- 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 Chelmsford to Colchester
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 02 Nov
- Cheapest price on 02 Nov
- £4
- Average ticket price on 02 Nov
- £4
- Fastest journey on 02 Nov
- 55 m
- Average journey duration on 02 Nov
- 55 m
- Buses on 02 Nov
- 1
- Distance
- 34 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Chelmsford to Colchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Chelmsford to Colchester will cost around £4 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £4.
Fast coaches
On Mon 02 Nov, we found 1 buses from Chelmsford to Colchester, including 1 direct services.
These direct buses cover the 34 km distance in an average of 55 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 55 m .
The slowest buses will take 55 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.
FlixBus21:20 0h55 Chelmsford, Station (Stand VA) 22:15 Colchester, Stanwell Street (Bus station) £4 1 One-way 0 changes
- FlixBus
21:20 0h55 Chelmsford, Station (Stand VA) 22:15 Colchester, Stanwell Street (Bus station) £4 1 One-way 0 changes
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Chelmsford to Colchester
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Chelmsford to Colchester run on average 1 times per day, taking around 55m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £5 if you book in advance.
There are 1 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 03:42, the last at 23:57. The fastest coach covers the 34 km distance in 55m.
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 34 km |
Average bus duration 55m |
Cheapest ticket price £5 |
Buses per day 1 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 55m |
First bus 3:42 |
Last bus 23:57 |
Cheapest Month Sept |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 35 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
Frequently asked questions about your Chelmsford to Colchester trip
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Chelmsford to Colchester.
Cheap coach tickets from Chelmsford to Colchester can start from as little as £5 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Chelmsford to Colchester is £5; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The earliest coach from Chelmsford to Colchester leaves at 3:42. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Chelmsford to Colchester leaves at 23:57.
Yes, there are 1 direct coaches a day from Chelmsford to Colchester with FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct coaches.
Live departures
Chelmsford to Colchester bus times
The table below shows live departures for Chelmsford to Colchester coaches for today, Sunday 1 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus | 21:20 Chelmsford, Station (Stand VA) | 0h55 | 22:15 Colchester, Stanwell Street (Bus station) | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Why should you book Chelmsford to Colchester coaches with Omio?
FlixBus operates all coaches services from Chelmsford to Colchester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Chelmsford to Colchester.
Why book with Omio vs FlixBus?
- 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 FlixBus with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Chelmsford to Colchester.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Chelmsford to Colchester.
Bus providers: FlixBus from Chelmsford to ColchesterYou can travel by bus between Chelmsford to Colchester with FlixBus for as low as £5. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
About
FlixBus is one of Europe’s leading low-cost bus companies, founded in Germany and now offering long-distance services across Europe and the United States. In addition to its extensive daytime network, FlixBus also operates overnight buses on select European routes. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets to charge devices, extra legroom, luggage space, and onboard toilets, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. FlixBus offers a single Standard ticket type for all routes, which includes one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. Additional fees apply for extra luggage and for reserving specific seats, such as Extra Seats, Table Seats, or Panorama Seats. This combination of affordability, comfort, and wide coverage makes FlixBus a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average FlixBus Duration
55m
Cheapest FlixBus Price
£5
FlixBus frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for a fee; must be booked.
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed; guide dogs travel for free.
Companies, tickets, and onboard amenities between Chelmsford and Colchester
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
When taking a coach from Chelmsford to Colchester, you can count on FlixBus for the best way to get you to Colchester. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Chelmsford and Colchester and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Chelmsford to Colchester:
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Chelmsford to Colchester for coach company FlixBus.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the coach with coach company {providersWithBike}.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Chelmsford to Colchester depends on the coach companies:
- FlixBus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
No, there is no food available to purchase on board the coach from Chelmsford to Colchester.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Chelmsford to Colchester:
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a coach ticket from Chelmsford to Colchester:
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the coach from Chelmsford to Colchester. The following conditions apply:
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Chelmsford to Colchester with the following coach company: FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Chelmsford to Colchester with the following coach company: FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Chelmsford to Colchester with the following coach company: FlixBus.
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: Chelmsford to Colchester coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chelmsford 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.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Chelmsford and Colchester including taking a train and coach.
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.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Chelmsford and Colchester
Most Chelmsford to Colchester buses use the Chelmsford, Station (Stand VA) to Colchester, Stanwell Street (Bus station) station pair. Use this guide to compare Chelmsford and Colchester bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Chelmsford
Arrival bus stations in Colchester
Which Chelmsford station do buses to Colchester leave from?
Buses from Chelmsford to Colchester leave from Chelmsford, Station (Stand VA). The station is from Chelmsford city centre at Chelmsford Station (Stand VA), Chelmsford CM1 1NY, UK.
Chelmsford, Station (Stand VA)Chelmsford Station (Stand VA), Chelmsford CM1 1NY, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Chelmsford, Station (Stand VA) from Chelmsford city centre
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Chelmsford, Station (Stand VA) bus station facilities and services
Chelmsford, Station (Stand VA) 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 Chelmsford, Station (Stand VA). ATMs are available at Chelmsford, Station (Stand VA).
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Chelmsford, Station (Stand VA).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Chelmsford, Station (Stand VA): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Chelmsford, Station (Stand VA): Station is accessible for those with reduced mobility.
Which Colchester station do buses from Chelmsford arrive at?
Buses from Chelmsford to Colchester arrive at Colchester, Stanwell Street (Bus station). Colchester, Stanwell Street (Bus station) is from Colchester city centre.
Colchester, Stanwell Street (Bus station)Colchester Bus Station, Colchester CO2 7DP, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Colchester, Stanwell Street (Bus station) from Colchester city centre
Bus74B, 107, 105, 43 · 3m · £3 · every ~5 min
Colchester, Stanwell Street (Bus station) bus station facilities and services
Colchester, Stanwell Street (Bus station) 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, Stanwell Street (Bus station). ATMs are available at Colchester, Stanwell Street (Bus station).
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Colchester, Stanwell Street (Bus station).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Colchester, Stanwell Street (Bus station): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Colchester, Stanwell Street (Bus station): Wheelchair accessible with ramps.
Bus stations for Chelmsford to Colchester
Check bus stations information for Chelmsford and Colchester, including where buses depart and arrive on this route.
Passengers board the coach most frequently from Chelmsford, Station (Stand VA), which is located around away from the city centre, and they get off the coach at Colchester, Stanwell Street (Bus station), located 0 away from the city centre.
More options for your journey from Chelmsford to Colchester
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Colchester and Chelmsford
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