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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Bristol to Colchester
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 18 Sept
Cheapest price on 18 Sept
£50
Average ticket price on 18 Sept
£65
Fastest journey on 18 Sept
6 h 35 m
Average journey duration on 18 Sept
6 h 56 m
Buses on 18 Sept
9
Distance
246 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Bristol to Colchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Bristol to Colchester will cost around £65 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £50.
Fast coaches
To travel from Bristol to Colchester you need to make at least 2 changes.
NX040 · NXA8 · NX71719:006h45Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)1:45Colchester, East Hill / High Street£501One-way2 changes- NX040 · NXA8 · NX71714:358h15Bristol, University Queens Road22:50Colchester, East Hill / High Street£541One-way2 changes
- NX040 · NXA8 · NX71714:358h15Bristol, University Queens Road22:50Colchester, East Hill / High Street£541One-way2 changes
- NX040 · NXA8 · NX7179:058h00Bristol, University Queens Road17:05Colchester, East Hill / High Street£561One-way2 changes
- NX040 · NXA8 · NX71715:357h15Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)22:50Colchester, East Hill / High Street£581One-way2 changes
- NX202 · NX728 · NX7175:506h35Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)12:25Colchester, East Hill / High Street£801One-way2 changes
- NX040 · NXA8 · NX71719:006h45Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)1:45Colchester, East Hill / High Street£501One-way2 changes
- NX202 · NX727 · NX7178:007h00Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)15:00Colchester, East Hill / High Street£841One-way2 changes
- NX202 · NX727 · NX71710:007h05Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)17:05Colchester, East Hill / High Street£881One-way2 changes
- NX040 · NXA8 · NX71715:357h15Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)22:50Colchester, East Hill / High Street£581One-way2 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Bristol to Colchester
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Bristol to Colchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £43 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 10m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £43, while a train costs an average of £44.
Distance: 246 km
Compare bus with
| Coach | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£43 Average Price Cheapest | £44 Average Price | £58 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 22m Average total duration 5h 52m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 10m Average total duration Fastest 2h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 29m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.6kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
Most popular bus company |  Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The cheapest way to travel from Bristol to Colchester is a coach with an average price of £43.
This is compared to other travel options from Bristol to Colchester:
A coach is £0.54 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Bristol to Colchester costing on average £44.
The fastest way to travel from Bristol to Colchester is by train with an average journey time of 2h 40m.
Other travel options to Colchester take longer:
Coach takes on average 5h 52m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Bristol and Colchester including taking a train and coach.
Take the bus. It's the cheapest way to make this trip, and the price gap is usually bigger than people expect.
Tickets start at around £43 compared to roughly £58 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £14. The journey takes 5h 52m versus 3h 29m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
Live departures
Bristol to Colchester bus times
The table below shows live departures for Bristol to Colchester coaches for today, Thursday 17 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NX200 · NX727 · NX717 | 15:15 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 7h35 | 22:50 Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 2 changes | |
| NX040 · NXA8 · NX717 | 19:00 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 6h45 | 1:45 Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 2 changes | |
| Friday 18 September | |||||
| NX202 · NX728 · NX717 | 5:50 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 6h35 | 12:25 Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 2 changes | |
| NX202 · NX727 · NX717 | 8:00 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 7h00 | 15:00 Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 2 changes | |
| NX040 · NXA8 · NX717 | 9:05 Bristol, University Queens Road | 8h00 | 17:05 Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 2 changes | |
| NX202 · NX727 · NX717 | 10:00 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 7h05 | 17:05 Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 2 changes | |
| NX040 · NXA8 · NX717 | 12:20 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 7h30 | 19:50 Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 2 changes | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Bristol to Colchester by train or coach
Compare train and coach prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Fri
18 Sept
18 Sept
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19 Sept
19 Sept
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21 Sept
21 Sept
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24 Sept
24 Sept
Why should you book Bristol to Colchester coaches with Omio?
National Express operates all coaches services from Bristol to Colchester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Bristol to Colchester.
Why book with Omio vs National Express?
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare National Express with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Bristol to Colchester.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Bristol to Colchester.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Bristol to Colchester
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Bristol to Colchester run on average 11 times per day, taking around 5h 52m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £31 but you can travel from only £28 by train.
The earliest coach runs at 02:35, the last at 21:35. The fastest coach covers the 246 km distance in 6h 45m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from £28
Distance 246 km |
Average bus duration 5h 52m |
Cheapest ticket price £31 |
Buses per day 11 |
Fastest bus 6h 45m |
First bus 2:35 |
Last bus 21:35 |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 5 days |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from £28
Bus providers: National Express from Bristol to ColchesterYou can travel by bus between Bristol to Colchester with National Express for as low as £28. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
National Express
About
National Express is the UK’s leading long-distance coach company, operating over 550 services per day and serving more than 900 destinations nationwide. It also runs frequent services to major UK airports — including Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, and Bristol — 24 hours a day. All National Express coaches are air-conditioned and offer free Wi-Fi and onboard entertainment. Most vehicles are equipped with seat belts and power outlets at every seat, allowing you to charge your phone or laptop during your journey. Ticket options include Restricted Fare, Standard Fare, and Fully Flexible Fare, with the latter providing maximum flexibility for cancellations or changes.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average National Express Duration
6h 45m
Cheapest National Express Price
£31
Luggage included
Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Additional luggage
10€ per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a refund minus a cancellation fee. Changes can be up to 24 hours before departure for a fee.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Accessible toilets.
Bikes
Folding Bikes are allowed; non-folding bikes are not allowed.
What's included in each class
Compare National Express classes and the amenities included in each one.
Complete guide to Colchester
Things to do in Colchester
Discover the best of Colchester — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Colchester trip today.
- Must visit
Colchester Castle Museum
Main city museum inside the castle, covering Roman Colchester, local archaeology and later history in a dramatic historic setting.
- Recommended
The Natural History Museum
Natural history museum in a former church, with displays on Essex wildlife, geology and environment, suited to families and curious visitors.
- Recommended
Hollytrees Museum
Museum charting the city’s social history, from everyday objects to changing local life, housed in a restored historic building.
- Must visit
Castle Park
Central park beside the castle with lawns, mature trees and Roman remains. Ideal for a stroll, picnic or pause between sights.
- Recommended
High Street
Historic main street lined with shops and civic buildings, useful for exploring the town centre and taking in everyday city life.
- Recommended
Dutch Quarter
Characterful district of timber-framed houses and narrow streets, known for its historic atmosphere and photogenic townscape.
- Gluten-free
Colchester Oysters
Native Colchester oysters, served raw or dressed. They have been harvested locally since Roman times and are the town’s best-known traditional food.
- Gluten-free
Smoked Eel
Smoked eel from the Essex coast and estuaries, traditionally cured and smoked for a rich flavour tied to local fishing heritage.
- Gluten-free
Essex Clanger
A traditional Essex bake made with potatoes, onions and pork or beef, slowly cooked until soft. It is a longstanding county comfort food.
Le Talbooth
Fine dining restaurant in Dedham Vale near Colchester, known for polished British cooking and a refined countryside setting.
Church Street Tavern
Established restaurant serving modern British dishes and seafood in a smart yet relaxed setting near the town centre.
Timbers
Popular casual venue for brunch, coffee and seasonal plates, with a friendly atmosphere and strong local reputation.
British pound sterling (£)
Moderate for England: hotels and dining cost less than London, but more than smaller UK towns. Buses are reasonable; central sightseeing is mostly low cost.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- £18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £50+ per person for upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- £2.80-4 for cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service is sometimes included. If not, tip about 10% in restaurants for good service. Taxis are often rounded up or tipped 10%. Cafés usually do not expect tips, but small change is appreciated.
First Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2
- Day pass
- £4.50
To the city centre
Colchester, East Hill / High Street -> Colchester Town Railway Station
- Distance
- 0.7 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Contactless Tap & Cap works on Colchester Shuttles and other First Bus services in Colchester. Official First Bus information states you will not pay more than £4.50 in a day.
- Use the First Bus app for live tracking, journey planning and mobile tickets. It also supports card, Apple Pay and Google Pay for ticket purchases.
FAQs: Bristol to Colchester coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bristol to Colchester by coach. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest coach, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Colchester, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap coach tickets from Bristol to Colchester can start from as little as £31 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Bristol to Colchester is £43; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by coach from Bristol to Colchester is 6h 45m to travel the 246 km long route. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest coach from Bristol to Colchester leaves at 2:35. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Bristol to Colchester leaves at 21:35.
There are 11 coaches a day from Bristol to Colchester which require at least one change with National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.
When taking a coach from Bristol to Colchester, you can count on National Express for the best way to get you to Colchester. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Bristol and Colchester and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
When departing from Bristol , you have various coach station options to start your route from including Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St), Bristol, University Queens Road, Bristol, Clifton Down, Bristol, Blackboy Hill . When arriving in Colchester , you can end your route in coach stations like Colchester, East Hill / High Street.Passengers board the coach most frequently from Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St), which is located around away from the city centre, and they get off the coach at Colchester, East Hill / High Street, located 0 away from the city centre.
A trip to Colchester from Bristol is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 6h 45m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Bristol to Colchester is August.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Bristol and Colchester including taking a train and coach.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Bristol to Colchester:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Bristol to Colchester for coach company National Express.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Bristol to Colchester depends on the coach companies:
- National Express
- You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a refund minus a cancellation fee. Changes can be up to 24 hours before departure for a fee.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the coach with coach company National Express.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
No, there is no food available to purchase on board the coach from Bristol to Colchester.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Bristol to Colchester:
- National Express
- Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a coach ticket from Bristol to Colchester:
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Bristol to Colchester.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Bristol to Colchester with the following coach company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Bristol to Colchester with the following coach company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Bristol to Colchester with the following coach company: National Express.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Bristol and Colchester
Most Bristol to Colchester buses use the Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) to Colchester, East Hill / High Street station pair. Use this guide to compare Bristol and Colchester bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Bristol
Arrival bus stations in Colchester
Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)Bristol Bus Station (Bay 19), Marlborough Street 15, BS1 3ES
City-centre transport
Getting to Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) from Bristol city centre
Bus76, X6, X1, 39, 75, X9, X4, 73, X39, 522, X6a, X1a · 4m · £2 · every ~156 min
Bristol, University Queens RoadBeacon House, Queens Rd, Bristol BS8 1QU, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Bristol, University Queens Road from Bristol city centre
Bus72 · 11m · £4 · every ~8 min
Bristol, University Queens Road bus station facilities and services
Bristol, University Queens Road has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Cafes and eateries in vicinity.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Bristol, University Queens Road. ATMs are aTMs available at nearby locations.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Bristol, University Queens Road.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Bristol, University Queens Road: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Bristol, University Queens Road: Wheelchair accessible via ramps.
Which Colchester station do buses from Bristol arrive at?
Buses from Bristol to Colchester arrive at Colchester, East Hill / High Street. Colchester, East Hill / High Street is from Colchester city centre.
Colchester, East Hill / High StreetColchester Bus Station, Colchester CO2 7DP, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Colchester, East Hill / High Street from Colchester city centre
Bus1, 2, 3 · 1m · £3 · every ~17 min
107, 105 · 7m · £0.90 · every ~3 min
Colchester, East Hill / High Street bus station facilities and services
Colchester, East Hill / High Street has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Colchester, East Hill / High Street. ATMs are available at Colchester, East Hill / High Street.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Colchester, East Hill / High Street.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Colchester, East Hill / High Street: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Colchester, East Hill / High Street: Limited accessibility features.
Most popular bus connections from Bristol
More options for your journey from Bristol to Colchester
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Colchester and Bristol
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