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Trains from Portsmouth to Colchester

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Great Western Railway
Greater Anglia

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

Trains to Colchester from Portsmouth

First train

03:17

Last train

22:53

Departure stationPortsmouth
Arrival stationColchester
Journey time

From 3h 13m

Distance

113 miles (183 km)

Frequency

142 trains per day

Changes

2 changes

Train operators

Great Western Railway, Greater Anglia, South Western Railway, Southern, Thameslink

What are the train times from Portsmouth to Colchester?

Get from Portsmouth to Colchester in as little as 3 hours 13 minutes on the fastest trains, so you can make the most of your time.

The average train journey from Portsmouth to Colchester takes around 4 hours 38 minutes. There are around 142 trains that operate on this route daily.

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

Great Western Railway, Greater Anglia, South Western Railway and Thameslink 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 Portsmouth to Colchester?

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

How do you get to Colchester from Portsmouth?

To travel to Colchester from Portsmouth, you can take the train - on average, the journey takes around 4 hours and 38 minutes, though the fastest trains can take 3 hours and 13 minutes. Use our Journey Planner to get more information.

How long is the train ride from Portsmouth to Colchester?

Trains from Portsmouth to Colchester take an average of 4 hours and 38 minutes, although on the fastest services it can take just 3 hours and 13 minutes. You'll usually find 142 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 Portsmouth and Colchester by train?

The quickest journey time between Portsmouth and Colchester by train is 3 hours and 13 minutes.

Are there direct trains from Portsmouth to Colchester?

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

How do I find cheap train tickets from Portsmouth 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. 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 Portsmouth 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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