Colchester to Bristol bus with National Express

Sat 05 Sept
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Colchester to Bristol

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 05 Sept

Cheapest price on 05 Sept

£36

Average ticket price on 05 Sept

£53

Fastest journey on 05 Sept

5 h 55 m

Average journey duration on 05 Sept

6 h 27 m

Buses on 05 Sept

17

Distance

246 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Colchester to Bristol is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Colchester to Bristol will cost around £53 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £36.

Fast coaches

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

  • National ExpressNX717 · NXA8 · NX040
    14:107h10
    Colchester, East Hill / High Street
    21:20Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
    £361One-way
    2 changes
  • National ExpressNX717 · NXA8 · NX040
    14:107h55
    Colchester, East Hill / High Street
    22:05Bristol, University Queens Road
    £371One-way
    2 changes
  • National ExpressNX717 · NXA8 · NX040
    14:107h55
    Colchester, East Hill / High Street
    22:05Bristol, University Queens Road
    £371One-way
    2 changes
  • National ExpressNX717 · NXA8 · NX040
    11:557h25
    Colchester, East Hill / High Street
    19:20Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
    £451One-way
    2 changes
  • National ExpressNX717 · NXA8 · NX040
    5:358h05
    Colchester, East Hill / High Street
    13:40Bristol, University Queens Road
    £461One-way
    2 changes

Travel Information

Compare train and coach for Colchester to Bristol

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Colchester to Bristol among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £46 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 9m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £46, while a train costs an average of £59.

Distance: 246 km

Compare bus with

Coach
Most popular
Train
Driving

£46

Average Price

Cheapest

£59

Average Price

£58

Average Price

(fuel + tolls)

6h 9m

Average total duration

5h 39m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 9m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 39m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 23m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

0.2 - 0.6kg

CO2 emissions

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

-

CO2 emissions

National Express

Most popular bus company

Great Western Railway

Most popular train company

Your own car or car rental

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

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

The cheapest way to travel from Colchester to Bristol is a coach with an average price of £46.

This is compared to other travel options from Colchester to Bristol:

A coach is £13 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Colchester to Bristol costing on average £59.

The fastest way to travel from Colchester to Bristol is by train with an average journey time of 2h 39m.

Other travel options to Bristol take longer:

Coach takes on average 5h 39m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Colchester and Bristol 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 £46 compared to roughly £58 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £12. The journey takes 5h 39m versus 3h 23m 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.

Live departures

Colchester to Bristol bus times

The table below shows live departures for Colchester to Bristol coaches for tomorrow, Saturday 5 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
National ExpressNX717 · NX727 · NX2012:35 Colchester, East Hill / High Street
6h55
9:30 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)2 changes
National ExpressNX717 · NXA8 · NX0402:35 Colchester, East Hill / High Street
9h20
11:55 Bristol, University Queens Road2 changes
National ExpressNX717 · NXA6 · NX0402:35 Colchester, East Hill / High Street
9h20
11:55 Bristol, University Queens Road2 changes
National ExpressNX717 · NXA8 · NX0405:35 Colchester, East Hill / High Street
8h05
13:40 Bristol, University Queens Road2 changes
National ExpressNX717 · NX727 · NX2005:35 Colchester, East Hill / High Street
6h00
11:35 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)2 changes
National ExpressNX717 · NXA8 · NX0405:35 Colchester, East Hill / High Street
8h05
13:40 Bristol, University Queens Road2 changes
National ExpressNX717 · NXA8 · NX0408:50 Colchester, East Hill / High Street
9h20
18:10 Bristol, University Queens Road2 changes
National ExpressNX717 · NX727 · NX2028:50 Colchester, East Hill / High Street
5h55
14:45 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)2 changes
National ExpressNX717 · NXA8 · NX0408:50 Colchester, East Hill / High Street
9h20
18:10 Bristol, University Queens Road2 changes
National ExpressNX717 · NXA8 · NX04011:55 Colchester, East Hill / High Street
7h25
19:20 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)2 changes
National ExpressNX717 · NXA8 · NX04011:55 Colchester, East Hill / High Street
8h05
20:00 Bristol, University Queens Road2 changes
National ExpressNX717 · NXA8 · NX04011:55 Colchester, East Hill / High Street
8h05
20:00 Bristol, University Queens Road2 changes
National ExpressNX717 · NXA8 · NX04014:10 Colchester, East Hill / High Street
7h55
22:05 Bristol, University Queens Road2 changes
National ExpressNX717 · NXA8 · NX04014:10 Colchester, East Hill / High Street
7h55
22:05 Bristol, University Queens Road2 changes
National ExpressNX717 · NXA8 · NX04014:10 Colchester, East Hill / High Street
7h10
21:20 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)2 changes
National ExpressNX717 · NX728 · NX20216:40 Colchester, East Hill / High Street
6h45
23:25 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)2 changes
National ExpressNX717 · NXA8 · NX04018:40 Colchester, East Hill / High Street
6h40
1:20 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)2 changes

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Colchester to Bristol 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
05 Sept
Sun
06 Sept
Mon
07 Sept
Tue
08 Sept
Wed
09 Sept
Thu
10 Sept
Fri
11 Sept

Why should you book Colchester to Bristol coaches with Omio?

National Express operates all coaches services from Colchester to Bristol.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Colchester to Bristol.

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 Colchester to Bristol.

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 Colchester to Bristol.

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Colchester to Bristol

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Colchester to Bristol run on average 16 times per day, taking around 5h 39m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £36 but you can travel from only £18 by train.

The earliest coach runs at 02:35, the last at 21:35. The fastest coach covers the 246 km distance in 6h 40m.

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 £18
Distance
246 km
Average bus duration
5h 39m
Cheapest ticket price
£36
Buses per day
16
Fastest bus
6h 40m
First bus
2:35
Last bus
21:35
Cheapest Month
Apr
Cheapest Day
Sun
High Season
Jul - Sept
Low Season
Apr - Jun
Busiest Day
Tue
Least Busy Day
Tue
Best time to book
14 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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from £18

Bus providers: National Express from Colchester to BristolYou can travel by bus between Colchester to Bristol with National Express for as low as £18. 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
6h 40m
Cheapest National Express Price
£36
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 Bristol

Things to do in Bristol

Discover the best of Bristol — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Bristol trip today.

  • Must visit

M Shed

Large harbourside museum covering Bristol’s people, industry and global links, with varied galleries and family-friendly displays.

  • Must visit

Bristol Museum & Art Gallery

City museum and art gallery with natural history, archaeology, applied art and paintings in a grand central building.

  • Must visit

SS Great Britain

Former passenger liner turned museum ship, where visitors explore restored decks and learn about transatlantic travel and engineering.

Pound sterling (£)

Moderate for the UK: hotels and dining cost less than London, but more than many smaller cities. Buses are reasonable; central attractions and cafés can add up.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-12 for fast food or a simple lunch.
Mid-range
£18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
£60+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
£3-4 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Restaurants: 10-12.5% if service is not included. Cafés: rounding up is enough. Taxis: round up or tip about 10% for good service.

FAQs: Colchester to Bristol coach

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Colchester to Bristol 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 Bristol, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Cheap coach tickets from Colchester to Bristol can start from as little as £36 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Colchester to Bristol is £46; 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 Colchester to Bristol is 6h 40m 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 Colchester to Bristol leaves at 2:35. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Colchester to Bristol leaves at 21:35.
There are 16 coaches a day from Colchester to Bristol which require at least one change with National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.
When taking a coach from Colchester to Bristol, you can count on National Express for the best way to get you to Bristol. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Colchester and Bristol and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
When departing from Colchester , you have various coach station options to start your route from including Colchester, East Hill / High Street . When arriving in Bristol , you can end your route in coach stations like Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St), Bristol, University Queens Road, Bristol, Clifton Down, Bristol, Blackboy Hill.Passengers board the coach most frequently from Colchester, East Hill / High Street, which is located around away from the city centre, and they get off the coach at Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St), located 0 away from the city centre.
A trip to Bristol from Colchester is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 6h 40m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Colchester to Bristol is April.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Colchester and Bristol including taking a train and coach.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Colchester to Bristol:
  • National Express
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Colchester to Bristol for coach company National Express.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Colchester to Bristol 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 Colchester to Bristol.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Colchester to Bristol:
  • 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 Colchester to Bristol:
  • National Express
    • 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Colchester to Bristol.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Colchester to Bristol with the following coach company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Colchester to Bristol with the following coach company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Colchester to Bristol with the following coach company: National Express.

popular bus stations

Important Stations and Airports in Colchester and Bristol

Most Colchester to Bristol buses use the Colchester, East Hill / High Street to Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) station pair, with some services arriving at Bristol, University Queens Road. Use this guide to compare Colchester and Bristol bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.

Departure bus stations in Colchester
Arrival bus stations in Bristol

Which Colchester station do buses to Bristol leave from?

Buses from Colchester to Bristol leave from Colchester, East Hill / High Street. The station is from Colchester city centre at Colchester Bus Station, Colchester CO2 7DP, UK.
Colchester, East Hill / High StreetColchester Bus Station, Colchester CO2 7DP, UKWifiParkingATMTaxisAccessibilityWCShowerTicket Office
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.

More options for your journey from Colchester to Bristol

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

HomeCoachesCoach tickets to Bristol Colchester to Bristol bus

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