Bristol to Colchester bus with National Express

Sat 21 Mar
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Bristol to Colchester

Showing times and prices for 21 Mar

Cheapest price

£52

Average price

£68

Fastest journey

6 h 10 m

Average duration

6 h 40 m

Buses per day

13

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 £68 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £52.

Fast coaches

To travel from Bristol to Colchester you need to make at least 2 changes.

National ExpressNX040 · NXA6 · NX717
21:158h35
Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
05:50Colchester, East Hill / High Street
£521One-way
2 changes
National ExpressNX040 · NXA8 · NX717
21:158h35
Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
05:50Colchester, East Hill / High Street
£521One-way
2 changes
National ExpressNX040 · NXA8 · NX717
18:306h45
Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
01:15Colchester, East Hill / High Street
£541One-way
2 changes
National ExpressNX040 · NXA8 · NX717
14:207h30
Bristol, University Queens Road
21:50Colchester, East Hill / High Street
£561One-way
2 changes
National ExpressNX040 · NXA8 · NX717
14:457h05
Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
21:50Colchester, East Hill / High Street
£561One-way
2 changes

Travel Information

Compare train and coach for Bristol to Colchester

Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Bristol to Colchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £30. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 41m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £30, and a train costs an average of £44.

Distance: 246 km

Compare bus with

Most popular
Coach
Train

£43

Average Price

Cheapest

£67

Average Price

6h 26m

Average total duration

5h 56m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 11m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 41m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.2 - 0.6kg

CO2 emissions

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest
National Express

Most popular bus company

Great Western Rail

Most popular train company

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

Bristol to Colchester bus times

The table below shows live departures for Bristol to Colchester coaches for tomorrow, Friday 20 March. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.

Last updated at 16:54
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
national_expressNX202 · NX728 · NX717
On time
06:00 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
6h10
12:10 Colchester, East Hill / High Street		2 changes
national_expressNX202 · NX727 · NX717
On time
08:00 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
6h40
14:40 Colchester, East Hill / High Street		2 changes
national_expressNX040 · NXA8 · NX717
On time
08:25 Bristol, University Queens Road
8h15
16:40 Colchester, East Hill / High Street		2 changes
national_expressNX040 · NXA8 · NX717
On time
08:25 Bristol, University Queens Road
8h15
16:40 Colchester, East Hill / High Street		2 changes
national_expressNX202 · NX727 · NX717
On time
10:00 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
6h40
16:40 Colchester, East Hill / High Street		2 changes
national_expressNX040 · NXA8 · NX717
On time
10:35 Bristol, University Queens Road
8h30
19:05 Colchester, East Hill / High Street		2 changes
national_expressNX040 · NXA8 · NX717
On time
10:35 Bristol, University Queens Road
8h30
19:05 Colchester, East Hill / High Street		2 changes
national_expressNX040 · NXA8 · NX717
On time
12:00 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
7h05
19:05 Colchester, East Hill / High Street		2 changes
national_expressNX040 · NXA8 · NX717
On time
14:20 Bristol, University Queens Road
7h30
21:50 Colchester, East Hill / High Street		2 changes
national_expressNX040 · NXA8 · NX717
On time
14:45 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
7h05
21:50 Colchester, East Hill / High Street		2 changes
national_expressNX040 · NXA8 · NX717
On time
18:30 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
6h45
01:15 Colchester, East Hill / High Street		2 changes
national_expressNX040 · NXA6 · NX717
On time
21:15 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
8h35
05:50 Colchester, East Hill / High Street		2 changes
national_expressNX040 · NXA8 · NX717
On time
21:15 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
8h35
05:50 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.

Sat
21 Mar
Sun
22 Mar
Mon
23 Mar
Tue
24 Mar
Wed
25 Mar
Thu
26 Mar
Fri
27 Mar

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
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Bristol to Colchester run on average 12 times per day, taking around 5h 56m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £30 if you book in advance.

The earliest coach runs at 02:42, 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
Distance
246 km
Average bus duration
5h 56m
Cheapest ticket price
£30
Buses per day
12
Fastest bus
6h 45m
First bus
02:42
Last bus
21:35
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

Bus providers: National Express from Bristol to ColchesterYou can travel by bus between Bristol to Colchester with National Express for as low as £30. 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 Duration
6h 45m
Cheapest Price
£30
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.
Learn more about National Express

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.

FAQs
Cheap coach tickets from Bristol to Colchester can start from as little as £30 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 2:42. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Bristol to Colchester leaves at 21:35.
There are 12 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.
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

Bristol
Colchester
The major coach station for departures in Bristol is Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St). Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) for your trip from Bristol to Colchester.
Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
information
address
Address
Bristol Bus Station (Bay 19), Marlborough Street 15, BS1 3ES
Bristol, University Queens Road
information
Bristol, Clifton Down
information

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