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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Colchester to Leicester
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 04 Sept
Cheapest price on 04 Sept
£43
Average ticket price on 04 Sept
£47
Fastest journey on 04 Sept
6 h 55 m
Average journey duration on 04 Sept
6 h 58 m
Buses on 04 Sept
2
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 £47 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £43.
Fast coaches
On Fri 04 Sept, we found 2 buses from Colchester to Leicester, including 2 direct services.
These direct buses cover the 162 km distance in an average of 6 h 58 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 6 h 55 m .
The slowest buses will take 7 h 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.
15:457h00Colchester22:45Leicester£431One-way0 changes- 21:356h55Colchester4:30Leicester£511One-way0 changes
- 21:356h55Colchester4:30Leicester£511One-way0 changes
- 15:457h00Colchester22:45Leicester£431One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare coach and train 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 an average ticket price of £37 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 16m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £37, while a train costs an average of £45.
Distance: 162 km
Compare bus with
Most popular Coach | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£37 Average Price Cheapest | £45 Average Price | £32 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 13m Average total duration 3h 43m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 16m Average total duration Fastest 2h 46m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 44m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Most popular bus company |  Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Colchester to Leicester is a coach with an average price of £37.
This is compared to other travel options from Colchester to Leicester:
A coach is £8 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Colchester to Leicester costing on average £45.
The fastest way to travel from Colchester to Leicester is by train with an average journey time of 2h 46m.
Other travel options to Leicester take longer:
Coach takes on average 3h 43m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Colchester and Leicester including taking a coach and train.
Take the bus. It's the cheapest way to make this trip, and the price gap is usually bigger than people expect.
Tickets start at around £37 compared to roughly £32 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-5.10. The journey takes 3h 43m versus 2h 44m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
Live departures
Colchester to Leicester bus times
The table below shows live departures for Colchester to Leicester coaches for tomorrow, Friday 4 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15:45 Colchester | 7h00 | 22:45 Leicester | 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 Leicester by coach or train
Compare coach and train 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.
Fri
04 Sept
04 Sept
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05 Sept
05 Sept
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Why should you book Colchester to Leicester coaches with Omio?
National Express as well as First Essex offer 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?
- 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 to find the best option for your trip from Colchester to Leicester.
- 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 and train 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 bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Colchester to Leicester.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Colchester to Leicester
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Colchester to Leicester run on average 16 times per day, taking around 3h 43m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £32 if you book in advance.
The earliest coach runs at 02:35, the last at 23:45. The fastest coach covers the 162 km distance in 5h 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
Distance 162 km |
Average bus duration 3h 43m |
Cheapest ticket price £32 |
Buses per day 16 |
Fastest bus 5h 0m |
First bus 2:35 |
Last bus 23:45 |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
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
Bus providers: National Express, First Essex from Colchester to LeicesterYou can travel by bus between Colchester to Leicester with National Express, First Essex for as low as £32. 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 National Express Duration
5h 0m
Cheapest National Express Price
£32
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.
What's included in each class
Compare National Express classes and the amenities included in each one.
First Essex
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average First Essex Duration
4h 5m
First Essex frequency
4 a day
Complete guide to Leicester
Things to do in Leicester
Discover the best of Leicester — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Leicester trip today.
- Must visit
King Richard III Visitor Centre
Modern museum telling the story of Richard III through archaeology, history and the king’s Leicester burial site.
- Recommended
Leicester Museum & Art Gallery
Leicester’s main art and history museum, with dinosaur galleries, fine art and displays on the city’s people and past.
- Recommended
Jewry Wall Museum
Museum beside Roman remains, exploring local archaeology from Roman Leicester to later city history in a compact setting.
- Recommended
St Martin's Square
Lively regenerated waterside with bars, boats, public art and an easy walk linking the city centre to the canal heritage area.
- Recommended
Victoria Park
Large central park with formal gardens, broad lawns and space to relax near the university and city centre.
- Recommended
Abbey Park
Attractive green space around abbey ruins and the River Soar, good for walks, wildlife and traces of medieval Leicester.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Red Leicester Cheese
Red Leicester is a crumbly orange cow’s milk cheese from Leicestershire, long linked to the county and traditionally coloured with annatto for its rich hue.
Melton Mowbray Pork Pie
Melton Mowbray pork pie is a hand-raised pie from Leicestershire with seasoned chopped pork and a distinctive free-form crust, traditionally eaten cold.
- Gluten-free
Stilton
Stilton is a famous English blue cheese historically traded through Leicestershire, prized for its creamy texture and strong savoury flavour on local cheeseboards.
Laguna
Popular Indian restaurant on the Golden Mile known for rich curries, tandoori dishes and a lively, family-friendly atmosphere.
Knight & Garter
Stylish modern British restaurant and bar in St Martins Square, known for seasonal plates, cocktails and a polished but relaxed dining room.
Shivalli
Long-running vegetarian Gujarati restaurant serving thalis, snacks and sweets in a simple, busy setting loved by local families.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for a UK city. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while local buses and casual meals remain fairly affordable 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
- £50+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £2.80-4 for a coffee.
Tipping culture
Service may be included in restaurants; if not, 10-12.5% is common for good service. Round up taxi fares. Tipping in cafés is optional, often just small change.
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.
Cheap coach tickets from Colchester to Leicester can start from as little as £32 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Colchester to Leicester is £37; 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 5h 0m 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 2:35. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Colchester to Leicester leaves at 23:45.
There are 16 coaches a day from Colchester to Leicester which require at least one change with National Express, First Essex. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.
When taking a coach from Colchester to Leicester, you can count on National Express, First Essex 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.
When departing from Colchester , you have various coach station options to start your route from including Colchester, East Hill / High Street . When arriving in Leicester , you can end your route in coach stations like Leicester, Braunstone, Leicester, St.Margaret's 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 Leicester, Braunstone, located 3 away from the city centre.
A trip to Leicester from Colchester is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 5h 0m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Colchester to Leicester is March.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Colchester and Leicester including taking a coach and train.
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.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the coach with 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.
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
Most Colchester to Leicester buses use the Colchester, East Hill / High Street to Leicester, Braunstone station pair, with some services arriving at Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station. Use this guide to compare Colchester and Leicester 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 Leicester
Which Colchester station do buses to Leicester leave from?
Buses from Colchester to Leicester 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 Leicester station do buses from Colchester arrive at?
Buses from Colchester to Leicester most often arrive at Leicester, Braunstone. Some services arrive at Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Leicester arrival station.
Leicester, BraunstoneBraunstone Town, Leicester, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Leicester, Braunstone from Leicester city centre
Leicester, Braunstone is 3 km from Leicester city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus153, 158 · 7m · £2 · every ~9 min
153, 158 · 11m · £2 · every ~9 min
Nd · 20m · every ~9 min
20 · 26m · £2 · every ~4 min
Leicester, Braunstone bus station facilities and services
Leicester, Braunstone has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Snack outlets in the nearby vicinity.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Leicester, Braunstone. ATMs are available at Leicester, Braunstone.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Leicester, Braunstone.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Leicester, Braunstone: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Leicester, Braunstone: Basic wheelchair accessibility.
Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station
City-centre transport
Getting to Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station from Leicester city centre
BusHop · 0m · £2 · every ~14 min
26 · 1m · every ~10 min
21 · 4m
More options for your journey from Colchester to Leicester
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Leicester and Colchester
Most popular bus connections
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