- Must visit
Colchester Castle Museum
Main city museum inside the castle, covering Roman Colchester, local archaeology and later history in a dramatic historic setting.
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Canterbury to Colchester
Showing times and prices for 24 Aug
Cheapest price
£38
Average price
£38
Fastest journey
7 h 50 m
Average duration
7 h 50 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
69 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Canterbury to Colchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Canterbury to Colchester will cost around £38 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £38.
Fast coaches
Of the 1 buses that leave Canterbury for Colchester every day 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct buses cover the 69 km distance in an average of 7 h 50 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 7 h 50 m .
The slowest buses will take 7 h 50 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
4:207h50Canterbury12:10Colchester£381One-way0 changes
- 4:207h50Canterbury12:10Colchester£381One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Canterbury to Colchester
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Canterbury to Colchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from £21. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 13m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £21, and a coach costs an average of £43.
Distance: 69 km
Compare bus with
| Coach | Most popular Train |
|---|---|
£43 Average Price | £21 Average Price Cheapest |
8h 35m Average total duration 8h 5m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 43m Average total duration Fastest 2h 13m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions | 0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Canterbury to Colchester bus times
The table below shows live departures for Canterbury to Colchester coaches for tomorrow, Monday 24 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4:20 Canterbury | 7h50 | 12:10 Colchester | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Canterbury 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.
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24 Aug
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Journey information
Overview: Bus from Canterbury to Colchester
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Canterbury to Colchester run on average 21 times per day, taking around 8h 5m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £43 but you can travel from only £21 by train.
The earliest coach runs at 03:05, the last at 20:45. The fastest coach covers the 69 km distance in 8h 5m.
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 £21
Distance 69 km |
Average bus duration 8h 5m |
Cheapest ticket price £43 |
Buses per day 21 |
Fastest bus 8h 5m |
First bus 3:05 |
Last bus 20:45 |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
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 £21
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.
- 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: Canterbury to Colchester coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Canterbury 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 Canterbury to Colchester can start from as little as £43 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Canterbury 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 Canterbury to Colchester is 8h 5m to travel the 69 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 Canterbury to Colchester leaves at 3:05. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Canterbury to Colchester leaves at 20:45.
When departing from Canterbury , you have various coach station options to start your route from including Canterbury, University Of Kent, Canterbury, Bus Station, Whitstable, Clapham Hill . When arriving in Colchester , you can end your route in coach stations like Colchester, East Hill / High Street, Marks Tey, A120.Passengers board the coach most frequently from Canterbury, University Of Kent, which is located around 1 km 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 Canterbury is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 8h 5m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Canterbury to Colchester is October.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Canterbury and Colchester including taking a train and coach.
No, the coach from Canterbury to Colchester has no accessibility options.
No, there are no bathrooms on board the coach from Canterbury to Colchester.
No, bikes are not allowed on board the coach from Canterbury to Colchester.
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.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the coach from Canterbury to Colchester.
No, luggage for the coach from Canterbury to Colchester needs to be booked in addition.
No, there are no additional luggage options for the coach from Canterbury to Colchester.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Canterbury to Colchester.
No, there are no USB plugs on board the coach from Canterbury to Colchester.
No, there is no WiFi on board the coach from Canterbury to Colchester.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Canterbury and Colchester
Most Canterbury to Colchester buses use the Canterbury, University Of Kent to Colchester, East Hill / High Street station pair. Use this guide to compare Canterbury and Colchester bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Canterbury
Arrival bus stations in Colchester
Which Canterbury station do buses to Colchester leave from?
Buses from Canterbury to Colchester leave from Canterbury, University Of Kent. The station is 2 km from Canterbury city centre at University of Kent, Canterbury CT2 7NZ, United Kingdom.
Canterbury, University Of KentUniversity of Kent, Canterbury CT2 7NZ, United Kingdom
City-centre transport
Getting to Canterbury, University Of Kent from Canterbury city centre
Canterbury, University Of Kent is 1 km from Canterbury city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus4, 4X, 5, 6, 6A
Canterbury, University Of Kent bus station facilities and services
Canterbury, University Of Kent has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Accessibility and WC.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located on campus, near the student union.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Canterbury, University Of Kent: Parking, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Canterbury, University Of Kent: Elevators, ramps.
Canterbury, Bus StationCanterbury bus station, Canterbury CT1 2SY, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Canterbury, Bus Station from Canterbury city centre
Bus21, 400, 401, Uni1, Uni2 · 14m · £3 · every ~22 min
Canterbury, Bus Station bus station facilities and services
Canterbury, Bus Station 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 within a short walk.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Canterbury, Bus Station. ATMs are aTM located outside the entrance.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Canterbury, Bus Station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Canterbury, Bus Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Canterbury, Bus Station: Wheelchair accessible with assistance.
Which Colchester station do buses from Canterbury arrive at?
Buses from Canterbury to Colchester most often arrive at Colchester, East Hill / High Street. Some services arrive at Marks Tey, A120, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Colchester arrival station.
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 Canterbury
More options for your journey from Canterbury to Colchester
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Colchester and Canterbury
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