This websites requires JavaScript to work. It looks like your browser doesn't support JavaScript, or has it turned off. Please try again with JavaScript support.

70% of our customers find a cheaper split ticket, saving £25 on average

Trains from Bedford to
Colchester Town

Search for Split Tickets to get the Cheapest Fares (save up to 90%)

No card or booking fees

Bedford to Colchester Town by train

A train trip from Bedford to Colchester Town takes about 2hrs 49 mins on average, covering roughly 61 miles (98 kilometres). With around 52 trains running each day, there's plenty of flexibility for your travel plans. If you book in advance, you can grab tickets starting from just £69.30, making it a budget-friendly option for those who plan ahead.

Bedford to Colchester Town Key Stats

Arrival Station

Colchester Town

Departure Station

Bedford

Frequency

52trains
per day

Journey Time

from2hrs 13 mins

Changes

2-3no direct
trains

First Train / Last Train

03:15 / 00:53

Distance

61miles
(98 km)

9 Routes

5 Train Operators

Prices

from£69.30

Travelling from Bedford to Colchester Town by Train

Hop on a Train from Bedford to Colchester Town – It’s Faster Than You Think!

Planning to travel from Bedford to Colchester Town by train? Well, you've come to the right place – and don’t worry, it won’t take forever!

On average, the journey takes around 2hrs 49 mins. But if you’re in a hurry (or just really eager to get to Colchester Town), the fastest trains can whisk you there in just 2hrs 13 mins. With roughly 52 trains running every day, you're spoiled for choice. This scenic 61-mile (98 km) journey usually requires just one change. You’ll be in the good hands of Thameslink, Abellio Greater Anglia, Elizabeth Line, Southeastern, East Midlands Railway, all of whom offer comfy seats and plenty of luggage space – because, let’s face it, nobody likes a cramped train!

The best part? Tickets start from just £69.30 if you book in advance, which is a much better deal than scrambling for tickets on the day. Want to save even more? Travelling during Off-Peak hours or flashing a Railcard can help you keep more money in your wallet.

So, ready to snag those cheap tickets? Use our Journey Planner to find the latest prices and make your wallet happy. Keep scrolling for more travel tips, or check out our timetable above for live train times. Time to choo-choo your way to Colchester Town!

Journey Details

Frequently asked questions about journeys between Bedford and Colchester Town

Curious about your trip from Bedford to Colchester Town? We've put together answers to the most commonly asked questions from our customers to make planning your journey easier.

How long does it take to travel between Bedford and Colchester Town by train?

The travel time between Bedford and Colchester Town by train varies depending on the type of train and the route, but the average journey time is 2hrs 49 mins & the fastest journey takes 2hrs 13 mins.

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

The fastest journey time by train from Bedford to Colchester Town is 2hrs 13 mins.

How much does the train from Bedford to Colchester Town cost?

Train ticket prices from Bedford to Colchester Town can start from as little as £69.30 when you book in advance. The cost of tickets can vary depending on the time of day, route and class you book and are usually more expensive if you book on the day.

What are the departure and arrival times for trains between Bedford and Colchester Town?

The departure and arrival times for trains between Bedford and Colchester Town vary depending on the day of the week and the type of train. Generally, there are around 52 departures and arrivals throughout the day. The first departure is 03:15, and the last train of the day leaves at 00:53.

What is the difference between first class and standard class on trains between Bedford and Colchester Town?

First class tickets on trains between Bedford and Colchester Town typically offer more space, complimentary food and drink, and other amenities compared to standard class.

What amenities are available on trains between Bedford and Colchester Town?

Amenities on trains between Bedford and Colchester Town can include free Wi-Fi, power outlets, onboard catering, and comfortable seating.

What is the cheapest way to travel from Bedford to Colchester Town by train?

By booking your tickets on traintickets.com! There are many ways to save on the cost of train travel between Bedford and Colchester Town. On traintickets.com, we do all the work for you to find the cheapest way possible to get to Colchester Town, and can save you up to 90%! Simply search for your journey, and be assured we have found you the best possible price.

Is it possible to take a direct train from Bedford to Colchester Town?

No, unfortunately there are no direct trains between Bedford & Colchester Town. However, there are 52 possible journeys which require a change.

What train companies run services from Bedford to Colchester Town?

Thameslink, Abellio Greater Anglia, Elizabeth Line, Southeastern and East Midlands Railway are the main train operating companies running services between Bedford and Colchester Town.

Can I bring luggage on board trains between Bedford and Colchester Town?

Yes, you can bring luggage on board trains between Bedford and Colchester Town, but there may be limits on the number of bags or the size and weight of your luggage.

When are Bedford to Colchester Town Train Times?

Check out the upcoming trains from Bedford to Colchester Town on Wednesday 30th July 2025, with our handy timetable below.

Alternatively, you can view the full day's schedule or search for a different date here!

Wednesday 30th July
DepartsArrivesChangesVia StationsDurationOperator
03:15 Bedford07:07 Colchester Town3 changesLondon St Pancras International
London Liverpool Street
Wivenhoe
3 hrs 52 mins Get Tickets
04:13 Bedford07:21 Colchester Town3 changesFarringdon
London Liverpool Street
Colchester
3 hrs 8 mins Get Tickets
05:15 Bedford08:03 Colchester Town3 changesFarringdon
London Liverpool Street
Colchester
2 hrs 48 mins Get Tickets
06:00 Bedford08:50 Colchester Town2 changesFarringdon
London Liverpool Street
2 hrs 50 mins Get Tickets
06:09 Bedford08:50 Colchester Town3 changesLondon St Pancras International
Farringdon
London Liverpool Street
2 hrs 41 mins Get Tickets
06:33 Bedford09:03 Colchester Town3 changesFarringdon
London Liverpool Street
Colchester
2 hrs 30 mins Get Tickets
07:15 Bedford09:28 Colchester Town3 changesFarringdon
Stratford (London)
Colchester
2 hrs 13 mins Get Tickets
07:33 Bedford10:03 Colchester Town3 changesFarringdon
London Liverpool Street
Colchester
2 hrs 30 mins Get Tickets
08:02 Bedford10:28 Colchester Town3 changesFarringdon
London Liverpool Street
Colchester
2 hrs 26 mins Get Tickets
08:10 Bedford10:47 Colchester Town2 changesLondon St Pancras International
London Liverpool Street
2 hrs 37 mins Get Tickets
08:18 Bedford11:03 Colchester Town3 changesLondon St Pancras International
London Liverpool Street
Colchester
2 hrs 45 mins Get Tickets
08:48 Bedford11:28 Colchester Town3 changesFarringdon
London Liverpool Street
Colchester
2 hrs 40 mins Get Tickets
Search all times & prices for today

What are my cheap ticket options for Bedford to Colchester Town journeys?

From booking in Advance, to our FairSplits, here are our tips for you to find the best price

Advance Tickets

A single ticket for one journey leaving at a specific date and time.

The rule is: the sooner you book the cheaper they are. Usually the cheapest, but least flexible.

Off-Peak & Super Off-Peak Tickets

Offering greater flexibility than Advances, Off-Peak tickets offer travel during less busy times of day trading off more flexibility in the Off-Peak windows but for still discounted fares.

Anytime Tickets

Anytime tickets are fully flexible allowing travel at any time of the day. Brilliant if you don’t want the pressure of clock watching, returning when you want

Anytime fares from Bedford to Colchester Town are available for £69.30 one way, or £102.00 return

With our FairSplit technology, you can save up to 90% on the cost of train travel.

Split ticketing means that instead of purchasing one rail ticket for your journey we automatically find and help you book two or more tickets instead, covering exactly the same journey. We call it our FairSplit.

Travelling in a group? We can save you even more!

Unlike other split ticketing sites, you can enter multiple railcards in a single search on traintickets.com. We will find you the best price using all possible combinations of your railcards in conjunction with our split ticketing technology & GroupSave.

When you do a search on traintickets.com we check all the cheapest prices automatically

Everything you need to know about Bedford Station

Exploring Bedford Station

Welcome to Bedford Railway Station, a bustling hub located in the historic town of Bedfordshire. Known for its connections to major destinations and its prominent role in local transport, Bedford Station provides a vital link for daily commuters and travelers exploring the UK. If you’re planning a journey from Bedford, you’re in the right place to gather all the necessary information for a smooth start to your trip.

Station Facilities and Services

At Bedford Station, you'll find a range of facilities designed to make your travel experience as comfortable and convenient as possible. The ticket office is open every day, with hours extending from early morning to late evening, ensuring you can pick up your tickets easily. Automated ticket machines are available, providing the option to collect tickets purchased online.

The station is well-equipped to support travelers with accessibility needs. Step-free access is provided across all platforms, and accessible ticket machines accommodate those with the Disabled Persons Railcard. Though there’s no designated waiting room, the seating area ensures comfort while you wait for your train. For added convenience, an induction loop is available for those who require it.

Onward Travel Options

Once you've reached Bedford, continuing your journey is straightforward with a variety of transport links. A taxi rank is conveniently located at the front of the station, allowing for easy and quick access to local areas. Looking to plan your journey by bus? There’s an onward travel information map to help with your plans. Should there be service disruptions, detailed information on rail replacement bus services is available to ensure you're never caught off guard.

Popular Travel Routes

Whether you're commuting for work or planning a leisure trip, Bedford Station offers seamless connections to numerous destinations. Popular routes include journeys to bustling London destinations such as St Pancras International, London Bridge, and London Blackfriars. Other convenient routes include travel to nearby towns like Luton, Flitwick, and Wellingborough. For those flying out, connections like Luton Airport Parkway are perfect for catching your next flight.

For a bit further afield, routes to Brighton and Nottingham are also available, offering an abundance of options no matter your destination.

Conclusion

Bedford Station offers a comprehensive travel experience for everyone, from the daily commuter to the adventurer seeking new towns to explore. With a variety of amenities and connections, it is well-suited to accommodate all travelers. Be sure to purchase your tickets ahead of time, and enjoy your journey from this wonderfully connected station. Happy travels!

Everything you need to know about Colchester Town Station

Welcome to Colchester Town Station

Are you planning a trip that starts or ends at Colchester Town Station? You're in the right place for detailed insights on what the station has to offer. Colchester Town Station is a vital hub in Essex, seamlessly connecting both locals and visitors to some of the region’s finest destinations. Whether you're commuting to work or indulging in a day trip, you’ll find everything you need here.

Facilities and Amenities at Colchester Town Station

Colchester Town Station is set up to ensure a smooth and comfortable journey for all travelers. The ticket office is open from 06:10 to 20:15 on weekdays and slightly shorter hours on Saturdays, providing ample opportunity for passengers to purchase and collect tickets. There's no need to worry if you’re catching an early or late train, as ticket machines are available around the clock, and they even support smartcard validators.

For those requiring assistance, station staff are on hand to offer help and support during ticket office hours. There are also help points and screens to keep you informed about departures. Notably, the station offers step-free access, making it easy for everyone to navigate, and it's equipped with an induction loop for those with hearing impairments.

Need a quick refreshment before you board? Stop by the 'Steam' kiosk for a coffee and snack. Free parking is available at a local council-managed car park, minus accessible spaces, but if you're arriving by bike, there are sheltered stands for safe storage. Unfortunately, the station doesn’t offer luggage storage or accessible toilets, but basic toilet facilities are available during select hours.

Travel Connections at Colchester Town

Stepping out of Colchester Town Station, you'll discover various transport links to continue your journey. It’s only a five-minute walk to the Colchester Bus Station. When there are engineering works or service disruptions, the local bus services, including routes 61, 62, 65, and 66, accept rail tickets to help passengers reach alternative nearby stations. Just keep an eye out for the replacement bus stop near the Magistrates' Court if you need a shuttle due to planned engineering works.

Destination Inspiration from Colchester Town

If you’re wondering where the rails might take you, Colchester Town Station connects to a host of popular locations. For a city break, you can take a train to London Liverpool Street or head to Chelmsford. If a coastal trip is on your itinerary, catch a direct ride to charming seaside towns like Clacton-on-Sea or Frinton-on-Sea. There's also the historical appeal of Ipswich or delightful escapes like Wivenhoe and Dovercourt.

Your Gateway to Exploration

Colchester Town Station is your launchpad for discovering both local gems and metropolitan wonders. Whether it’s business or leisure, the station equips travelers with necessary facilities, comfort, and easy ticket purchases, all while providing vital connections to other modes of transport. Bookmark this station for your next journey and enjoy seamless travel in and around Essex and beyond!

Looking for more inspiration?

Popular places to travel by train from Bedford