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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Colchester to Luton
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 10 Sept
Cheapest price on 10 Sept
£31
Average ticket price on 10 Sept
£37
Fastest journey on 10 Sept
5 h
Average journey duration on 10 Sept
5 h 10 m
Buses on 10 Sept
2
Distance
91 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Colchester to Luton is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Colchester to Luton will cost around £37 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £31.
Fast coaches
On Thu 10 Sept, we found 2 buses from Colchester to Luton, including 2 direct services.
These direct buses cover the 91 km distance in an average of 5 h 10 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 5 h .
The slowest buses will take 5 h 20 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.
13:105h00Colchester18:10Luton£311One-way0 changes- 21:355h20Colchester2:55Luton£421One-way0 changes
- 13:105h00Colchester18:10Luton£311One-way0 changes
- 21:355h20Colchester2:55Luton£421One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Colchester to Luton
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Colchester to Luton among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £32 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 12m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.1kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £32, while a coach costs an average of £33.
Distance: 91 km
Compare bus with
| Coach | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£33 Average Price | £32 Average Price Cheapest | £19 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 9m Average total duration 2h 39m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 12m Average total duration Fastest 1h 42m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 36m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions | 0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
Most popular bus company |  Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The cheapest way to travel from Colchester to Luton is a train with an average price of £32.
This is compared to other travel options from Colchester to Luton:
A train is £1 less than a coach for this route with tickets for a coach from Colchester to Luton costing on average £33.
The fastest way to travel from Colchester to Luton is by train with an average journey time of 1h 42m.
Other travel options to Luton take longer:
Coach takes on average 2h 39m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Colchester and Luton including taking a train and coach.
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 £33 compared to roughly £19 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-13.59. The journey takes 2h 39m versus 1h 36m 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 Luton bus times
The table below shows live departures for Colchester to Luton coaches for today, Wednesday 9 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NX717 · NX737 | 18:40 Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 5h19 | 23:59 Luton, Station Interchange | 1 change | |
| NX717 · NX737 | 18:40 Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 5h00 | 23:40 Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station | 1 change | |
| Thursday 10 September | |||||
| 13:10 Colchester | 5h00 | 18:10 Luton | 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 Luton 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.
Thu
10 Sept
10 Sept
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11 Sept
11 Sept
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12 Sept
12 Sept
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13 Sept
13 Sept
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14 Sept
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16 Sept
16 Sept
Why should you book Colchester to Luton coaches with Omio?
National Express as well as First Essex, Hedingham & Chambers, Arriva UK and more offer coaches services from Colchester to Luton.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Colchester to Luton.
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, Hedingham & Chambers or Arriva UK to find the best option for your trip from Colchester to Luton.
- 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 Luton.
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 Luton.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Colchester to Luton
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Colchester to Luton run on average 14 times per day, taking around 2h 39m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £28 but you can travel from only £24 by train.
The earliest coach runs at 02:25, the last at 22:12. The fastest coach covers the 91 km distance in 4h 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
Train from £24
Distance 91 km |
Average bus duration 2h 39m |
Cheapest ticket price £28 |
Buses per day 14 |
Fastest bus 4h 0m |
First bus 2:25 |
Last bus 22:12 |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Fri |
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
Train from £24
Bus providers: National Express, First Essex, Hedingham & Chambers, Arriva UK from Colchester to LutonYou can travel by bus between Colchester to Luton with National Express, First Essex, Hedingham & Chambers, Arriva UK 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 National Express Duration
4h 0m
Cheapest National Express Price
£28
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 11m
First Essex frequency
2 a day
Hedingham & Chambers
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Hedingham & Chambers Duration
3h 52m
Hedingham & Chambers frequency
2 a day
Arriva UK
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Arriva UK Duration
4h 32m
Arriva UK frequency
2 a day
Complete guide to Luton
Things to do in Luton
Discover the best of Luton — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Luton trip today.
- Must visit
Wardown House Museum and Gallery
Museum and gallery in a Victorian mansion, showcasing local history, decorative arts and changing exhibitions in Wardown Park.
- Recommended
The Hat Factory
Collection of historic hats and fashion displays in a former hat factory, highlighting the trade that shaped Luton's identity.
- Recommended
Stockwood Discovery Centre
Gallery venue inside Stockwood Discovery Centre, featuring art displays alongside heritage exhibits in an accessible parkland setting.
- Must visit
Wardown Park
Large landscaped park with formal gardens, lake, museum and open space, ideal for a relaxed walk close to central Luton.
- Recommended
Stockwood Park
Parkland site with gardens, heritage displays and family-friendly walking routes around the Discovery Centre and museum grounds.
- Recommended
Galley and Warden Hills
Nature reserve and chalk downland area with trails and wide views, popular for walking and a quieter escape above the town.
Bedfordshire Clanger
A Bedfordshire classic: suet pastry pudding filled with chopped beef, onions and stock. Long linked to local home cooking across Bedfordshire, including Luton.
- Vegetarian
Stuffed Bedfordshire Onions
A traditional Bedfordshire dish of baked onions stuffed with seasoned sage and breadcrumbs. It reflects thrifty local cooking from the surrounding county.
Bedfordshire Suet Crust Pie
A rich suet pastry pie with bacon, onions and potatoes. It is an old Bedfordshire comfort food once popular with labourers and farming families.
Monna Lisa
Popular Turkish restaurant serving grilled meats, meze and flatbreads in a lively modern setting close to the town centre.
Gautam's
Well-known South Indian venue specialising in dosas, curries and vegetarian dishes in a relaxed, informal atmosphere.
Off The Wall
Established steakhouse and grill known for steaks, burgers and hearty mains in a smart but approachable setting.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for the UK. Hotels near the airport can be pricey, but dining and local buses are usually cheaper than in London.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-12 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- £15-25 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £45+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service may be included in restaurants; if not, 10-12.5% is common for good service. Taxis are often rounded up. Café tipping is optional.
Intalink
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2.00
- Day pass
- £5.00
To the city centre
Luton Dunstable Road (Challney) -> Luton Interchange
- Distance
- 3 km
- Travel time
- 12 min
- Tap contactless on most local buses where offered, but check the operator before boarding because ticketing varies between Arriva, Centrebus and others.
- For flexible bus travel across Luton and Dunstable, the Hip Hop multi-operator day ticket is the clearest official day ticket option at £5.00.
FAQs: Colchester to Luton coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Colchester to Luton 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 Luton, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap coach tickets from Colchester to Luton can start from as little as £28 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Colchester to Luton is £33; 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 Luton is 4h 0m to travel the 91 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 Luton leaves at 2:25. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Colchester to Luton leaves at 22:12.
There are 14 coaches a day from Colchester to Luton which require at least one change with National Express, First Essex, Hedingham & Chambers, Arriva UK. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.
When taking a coach from Colchester to Luton, you can count on National Express, First Essex, Hedingham & Chambers, Arriva UK for the best way to get you to Luton. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Colchester and Luton 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 Luton , you can end your route in coach stations like Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station, Luton, Station Interchange, Luton, Dunstable Road (Challney).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 Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station, located 2 away from the city centre.
A trip to Luton from Colchester is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 4h 0m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Colchester to Luton is December.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Colchester and Luton including taking a train and coach.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Colchester to Luton:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Colchester to Luton for coach company National Express.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Colchester to Luton 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 Luton.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Colchester to Luton:
- 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 Luton:
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Colchester to Luton.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Colchester to Luton with the following coach company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Colchester to Luton with the following coach company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Colchester to Luton with the following coach company: National Express.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Colchester and Luton
Most Colchester to Luton buses use the Colchester, East Hill / High Street to Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station station pair, with some services arriving at Luton, Station Interchange. Use this guide to compare Colchester and Luton 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 Luton
Which Colchester station do buses to Luton leave from?
Buses from Colchester to Luton 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 Luton station do buses from Colchester arrive at?
Buses from Colchester to Luton most often arrive at Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station. Some services arrive at Luton, Station Interchange, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Luton arrival station.
Luton, Station InterchangeLuton Station Interchange, Luton LU1 2WG, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Luton, Station Interchange from Luton city centre
Bus17 · 7m · £2 · every ~2 min
Luton, Station Interchange bus station facilities and services
Luton, Station Interchange has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Cafes and fast food options nearby.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
WiFi is available at nearby facilities. ATMs are aTM available within short walking distance.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Luton, Station Interchange.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Luton, Station Interchange: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Luton, Station Interchange: Ramps and accessible routes available for wheelchairs.
Luton, Halfway Avenue/Dunstable Road (Challney)Dunstable Rd, Luton, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Luton, Halfway Avenue/Dunstable Road (Challney) from Luton city centre
Luton, Halfway Avenue/Dunstable Road (Challney) is 3 km from Luton city centre. Public transport options include:
BusZ · 11m · £2 · every ~15 min
A · 1h 5m · £2 · every ~13 min
Luton, Halfway Avenue/Dunstable Road (Challney) bus station facilities and services
Luton, Halfway Avenue/Dunstable Road (Challney) 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 Luton, Halfway Avenue/Dunstable Road (Challney). ATMs are available at Luton, Halfway Avenue/Dunstable Road (Challney).
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Luton, Halfway Avenue/Dunstable Road (Challney).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Luton, Halfway Avenue/Dunstable Road (Challney): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Luton, Halfway Avenue/Dunstable Road (Challney): Limited accessibility.
More options for your journey from Colchester to Luton
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Luton and Colchester
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