grey elephant walking colchester zoo

Cheap Train Tickets to Colchester

Get the best ticket prices to Colchester with our split ticket search

Cheap Trains to Colchester

"Colchester is Britain's oldest recorded town and was the first city and capital in Roman Britain. Its rich history dates back over 2000 years." VisitColchester

Five railway stations serve Colchester: Colchester, Colchester Town, Hythe, Wivenhoe, and Marks Teys. The town centre of Colchester is easy to navigate, and most of the streets are pedestrian-friendly.

Tip 1 Book as quickly as you can
One of the secrets to finding cheap train tickets is to book early. Advance fares are usually released by train companies up to 12 weeks ahead of departure. Demand can be high, and they sell out very quickly, so the sooner you book, the better. If you can't book ahead, you may find them still for sale up to 1 hour before the train leaves though this isn't often the case.
Tip 2 Avoid paying booking fees
It can be annoying to find the price raised by booking fees when you buy your train tickets, with many ticket retailers charging for every journey you make. At Split My Fare we don't add booking fees, and we won't expect you to pay for using a credit card either. We only charge 10% of any savings you make splitting your fare, if we don't find you a split ticket, there will be no fee.
Tip 3 Refunds are available when your train is late
You can't guarantee when catching a train to Colchester that you will arrive on time. If there is a delay, you can claim a partial or full refund using the Delay Repay scheme. Check the policy of the train company you are travelling with to find out what compensation you are due and claim through them. You can get money back for any delay over 15 minutes.
Tip 4 Busier routes tend to cost more
Avoiding peak hours and popular routes can be vital in finding the cheapest tickets. Demand affects ticket prices, so if your journey is busy, the price will be higher. Travelling somewhere quiet, outside the town centre will get you cheaper train tickets to Colchester.
Tip 5 Book and travel together
You can make savings when 3-9 passengers travel together by trains in the UK to Colchester. A discount of 1/3 off the ticket price is available when you travel on the same off-peak train; this is automatically applied when using our website. It is simplest to receive e-Tickets, so you can forward them to your group, rather than having to print off lots of paper tickets.

The town’s main attraction is the Norman Castle, founded by William the Conqueror. Built around the same time and known as the Tower of London's twin sister, both structures have a somewhat similar design. Within the grounds is Castle Park; it is vast and hosts many events, including music festivals and a spectacular fireworks display.

Tip 6 Check the price of single tickets
When travelling to and from Colchester, we recommend instead of immediately booking a return fare checking whether two singles is cheaper. We do this for you and automatically show you the lowest priced ticket for your journey.
Tip 7 Taking a slower train can cut costs
Colchester has several rail stations, meaning you have the choice of using a direct train or a slower, local line. These services tend to be cheaper, and at Split My Fare, we automatically show you the most affordable option. You might be in a hurry to get to your destination, in which case you can choose from the fastest trains to Colchester.
Tip 8 Look at first-class tickets
When buying cheap train tickets, you might assume that the cost of a first-class fare is always higher. Operators often reduce prices when demand is low. You can book at a similar price or cheaper than a standard fare. You will be able to travel in comfort with bigger seats and benefit from free drinks and food.

If you like art, check out Firstsite, a newly constructed contemporary visual arts centre, housed in a striking gold building. Colchester is home to three museums, the Castle Museum, Hollytrees Museum, and the National History Museum. Each is housed in a beautiful old building, featuring different insights into the rich culture and history of Colchester.

Other places worth visiting are Marsea Island, a small island off the River Blackwater estuary, the Wivenhoe, a small town downstream of Colchester, and Dedham Vale, a very charming village at the border of Essex and Suffolk not far from the station.

Tip 9 Railcards are a money saver
If you take the train regularly, a great way to save money is by purchasing a railcard. Even if you only travel a few times a year, it can still be worth getting one. Most railcards cost £30 and can save you up to 1/3 every time you use them. There are many different cards to suit everyone. You will also get the bonus of free entry to many attractions and other discounts.

The Two Together Railcard gives two adults 1/3 off on most journeys and costs £30 per year! The Family and Friends Railcard provides 60% off for children and 1/3 for adults when up to four adults and four children travel together. Disabled passengers can get 1/3 off most tickets with the Disabled Persons Railcard, for £30 per year. For those aged over 60, the senior railcard also offers 1/3 off fares, and you can buy a 3-year card for just £70. Other railcards include the Network Railcard, 16-25 Railcard and 26-30 Railcard. You can find more details on the Railcard website and cards are available at any National Rail Ticket Office.
Tip 10 Be willing to change your plans
When searching for the cheapest fares to your destination, it is crucial to be flexible in planning your journeys when possible. Making changes to the date or time of travel and avoiding weekends are great ways to find the best deals.

Main stations in Colchester

  • Colchester
  • Colchester Town
  • Hythe
  • Wivenhoe
  • Marks Tey

Frequently Asked Questions

What train line is Colchester on?

Colchester is on the Great Eastern Main Line, with regular trains to London via Liverpool Street Station.

How do I get to Colchester Zoo by train?

You can get to Colchester Zoo from the Main Train Station by taking a 10 minute taxi or bus.

What is Colchester famous for?

Colchester is famous for being Britain's oldest town, retaining much of its ancient architecture.