in cheaper ticket prices.

With our Journey Planner, you can check live train times, compare prices and check routes.

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

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

How do you get to Exeter from Colchester?

To travel to Exeter from Colchester, you can take the train - on average, the journey takes around 4 hours and 57 minutes, though the fastest trains can take 3 hours and 32 minutes. Use our Journey Planner to get more information.

How long is the train ride from Colchester to Exeter?

Trains from Colchester to Exeter take an average of 4 hours and 57 minutes, although on the fastest services it can take just 3 hours and 32 minutes. You'll usually find 71 trains per day on this route, so use our Journey Planner to check specific dates as times may vary.

What is the quickest journey time between Colchester and Exeter by train?

The quickest journey time between Colchester and Exeter by train is 3 hours and 32 minutes.

Are there direct trains from Colchester to Exeter?

No, there are no direct trains running from Colchester to Exeter, you’ll usually need to make at least 2 changes during the journey.

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

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. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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 Colchester to Exeter 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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