- Must visit
HMS Victory
A major naval museum where visitors can board Nelson’s flagship and explore life at sea through preserved decks and displays.
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Journey information
Overview: Bus from Colchester to Portsmouth
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Colchester to Portsmouth run on average 27 times per day, taking around 5h 32m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £30 if you book in advance.
The earliest coach runs at 02:35, the last at 20:20. The fastest coach covers the 184 km distance in 4h 20m.
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 184 km |
Average bus duration 5h 32m |
Cheapest ticket price £30 |
Buses per day 27 |
Fastest bus 4h 20m |
First bus 2:35 |
Last bus 20:20 |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Best time to book 14 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
Frequently asked questions about your Colchester to Portsmouth trip
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Colchester to Portsmouth.
Cheap coach tickets from Colchester to Portsmouth can start from as little as £30 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Colchester to Portsmouth is £54; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The earliest coach from Colchester to Portsmouth leaves at 2:35. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Colchester to Portsmouth leaves at 20:20.
There are 27 coaches a day from Colchester to Portsmouth which require at least one change with National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.
Why should you book Colchester to Portsmouth coaches with Omio?
National Express operates all coaches services from Colchester to Portsmouth.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Colchester to Portsmouth.
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 Portsmouth.
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 Portsmouth.
Bus providers: National Express from Colchester to PortsmouthYou can travel by bus between Colchester to Portsmouth with National Express for as low as £30. 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 20m
Cheapest National Express Price
£30
National Express frequency
27 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.
Companies, tickets, and onboard amenities between Colchester and Portsmouth
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
When taking a coach from Colchester to Portsmouth, you can count on National Express for the best way to get you to Portsmouth. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Colchester and Portsmouth and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Colchester to Portsmouth:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Colchester to Portsmouth for coach company National Express.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Colchester to Portsmouth 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 {providersWithBike}.
No, there is no food available to purchase on board the coach from Colchester to Portsmouth.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Colchester to Portsmouth:
- 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 Portsmouth:
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Colchester to Portsmouth.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Colchester to Portsmouth with the following coach company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Colchester to Portsmouth with the following coach company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Colchester to Portsmouth with the following coach company: National Express.
Complete guide to Portsmouth
Things to do in Portsmouth
Discover the best of Portsmouth — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Portsmouth trip today.
- Recommended
HMS Alliance
This working museum ship reveals cramped Victorian submarine life and the engineering behind one of Britain’s earliest submarines.
- Recommended
Portsmouth Museum and Art Gallery
Portsmouth’s city museum covers local history, football heritage and art, with exhibits spanning the city’s people and places.
- Must visit
Old Portsmouth
A historic waterfront district with cobbled lanes, pubs, sea walls and several key heritage sites within easy walking distance.
- Must visit
Southsea Seafront
A long pebble beach promenade with piers, gardens and open sea views, well suited to relaxed walks along the Southsea seafront.
- Recommended
Southsea Common
A broad common by the Solent, popular for walks, picnics and views of passing ships, the Isle of Wight and seafront landmarks.
- Vegetarian
Hampshire hog cake
A rich fruit cake packed with dried fruit, spice and treacle, long associated with Hampshire baking and often enjoyed at Christmas and local celebrations.
- Gluten-free
South Coast crab
Fresh crab landed on the South Coast, usually served simply in sandwiches, salads or dressed shells, prized for sweet meat and Portsmouth’s seaside setting.
- Gluten-free
Fisherman’s pie
A classic Portsmouth and Hampshire pub dish of smoked haddock, potato and onion in a creamy sauce, baked until golden and comforting in coastal weather.
The Fisherman's Kitchen
Popular Southsea spot for classic fish and chips and fresh seafood, with a casual atmosphere close to the seafront.
The Briny
Smart waterfront restaurant in Old Portsmouth serving modern British dishes with strong seafood options in an elegant, relaxed setting.
Still and West
Historic pub in Old Portsmouth known for traditional British cooking, cask ales and harbour views in a characterful setting.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for the UK. Hotels can be pricey in summer, but dining and local buses remain manageable for most city-break budgets.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- £18-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £60+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4.50 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Restaurants: 10-12.5% if not already added. Taxis: round up or 10%. Cafés and pubs: tipping is optional, though small change is appreciated for table service.
First Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £3.50
- Day pass
- £14.00
To the city centre
The Hard Interchange -> Commercial Road, Portsmouth
- Distance
- 0.8 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Contactless payment is available on local buses, and First buses in Portsmouth support tap on, tap off for automatic best fare calculation.
- The Hard Interchange links buses with Portsmouth Harbour rail station, Gosport Ferry and Isle of Wight services, so it is the main interchange for onward travel.
FAQs: Colchester to Portsmouth coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Colchester to Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Colchester and Portsmouth including taking a train and coach.
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.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Colchester and Portsmouth
Most Colchester to Portsmouth buses use the Colchester, East Hill / High Street to Portsmouth, University station pair, with some services arriving at Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange. Use this guide to compare Colchester and Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth
Which Colchester station do buses to Portsmouth leave from?
Buses from Colchester to Portsmouth 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 · £1 · 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.
Portsmouth, University
Portsmouth, The Hard InterchangeThe Hard Interchange, Portsmouth PO1 3DT, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange from Portsmouth city centre
Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange is 1 km from Portsmouth city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainLondon Victoria - Portsmouth Harbour, Brighton - Portsmouth Harbour, Littlehampton - Portsmouth Harbour, Three Bridges - Portsmouth Harbour, Barnham - Portsmouth Harbour, Gatwick Airport - Portsmouth Harbour, Havant - Portsmouth Harbour, Bognor Regis - Portsmouth Harbour · 3m · £1 · every ~4 min
Bus1, 2, 8, 3, 7, X4, H1, X5, Pr1 · 6m · £2 · every ~214 min
Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange bus station facilities and services
Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Café at The Hard (in the station), Fast Food Outlet (in the station).
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange: Elevators, ramps.
Portsmouth, International PortWharf Road, Portsmouth PO2 8RU, United Kingdom
City-centre transport
Getting to Portsmouth, International Port from Portsmouth city centre
Portsmouth, International Port is 1 km from Portsmouth city centre. Public transport options include:
BusX4, X5, Pr1 · 3m · every ~55 min
8, 3, 7, X4, X5 · 6m · £2 · every ~113 min
725 · 15m · £2
Portsmouth, International Port bus station facilities and services
Portsmouth, International Port has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Café in the terminal (in the station), Fast-food outlet (in the station).
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance of the terminal.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Portsmouth, International Port.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Portsmouth, International Port: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Portsmouth, International Port: Elevators, ramps.
Most popular bus connections from Colchester
More options for your journey from Colchester to Portsmouth
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Portsmouth and Colchester
Most popular bus connections
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