Colchester to Chelmsford bus with First Essex

Mon 17 Aug
+ Add return
First Essex
Stephensons of Essex
National Express
FlixBus
Alsa
2,000+ travel companies
First Essex
Stephensons of Essex
National Express
FlixBus
Alsa
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Colchester to Chelmsford

Showing times and prices for 17 Aug

Cheapest price

£0.00

Average price

£0.16

Fastest journey

47 m

Average duration

1 h 8 m

Buses per day

28

Distance

34 km

Cheap tickets

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

Fast coaches

Of the 28 buses that leave Colchester for Chelmsford every day 28 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

These direct buses cover the 34 km distance in an average of 1 h 8 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 47 m .

The slowest buses will take 1 h 19 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.

  • First Essex
    5:451h19
    Colchester
    7:04Chelmsford
    Find prices
    0 changes
  • First Essex
    6:151h25
    Colchester
    7:40Chelmsford
    Find prices
    0 changes
  • First Essex
    6:451h35
    Colchester
    8:20Chelmsford
    Find prices
    0 changes
  • First Essex
    7:221h38
    Colchester
    9:00Chelmsford
    Find prices
    0 changes
  • First Essex
    8:001h33
    Colchester
    9:33Chelmsford
    Find prices
    0 changes

Travel Information

Compare train and coach for Colchester to Chelmsford

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Colchester to Chelmsford among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from £10. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 24m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £10, and a coach costs an average of £15.

Distance: 34 km

Compare bus with

Coach
Most popular
Train

£15

Average Price

£14

Average Price

Cheapest

1h 48m

Average total duration

1h 18m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

54m

Average total duration

Fastest

24m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

Direct Options

Direct Options

Live departures

Colchester to Chelmsford bus times

The table below shows live departures for Colchester to Chelmsford coaches for tomorrow, Monday 17 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
First Essex5:45 Colchester
1h19
7:04 Chelmsford0 changesdirect
First Essex6:15 Colchester
1h25
7:40 Chelmsford0 changesdirect
First Essex6:45 Colchester
1h35
8:20 Chelmsford0 changesdirect
First Essex7:22 Colchester
1h38
9:00 Chelmsford0 changesdirect
First Essex8:00 Colchester
1h33
9:33 Chelmsford0 changesdirect
First Essex8:40 Colchester
1h30
10:10 Chelmsford0 changesdirect
First Essex9:05 Colchester
1h30
10:35 Chelmsford0 changesdirect
First Essex9:35 Colchester
1h29
11:04 Chelmsford0 changesdirect
First Essex10:05 Colchester
1h30
11:35 Chelmsford0 changesdirect

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Colchester to Chelmsford 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.

Mon
17 Aug
Tue
18 Aug
Wed
19 Aug
Thu
20 Aug
Fri
21 Aug
Sat
22 Aug
Sun
23 Aug

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Colchester to Chelmsford

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Colchester to Chelmsford run on average 5 times per day, taking around 1h 18m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £15 but you can travel from only £10 by train.

There are 2 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 00:14, the last at 23:44. The fastest coach covers the 34 km distance in 50m.

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 £10
Distance
34 km
Average bus duration
1h 18m
Cheapest ticket price
£15
Buses per day
5
Direct buses
2
Fastest bus
50m
First bus
0:14
Last bus
23:44
Cheapest Month
Mar
Cheapest Day
Sat
High Season
Jul - Sept
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Fri
Least Busy Day
Mon
Best time to book
7 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 £10

Bus providers: First Essex, Stephensons of Essex from Colchester to ChelmsfordYou can travel by bus between Colchester to Chelmsford with First Essex, Stephensons of Essex for as low as £10. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey

First Essex

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
55m
First Essex frequency
16 a day

Stephensons of Essex

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
47m
Cheapest Price
£4
Stephensons of Essex frequency
1 a day

Complete guide to Chelmsford

Things to do in Chelmsford

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

  • Recommended

Chelmsford Museum

City museum in Oaklands House covering Chelmsford's archaeology, industry and local life. Good for a clear introduction to the area.

  • Recommended

Sandford Mill Museum

Museum on the historic radio works site exploring Marconi, wireless innovation and broadcasting. A strong choice for technology enthusiasts.

The Essex Regiment Museum

Railway museum at Chelmsford station with artefacts, signalling history and volunteer displays. Small but engaging for transport fans.

Pound sterling (£)

Moderate for England: hotels and dining are cheaper than London, but rail fares and central stays can still raise daily visitor costs.

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
£50+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
£3-4 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Service may be included in restaurants; otherwise tip around 10%. Taxis often round up or add 10%. Tipping in cafés is optional.

Coach from Colchester to Chelmsford

Coaches from Colchester to Chelmsford depart every day, including at weekends. There are multiple departures throughout the day, covering the 20 miles between the two destinations in Essex. The journey can take anywhere from 35 minutes to 45 minutes, depending on the service selected.

How long is the journey by bus from Colchester to Chelmsford?

Taking coaches from Colchester to Chelmsford can be as quick as 35 minutes or a little longer at 45 minutes. There are no changes required along the route, but passengers can decide which stops to get on and off at for their convenience.

How many coaches are there from Colchester to Chelmsford?

There are up to 11 coaches a day travelling between Colchester and Chelmsford, with the first buses leaving early in the morning and the last mid-afternoon. The 6:00 a.m. departure can get passengers into Chelmsford in time for the start of the working day, while the 3.55 p.m. bus arrives late in the afternoon.

What is/are the departure and arrival bus stations for buses from Colchester to Chelmsford?

Departure bus station: Passengers boarding coaches from Colchester to Chelmsford can do so from a number of stops. These are the coach station, the railway station and Zingst, West. Colchester Coach Station is a 20-minute walk from the centre of town and on the numbers one A, 64 and 64A bus routes. There are refreshment facilities and toilets at the coach station.

Arrival bus station: Chelmsford Bus and Coach Terminal. This is a four-minute walk from the city centre and is close to other transport infrastructure, such as the train station. A retail complex is attached to the coach station, offering ample facilities, including toilets.

Which coach providers travel from Colchester to Chelmsford?

Coaches from Colchester to Chelmsford are operated by National Express, with multiple departures to choose from. While there is a disparity in length between some of the services, it's only about a 10 minute difference.

National Express Colchester to Chelmsford

National Express operates 11 coaches a day from Colchester to Chelmsford, offering a number of departure times, from 6:00 a.m. until 3.55 p.m. There is no need for passengers to change buses between the two destinations in the southeast, but there are a number of stops on the route. This can be particularly convenient for anyone not wanting to get on the coach in central Colchester.

Colchester to Chelmsford Coach: Services on board

Everybody who buys a ticket for National Express coaches from Colchester to Chelmsford is guaranteed a comfortable seat with a generous amount of legroom and individual air conditioning controls. The VUER entertainment system is provided as standard, with hours of TV and films to screen throughout the journey. There is also free WiFi and accessible USB ports near each seat. Passengers have a luggage allowance of one case measuring 75 cm x 50 cm x 32 cm or two cases no bigger than 70 cm x 45 cm x 70 cm. In total, this baggage must not weigh more than 20 kg. An additional piece of soft hand luggage measuring 45 cm x 35 cm x 20 cm or smaller is also allowed on board. Extra pieces can be transported inside the hold for a supplementary fee. Pets are not permitted on board, with the exception of assistance dogs. Bikes are welcomed if they have been folded up, dismantled into manageable pieces or wrapped in an appropriate manner; they will then be considered as one piece of luggage. The majority of National Express's coaches from Colchester to Chelmsford can be accessed by disabled passengers due to lifts fitted at the front. It's best for passengers with mobility issues to contact National Express 36 hours before travel to secure their services.

FAQs: Colchester to Chelmsford coach

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

FAQs
Cheap coach tickets from Colchester to Chelmsford can start from as little as £15 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Colchester to Chelmsford is £15; 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 Chelmsford is 50m to travel the 34 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 Chelmsford leaves at 0:14. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Colchester to Chelmsford leaves at 23:44.
Yes, there are 2 direct coaches a day from Colchester to Chelmsford with First Essex, Stephensons of Essex. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct coaches.
When taking a coach from Colchester to Chelmsford, you can count on First Essex, Stephensons of Essex for the best way to get you to Chelmsford. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Colchester and Chelmsford and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
A day trip to Chelmsford from Colchester is worth doing with a journey time of 50m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Colchester to Chelmsford is March.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Colchester and Chelmsford including taking a train and coach.
No, there are no bathrooms on board the coach from Colchester to Chelmsford.
No, the coach from Colchester to Chelmsford has no accessibility options.
No, bikes are not allowed on board the coach from Colchester to Chelmsford.
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.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the coach from Colchester to Chelmsford.
No, luggage for the coach from Colchester to Chelmsford needs to be booked in addition.
No, there are no additional luggage options for the coach from Colchester to Chelmsford.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Colchester to Chelmsford.
No, there are no USB plugs on board the coach from Colchester to Chelmsford.
No, there is no WiFi on board the coach from Colchester to Chelmsford.

More options for your journey from Colchester to Chelmsford

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