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Trains from Colchester to Macclesfield

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Avanti West Coast
CrossCountry

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

Trains to Macclesfield from Colchester

First train

03:41

Last train

22:03

Departure stationColchester
Arrival stationMacclesfield
Journey time

From 3h 24m

Distance

158 miles (254 km)

Frequency

32 trains per day

Changes

2 changes

Train operators

Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, East Midlands Railway, Great Western Railway, Greater Anglia, TransPennine Express

What are the train times from Colchester to Macclesfield?

Check out the next trains departing from Colchester to Macclesfield for Tuesday 13th 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
11:3015:053h 35m, 3 changes
12:0015:363h 36m, 3 changes
12:0015:423h 42m, 2 changes
12:3016:053h 35m, 3 changes
13:0016:363h 36m, 3 changes
13:0016:423h 42m, 2 changes
13:3017:053h 35m, 3 changes
14:0017:363h 36m, 3 changes
14:0017:423h 42m, 2 changes
14:3018:053h 35m, 3 changes

Plan your journey from Colchester to Macclesfield

Considering a trip to Macclesfield and need more information on how to take the train from Colchester to Macclesfield? Start your search with us today!

Usually, the train from Colchester to Macclesfield takes around 5 hours 37 minutes. Every day, there are around 32 trains running on this popular route.

There will be 2 changes on your journey from Colchester to Macclesfield, as there are no direct trains.

Avanti West Coast, Great Western Railway, Greater Anglia and East Midlands Railway trains operate on this route.

Booking tickets in advance can be cheaper than buying on the day of travel.

Use our Journey Planner to pick the dates and times you want to travel, and we’ll give you all the options.

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

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

How do I travel from Colchester to Macclesfield?

You can get from Colchester to Macclesfield by train in 5 hours and 37 minutes on average, with the fastest journeys taking just 3 hours and 24 minutes. Check out our Journey Planner for more details.

How long does the train from Colchester to Macclesfield take?

The average journey time by train between Colchester and Macclesfield is 5 hours and 37 minutes, with around 32 trains per day running on this route. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.

What's the fastest journey time between Colchester and Macclesfield by train?

The fastest journey time by train from Colchester to Macclesfield is 3 hours and 24 minutes.

Can you take a train directly from Colchester to Macclesfield?

No, there are no direct train services from Colchester to Macclesfield. Travelling from Colchester to Macclesfield by train will require a minimum of 2 changes.

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

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 Macclesfield 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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