- Must visit
National Museum Cardiff
National museum with art, natural history and geology collections, plus Impressionist works and changing exhibitions in Cathays Park.
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Colchester to Cardiff
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 29 Sept
Cheapest price on 29 Sept
£49
Average ticket price on 29 Sept
£49
Fastest journey on 29 Sept
8 h 15 m
Average journey duration on 29 Sept
8 h 20 m
Buses on 29 Sept
2
Distance
285 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Colchester to Cardiff is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Colchester to Cardiff will cost around £49 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £49.
Fast coaches
On Tue 29 Sept, we found 2 buses from Colchester to Cardiff, including 2 direct services.
These direct buses cover the 285 km distance in an average of 8 h 20 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 8 h 15 m .
The slowest buses will take 8 h 25 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.
12:108h15Colchester20:25Cardiff£491One-way0 changes- 16:308h25Colchester0:55Cardiff£491One-way0 changes
- 12:108h15Colchester20:25Cardiff£491One-way0 changes
- 16:308h25Colchester0:55Cardiff£491One-way0 changes
Live departures
Colchester to Cardiff bus times
The table below shows live departures for Colchester to Cardiff coaches for today, Monday 28 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 | 8h10 | 20:20 Cardiff | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Colchester to Cardiff 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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29 Sept
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Why should you book Colchester to Cardiff coaches with Omio?
National Express operates all coaches services from Colchester to Cardiff.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Colchester to Cardiff.
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 Cardiff.
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 Cardiff.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Colchester to Cardiff
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Colchester to Cardiff run on average 11 times per day, taking around 6h 20m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £35 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 15m.
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 6h 20m |
Cheapest ticket price £35 |
Buses per day 11 |
Fastest bus 5h 15m |
First bus 2:35 |
Last bus 20:18 |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sept |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 70 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 Colchester to CardiffYou can travel by bus between Colchester to Cardiff with National Express for as low as £35. 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 15m
Cheapest National Express Price
£35
National Express frequency
9 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 Cardiff
Things to do in Cardiff
Discover the best of Cardiff — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cardiff trip today.
- Must visit
St Fagans National Museum of History
Open-air museum of Welsh life with historic buildings, crafts, gardens and rural traditions relocated to spacious grounds west of the city.
- Recommended
Museum of Cardiff
Museum in a Victorian library celebrating Cardiff’s story through interactive displays, local history and a well-presented city timeline.
- Must visit
Cardiff Arcades
Historic shopping arcades in the city centre, prized for Victorian and Edwardian architecture, independent shops and an easy walking atmosphere.
- Must visit
Bute Park
Large central parkland behind the castle, ideal for riverside walks, gardens, woodland paths and access to key civic sights.
- Must visit
Cardiff Bay
Revitalised waterfront district with public art, broad promenades, modern landmarks and easy walks around the former dock basin.
- Gluten-free
Cawl
A hearty Welsh broth of lamb or beef with leeks, potatoes and root vegetables. It is a classic national dish closely tied to Welsh home cooking.
- Vegetarian
Welsh rarebit
Traditional Welsh rarebit is toasted bread topped with a savoury cheese, ale and mustard sauce. It is a beloved pub and supper dish across Wales.
- Vegetarian
Bara brith
A sweet Welsh tea loaf made with dried fruit and mixed spice, usually sliced and spread with butter. It is a staple in cafés and homes.
Heaneys
Elegant dining room known for refined modern British cooking and polished service in central Cardiff.
Asador 44
Smart restaurant focused on local produce, seafood and modern British plates with a relaxed but polished atmosphere.
The Potted Pig
Stylish bistro and bar serving seasonal Welsh and British dishes, cocktails and brunch in a lively city-centre setting.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for a UK city. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while local transport and casual meals stay fairly manageable for most visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- £18-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £60+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4.50 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service may be included in restaurants; if not, 10-12.5% is usual for good service. Round up taxi fares. Tipping in cafés is optional, usually small change or rounding up.
Cardiff Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2.40
- Day pass
- £5.20
To the city centre
Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) -> Cardiff Bus Interchange
- Distance
- 1.2 km
- Travel time
- 15 min
- Cardiff Bus accepts contactless payment for adult single and day tickets, including Tap On, Tap Off on bus services.
- For travel from North Road into the centre, Cardiff Bus service 24 runs via North Road to Cardiff Bus Interchange.
FAQs: Colchester to Cardiff coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Colchester to Cardiff 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 Cardiff, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap coach tickets from Colchester to Cardiff can start from as little as £35 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Colchester to Cardiff is £65; 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 Cardiff is 5h 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 Colchester to Cardiff leaves at 2:35. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Colchester to Cardiff leaves at 20:18.
There are 11 coaches a day from Colchester to Cardiff 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 Cardiff, you can count on National Express for the best way to get you to Cardiff. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Colchester and Cardiff 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 Cardiff , you can end your route in coach stations like Cardiff, Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB).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 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens, located 0 away from the city centre.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Colchester and Cardiff including taking a train and coach.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Colchester to Cardiff:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Colchester to Cardiff for coach company National Express.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Colchester to Cardiff 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 Cardiff.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Colchester to Cardiff:
- 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 Cardiff:
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Colchester to Cardiff.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Colchester to Cardiff with the following coach company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Colchester to Cardiff with the following coach company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Colchester to Cardiff with the following coach company: National Express.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Colchester and Cardiff
Most Colchester to Cardiff buses use the Colchester, East Hill / High Street to Cardiff, Sophia Gardens station pair, with some services arriving at Cardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB). Use this guide to compare Colchester and Cardiff 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 Cardiff
Which Colchester station do buses to Cardiff leave from?
Buses from Colchester to Cardiff 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 Cardiff station do buses from Colchester arrive at?
Buses from Colchester to Cardiff most often arrive at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens. Some services arrive at Cardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB), so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Cardiff arrival station.
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.
Cardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB)Cardiff CF10 3RB, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Cardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB) from Cardiff city centre
Bus24, 21, 136, 23 · 3m · £2 · every ~20 min
Cardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB) bus station facilities and services
Cardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB) 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, Kingsway (Stop GB). ATMs are available at Cardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB).
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Cardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB): Accessible via ramped access.
Most popular bus connections from Colchester
More options for your journey from Colchester to Cardiff
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Cardiff and Colchester
Most popular bus connections
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