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Trains from Sunderland to Colchester

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CrossCountry
East Midlands Railway

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

Trains to Colchester from Sunderland

First train

05:12

Last train

23:57

Departure stationSunderland
Arrival stationColchester
Journey time

From 5h 1m

Distance

228 miles (367 km)

Frequency

70 trains per day

Changes

2 changes

Train operators

CrossCountry, East Midlands Railway, Grand Central Railway, Greater Anglia, Hull Trains, London North Eastern Railway, Lumo, Thameslink, TransPennine Express

What are the train times from Sunderland to Colchester?

Check out the next trains departing from Sunderland to Colchester for Tuesday 27th October 2026 using our handy timetable below, including platform and live travel information. You can view the full day timetable or search for a different date here.
DepartsArrivesDuration
12:1217:175h 5m, 4 changes
12:3217:585h 26m, 2 changes
12:3617:585h 22m, 4 changes
12:4818:155h 27m, 4 changes
13:1218:445h 32m, 4 changes
13:3618:495h 13m, 4 changes
13:5519:155h 20m, 3 changes
14:1219:385h 26m, 4 changes
14:1219:535h 41m, 3 changes
14:3619:455h 9m, 4 changes

Travel by train from Sunderland to Colchester

Looking to travel from Sunderland to Colchester by train? You've come to the right place!

Generally, the train from Sunderland to Colchester takes around 6 hours 58 minutes, but can take just 5 hours 1 minute on the fastest services. There are up to 70 trains per day from Sunderland 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, Lumo, Greater Anglia and East Midlands Railway trains operate on this route.

Booking early is one of the most effective ways to save money.

Start your search for train tickets from Sunderland to Colchester in our Journey Planner.

What do people frequently ask about the train journey from Sunderland to Colchester?

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

How do I travel from Sunderland to Colchester?

You can get from Sunderland to Colchester by train in 6 hours and 58 minutes on average, with the fastest journeys taking just 5 hours and 1 minute. Check out our Journey Planner for more details.

How long does the train from Sunderland to Colchester take?

The average journey time by train between Sunderland and Colchester is 6 hours and 58 minutes, with around 70 trains per day running on this route. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.

What's the fastest journey time between Sunderland and Colchester by train?

The fastest journey time by train from Sunderland to Colchester is 5 hours and 1 minute.

Can you take a train directly from Sunderland to Colchester?

No, there are no direct train services from Sunderland to Colchester. Travelling from Sunderland to Colchester by train will require a minimum of 2 changes.

How do I find cheap train tickets from Sunderland 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 Sunderland 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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