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Trains from Preston (Lancs) to Colchester

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Avanti West Coast
CrossCountry

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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. Preston (Lancs) to Colchester

Trains to Colchester from Preston (Lancs)

It takes an average of 6h 23m to travel from Preston (Lancs) to Colchester by train, over a distance of around 198 miles (318 km). There are normally 32 trains per day travelling from Preston (Lancs) to Colchester and tickets for this journey start from £47 when you book in advance.

First train

04:28

Last train

23:03

Departure stationPreston (Lancs)
Arrival stationColchester
Journey time

From 3h 45m

Distance

198 miles (318 km)

Frequency

32 trains per day

Changes

2 changes

Price

From £47

Train operators

Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, East Midlands Railway, Greater Anglia, London North Eastern Railway, Lumo, TransPennine Express

Travel by train from Preston (Lancs) to Colchester

Looking to travel from Preston (Lancs) to Colchester by train? You've come to the right place!

Generally, the train from Preston (Lancs) to Colchester takes around 6 hours 23 minutes, but can take just 3 hours 45 minutes on the fastest services. There are up to 32 trains per day from Preston (Lancs) to Colchester.

You'll need to make 2 changes along the way as there aren't any direct services on this line.

London North Eastern Railway, Avanti West Coast, Lumo and Greater Anglia trains operate on this route.

Book your ticket from £47.00 for this journey. Booking early is one of the most effective ways to save money.

Start your search for train tickets from Preston (Lancs) to Colchester in our Journey Planner.

What do people frequently ask about the train journey from Preston (Lancs) to Colchester?

Want to know more about your journey from Preston (Lancs) 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 Preston (Lancs)?

To travel to Colchester from Preston (Lancs), you can take the train - on average, the journey takes around 6 hours and 23 minutes, though the fastest trains can take 3 hours and 45 minutes. Use our Journey Planner to get more information.

How long is the train ride from Preston (Lancs) to Colchester?

Trains from Preston (Lancs) to Colchester take an average of 6 hours and 23 minutes, although on the fastest services it can take just 3 hours and 45 minutes. You'll usually find 32 trains per day on this route, so use our Journey Planner to check specific dates as times may vary.

How much does it cost to get from Preston (Lancs) to Colchester by train?

Train tickets from Preston (Lancs) to Colchester can start from £47 when booked in advance, but they’re usually more expensive if bought on the day of travel. Prices may also vary depending on the time of day, route, and class you choose.

What is the quickest journey time between Preston (Lancs) and Colchester by train?

The quickest journey time between Preston (Lancs) and Colchester by train is 3 hours and 45 minutes.

How do I find cheap train tickets from Preston (Lancs) 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 Preston (Lancs) to Colchester start at £47§ 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 Preston (Lancs) 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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