Train strikes impacting arrivals weekend: 30 September - 1 October

We are aware that on Saturday 30 September 2023 a rail strike has been confirmed in the UK. This will also cause disruption on Sunday 1 October. This strike includes Greater Anglia, who operate the train service to Colchester and C2C who provide a service to Southend. Trains will be severely limited, if running at all.

We encourage all students using the train service to check the train service they intend to use and to have an alternative plan ready. For those arriving into Gatwick, Heathrow and Stansted and planning to use the train we have some suggestions for you below.

We do have some spaces left on our coach transfer service (Gatwick and Heathrow only) please check our Airport transfer service to Colchester and Southend.

Travelling between Gatwick Airport and Colchester

There are a number of options:

A taxi from Gatwick direct to your accommodation – the more expensive option taxis are on site at the airport and do not need to be pre-booked.

A third party coach/bus from Gatwick to Colchester city centre, you would then need a taxi to your accommodation - this would be the slowest option. Coach Travel and Airport Transfers via National Express.

Underground train from Gatwick to London Victoria. Another underground from London Victoria to London Liverpool Street. Plan a journey - Transport for London (tfl.gov.uk).

From here you have further options:

• you can see if there is a train available to Colchester by checking train times, tickets and service information with Greater Anglia; or
• you can get a taxi from here to your accommodation; or
• you can get the Elizabeth line to Shenfield (a town half way to Colchester) and then get a taxi from there to your accommodation. Plan a journey - Transport for London (tfl.gov.uk).

For further information concerning onward travel and location of taxi, coach and rail connections visit Gatwick Airport official website.

Travelling between Heathrow Airport and Colchester

There are a number of options:

A taxi from Heathrow direct to your accommodation – the more expensive option taxis are on site at the airport and do not need to be pre booked.

A third party coach/bus from Heathrow to Colchester city centre, you would then need a taxi to your accommodation - this would be the slowest option. Coach Travel and Airport Transfers via National Express.

Underground train from Heathrow to London Liverpool Street. Plan a journey - Transport for London (tfl.gov.uk).

From here you have further options:

• you can see if there is a train available to Colchester by checking train times, tickets and service information with Greater Anglia; or
• you can get a taxi from here to your accommodation; or
• you can get the Elizabeth line to Shenfield (a town half way to Colchester) and then get a taxi from there to your accommodation. Plan a journey - Transport for London (tfl.gov.uk).

For further information concerning onward travel and location of taxi, coach and rail connections visit Heathrow Airport official website.

Travelling between Stansted Airport and Colchester

There are a number of options:

A taxi from Stansted direct to your accommodation – the more expensive option taxis are on site at the airport and do not need to be pre-booked.

A third party coach/bus from Stansted to Colchester city centre, you would then need a taxi to your accommodation - this would be the slowest option.

• Coach Travel and Airport Transfers via National Express
• X20 Colchester to Stansted Airport via First Bus

The following taxi companies are not affiliated with the University, their details are offered to assist your journey planning only.

Colchester Taxi Companies

• Five Sevens: 01206 577777
• Five Eights: 01206 588888
• Panther Cabs: 01206 525525

Shenfield Taxi Companies

Shenfield Station Taxi Rank is directly outside the station.

• Shenfield Taxis 01277 225544
• Shenfield Cars 01277 281428