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Trains from Colchester to Reading

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Great Western 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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  3. Colchester to Reading

Trains to Reading from Colchester

It takes an average of 2h 28m to travel from Colchester to Reading by train, over a distance of around 86 miles (138 km). There are normally 103 trains per day travelling from Colchester to Reading and tickets for this journey start from £51.80 when you book in advance.

First train

03:41

Last train

23:06

Departure stationColchester
Arrival stationReading
Journey time

From 1h 45m

Distance

86 miles (138 km)

Frequency

103 trains per day

Changes

1 change

Price

From £51.80

Train operators

Great Western Railway, Greater Anglia

Travel from Colchester to Reading by train in 1 hour 45 minutes

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

The average journey time from Colchester to Reading by train is 2 hours 28 minutes, although on the fastest services it can take just 1 hour 45 minutes. You'll usually find 103 trains per day travelling the 86 miles (138 km) between these two destinations. You'll need to make 1 change along the way to Reading. Trains on this route are usually operated by either Great Western Railway or Greater Anglia. On board you'll find modern comfortable seating and plenty of room for luggage as standard.

Plan your trip ahead of time and book early if you want to snap up the cheapest fares. Tickets from Colchester to Reading start from £51.80 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 Reading, 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 Colchester to Reading?

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

How do you travel to Reading from Colchester?

To get to Reading from Colchester, why not take the train? With 103 trains per day and an average journey time of 2 hours and 28 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 Colchester to Reading by train?

On average, it takes around 2 hours and 28 minutes to travel from Colchester to Reading by train, although you can get there in 1 hour and 45 minutes on the fastest services. With 103 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 Colchester to Reading?

The price of a train ticket from Colchester to Reading can start from as little as £51.80, 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 Colchester to Reading?

The fastest time a train can travel the 86 miles (138 km) from Colchester to Reading is 1 hour and 45 minutes.

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

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 Colchester to Reading start at £51.80§ 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 Colchester to Reading 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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