- Must visit
Turner Contemporary
Contemporary gallery on the seafront showing modern and historic art linked to J M W Turner and the changing light of the Kent coast.
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Journey information
Overview: Bus from Colchester to Margate
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Take a bus from Colchester to Margate and enjoy the approximately 66 km long journey. Find schedules and pricing options for a convenient and affordable trip.
The earliest coach runs at 02:35, the last at 16:45.
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 66 km |
First bus 2:35 |
Last bus 16:45 |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sept |
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
Live departures
Colchester to Margate bus times
The table below shows live departures for Colchester to Margate coaches for today, Monday 12 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 16:30 Colchester | 7h55 | 0:25 Margate | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Complete guide to Margate
Things to do in Margate
Discover the best of Margate — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Margate trip today.
- Recommended
The Crab Museum
Museum exploring the history of crab museum collections through natural science, art and humour. A quirky recent favourite in the Old Town.
- Recommended
Tracey Karloff
Artist Tracey Emin’s gallery and studio space in Margate, presenting rotating exhibitions of contemporary art in a carefully restored bathhouse.
- Must visit
Margate Main Sands
Sandy Blue Flag beach beside the harbour and old town. Ideal for sea views, paddling and classic seaside atmosphere close to major attractions.
- Recommended
Margate Harbour Arm
Historic harbour arm and quayside with sea views, galleries, events and access to the lighthouse. A lively place for a walk in all seasons.
- Recommended
Margate Old Town
Characterful quarter of narrow streets with independent shops, antiques, small galleries and historic buildings just behind the seafront.
- Gluten-free
Kent Oysters
Fresh native oysters from the Kent coast, long linked to nearby Whitstable and Thanet. Briny, mineral and traditionally eaten simply with lemon.
Fish And Chips
A classic seaside supper of battered white fish and chips, deeply rooted in Margate’s harbour and beach culture.
- Gluten-free
Smoked Or Pickled Herring
Fresh herring, traditionally cured or smoked in Kent. It reflects the historic fishing trade along the Thanet coast.
Barletta
Established bistro and wine bar in Margate Old Town, serving seasonal small plates and European-leaning cooking.
Angela's
Popular seafront seafood restaurant by the harbour, known for fresh fish, shellfish and relaxed coastal views.
The Greedy Cow
Stylish casual spot near the seafront serving brunch, coffee and modern British plates in a bright, friendly setting.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for a UK seaside town. Dining and accommodation are often cheaper than London, but summer weekends and seafront stays can raise prices.
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
- £3-4.50 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is usual if service is good and not already added. Round up small taxi fares. Cafés do not expect tips, but spare change is welcome.
Stagecoach Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £3
- Day pass
- £4.50
To the city centre
Margate, Marine Terrace -> Margate Town Centre, Cecil Square
- Distance
- 0.8 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Stagecoach operates most local buses in Margate, including the Loop linking Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate. Contactless payment is available on Stagecoach buses.
- If you plan several bus journeys in Thanet, a DayRider may be better value than separate single fares. Buy tickets on board or in the Stagecoach Bus app.
Best day trips from Margate by bus
The most popular day trips by bus from Margate are Canterbury, Broadstairs, Ramsgate, Whitstable and Herne Bay. Find out what you can do in these day trip destinations and how to book your bus from Margate on Omio.
Day trip from Margate to Canterbury by bus
Why visit Canterbury for the day?
Canterbury is best known for its cathedral, medieval streets and long role in English religious history. Its compact centre mixes historic buildings with a lively student atmosphere, independent shops and riverside walks.
How to get from Margate to Canterbury by bus?
There are 4 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 00:18, the last at 23:55. The fastest coach covers the 24 km distance in 35m.
Day trip from Margate to Broadstairs by bus
Why visit Broadstairs for the day?
Broadstairs is a Kent seaside town known for sandy bays and its connection to Charles Dickens. Viking Bay, cliff walks and a traditional promenade give it a relaxed coastal character.
How to get from Margate to Broadstairs by bus?
The earliest coach runs at 00:14, the last at 23:30.
Day trip from Margate to Ramsgate by bus
Why visit Ramsgate for the day?
Ramsgate is a Kent seaside town known for its Royal Harbour, elegant seafront and sandy beach. Its maritime history, links to the Dunkirk evacuation and lively waterfront give it a practical, historic character.
How to get from Margate to Ramsgate by bus?
The earliest coach runs at 00:05, the last at 23:35.
Day trip from Margate to Whitstable by bus
Why visit Whitstable for the day?
Whitstable is a north Kent seaside town known for oysters, a working harbour and a relaxed maritime feel. Its shingle beach, beach huts and independent cafés give it an easy-going character shaped by fishing traditions.
How to get from Margate to Whitstable by bus?
There are 5 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 00:17, the last at 23:30. The fastest coach covers the 25 km distance in 55m.
Day trip from Margate to Herne Bay by bus
Why visit Herne Bay for the day?
Herne Bay is a traditional Kent seaside town known for its shingle beach and Victorian seafront. It feels calmer than larger resorts, with beach huts, coastal walks and a distinct north Kent maritime character.
How to get from Margate to Herne Bay by bus?
The earliest coach runs at 00:33, the last at 22:17.
FAQs: Colchester to Margate coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Colchester to Margate 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 Margate, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The earliest coach from Colchester to Margate leaves at 2:35. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Colchester to Margate leaves at 16:45.
Yes, you can take a train between Colchester and Margate.
No, the coach from Colchester to Margate has no accessibility options.
No, there are no bathrooms on board the coach from Colchester to Margate.
No, bikes are not allowed on board the coach from Colchester to Margate.
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.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the coach from Colchester to Margate.
No, luggage for the coach from Colchester to Margate needs to be booked in addition.
No, there are no additional luggage options for the coach from Colchester to Margate.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Colchester to Margate.
No, there are no USB plugs on board the coach from Colchester to Margate.
No, there is no WiFi on board the coach from Colchester to Margate.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Colchester and Margate
Most Colchester to Margate buses use the Colchester, East Hill / High Street to Margate, Marine Terrace station pair, with some services arriving at Cliftonville, Northdown Road. Use this guide to compare Colchester and Margate 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 Margate
Which Colchester station do buses to Margate leave from?
Buses from Colchester to Margate 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 · £0.89 · 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 Margate station do buses from Colchester arrive at?
Buses from Colchester to Margate most often arrive at Margate, Marine Terrace. Some services arrive at Cliftonville, Northdown Road, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Margate arrival station.
Margate, Marine TerraceMargate, Station Approach, Margate CT9 5AD, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Margate, Marine Terrace from Margate city centre
Bus35 · 7m
944, 8 · 10m · £3 · every ~4 min
Margate, Marine Terrace bus station facilities and services
Margate, Marine Terrace 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 Margate, Marine Terrace. ATMs are available at Margate, Marine Terrace.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Margate, Marine Terrace.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Margate, Marine Terrace: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Margate, Marine Terrace: The station is accessible for wheelchair users.
Cliftonville, Northdown RoadNorthdown Rd, Cliftonville, Margate CT9, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Cliftonville, Northdown Road from Margate city centre
Cliftonville, Northdown Road is 1 km from Margate city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus8A, 960 · 14m · £3 · every ~5 min
Cliftonville, Northdown Road bus station facilities and services
Cliftonville, Northdown Road 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 Cliftonville, Northdown Road. ATMs are available at Cliftonville, Northdown Road.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Cliftonville, Northdown Road.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cliftonville, Northdown Road: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Cliftonville, Northdown Road: Accessible for persons with mobility impairments.
Margate, Cliftonville Darwin Court
City-centre transport
Getting to Margate, Cliftonville Darwin Court from Margate city centre
Bus69 · 9m · £3 · every ~2 min
Most popular bus connections from Colchester
More options for your journey from Colchester to Margate
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Margate and Colchester
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