Travel Information

Colchester has great transport links and is easily accessible by bus, train, coach and car. Regardless of how you choose to travel, we're sure you'll have a great time visiting our historic city.

Use this handy guide to discover the best way to travel to Colchester from where you are.

How Do I Get to Colchester By Rail?

Colchester is on the London Liverpool St to Norwich line, meaning that it's especially well-connected for both day-trippers and international travellers. It's located around an hour's travel from each city. Colchester also serves the branch lines to Clacton-on-Sea, Walton-on-the-Naze, and Harwich International Port. The city's connection to Harwich makes it especially desirable for those travelling in on the ferry with a bicycle - but remember to book your FREE cycle space on the train on the Greater Anglia website ahead of your travel to avoid disappointment.

Colchester has three stations: Colchester (also known as Colchester North), which is the mainline station around a 20 minute walk from the City Centre; Colchester Town, which is a branch line located in the City Centre, and Hythe , which serves the East of the city, the old port area, and is closest to the University, making it ideal for students travelling into town for work or fun! Prior to your visit, check station availability to avoid disappointment - some stations may run limited services at specific times or on specific days.

If you're arriving into Colchester North station, be sure to follow the Fixing the Link trail to the city centre to find your way - all you need to do is look out for the elephants! If you're arriving into Colchester Town station, start your trip with a touch of history and explore St Botolph's Priory - you'll surely be impressed by the scale of these Augustinian ruins.

For more details visit the National Rail Website, Trainline or contact the Visitor Information Centre.

By Coach

There are regular National Express coach services linking Colchester City Centre to and from Stansted Airport - one of the country's major airports. You'll also find links to surrounding major towns and cities like Chelmsford and Ipswich, and occasionally see special Event services to and from major attractions like Wembley Stadium!

Routes and schedules vary, so be sure to check ahead to avoid disappointment. For more details contact the Visitor Information Centre or visit the National Express website.

By Bus

Colchester Bus Station is located on Osbourne Street in the City Centre, receiving regular local and regional services - this is one of the most popular drop-off points in the city. Other popular drop-off points in the city centre to arrive by bus include the High Street, Queen Street, Head Street, Crouch Street and East Hill - these streets are a short walk from the city centre's shops, restaurants, cinemas and theatres. and some of the city's top attractions, including Colchester Castle and Hollytrees Museum!

There are also regular services to and from Colchester North Station, allowing you to explore more of the Colchester district.

Essex County Council has information on local bus services South East, and popular local services like FirstBus, KonectBus and Arriva offer information on individual services on their websites, including timetables. Further information is available from the Visitor Information Centre

You can also find out more information about coach drop-off and parking here.

By Park and Ride

There is a Park and Ride service available off Junction 28 of the A12 operating Monday to Saturday.

With a 15 minute service frequency, it offers quick and easy access to the city centre in as little as 12 minutes, stopping also at Colchester Hospital and Colchester Station. The Park and Ride is a particularly good option for day-trippers hoping to explore the city before heading home in the evening.

By Car

There is good access to Colchester from all parts of the country via the A12, M25 and A14. For more details on planning your journey, please contact the Visitor Information Centre or the AA.

Information on all car parks in Colchester as well as a map of Car Parks in Colchester is available from the Colchester Council Website.

Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Points can be found in Priory Street car park in the city centre. To find your nearest and other EV Charging Points in and around the city, CarWow have a handy an interactive map showing all Charging Stations.

By Air

Stansted Airport (London's third international airport) is just 50 minutes away from Colchester by road via A12/A120. The X20 bus service and National Express coaches run regularly from Stansted Airport to Colchester. For more details visit Stansted Airport's website.

If you're landing at Gatwick or Heathrow airport, you should take the train from the airport towards Central London. The most convenient station to travel to via bus or tube to would be London Liverpool Street. Once you have arrived there, you can take one of the trains described above to reach Colchester.

By Bicycle

There are multiple National Cycle Network Routes running through Colchester, connecting the city with places such as London, Harwich, and even the Netherlands through National Route 51, part of the North Sea Cycle Network.

For a map of local cycle routes within Colchester, visit Cycle Colchester, and find the best places to cycle in Colchester. Cycle Colchester also provide a suggested route for those travelling from Harwich to Colchester, or vice versa. 

By Sea

Stena Line and DFDS Seaways operate ferries from Harwich to and from the Hook of Holland. Colchester is only 30 minutes from Harwich International Port via the A120 and only 25 minutes by train.

Ferry timetables vary throughout the year, and some ferries may not run in certain seasons. Please check directly with ferry companies before travelling.

If you are looking to travel to Colchester by sea then take a look at aferry.co.uk where you can check ferry timetables, view special offers, compare prices and book tickets.