- Must visit
National Museum of Scotland
National museum covering science, design, world cultures and Scottish history. Excellent for varied collections and a dramatic central hall.
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Colchester to Edinburgh
Showing times and prices for 21 Aug
Cheapest price
£76
Average price
£77
Fastest journey
13 h
Average duration
14 h 5 m
Buses per day
2
Distance
525 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Colchester to Edinburgh is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Colchester to Edinburgh will cost around £77 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £76.
Fast coaches
Of the 2 buses that leave Colchester for Edinburgh every day 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct buses cover the 525 km distance in an average of 14 h 5 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 13 h .
The slowest buses will take 15 h 10 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.
16:3015h10Colchester7:40Edinburgh£761One-way0 changes- 4:3513h00Colchester17:35Edinburgh£771One-way0 changes
- 4:3513h00Colchester17:35Edinburgh£771One-way0 changes
- 16:3015h10Colchester7:40Edinburgh£761One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare coach, train and flight for Colchester to Edinburgh
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Colchester to Edinburgh among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the flight with prices starting from £18. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 20m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a flight costs an average of £18, and a train costs an average of £72.
Distance: 525 km
Compare bus with
| Coach | Most popular Train | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£51 Average Price | £93 Average Price | £27 Average Price Cheapest |
13h 3m Average total duration 12h 33m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 12m Average total duration 5h 42m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 20m Average total duration Fastest 1h 20m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
Most popular bus company |  Most popular train company |  Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Colchester to Edinburgh bus times
The table below shows live departures for Colchester to Edinburgh coaches for tomorrow, Friday 21 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4:35 Colchester | 13h00 | 17:35 Edinburgh | 0 changesdirect | |
| 16:30 Colchester | 15h10 | 7:40 Edinburgh | 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 Edinburgh by coach, train or flight
Compare coach, train and flight 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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21 Aug
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Why should you book Colchester to Edinburgh coaches with Omio?
National Express operates all coaches services from Colchester to Edinburgh.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Colchester to Edinburgh.
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 bus, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Colchester to Edinburgh.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Colchester to Edinburgh.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Colchester to Edinburgh
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Colchester to Edinburgh run on average 4 times per day, taking around 12h 33m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £42 but you can travel from only £18 by flight.
The earliest coach runs at 02:42, the last at 22:05. The fastest coach covers the 525 km distance in 13h 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
Flight from £18
Distance 525 km |
Average bus duration 12h 33m |
Cheapest ticket price £42 |
Buses per day 4 |
Fastest bus 13h 0m |
First bus 2:42 |
Last bus 22:05 |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
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
Flight from £18
Bus providers: National Express from Colchester to EdinburghYou can travel by bus between Colchester to Edinburgh 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 Duration
13h 0m
Cheapest Price
£42
National Express frequency
3 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 Edinburgh
Things to do in Edinburgh
Discover the best of Edinburgh — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Edinburgh trip today.
- Must visit
Scottish National Gallery
Major art gallery with Scottish and international works from the Renaissance to the late nineteenth century, beside Princes Street Gardens.
- Recommended
Fruitmarket
Contemporary art gallery in a converted schoolhouse, known for thoughtful exhibitions by Scottish and international artists near the Royal Mile.
- Must visit
Royal Mile
Historic street linking the castle and Holyroodhouse, lined with closes, shops and public buildings. Ideal for first-time visitors on foot.
- Must visit
Arthur's Seat
Extinct volcano with popular walking routes and broad views over the city and coast. A rewarding outdoor escape close to the centre.
- Recommended
Princes Street Gardens
Large public gardens below the castle, good for a break between Old and New Town sights, with monuments, lawns and seasonal planting.
- Gluten-free
Cullen skink
A rich Scottish soup of smoked haddock, potatoes and onions, closely associated with east coast cooking and widely enjoyed in Edinburgh.
Haggis
Scotland’s iconic savoury pudding of sheep’s offal, oats and spices, traditionally served with neeps and tatties at Burns suppers.
- Vegetarian
Cranachan
A classic Scottish dessert of raspberries, whipped cream, honey and toasted oats, often linked with soft fruit from eastern Scotland.
The Kitchin
Elegant dining room serving refined Scottish tasting menus focused on seasonal produce in a calm central setting.
Whiski Rooms
Popular traditional restaurant near the Castle, specialising in haggis, game and hearty Scottish comfort food.
The Cafe Royal
Stylish brasserie and oyster bar with Scottish seafood, shellfish and classic dishes in a grand city-centre space.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for the UK. Rooms and dining are pricier in peak season, but buses are affordable and budget eats are easy to find.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- £20-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £70+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4.50 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is not included. Round up taxi fares. Cafés and pubs usually do not expect tips.
Bus & Tram
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2.40
- Day pass
- £5.00
To the city centre
Edinburgh Bus Station -> Princes Street, Edinburgh
- Distance
- 0.6 km
- Travel time
- 5 min
- Contactless payment works on Lothian Buses and for adult single tram tickets. Tram contactless capping is available, but Lothian bus TapTapCap does not apply on trams.
- City Day tickets are valid on Lothian Buses and on Edinburgh Trams within the city zone only. Travel to or from Edinburgh Airport needs the appropriate airport or network fare.
FAQs: Colchester to Edinburgh coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Colchester to Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap coach tickets from Colchester to Edinburgh can start from as little as £42 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Colchester to Edinburgh is £51; 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 Edinburgh is 13h 0m to travel the 525 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 Edinburgh leaves at 2:42. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Colchester to Edinburgh leaves at 22:05.
There are 4 coaches a day from Colchester to Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh, you can count on National Express for the best way to get you to Edinburgh. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Colchester and Edinburgh 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, Marks Tey, A120, Capel St Mary, Ipswich Road . When arriving in Edinburgh , you can end your route in coach stations like Edinburgh, Bus Station.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 Edinburgh, Bus Station, located 0 away from the city centre.
A trip to Edinburgh from Colchester is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 13h 0m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Colchester to Edinburgh is June.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Colchester and Edinburgh including taking a coach, train and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Colchester to Edinburgh:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Colchester to Edinburgh for coach company National Express.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Colchester to Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Colchester to Edinburgh:
- 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 Edinburgh:
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Colchester to Edinburgh.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Colchester to Edinburgh with the following coach company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Colchester to Edinburgh with the following coach company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Colchester to Edinburgh with the following coach company: National Express.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Colchester and Edinburgh
Most Colchester to Edinburgh buses use the Colchester, East Hill / High Street to Edinburgh, Bus Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Colchester and Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh
Which Colchester station do buses to Edinburgh leave from?
Buses from Colchester to Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh station do buses from Colchester arrive at?
Buses from Colchester to Edinburgh arrive at Edinburgh, Bus Station. Edinburgh, Bus Station is from Edinburgh city centre.
Edinburgh, Bus StationElder Street, Edinburgh EH1 3DX, United Kingdom
City-centre transport
Getting to Edinburgh, Bus Station from Edinburgh city centre
Bus10, 11 · 2m · £2 · every ~30 min
Uk090 · 5m · £0.90 · every ~32 min
TramEdinburgh York Place - Edinburgh Airport, T50 · 3m · £4 · every ~38 min
Edinburgh, Bus Station bus station facilities and services
Edinburgh, Bus Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Café at the Station (in the station), Sandwich Shop (in the station).
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Edinburgh, Bus Station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Edinburgh, Bus Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Edinburgh, Bus Station: Elevators, ramps.
More options for your journey from Colchester to Edinburgh
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Edinburgh and Colchester
Most popular bus connections
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