Colchester to Leicester bus with National Express

Tue 21 Apr
+ Add return
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Colchester to Leicester

Showing times and prices for 21 Apr

Cheapest price

£43

Average price

£48

Fastest journey

5 h

Average duration

5 h 22 m

Buses per day

18

Distance

162 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Colchester to Leicester will cost around £48 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £43.

Fast coaches

To travel from Colchester to Leicester you need to make at least one change.

  • National ExpressNX717 · NXA8 · NX440
    5:358h50
    Colchester, East Hill / High Street
    14:25Leicester, Braunstone
    £431One-way
    2 changes
  • National ExpressNX717 · NXA8 · NX440
    5:358h50
    Colchester, East Hill / High Street
    14:25Leicester, Braunstone
    £431One-way
    2 changes
  • National ExpressNX717 · NXA8 · NX440
    14:108h20
    Colchester, East Hill / High Street
    22:30Leicester, Braunstone
    £431One-way
    2 changes
  • National ExpressNX717 · NXA8 · NX440
    14:108h20
    Colchester, East Hill / High Street
    22:30Leicester, Braunstone
    £431One-way
    2 changes
  • National ExpressNX717 · NX777
    16:455h00
    Colchester, East Hill / High Street
    21:45Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station
    £461One-way
    1 change

Travel Information

Compare train and coach for Colchester to Leicester

Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Colchester to Leicester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £30. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 43m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £30, and a train costs an average of £24.

Distance: 162 km

Compare bus with

Most popular
Coach
Train

£41

Average Price

Cheapest

£50

Average Price

5h 10m

Average total duration

4h 40m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 13m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 43m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

National Express

Most popular bus company

East Midlands Railway

Most popular train company

Direct Options

Direct Options

Live departures

Colchester to Leicester bus times

The table below shows live departures for Colchester to Leicester coaches for today, Monday 20 April. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
national_express21:35 Colchester
6h55
4:30 Leicester0 changesdirect
Tuesday 21 April
national_expressNX717 · NXA8 · NX440
Delayed
7:40 2:35Colchester, East Hill / High Street
7h45
10:20 Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station
2 changes
national_expressNX717 · NXA6 · NX440
Delayed
7:40 2:35Colchester, East Hill / High Street
7h35
10:10 Leicester, Braunstone
2 changes
national_expressNX717 · NXA6 · NX440
Delayed
7:40 2:35Colchester, East Hill / High Street
7h45
10:20 Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station
2 changes
national_expressNX717 · NXA8 · NX440
Delayed
7:40 2:35Colchester, East Hill / High Street
7h35
10:10 Leicester, Braunstone
2 changes
national_expressNX717 · NXA8 · NX440
Delayed
7:40 5:35Colchester, East Hill / High Street
8h50
14:25 Leicester, Braunstone
2 changes
national_expressNX717 · NX737 · NX230
Delayed
7:40 5:35Colchester, East Hill / High Street
6h00
11:35 Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station
2 changes
national_expressNX717 · NXA8 · NX440
Delayed
7:40 5:35Colchester, East Hill / High Street
8h50
14:25 Leicester, Braunstone
2 changes
national_expressNX717 · NX777
On time
8:40 Colchester, East Hill / High Street
5h10
13:50 Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station
1 change
national_expressNX717 · NXA8 · NX440
On time
8:40 Colchester, East Hill / High Street
8h00
16:40 Leicester, Braunstone
2 changes
national_expressNX717 · NXA8 · NX440
On time
11:55 Colchester, East Hill / High Street
8h30
20:25 Leicester, Braunstone
2 changes
national_expressNX717 · NX737 · NX230
On time
11:55 Colchester, East Hill / High Street
6h40
18:35 Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station
2 changes
national_expressNX717 · NXA8 · NX440
On time
11:55 Colchester, East Hill / High Street
8h30
20:25 Leicester, Braunstone
2 changes
national_expressNX717 · NXA8 · NX440
On time
14:10 Colchester, East Hill / High Street
8h20
22:30 Leicester, Braunstone
2 changes
national_expressNX717 · NX777
On time
14:10 Colchester, East Hill / High Street
5h40
19:50 Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station
1 change
national_expressNX717 · NXA8 · NX440
On time
14:10 Colchester, East Hill / High Street
8h20
22:30 Leicester, Braunstone
2 changes
national_expressNX717 · NX777
On time
16:45 Colchester, East Hill / High Street
5h00
21:45 Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station
1 change
national_expressNX717 · NX737 · NX440
On time
16:45 Colchester, East Hill / High Street
8h10
0:55 Leicester, Braunstone
2 changes
national_expressNX717 · NX777
On time
18:40 Colchester, East Hill / High Street
5h00
23:40 Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station
1 change

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Colchester to Leicester 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.

Tue
21 Apr
Wed
22 Apr
Thu
23 Apr
Fri
24 Apr
Sat
25 Apr
Sun
26 Apr
Mon
27 Apr

Why should you book Colchester to Leicester coaches with Omio?

National Express operates all coaches services from Colchester to Leicester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Colchester to Leicester.

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 Leicester.

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 Leicester.

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Colchester to Leicester

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Colchester to Leicester run on average 20 times per day, taking around 4h 40m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £30 but you can travel from only £24 by train.

The earliest coach runs at 03:05, the last at 23:45. The fastest coach covers the 162 km distance in 6h 55m.

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 £24
Distance
162 km
Average bus duration
4h 40m
Cheapest ticket price
£30
Buses per day
20
Fastest bus
6h 55m
First bus
3:05
Last bus
23:45
Cheapest Month
Feb
Cheapest Day
Wed
High Season
Jan - Mar
Low Season
Oct - Dec
Busiest Day
Fri
Least Busy Day
Fri
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 £24

Bus providers: National Express from Colchester to LeicesterYou can travel by bus between Colchester to Leicester with 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
6h 55m
Cheapest Price
£30
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.

FAQs: Colchester to Leicester coach

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

FAQs
Cheap coach tickets from Colchester to Leicester can start from as little as £30 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Colchester to Leicester is £41; 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 Leicester is 6h 55m to travel the 162 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 Leicester leaves at 3:05. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Colchester to Leicester leaves at 23:45.
There are 20 coaches a day from Colchester to Leicester 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 Leicester, you can count on National Express for the best way to get you to Leicester. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Colchester and Leicester and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
A trip to Leicester from Colchester is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 6h 55m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Colchester to Leicester is February.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Colchester and Leicester including taking a train and coach.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Colchester to Leicester:
  • National Express
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Colchester to Leicester for coach company National Express.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Colchester to Leicester 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 Leicester.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Colchester to Leicester:
  • 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 Leicester:
  • National Express
    • 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Colchester to Leicester.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Colchester to Leicester with the following coach company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Colchester to Leicester with the following coach company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Colchester to Leicester with the following coach company: National Express.

popular bus stations

Important Stations and Airports in Colchester and Leicester

Colchester
Leicester
The major coach station for departures in Colchester is Colchester, East Hill / High Street. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Colchester, East Hill / High Street for your trip from Colchester to Leicester.
Colchester, East Hill / High Street
information

More options for your journey from Colchester to Leicester

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

HomeCoachesCoach tickets to Leicester Colchester to Leicester bus

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