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Trains from Manchester to Colchester

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Avanti West Coast
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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. Manchester to Colchester

Trains to Colchester from Manchester

It takes an average of 5h 38m to travel from Manchester to Colchester by train, over a distance of around 171 miles (275 km). There are normally 139 trains per day travelling from Manchester to Colchester and tickets for this journey start from £57.50 when you book in advance.

First train

03:32

Last train

00:48

Departure stationManchester
Arrival stationColchester
Journey time

From 3h 41m

Distance

171 miles (275 km)

Frequency

139 trains per day

Changes

1 change

Price

From £57.50

Train operators

Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, East Midlands Railway, Greater Anglia, London North Eastern Railway, Thameslink, TransPennine Express, Transport for Wales

Trains to Colchester from Manchester

Want to travel from Manchester to Colchester by train? Start your journey with us.

It takes an average of 5 hours 38 minutes to travel from Manchester to Colchester by train. You'll find on average 139 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 1 change.

London North Eastern Railway, Avanti West Coast, Greater Anglia and Transport for Wales trains run on this route.

The journey from Manchester to Colchester starts at £57.50. 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 Manchester to Colchester?

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

How do you travel to Colchester from Manchester?

To get to Colchester from Manchester, why not take the train? With 139 trains per day and an average journey time of 5 hours and 38 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 Manchester to Colchester by train?

On average, it takes around 5 hours and 38 minutes to travel from Manchester to Colchester by train, although you can get there in 3 hours and 41 minutes on the fastest services. With 139 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 Manchester to Colchester?

The price of a train ticket from Manchester to Colchester can start from as little as £57.50, 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 Manchester to Colchester?

The fastest time a train can travel the 171 miles (275 km) from Manchester to Colchester is 3 hours and 41 minutes.

How do I find cheap train tickets from Manchester 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 Manchester to Colchester start at £57.50§ 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 Manchester 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.
† 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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