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About Colchester (COL) Train Station

Station managed by: Greater Anglia

Colchester [North] station
Station Approach Road
Colchester
Essex
CO1 1XD

Colchester Station can be found on Station Approach Road in Colchester as shown on the map, and is operated by Greater Anglia.

Read on for more information about the facilities and help available at Colchester Rail Station, connections for onwards travel, and live arrivals and departures information.

Ready to book your travel to Colchester? Search here to find the best journey for you, and save big with our FairSplits - we give you our Cheapest Split Ticket Price Guarantee*

Everything you need to know about Colchester Station

Welcome to Colchester Train Station: Your Gateway to Exploration

Colchester train station, a vital hub on the Great Eastern Main Line, offers a seamless connection to a plethora of destinations and experiences. With a history rooted deep in the heart of Essex, Colchester station brilliantly combines modern amenities with the charm of a bygone era. Whether you're a daily commuter, an occasional traveler, or simply planning a day trip, the station is equipped to cater to your every need.

Facilities and Amenities

Colchester station provides an array of conveniences to make your journey comfortable and stress-free. The station's ticket office operates extensively from as early as 5:00 AM on weekdays to as late as 10:00 PM, ensuring that buying or collecting tickets is hassle-free. There's no shortage of accessible ticket machines and smartcard validators, making it easy for travelers to plan their journeys.

For those requiring special assistance, Colchester station offers step-free access to all platforms. While there's a significant walking distance between sides, the station advises customers with restricted mobility to use the London bound entrance on Station Way, which offers easier lift access. The support for passengers continues with the availability of ramps for train access, accessible toilets, and assistance meeting points to ensure a smooth travel experience.

If you're looking to grab a bite on the go, you won't be disappointed. Options include Coffeelink, Starbucks, and Grab A Pizza This, together with self-service vending machines. The station also hosts a WHSmith and a Photo-Me digital photo booth, covering your shopping and convenience needs.

Onward Connections

Getting to and from Colchester is as smooth as your train journey. Illustrious for its transport links, Colchester station has you well-connected by bus or bike. The station is a PlusBus location, simplifying your transition from train to local bus services. Rail replacement bus services are conveniently located on the station forecourt, ensuring that even during disruptions, your journey continues without a hitch.

Bicycle storage is abundant, with 576 spaces including compounds and racks. However, there's no bicycle hire, so come prepared if you plan to pedal the local sights. For those with vehicles, rest easy with the ample parking operated by National Car Parks Ltd., available 24/7 with CCTV surveillance for added security.

Journey Inspiration: Popular Routes from Colchester

If you're in the mood for adventure, Colchester serves as a perfect springboard to a multitude of destinations. The vibrant streets of London are only a train ride away, making London Liverpool Street and Stratford popular choices. Nearby town escapes include Ipswich and Chelmsford, offering a haven of shopping, dining, and historical exploration.

For coastal retreats, consider heading to Clacton-on-Sea or Walton-on-the-Naze. Nature enthusiasts will find solace in the picturesque surroundings of Sudbury and its charming villages. So whether you're seeking the bustle of the city or the peace of the countryside, Colchester caters to all.

Time to Embark on Your Colchester Journey!

Colchester train station stands as a testament to efficient travel intermingled with enriching experiences. Its facilities and connections ensure that travelers can embark on journeys both near and far, safely and comfortably. A visit to Colchester means you're not just traveling; you're stepping into a narrative that grows richer with each explored destination. So, what's next on your journey map? Let Colchester station be the starting chapter of your next adventure.

Colchester Station details & facilities

Ticket Office
Ticket Office Opening hours
Monday to Friday:05:00 to 22:00
Saturday:05:30 to 21:00
Sunday:06:00 to 21:00
Ticket machinesYes
Collect tickets bought onlineYes

Collect tickets at the ticket machine

Accessible ticket machinesYes
Induction loopYes
Smartcards
Smartcards issued at this stationYes
Smartcard validatorsYes
Information available from staff

Yes - from help point

Yes - from information point

Yes - from ticket office

Customer information

DepartureScreens

Announcements

Staff help available
Monday to Sunday:
Customer help pointsNo
Customer services notes

Monday-Saturday 08:00-20:00

Sunday 10:00-20:00

Bank Holidays 09:00-18:00

The hours shown are for the Customer Relations team on 0345 600 7245 (option 8).

Closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

Luggage storageNo
Lost property

None

CCTV at the stationYes
Station Accessibility
Step-free access

Step free access is available in parts of this station.

This station has step free access to all platforms. However, customers with restricted mobility are advised to arrive on the London bound side of the station (which is accessed via the entrance off Station Way before the railway bridge), as the lifts are quicker and easier to operate than the chair lift in the Ipswich / Norwich bound ticket hall. It is quite a long and steep walking route to get from one side of the station to the other.

This station is a category B1 station according to ORR station classification system. https://www.orr.gov.uk/media/10955

Assistance meeting point is the customer information office on Platform 4.

Ticket barriers and gatesYes
Accessible ticket machinesYes
Induction loopYes
Ramp for train accessYes
Accessible ToiletsYes
Waiting rooms
Monday to Friday:04:00 to 23:00
Saturday:04:00 to 23:00
Sunday:06:00 to 23:00

The main waiting room is located next to the steps on Platforms 3 and 4 that lead to/from the underpass. There is another waiting room on Platforms 1 and 2, and this is available for customers to use between the hours of 04:00-00:30 Monday to Sunday.

Seating areaYes
Wheelchairs availableYes
Getting to and from the station
Accessible taxis hereNo
Impaired mobility set down/pick-up pointNo
Accessible spaces18
Accessible car park equipmentTrue

None

Staff Help
Staff help available
Customer Help Points and Meeting PointNo
Helpline

We want everyone to travel with confidence. That is why, if you are planning on travelling on national rail services, you can request an assistance booking in advance - now up to 2 hours before your journey is due to start, any time of the day. For more information about Passenger Assist and how to request an assistance booking via Passenger Assist, please click here.

ToiletsYes

There are male and female toilets located in the station buildings on Platforms 1 and 2, and also on Platforms 3 and 4, just next to the steps that lead to/from the underpass. Accessible toilets are available for radar key holders. All toilets at this station are scheduled to be open at the following times:

Monday - Friday 04:00 - 00:30Saturday 04:00 - 00:30Sunday 06:00 - 00:30

Accessible ToiletsYes
Baby ChangingYes
Waiting rooms
Monday to Friday:04:00 to 23:00
Saturday:04:00 to 23:00
Sunday:06:00 to 23:00

The main waiting room is located next to the steps on Platforms 3 and 4 that lead to/from the underpass. There is another waiting room on Platforms 1 and 2, and this is available for customers to use between the hours of 04:00-00:30 Monday to Sunday.

Seating areaYes
1st Class LoungeNo
Station Car Park
OperatorNational Car Parks Ltd
Car Parking Availability
Monday to Friday:Open 24 hours
Saturday:Open 24 hours
Sunday:Open 24 hours
Spaces931
Accessible spaces18
Accessible car park equipmentYes
Car park CCTVYes
Parking charges
Note<p>£10 Weekend fare (from 1000 Friday - 0400 Monday) </p><p>£81.00 Flexi ticket</p>
Daily£11.50
Annual£1,801.00
Sunday£5.20
Weekly£46.00
Monthly£180.00
Off_peak£9.50
Per_hour£1.00
Saturday£5.20
Three_monthly£515.00
Premium Bays
OperatorNational Car Parks
Car Parking Availability
Saturday:Open 24 hours
Sunday:Open 24 hours
Spaces4
Accessible spaces0
Accessible car park equipmentYes
Car park CCTVYes
Parking charges
Annual£2,252.00
Refreshment FacilitiesAvailable

Coffeelink

Starbucks

Grab A Pizza This

Café Local

Self-service vending machines providing cold drinks and snacks

Free water refill point located on Platform 2, near Coffeelink

ATM MachineAvailable
ShopsAvailable

WHSmith

Photo-Me digital passport photos

Currency ExchangeNo
Pay PhonesYes
Public Wi-FiAvailable

Find WiFi Hotspots around Colchester station

Bicycle Storage
Spaces576

There are 27 cycle stands and 60 cycle parking spaces located at the front of the main station carpark, near the taxi rank, along with a secure cycle parking compound providing 101 spaces. Opposite the entrance to the other side of the station (for trains towards London), there are 96 cycle parking spaces next to the accessible car parking bays, a further 20 cycle parking spaces further down the access road, and another secure cycle parking compound providing 144 spaces is next to the station building, adjacent to Platforms 4 and 5. The secure cycle parking areas require smartcard access - please speak with station staff for further details.

Type of StorageCompounds, Stands, Racks,
ShelteredYes
CCTVYes
Bicycle Hire
Cycle Hire InformationThere are no cycle hire facilities at this station

Transport Links to and from Colchester Station

All you need to know about Colchester's links with other modes of transport, including local bus services, taxis, care hire & more

Rail replacement bus services pick up and drop off at the bus stops on the station forecourt, outside the main station entrance.

Colchester & Wivenhoe is a PlusBus location click here to see the PlusBus map

Live Departures and arrivals from Colchester Station

Want to check the latest departures and arrivals into Colchester station? Find live information for the next trains departing and arriving at the station below.