- Must visit
Ipswich Museum
Ipswich’s main museum with natural history, archaeology and local collections, including Egyptian objects and displays on Suffolk’s past.
2,000+ travel companies
2,000+ travel companies
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
4.942K ratings
Google Play
4.6136K reviews
The cheapest and fastest coaches from Colchester to Ipswich
Showing times and prices for 05 Aug
Cheapest price
£7
Average price
£7
Fastest journey
35 m
Average duration
39 m
Buses per day
6
Distance
26 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Colchester to Ipswich is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Colchester to Ipswich will cost around £7 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £7.
Fast coaches
Of the 6 buses that leave Colchester for Ipswich every day 6 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct buses cover the 26 km distance in an average of 39 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 35 m .
The slowest buses will take 40 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.
NX71712:250h40Colchester, East Hill / High Street13:05Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema)£71One-way0 changes- NX71714:550h40Colchester, East Hill / High Street15:35Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema)£71One-way0 changes
- NX71716:550h40Colchester, East Hill / High Street17:35Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema)£71One-way0 changes
- NX71710:000h40Colchester, East Hill / High Street10:40Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema)£71One-way0 changes
- NX71722:500h35Colchester, East Hill / High Street23:25Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema)£71One-way0 changes
- NX71722:500h35Colchester, East Hill / High Street23:25Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema)£71One-way0 changes
- NX71712:250h40Colchester, East Hill / High Street13:05Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema)£71One-way0 changes
- NX71714:550h40Colchester, East Hill / High Street15:35Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema)£71One-way0 changes
- NX71716:550h40Colchester, East Hill / High Street17:35Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema)£71One-way0 changes
- NX71710:000h40Colchester, East Hill / High Street10:40Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema)£71One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Colchester to Ipswich
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Colchester to Ipswich among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £7. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 19m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.0kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £7, and a train costs an average of £6.
Distance: 26 km
Compare bus with
| Coach | Most popular Train |
|---|---|
£10 Average Price Cheapest | £11 Average Price |
1h 10m Average total duration 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 49m Average total duration Fastest 19m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions | 0.0 - 0.0kg CO2 emissions Lowest |
Most popular bus company |  Most popular train company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Colchester to Ipswich bus times
The table below shows live departures for Colchester to Ipswich coaches for today, Tuesday 4 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NX717 | 22:50 Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 0h35 | 23:25 Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema) | 0 changesdirect | |
| Wednesday 5 August | |||||
| NX717 | 10:00 Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 0h40 | 10:40 Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema) | 0 changesdirect | |
| NX717 | 12:25 Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 0h40 | 13:05 Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema) | 0 changesdirect | |
| NX717 | 14:55 Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 0h40 | 15:35 Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema) | 0 changesdirect | |
| NX717 | 16:55 Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 0h40 | 17:35 Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema) | 0 changesdirect | |
| NX717 | 19:50 Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 0h40 | 20:30 Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema) | 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 Ipswich 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.
Wed
05 Aug
05 Aug
Thu
06 Aug
06 Aug
Fri
07 Aug
07 Aug
Sat
08 Aug
08 Aug
Sun
09 Aug
09 Aug
Mon
10 Aug
10 Aug
Tue
11 Aug
11 Aug
Why should you book Colchester to Ipswich coaches with Omio?
National Express as well as First Essex or Arriva UK offer coaches services from Colchester to Ipswich.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Colchester to Ipswich.
Why book with Omio vs National Express?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for National Express, but also compare tickets for the likes of First Essex or Arriva UK to find the best option for your trip from Colchester to Ipswich.
- 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 Ipswich.
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 Ipswich.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Colchester to Ipswich
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Colchester to Ipswich run on average 6 times per day, taking around 40m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £7 but you can travel from only £6 by train.
There are 6 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 01:11, the last at 23:51. The fastest coach covers the 26 km distance in 35m.
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 £6
Distance 26 km |
Average bus duration 40m |
Cheapest ticket price £7 |
Buses per day 6 |
Direct buses 6 |
Fastest bus 35m |
First bus 1:11 |
Last bus 23:51 |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 1 day |
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 £6
Bus providers: National Express, First Essex, Arriva UK from Colchester to IpswichYou can travel by bus between Colchester to Ipswich with National Express, First Essex, Arriva UK for as low as £6. 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
35m
Cheapest Price
£7
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.
First Essex
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 23m
First Essex frequency
5 a day
Arriva UK
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 14m
Arriva UK frequency
7 a day
Complete guide to Ipswich
Things to do in Ipswich
Discover the best of Ipswich — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Ipswich trip today.
- Must visit
Christchurch Mansion
Gallery in Christchurch Mansion showing works by Constable and Gainsborough, plus changing exhibitions in a historic setting.
- Recommended
The Hold: Ipswich Waterfront
Museum on the redeveloped docks telling the story of Ipswich’s maritime trade, industry and local life through interactive displays.
- Must visit
Ipswich Waterfront
Lively regenerated marina with quayside walks, historic warehouses and wide views; ideal for a relaxed stroll by the water.
- Must visit
Christchurch Park
Large public park with formal gardens, ponds and open lawns around Christchurch Mansion; a favourite green escape near the centre.
- Recommended
Cornhill
Historic square at the civic heart of Ipswich, framed by notable buildings and often used for markets, events and seasonal displays.
Suffolk Sausage
A hearty Suffolk pork sausage, traditionally seasoned with sage and pepper. It is a long-standing county speciality often served with mash or in a sandwich.
- Gluten-free
Suffolk Ham
Cured ham from Suffolk, usually dry-cured and sliced thin. It reflects the county’s strong pork-curing tradition and is a popular local deli staple.
- Gluten-free
Smoked Herring
Smoked herring from the nearby Suffolk coast, especially linked with Lowestoft. Traditionally eaten for breakfast or in fish dishes with a deep smoky flavour.
Melekzade
Well-known Turkish restaurant with grilled meats, meze and warm service in a lively yet comfortable dining room.
Indian Knight
Established Indian restaurant known for refined curries and attentive service in an elegant setting.
The Last Anchor
Stylish marina restaurant serving modern British food, steaks and seafood in a relaxed waterfront setting.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate by UK standards. Hotels and dining cost less than London, while buses and casual meals are fairly affordable for visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fast food or a basic lunch.
- Mid-range
- £18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £50+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4.50 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service is sometimes included in restaurants; otherwise tip about 10% for good service. Taxi fares can be rounded up. Tipping in cafés is optional.
Ipswich Buses App
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2.30
- Day pass
- £4.40
To the city centre
Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema), Ipswich -> Tower Ramparts Bus Station, Ipswich
- Distance
- 1 km
- Travel time
- 15 min
- Contactless payment is accepted on board Ipswich Buses for single, transfer, return, day and family tickets.
- Town fares apply within the Ipswich town zone; adult Town Single is £2.30 and Town Day is £4.40.
FAQs: Colchester to Ipswich coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Colchester to Ipswich 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 Ipswich, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap coach tickets from Colchester to Ipswich can start from as little as £7 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Colchester to Ipswich is £10; 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 Ipswich is 35m to travel the 26 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 Ipswich leaves at 1:11. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Colchester to Ipswich leaves at 23:51.
Yes, there are 6 direct coaches a day from Colchester to Ipswich with National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct coaches.
When taking a coach from Colchester to Ipswich, you can count on National Express, First Essex, Arriva UK for the best way to get you to Ipswich. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Colchester and Ipswich 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, Colchester, Stanwell Street (Bus station) . When arriving in Ipswich , you can end your route in coach stations like Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema).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 Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema), located 0 away from the city centre.
A day trip to Ipswich from Colchester is worth doing with a journey time of 35m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Colchester to Ipswich is November.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Colchester and Ipswich including taking a train and coach.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Colchester to Ipswich for coach company National Express.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Colchester to Ipswich:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Colchester to Ipswich 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 Ipswich.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Colchester to Ipswich:
- 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 Ipswich:
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Colchester to Ipswich.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Colchester to Ipswich with the following coach company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Colchester to Ipswich with the following coach company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Colchester to Ipswich with the following coach company: National Express.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Colchester and Ipswich
Most Colchester to Ipswich buses use the Colchester, East Hill / High Street to Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema) station pair. Use this guide to compare Colchester and Ipswich 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 Ipswich
Which Colchester station do buses to Ipswich leave from?
Buses from Colchester to Ipswich 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.
Colchester, Stanwell Street (Bus station)Colchester Bus Station, Colchester CO2 7DP, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Colchester, Stanwell Street (Bus station) from Colchester city centre
Bus74B, 107, 105, 43 · 3m · £3 · every ~5 min
Colchester, Stanwell Street (Bus station) bus station facilities and services
Colchester, Stanwell Street (Bus station) 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, Stanwell Street (Bus station). ATMs are available at Colchester, Stanwell Street (Bus station).
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Colchester, Stanwell Street (Bus station).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Colchester, Stanwell Street (Bus station): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Colchester, Stanwell Street (Bus station): Wheelchair accessible with ramps.
Which Ipswich station do buses from Colchester arrive at?
Buses from Colchester to Ipswich arrive at Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema). Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema) is 1 km from Ipswich city centre.
Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema)Cardinal Park Cinema, Ipswich IP1 1AX, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema) from Ipswich city centre
TRUE
Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema) bus station facilities and services
Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Restaurants available near Cardinal Park Cinema.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema). ATMs are available at Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema).
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema): Bus stop accessible for wheelchairs.
More options for your journey from Colchester to Ipswich
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Ipswich and Colchester
The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy
We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.
