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Colchester to Bournemouth by train
| First train | 05:12 | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 21:28 | |
| Departure station | Colchester | |
| Arrival station | Bournemouth | |
| Journey time | From 3h 13m | |
| Distance | 144 miles (232 km) | |
| Frequency | 29 trains per day | |
| Changes | 2 changes | |
| Train operators | CrossCountry, Great Western Railway, South Western Railway, Greater Anglia |
How to travel from Colchester to Bournemouth by train
Want to find out more about taking the train from Colchester to Bournemouth? Look no further.
You'll usually find 29 trains per day running between Colchester and Bournemouth, which usually take 3 hours 42 minutes to complete the 144 miles (232 km) journey. It can take as little as 3 hours 13 minutes on the fastest services though, if you want to get there as quickly as possible. Although there aren't any direct services on this line, it's still easy to travel to Bournemouth by train, you'll just need to make 2 changes along the way. Great Western Railway, Greater Anglia or South Western Railway are the main rail operators on this route, all of which offer modern trains with plenty of space for luggage and comfortable seating.
Use our Journey Planner at the top of the page to search for cheap ticket prices – we'll show you how much you can save on train tickets from Colchester to Bournemouth if you book in advance. Travelling Off-Peak or using a Railcard can also help you save.
Keen to book your train tickets to Bournemouth? No need to wait, start a search with us today! If you want to find out a bit more about the journey first, you can find our train timetable with live train times above, and tips on booking cheap tickets and our FAQs further down the page.
Journey details
Want to know more about your journey from Colchester to Bournemouth? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
How long does the train from Colchester to Bournemouth take?
The average journey time by train between Colchester and Bournemouth is 3 hours and 42 minutes, with around 29 trains per day. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.
What's the fastest journey time between Colchester and Bournemouth by train?
The fastest journey time by train from Colchester to Bournemouth is 3 hours and 13 minutes.
Is there a direct train from Colchester to Bournemouth?
No, there are no direct train services from Colchester to Bournemouth. Travelling from Colchester to Bournemouth by train will require a minimum of 2 changes.
What time does the first train from Colchester to Bournemouth leave?
The first train from Colchester to Bournemouth leaves at 05:12. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
What time does the last train from Colchester to Bournemouth leave?
The last train from Colchester to Bournemouth leaves at 21:28. Trains that depart in the early morning hours or very late evening may be sleeper services, time and services may also vary during weekends and holidays.
What's the distance between Colchester and Bournemouth by train?
Trains travelling from Colchester to Bournemouth cover a distance of around 144 miles (232 km) during the journey.
Looking for more information?
If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Bournemouth to Colchester.
Cheap train tickets from Colchester to Bournemouth
Book in advance
Look out for Advance tickets – they usually come out up to 12 weeks before the departure date and can be cheaper than buying on the day. If you’re here a tad early, sign up for our Advance ticket alert today to get notified when your tickets are released.
Consider a Season Ticket
If you catch this train more than 3 times per week, you could save money with a Season Ticket. With annual, monthly and weekly options available, find out if a season ticket for Colchester to Bournemouth is right for you.
Use your Railcard
National Railcards offer a 1/3 off eligible train tickets in the UK and can be a great investment if you travel a few times or more in a year. Find out how you can save with a National Railcard here.
Split your tickets
Download our app to find split tickets — courtesy of SplitSave, our handy feature which 'splits' your train tickets where possible to find you a better deal. Learn more about the clever tech behind split tickets, and how to spot SplitSave discounts in our app.
For more money-saving tips on UK and European train travel, read our cheap train tickets guide.