- 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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Journey information
Overview: Bus from Canterbury to Colchester
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Canterbury to Colchester run on average 18 times per day, taking around 5h 19m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £50 if you book in advance.
The earliest coach runs at 03:05, the last at 20:45. The fastest coach covers the 69 km distance in 4h 22m.
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 69 km |
Average bus duration 5h 19m |
Cheapest ticket price £50 |
Buses per day 18 |
Fastest bus 4h 22m |
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
Why should you book Canterbury to Colchester coaches with Omio?
National Express operates all coaches services from Canterbury to Colchester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Canterbury 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 Canterbury 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 Canterbury to Colchester.
Bus providers: National Express from Canterbury to ColchesterYou can travel by bus between Canterbury to Colchester with National Express for as low as £50. 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
4h 22m
Cheapest National Express Price
£50
National Express frequency
18 a day
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.
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.
Best day trips from Colchester by bus
The most popular day trips by bus from Colchester are London, Ipswich, Chelmsford and Clacton-on-Sea. Find out what you can do in these day trip destinations and how to book your bus from Colchester on Omio.
Day trip from Colchester to London by bus
Why visit London for the day?
London blends royal history with modern city life, known for its museums, theatre and global food scene. Along the Thames, grand landmarks sit beside diverse neighbourhoods shaped by finance, fashion and contemporary culture.
How to get from Colchester to London by bus?
The earliest coach runs at 00:02, the last at 23:57. The fastest coach covers the 83 km distance in 2h 0m.
Day trip from Colchester to Ipswich by bus
Why visit Ipswich for the day?
Ipswich is one of England’s oldest towns, known for its waterfront and maritime past. Its medieval streets, parks and Suffolk atmosphere make it feel historic yet lived-in.
How to get from Colchester to Ipswich by bus?
There are 5 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 01:11, the last at 23:51. The fastest coach covers the 26 km distance in 35m.
Day trip from Colchester to Chelmsford by bus
Why visit Chelmsford for the day?
Chelmsford is Essex’s county city, known for its cathedral and its links to Guglielmo Marconi. A compact centre, riverside parks and a relaxed modern feel give it an easy balance of history and everyday city life.
How to get from Colchester to Chelmsford by bus?
The earliest coach runs at 00:14, the last at 23:44.
Day trip from Colchester to Clacton-on-Sea by bus
Why visit Clacton-on-Sea for the day?
Clacton-on-Sea is a traditional Essex resort known for its sandy beach, pier and classic seaside amusements. Its promenade and relaxed coastal atmosphere give it the feel of a long-established British holiday town.
How to get from Colchester to Clacton-on-Sea by bus?
The earliest coach runs at 00:28, the last at 23:18.
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 £50 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Canterbury to Colchester is £57; 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 4h 22m 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.
There are 18 coaches a day from Canterbury 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 Canterbury 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 Canterbury and Colchester and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
When departing from Canterbury , you have various coach station options to start your route from including Canterbury, Bus Station, Canterbury, University Of Kent . 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, Bus Station, 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.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Canterbury and Colchester including taking a train and coach.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Canterbury to Colchester:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Canterbury to Colchester for coach company National Express.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Canterbury 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 Canterbury to Colchester.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Canterbury 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 Canterbury to Colchester:
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Canterbury to Colchester.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Canterbury to Colchester with the following coach company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Canterbury to Colchester with the following coach company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Canterbury to Colchester with the following coach company: National Express.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Canterbury and Colchester
Most Canterbury to Colchester buses use the Canterbury, Bus Station 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, Bus Station. The station is from Canterbury city centre at Canterbury bus station, Canterbury CT1 2SY, UK.
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.
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.
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 · £0.89 · 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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