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Trains from Colchester to Thurso

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Caledonian Sleeper
Greater Anglia

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

Trains to Thurso from Colchester

First train

04:40

Last train

21:00

Departure stationColchester
Arrival stationThurso
Journey time

From 14h 7m

Distance

494 miles (794 km)

Frequency

4 trains per day

Changes

3 changes

Train operators

Caledonian Sleeper, Greater Anglia, London North Eastern Railway, ScotRail

Plan your journey from Colchester to Thurso

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

Usually, the train from Colchester to Thurso takes around 17 hours 35 minutes. Every day, there are around 4 trains running on this popular route.

There will be 3 changes on your journey from Colchester to Thurso, as there are no direct trains.

Trains on this route are operated by London North Eastern Railway, ScotRail and Greater Anglia.

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 Thurso?

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

How do you get to Thurso from Colchester?

To travel to Thurso from Colchester, you can take the train - on average, the journey takes around 17 hours and 35 minutes, though the fastest trains can take 14 hours and 7 minutes. Use our Journey Planner to get more information.

How long is the train ride from Colchester to Thurso?

Trains from Colchester to Thurso take an average of 17 hours and 35 minutes, although on the fastest services it can take just 14 hours and 7 minutes. You'll usually find 4 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 Thurso by train?

The quickest journey time between Colchester and Thurso by train is 14 hours and 7 minutes.

Are there direct trains from Colchester to Thurso?

No, there are no direct trains running from Colchester to Thurso, you’ll usually need to make at least 3 changes during the journey.

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

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 Thurso 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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