Bristol to Colchester train with Great Western Rail

Sat, Mar 21
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Great Western Rail
first_great_western
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Deutsche Bahn
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
Great Western Rail
first_great_western
EuroCity
Deutsche Bahn
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Bristol to Colchester

Showing times and prices for Mar 21

Cheapest price

€49

Average price

€62

Fastest journey

4 h 35 m

Average duration

4 h 42 m

Trains per day

6

Distance

246 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Bristol to Colchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Bristol to Colchester will cost around €62 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €49.

Fast trains

It's difficult to get from Bristol to Colchester without transferring at least 3 times.

Great Western RailL23029+TubeTube from London Paddington to Newbury Park (Underground)+Abellio Greater AngliaLE778100 · P47703
09:18AM4h46
Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
02:04PMColchester station (COL)
491One-way
3 transfers
Great Western RailP29611+TubeTube from London Paddington to Newbury Park (Underground)+Abellio Greater AngliaLE778600 · P47558
08:00AM4h46
Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
12:46PMColchester station (COL)
491One-way
3 transfers
Great Western RailL23017+TubeTube from London Paddington to Newbury Park (Underground)+Abellio Greater AngliaLE778400 · P47434
08:30AM4h43
Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
01:13PMColchester station (COL)
491One-way
3 transfers
Great Western RailL23018+TubeTube from London Paddington to Newbury Park (Underground)+Abellio Greater AngliaLE778200 · P47568
09:02AM4h44
Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
01:46PMColchester station (COL)
561One-way
3 transfers
Great Western RailL23019+TubeTube from London Paddington to Newbury Park (Underground)+Abellio Greater AngliaLE778000 · P47438
09:30AM4h43
Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
02:13PMColchester station (COL)
561One-way
3 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train and bus for Bristol to Colchester

Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Bristol to Colchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €33. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 41m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €33, and a train costs an average of €49.

Distance: 246 km

Compare train with

Train
Most popular
Bus

€74

Average price

€47

Average price

Cheapest

3h 11m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 41m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

6h 26m

Average total duration

5h 56m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.2 - 0.6kg

CO2 emissions

Great Western Rail

Most popular train company

National Express

Most popular bus company

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

Bristol to Colchester train times

The table below shows live departures for Bristol to Colchester trains for tomorrow, Friday, March 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 11:49 AM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
great_westernP29611+assertis_tubeTube from London Paddington to Newbury Park (Underground)+greater_angliaLE778600 · P475588:00 AM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
4h46
12:46 PM Colchester station (COL)3 transfers
great_westernL23017+assertis_tubeTube from London Paddington to Newbury Park (Underground)+greater_angliaLE778400 · P47434
On time
8:30 AM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
4h43
1:13 PM Colchester station (COL)
3 transfers
great_westernL23293 · L23178+assertis_tubeTube from London Paddington to Newbury Park (Underground)+greater_angliaLE778400
On time
8:38 AM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
4h35
1:13 PM Colchester station (COL)
4 transfers
great_westernL23018+assertis_tubeTube from London Paddington to Newbury Park (Underground)+greater_angliaLE778200 · P47568
On time
9:02 AM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
4h44
1:46 PM Colchester station (COL)
3 transfers
great_westernL23029+assertis_tubeTube from London Paddington to Newbury Park (Underground)+greater_angliaLE778100 · P47703
On time
9:18 AM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
4h46
2:04 PM Colchester station (COL)
3 transfers
great_westernL23019+assertis_tubeTube from London Paddington to Newbury Park (Underground)+greater_angliaLE778000 · P47438
On time
9:30 AM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
4h43
2:13 PM Colchester station (COL)
3 transfers

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Bristol to Colchester by train or bus

Compare train and bus prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.

Sat
Mar 21
Sun
Mar 22
Mon
Mar 23
Tue
Mar 24
Wed
Mar 25
Thu
Mar 26
Fri
Mar 27

Why should you book Bristol to Colchester trains with Omio?

Great Western Rail as well as first_great_western offer trains services from Bristol to Colchester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Bristol to Colchester.

Why book with Omio vs Great Western Rail?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Great Western Rail, but also compare tickets for the likes of first_great_western to find the best option for your trip from Bristol to Colchester.
  • Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
  • Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Great Western Rail with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Bristol to Colchester.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu?

  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Bristol to Colchester.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Bristol to Colchester

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Bristol to Colchester run on average 8 times per day, taking around 2h 41m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €49 but you can travel from only €33 by bus.

The earliest train runs at 03:42, the last at 22:00. The fastest train covers the 246 km distance in 3h 13m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from €33
Distance
246 km
Average train duration
2h 41m
Cheapest ticket price
€49
Trains per day
8
Fastest train
3h 13m
First train
03:42
Last train
22:00
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from €33

Train companies: Great Western Rail, first_great_western from Bristol to Colchester trainsGreat Western Rail, first_great_western trains will get you between Bristol and Colchester from €33. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Great Western Rail

About
Great Western Railway is a train operating company in the United Kingdom. It operates services from London Paddington to the West of England, South Wales and the Cotswolds. It also operates services from London Paddington to Oxford, Reading and Bristol. It offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, air conditioning and catering services. The most popular routes for Great Western Railway are London Paddington to Bristol, Reading and Oxford.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 13m
Cheapest Price
€49
Luggage included
Two pieces of luggage and one piece of hand luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, dedicated luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, sandwiches. First Class at-seat service on some routes
Seat reservation
Optional seat reservations available for a fee. Free in First Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone

first_great_western

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 45m
Cheapest Price
€150
first_great_western frequency
25 a day

FAQs: Trains from Bristol to Colchester

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bristol to Colchester by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Colchester, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Cheap train tickets from Bristol to Colchester can start from as little as €49 when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Bristol to Colchester is €74; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by train from Bristol to Colchester is 3h 13m to travel the 246 km long route. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest train from Bristol to Colchester leaves at 3:42 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The latest train from Bristol to Colchester leaves at 10:00 PM.
There are 8 trains a day from Bristol to Colchester which require at least one change with Great Western Rail, first_great_western. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer trains.
When taking a train from Bristol to Colchester, you can count on Great Western Rail, first_great_western for the best way to get you to Colchester. You can also check all possible train companies who offer a service between Bristol and Colchester and compare the amenities they offer before buying a train ticket.
A trip to Colchester from Bristol is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 3h 13m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a train from Bristol to Colchester is April.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Bristol and Colchester including taking a train and bus.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Bristol to Colchester

Bristol
Colchester
The major train station for departures in Bristol is Bristol Temple Meads. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Bristol Temple Meads for your trip from Bristol to Colchester.
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Mon - Sat: 05:30 - 21:30
  • Sun: 06:45 - 21:30
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free Wi-Fi in the station.
Shopping
Shopping
  • Type of shops available: WHS/M&S; Uppercrust; Pumpkin; Pasty Shop; Starbucks; Lily's Flowers
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: Station Car Park
Dining
Dining
  • The Pasty Shop
  • Starbucks
  • Upper Crust
  • Pumpkin Café
  • Hart's Bakery
Taxis
Taxis
  • Taxi: The taxi rank is available on the station forecourt. If you require an accessible taxi please approach a member of staff for assistance. To reach the station forecourt; exit through the ticket barriers, turn left and exit through the main doors. You can find more information about local taxi services here.
  • Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair access, elevators, escalators.
WC
WC
  • Toilets Location: Ladies, Gents and Baby Change are located in the Passenger Subway. The Baby Change is located next to the Ladies Toilets. An additional Baby Change facility is also located in the Accessible Toilet on Platform 13/15. Accessible Toilets are located on Platform 3 by the Help Desk and on Platform 13/15.
  • National key toilets: Yes
  • National key toilets location: Radar Key available from station staff.
  • Baby changing facilities: Yes
Hotel
Hotel
  • Holiday Inn Express Bristol City Center
  • DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Bristol City Center
  • Hilton Garden Inn Bristol City Center
Lounge
Lounge
  • Waiting rooms location: Waiting Rooms are located on Platform 5/7 and on Platform 13/15
Ticket Office
Ticket Office
  • Mon - Sat: 05:30 - 21:30
  • Sun: 06:45 - 21:30
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: Yes
  • Storage location: The main storage location for bikes is at The Friary at Temple Quay, just to the right of the ramped exit from the long stay car park. A limited bike storage location can be found on Station Approach by Queen Anne's Gate. There is no longer any bike storage inside the station.
  • Storage CCTV: Yes
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located near the main entrance.
Public transit options for Bristol Temple Meads
  • Bus lines: A1, 1, 2, 8, 39/349/X39, 70, 73, 178, 376
  • Train lines: CrossCountry, Great Western Main Line, Severn Beach Line
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Station front. Alternative: the lower approach road, outside the front of Bristol & Exeter House
RedlandParkingDiningAccessibilityLost and Found OfficeBike Parking
Amenities at train station
ParkingParking
DiningDining
AccessibilityAccessibility
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
information
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: No
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Staff help available: No
  • Step free access coverage: Yes
  • Step free access note: Step Free - Category A Station - This station has step free access to the platform. Safety warning - Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge. Please take extra care when using this station.
  • Ramp for train access: Yes
  • Wheelchairs available: No
  • Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: No
  • Storage location: platform
  • Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transit options for Redland
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: South Road bus stop opposite station towards Bristol. Bus stop on Redland Grove towards Severn Beach
Clifton DownWifiParkingDiningAccessibilityLost and Found OfficeBike Parking
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
ParkingParking
DiningDining
AccessibilityAccessibility
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
information
phone
Phone Number
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: Station Car Park
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Staff help available: No
  • Step free access note: Step free Category B1 station - step free access available to both platforms via ramp and choice of drop off points, however adjacent car parks need to be used for full step free access. Safety warning - Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge. Please take extra care when using this station.
  • Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station
  • Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are not available
  • Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
  • Ramp for train access: No
  • Wheelchairs available: No
  • Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: No
  • Storage location: Located on both platforms
  • Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transit options for Clifton Down
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Bus stops on either side of Whiteladies Road outside Clifton Down Shopping Centre

More options for your journey from Bristol to Colchester

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

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