- Recommended
The Beaney House of Art & Knowledge
Engaging Roman museum built around the remains of a town house. See mosaics, artefacts and displays that bring Roman Canterbury to life.
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Colchester to Canterbury
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 18 Sept
Cheapest price on 18 Sept
£85
Average ticket price on 18 Sept
£93
Fastest journey on 18 Sept
5 h 40 m
Average journey duration on 18 Sept
6 h 6 m
Buses on 18 Sept
7
Distance
69 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Colchester to Canterbury is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Colchester to Canterbury will cost around £93 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £85.
Fast coaches
To travel from Colchester to Canterbury you need to make at least 3 changes.
3:056h40Colchester9:45Canterbury£851One-way3 changes- 6:055h50Colchester11:55Canterbury£851One-way3 changes
- 8:256h50Colchester15:15Canterbury£961One-way3 changes
- 12:107h10Colchester19:20Canterbury£961One-way3 changes
- 14:106h25Colchester20:35Canterbury£961One-way3 changes
- 19:305h40Colchester1:10Canterbury£961One-way3 changes
- 6:055h50Colchester11:55Canterbury£851One-way3 changes
- 16:305h55Colchester22:25Canterbury£961One-way3 changes
- 14:106h25Colchester20:35Canterbury£961One-way3 changes
- 3:056h40Colchester9:45Canterbury£851One-way3 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Colchester to Canterbury
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Colchester to Canterbury among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £67 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 11m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.1kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £67, while a coach costs an average of £93.
Distance: 69 km
Compare bus with
| Coach | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£93 Average Price | £67 Average Price Cheapest | £26 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 5m Average total duration 5h 35m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 11m Average total duration Fastest 1h 41m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 45m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions | 0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
Most popular bus company |  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 Canterbury is a train with an average price of £67.
This is compared to other travel options from Colchester to Canterbury:
A train is £26 less than a coach for this route with tickets for a coach from Colchester to Canterbury costing on average £93.
The fastest way to travel from Colchester to Canterbury is by train with an average journey time of 1h 41m.
Other travel options to Canterbury take longer:
Coach takes on average 5h 35m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Colchester and Canterbury 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 £93 compared to roughly £26 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-67.39. The journey takes 5h 35m versus 1h 45m 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 Canterbury bus times
The table below shows live departures for Colchester to Canterbury coaches for today, Thursday 17 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12:10 Colchester | 7h10 | 19:20 Canterbury | 3 changes | |
| 14:10 Colchester | 6h55 | 21:05 Canterbury | 3 changes | |
| 16:30 Colchester | 6h25 | 22:55 Canterbury | 3 changes | |
| 19:30 Colchester | 5h20 | 0:50 Canterbury | 3 changes | |
| Friday 18 September | |||||
| 3:05 Colchester | 6h40 | 9:45 Canterbury | 3 changes | |
| 6:05 Colchester | 5h50 | 11:55 Canterbury | 3 changes | |
| 8:25 Colchester | 6h50 | 15:15 Canterbury | 3 changes | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Colchester to Canterbury 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.
Fri
18 Sept
18 Sept
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19 Sept
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Why should you book Colchester to Canterbury coaches with Omio?
National Express operates all coaches services from Colchester to Canterbury.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Colchester to Canterbury.
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 Canterbury.
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 Canterbury.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Colchester to Canterbury
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Colchester to Canterbury run on average 19 times per day, taking around 5h 35m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £85 but you can travel from only £67 by train.
The earliest coach runs at 03:05, the last at 22:23. The fastest coach covers the 69 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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from £67
Distance 69 km |
Average bus duration 5h 35m |
Cheapest ticket price £85 |
Buses per day 19 |
Fastest bus 5h 0m |
First bus 3:05 |
Last bus 22:23 |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Mon |
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from £67
Bus providers: National Express from Colchester to CanterburyYou can travel by bus between Colchester to Canterbury with National Express for as low as £67. 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
£85
National Express frequency
6 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 Canterbury
Things to do in Canterbury
Discover the best of Canterbury — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Canterbury trip today.
- Recommended
Canterbury Roman Museum
Interactive museum on the site of Roman Canterbury, with preserved pavement mosaics, finds and family-friendly interpretation underground.
- Recommended
The Beaney House of Art & Knowledge
Local museum and gallery with art, ceramics, natural history and changing displays. Good for a broad introduction to the city and region.
- Recommended
The King's Mile
Historic pedestrian street lined with timber-framed buildings, shops and cafés. A classic place to experience Canterbury’s medieval townscape.
- Recommended
Westgate Gardens
A landscaped public garden beside the old city walls. Popular for riverside walks, flower displays and a relaxing break near the centre.
Dane John Gardens
A peaceful green beside the River Stour and cathedral precinct. Ideal for a short scenic walk, picnic or photographs of the city’s historic core.
- Vegetarian
Kentish Huffkin
Kentish Huffkin is a traditional Kent bread roll, often served filled with ham, cheese or fruit. It is a long-standing local bakery staple across East Kent.
- Vegetarian
Canterbury Tart
Canterbury Tart is a local jam tart linked with the city, typically made with shortcrust pastry and apple or berry jam. It is a classic Kent teatime bake.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
Kentish Cobnuts
Kentish Cobnuts are cultivated hazelnuts from Kent, prized for their sweet flavour and strong county identity. They are eaten fresh, roasted or in desserts.
The Corner House
Popular city-centre bistro serving modern British dishes in a relaxed, stylish setting. Well regarded for brunch, lunch and seasonal dinners.
Chapman's Seafood Bar & Brasserie
Elegant restaurant focused on seafood and modern British cooking. A refined but welcoming choice for a special meal near the city centre.
The Parrot
Historic pub with traditional interiors, local ales and hearty British food. A good place to try Kentish beer in a characterful setting.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for England: hotels and dining are pricier than smaller UK towns, but local buses and casual meals stay manageable for most visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fast food or a simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- £18-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £50+ per person for upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- £3-4.50 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Restaurants: 10-12.5% if service is not included. Cafes: rounding up is enough. Taxis: round up or add about 10% for good service.
Stagecoach Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £3
- Day pass
- £4.80
To the city centre
Canterbury Bus Station -> Whitefriars, Canterbury
- Distance
- 0.4 km
- Travel time
- 5 min
- Contactless payment is available on Stagecoach buses in Canterbury.
- DayRider tickets give unlimited bus travel in the chosen area for one day and can be bought in the Stagecoach Bus app.
FAQs: Colchester to Canterbury coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Colchester to Canterbury 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 Canterbury, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap coach tickets from Colchester to Canterbury can start from as little as £85 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Colchester to Canterbury is £93; 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 Canterbury is 5h 0m 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 Colchester to Canterbury leaves at 3:05. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Colchester to Canterbury leaves at 22:23.
There are 19 coaches a day from Colchester to Canterbury 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 Canterbury, you can count on National Express for the best way to get you to Canterbury. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Colchester and Canterbury 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 Canterbury , you can end your route in coach stations like Canterbury, Bus Station, Canterbury, University Of Kent.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 Canterbury, University Of Kent, located 1 away from the city centre.
A trip to Canterbury from Colchester is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 5h 0m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Colchester to Canterbury is October.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Colchester and Canterbury including taking a train and coach.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Colchester to Canterbury:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Colchester to Canterbury for coach company National Express.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Colchester to Canterbury 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 Canterbury.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Colchester to Canterbury:
- 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 Canterbury:
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Colchester to Canterbury.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Colchester to Canterbury with the following coach company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Colchester to Canterbury with the following coach company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Colchester to Canterbury with the following coach company: National Express.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Colchester and Canterbury
Most Colchester to Canterbury buses use the Colchester, East Hill / High Street to Canterbury, Bus Station station pair, with some services arriving at Canterbury, University Of Kent. Use this guide to compare Colchester and Canterbury 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 Canterbury
Which Colchester station do buses to Canterbury leave from?
Buses from Colchester to Canterbury 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, 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.
Which Canterbury station do buses from Colchester arrive at?
Buses from Colchester to Canterbury most often arrive at Canterbury, Bus Station. Some services arrive at Canterbury, University Of Kent, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Canterbury arrival station.
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.
More options for your journey from Colchester to Canterbury
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Canterbury and Colchester
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