Travel Information

Discover the best way to travel to Colchester from where you are.

By Rail

Colchester is on the London Liverpool St to Norwich line, around an hour's travel from each city. It also serves the branch lines to Clacton-on-Sea, Walton-on-the-Naze, and Harwich International Port.
Colchester has three stations; Colchester (also known as Colchester North) is the mainline station around a 20 minute walk from the City Centre, Colchester Town is a branch line located in the City Centre, and Hythe serves the East of the city, the old port area, and is closest to the University.

If arriving into Colchester North station, follow the Fixing the Link trail to the city centre. Look out for the elephants!
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 London Victoria Coach Station and Stansted Airport.
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 and runs regular services locally and regionally. Essex County Council has information on local bus services  South East. 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.

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 service runs regularly from Stansted Airport to Colchester. For more details visit Stansted Airport's website

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. 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.

Colchester is only 30 minutes from Harwich International Port via the A120 and only 25 minutes by train.

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