- 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 Cardiff to Colchester
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 20 Sept
Cheapest price on 20 Sept
£33
Average ticket price on 20 Sept
£33
Fastest journey on 20 Sept
7 h 45 m
Average journey duration on 20 Sept
7 h 45 m
Buses on 20 Sept
1
Distance
285 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Cardiff to Colchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Colchester will cost around £33 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £33.
Fast coaches
On Sun 20 Sept, we found 1 buses from Cardiff to Colchester, including 1 direct services.
These direct buses cover the 285 km distance in an average of 7 h 45 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 7 h 45 m .
The slowest buses will take 7 h 45 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.
17:307h45Cardiff1:15Colchester£331One-way0 changes
- 17:307h45Cardiff1:15Colchester£331One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Cardiff to Colchester
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Colchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £74 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 29m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £74, while a coach costs an average of £78.
Distance: 285 km
Compare bus with
| Coach | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£78 Average Price | £74 Average Price Cheapest | £57 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 20m Average total duration 5h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 29m Average total duration Fastest 2h 59m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 18m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Most popular bus company |  Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Cardiff to Colchester is a train with an average price of £74.
This is compared to other travel options from Cardiff to Colchester:
A train is £4 less than a coach for this route with tickets for a coach from Cardiff to Colchester costing on average £78.
The fastest way to travel from Cardiff to Colchester is by train with an average journey time of 2h 59m.
Other travel options to Colchester take longer:
Coach takes on average 5h 50m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cardiff 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 £78 compared to roughly £57 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-21.34. The journey takes 5h 50m versus 4h 18m 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.
Compare prices and tickets Cardiff 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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Why should you book Cardiff to Colchester coaches with Omio?
National Express operates all coaches services from Cardiff to Colchester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cardiff 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 Cardiff 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 Cardiff to Colchester.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Cardiff to Colchester
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Cardiff to Colchester run on average 7 times per day, taking around 5h 50m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £47 if you book in advance.
The earliest coach runs at 02:35, the last at 20:18. The fastest coach covers the 285 km distance in 5h 0m.
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 285 km |
Average bus duration 5h 50m |
Cheapest ticket price £47 |
Buses per day 7 |
Fastest bus 5h 0m |
First bus 2:35 |
Last bus 20:18 |
Cheapest Month Sept |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sept |
Best time to book 28 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
Bus providers: National Express from Cardiff to ColchesterYou can travel by bus between Cardiff to Colchester with National Express for as low as £47. 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
5h 0m
Cheapest National Express Price
£47
National Express frequency
7 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.
FAQs: Cardiff to Colchester coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff 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 Cardiff to Colchester can start from as little as £57 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Cardiff to Colchester is £62; 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 Cardiff to Colchester is 8h 15m to travel the 285 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 Cardiff to Colchester leaves at 2:35. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Cardiff to Colchester leaves at 20:18.
There are 7 coaches a day from Cardiff 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 Cardiff 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 Cardiff and Colchester and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
Passengers board the coach most frequently from Cardiff, Sophia Gardens, 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 Cardiff is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 8h 15m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Cardiff to Colchester is August.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cardiff and Colchester including taking a train and coach.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Cardiff to Colchester:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Cardiff to Colchester for coach company National Express.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Cardiff 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 Cardiff to Colchester.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Cardiff 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 Cardiff to Colchester:
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Cardiff to Colchester.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Cardiff to Colchester with the following coach company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Cardiff to Colchester with the following coach company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Cardiff to Colchester with the following coach company: National Express.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cardiff and Colchester
Most Cardiff to Colchester buses use the Cardiff, Sophia Gardens to Colchester, East Hill / High Street station pair. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Colchester bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Cardiff
Arrival bus stations in Colchester
Which Cardiff station do buses to Colchester leave from?
Buses from Cardiff to Colchester leave from Cardiff, Sophia Gardens. The station is 1 km from Cardiff city centre at Cardiff Coach Station, Sophia Gardens, 2 Sophia Cl, Pontcanna, Cardiff CF11 9HW, UK.
Cardiff, Sophia GardensCardiff Coach Station, Sophia Gardens, 2 Sophia Cl, Pontcanna, Cardiff CF11 9HW, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Cardiff, Sophia Gardens from Cardiff city centre
Bus25, 62, 63, 25A, 64 · 3m · £2 · every ~14 min
C1 · 16m · every ~8 min
Cardiff, Sophia Gardens bus station facilities and services
Cardiff, Sophia Gardens 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 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens. ATMs are available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens: Basic accessibility features available.
Which Colchester station do buses from Cardiff arrive at?
Buses from Cardiff 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 Cardiff
More options for your journey from Cardiff to Colchester
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Colchester and Cardiff
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