- Must visit
Harlow Museum and Walled Gardens
Local museum in a former coach house covering Harlow’s archaeology, industries and New Town development, with artefacts and changing displays.
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Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Colchester to Harlow
Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Colchester to Harlow among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £24. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 40m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £24, and a train costs an average of £39.
Distance: 56 km
Compare bus with
Most popular Coach | Train |
|---|---|
£24 Average Price Cheapest | £46 Average Price |
3h 4m Average total duration 2h 34m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 10m Average total duration Fastest 1h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Compare prices and tickets Colchester to Harlow 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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Why should you book Colchester to Harlow coaches with Omio?
First Essex as well as National Express offer coaches services from Colchester to Harlow.
Omio is the only official third party seller for First Essex tickets.
Why book with Omio vs First Essex?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for First Essex, but also compare tickets for the likes of National Express to find the best option for your trip from Colchester to Harlow.
- 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 First Essex with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Colchester to Harlow.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Colchester to Harlow
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Colchester to Harlow run on average 6 times per day, taking around 2h 34m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £24 if you book in advance.
The earliest coach runs at 03:45, the last at 21:55. The fastest coach covers the 56 km distance in 1h 42m.
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 56 km |
Average bus duration 2h 34m |
Cheapest ticket price £24 |
Buses per day 6 |
Fastest bus 1h 42m |
First bus 3:45 |
Last bus 21:55 |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
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: First Essex, National Express from Colchester to HarlowYou can travel by bus between Colchester to Harlow with First Essex, National Express for as low as £24. 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
1h 42m
Cheapest Price
£24
National Express frequency
5 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.
First Essex
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 52m
First Essex frequency
20 a day
Complete guide to Harlow
Things to do in Harlow
Discover the best of Harlow — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Harlow trip today.
- Recommended
Gibberd Gallery
Gallery and museum dedicated to Harlow’s post-war sculpture collection, with exhibitions that explain the town’s distinctive public art heritage.
- Recommended
Parndon Mill Gallery
Community gallery in Parndon Mill presenting contemporary art and craft exhibitions in a historic mill setting beside the River Stort.
- Must visit
Harlow Town Park
Large central park with formal gardens, play areas, sculpture and wide paths. A top place for walking and understanding Harlow’s green New Town layout.
- Recommended
Old Harlow
Historic village-style area with independent shops, pubs, old buildings and a calmer atmosphere that contrasts with the planned New Town centre.
- Recommended
River Stort Towpath
Scenic waterside path and nature area along the River Stort, popular for gentle walks, wildlife spotting and access towards neighbouring countryside.
Steak and Onion Pudding
A suet pastry pudding filled with seasoned minced beef and onion. A long-standing East End and Essex comfort food still loved across the region.
- Gluten-free
Jellied Eels
Freshwater eel stewed with herbs and stock, served cold in a savoury jelly. A classic Thames Estuary dish tied to Essex and East London food culture.
- Gluten-free
Kippers
Smoked herring, traditionally grilled and served with bread or eggs. Popular across Essex and the east coast for its strong maritime heritage.
Kervan Kitchen
Smart casual restaurant known for Turkish and Mediterranean grills, mezze and warm service. Good for generous shared plates.
The Mogul
Popular local Indian restaurant serving classic curries, tandoori dishes and house specials in a relaxed neighbourhood atmosphere.
Miller & Carter Harlow
Reliable pub and grill serving steaks, burgers and British mains in a modern, family-friendly setting near Harlow town centre.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for the UK. Hotels and meals are usually cheaper than central London, but commuting, chain cafés and taxis can still add up for visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- £18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £45+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £2.80-4 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Restaurants may add a 10-12.5% service charge; if not, rounding up or 10% is polite. Taxi fares are often rounded up. Tipping in cafés is optional.
FAQs: Colchester to Harlow coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Colchester to Harlow 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 Harlow, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap coach tickets from Colchester to Harlow can start from as little as £24 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Colchester to Harlow is £24; 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 Harlow is 1h 42m to travel the 56 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 Harlow leaves at 3:45. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Colchester to Harlow leaves at 21:55.
There are 6 coaches a day from Colchester to Harlow which require at least one change with First Essex, National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.
When taking a coach from Colchester to Harlow, you can count on First Essex, National Express for the best way to get you to Harlow. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Colchester and Harlow and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
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 Hertford, Mill Road (Tesco), located 0 away from the city centre.
A day trip to Harlow from Colchester is worth doing with a journey time of 1h 42m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Colchester to Harlow is March.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Colchester and Harlow including taking a train and coach.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Colchester to Harlow:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Colchester to Harlow for coach company National Express.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Colchester to Harlow 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 Harlow.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Colchester to Harlow:
- 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 Harlow:
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Colchester to Harlow.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Colchester to Harlow with the following coach company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Colchester to Harlow with the following coach company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Colchester to Harlow with the following coach company: National Express.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Colchester and Harlow
Most Colchester to Harlow buses use the Colchester, East Hill / High Street to Hertford, Mill Road (Tesco) station pair. Use this guide to compare Colchester and Harlow 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 Harlow
Which Colchester station do buses to Harlow leave from?
Buses from Colchester to Harlow 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.
More options for your journey from Colchester to Harlow
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Harlow and Colchester
Most popular bus connections
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