Colchester

Always clean toilets and safe stairwells going under the tracks. Staff are very helpful. Multiple cafes to choose from for snacks.

A reasonable station, and as a main station lots of trains do actually stop...! Also has toilets / cafe etc.

peaceful station. often train is delayed.

The staff here are always helpful. There's a lot of traffic through this station, so it is always good to get there early. There are bus stops a very short walk from the station.

Black cabs queue near the main entrance (not the back). If using a private taxi, make sure you figure out which side of the station they're picking you up from. Many private taxis go to the back.

There are several shops at the station and vending machines. There are also toilets situated on both sides of the station.

If you are disabled or in need of a lift (carrying loads of luggage, or prams), I suggest using the back entrance. There is a lift that can get you to the front (platforms 1 and 2). If you enter the front, there is only a stair assist.

When traveling towards London on an open ticket, make sure to check the trains stops before Liverpool Street. There are several direct trains from Colchester. There are also some trains that don't stop at every destination in between. Needing to reverse course at London Liverpool Street can be tricky and cause a lot of hassle. However, that just depends on who you're dealing with, and how they're feeling on the day. So just double check.

Barrier staff are extremely rude and unfriendly . My ticket has not let me through the barrier several times in a week and when asked why this happens they talk to you like you’re stupid despite having a valid ticket ! Treated with contempt despite travelling every day for work ….

The trains here are extremely expensive compared to London. It is not realistic to expect people to pay the equivalent of two hours wages to travel 5 stops. This is likely stopping people accessing jobs and facilities they would otherwise have. I understand there are certain costs and overheads but for a company making 645 million a year I think it is a bit mean spirited.

A Victorian rail station boasting the usual car park, bike rack, and coffee concession.

You may need to race through the subway to find your platform, and some platforms might benefit from extra benches.

The station is about 15 minutes walk from Colchester town centre, so you may want to take a bus or taxi if you're weighed down with luggage. Or catch the rail connection to Colchester Town station.

Regularly commute here for work. Picked up a ham and cheese croissant from the little shop here and let the person behind me go before to order because I was a bit undecided. I'm glad I waited. Upon further inspection of the food, the ham looked a glaringly off colour and there was live flies in the packaging. Immediately placed the food down and left. Won't be going to the shop again.

Station itself is generally of no complaint.