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Trains from Colchester Town to
Manchester Piccadilly

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Colchester Town to Manchester Piccadilly by train

A train trip from Colchester Town to Manchester Piccadilly takes about 4hrs 21 mins on average, covering roughly 171 miles (275 kilometres). With around 37 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 £38.30, making it a budget-friendly option for those who plan ahead.

Colchester Town to Manchester Piccadilly Key Stats

Arrival Station

Manchester Piccadilly

Departure Station

Colchester Town

Frequency

37trains
per day

Journey Time

from4hrs 12 mins

Changes

2-3no direct
trains

First Train / Last Train

06:12 / 22:52

Distance

171miles
(275 km)

3 Routes

2 Train Operators

Prices

from£38.30

Travelling from Colchester Town to Manchester Piccadilly by Train

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

Planning to travel from Colchester Town to Manchester Piccadilly 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 4hrs 21 mins. But if you’re in a hurry (or just really eager to get to Manchester Piccadilly), the fastest trains can whisk you there in just 4hrs 12 mins. With roughly 37 trains running every day, you're spoiled for choice. This scenic 171-mile (275 km) journey usually requires just one change. You’ll be in the good hands of Avanti West Coast, Abellio Greater Anglia, 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 £38.30 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 Manchester Piccadilly!

Journey Details

Frequently asked questions about journeys between Colchester Town and Manchester Piccadilly

Curious about your trip from Colchester Town to Manchester Piccadilly? 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 Colchester Town and Manchester Piccadilly by train?

The travel time between Colchester Town and Manchester Piccadilly by train varies depending on the type of train and the route, but the average journey time is 4hrs 21 mins & the fastest journey takes 4hrs 12 mins.

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

The fastest journey time by train from Colchester Town to Manchester Piccadilly is 4hrs 12 mins.

How much does the train from Colchester Town to Manchester Piccadilly cost?

Train ticket prices from Colchester Town to Manchester Piccadilly can start from as little as £38.30 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 Colchester Town and Manchester Piccadilly?

The departure and arrival times for trains between Colchester Town and Manchester Piccadilly vary depending on the day of the week and the type of train. Generally, there are around 37 departures and arrivals throughout the day. The first departure is 06:12, and the last train of the day leaves at 22:52.

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

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

What amenities are available on trains between Colchester Town and Manchester Piccadilly?

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

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

By booking your tickets on traintickets.com! There are many ways to save on the cost of train travel between Colchester Town and Manchester Piccadilly. On traintickets.com, we do all the work for you to find the cheapest way possible to get to Manchester Piccadilly, 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 Colchester Town to Manchester Piccadilly?

No, unfortunately there are no direct trains between Colchester Town & Manchester Piccadilly. However, there are 37 possible journeys which require a change.

What train companies run services from Colchester Town to Manchester Piccadilly?

Avanti West Coast and Abellio Greater Anglia are the main train operating companies running services between Colchester Town and Manchester Piccadilly.

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

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

When are Colchester Town to Manchester Piccadilly Train Times?

Check out the upcoming trains from Colchester Town to Manchester Piccadilly on Tuesday 3rd June 2025, with our handy timetable below.

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

Tuesday 3rd June
DepartsArrivesChangesVia StationsDurationOperator
06:12 Colchester Town10:19 Manchester Piccadilly3 changesColchester
London Liverpool Street
London Euston
4 hrs 7 mins Get Tickets
06:41 Colchester Town11:05 Manchester Piccadilly2 changesLondon Liverpool Street
London Euston
4 hrs 24 mins Get Tickets
07:13 Colchester Town11:19 Manchester Piccadilly3 changesColchester
London Liverpool Street
London Euston
4 hrs 6 mins Get Tickets
07:35 Colchester Town12:05 Manchester Piccadilly2 changesLondon Liverpool Street
London Euston
4 hrs 30 mins Get Tickets
08:19 Colchester Town12:19 Manchester Piccadilly3 changesColchester
London Liverpool Street
London Euston
4 hrs Get Tickets
09:00 Colchester Town13:19 Manchester Piccadilly3 changesColchester
London Liverpool Street
London Euston
4 hrs 19 mins Get Tickets
09:35 Colchester Town13:44 Manchester Piccadilly2 changesLondon Liverpool Street
London Euston
4 hrs 9 mins Get Tickets
09:44 Colchester Town13:44 Manchester Piccadilly3 changesColchester
London Liverpool Street
London Euston
4 hrs Get Tickets
10:00 Colchester Town14:19 Manchester Piccadilly3 changesColchester
London Liverpool Street
London Euston
4 hrs 19 mins Get Tickets
10:35 Colchester Town14:44 Manchester Piccadilly2 changesLondon Liverpool Street
London Euston
4 hrs 9 mins Get Tickets
10:44 Colchester Town14:44 Manchester Piccadilly3 changesColchester
London Liverpool Street
London Euston
4 hrs Get Tickets
11:00 Colchester Town15:19 Manchester Piccadilly3 changesColchester
London Liverpool Street
London Euston
4 hrs 19 mins Get Tickets
Search all times & prices for today

What are my cheap ticket options for Colchester Town to Manchester Piccadilly 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.

Advance fares from Colchester Town to Manchester Piccadilly start from as little as £38.30

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.

Off Peak fares from Colchester Town to Manchester Piccadilly start from £94.90 one way, or £135.00 return

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 Colchester Town to Manchester Piccadilly are available for £107.30 one way, or £167.90 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 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!

Everything you need to know about Manchester Piccadilly Station

Exploring Manchester Piccadilly Train Station

Manchester Piccadilly is an iconic travel hub, bustling with energy and packed with features to smooth your journey. Serving millions of passengers each year, it stands as a crucial entry and exit point for both the city of Manchester and its surrounding areas. Whether you're a daily commuter or a tourist navigating the UK rail system, understanding the facilities and services at Manchester Piccadilly can enhance your travel experience significantly.

Station Facilities and Amenities

Manchester Piccadilly expertly caters to passenger needs with a variety of facilities. The ticket office operates diligently from as early as 4:30 am to 10:30 pm through the week, ensuring you can grab a ticket for those early morning travels. For those tech-savvy commuters, ticket machines are readily available and accessible, allowing smooth online ticket collection. The station is well-equipped for accessibility; offering step-free access, ramps, and tactile warning strips for the visually impaired make it a user-friendly place for all travelers.

The station boasts free public Wi-Fi, ATM machines, and a plethora of shops and dining options. Coffee lovers will appreciate the numerous kiosks, while those in need of essentials can visit the mini supermarkets and pharmacies located within the station. The station even went the extra mile to ensure comfort by providing lounges, including a 1st Class Lounge and an Assisted Travel Lounge, making it an amenable waiting experience.

Transport Links and Connectivity

Getting to and from Manchester Piccadilly is a breeze with its robust transport links. Metrolink trams connect you to key destinations like Bury, Rochdale, and Manchester Airport, among others. For those preferring buses, a network of frequent local services are operated by 'First' and 'Stagecoach'. There's also a free bus service that runs every ten minutes around the city center—a convenient option for quick city hops.

The taxi rank located at the Fairfield Street exit offers service between 2 am to 5 am, giving you round-the-clock availability. If you're looking to explore the city on two wheels, Brompton bicycles are available for hire with two flexible tariffs. Additionally, if you're embarking on a flight, Manchester International Airport is just 9-10 miles away with several direct train services throughout the day. Car hire agents are also a short walk from the station, providing flexibility in travel.

Popular Destinations from Manchester Piccadilly

If you have a penchant for exploring, Manchester Piccadilly serves as the starting point for many fascinating journeys. The station offers direct links to major destinations such as London Euston, Liverpool Lime Street, and Glasgow Central. Local routes include convenient trips to nearby spots like Stockport and Manchester Airport, ensuring you're never far from a new adventure.

Your Gateway to Adventure

Whether your travels stem from business, leisure, or curiosity, Manchester Piccadilly is more than just a train station—it's a gateway to new experiences and connections. Leveraging its exceptional facilities and detailed information will set you up for a successful journey, unlocking the vast and vibrant landscapes of the UK. Don't just arrive; embark on your journey with enthusiasm and ease from Manchester Piccadilly, where the rhythm of the railways meets the heartbeat of the city.

Looking for more inspiration?

Popular places to travel by train from Colchester Town