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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Colchester to Portsmouth
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 10 Sept
Cheapest price on 10 Sept
£37
Average ticket price on 10 Sept
£37
Fastest journey on 10 Sept
7 h 40 m
Average journey duration on 10 Sept
7 h 40 m
Buses on 10 Sept
1
Distance
184 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Colchester to Portsmouth is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Colchester to Portsmouth will cost around £37 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £37.
Fast coaches
On Thu 10 Sept, we found 1 buses from Colchester to Portsmouth, including 1 direct services.
These direct buses cover the 184 km distance in an average of 7 h 40 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 7 h 40 m .
The slowest buses will take 7 h 40 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.
12:107h40Colchester19:50Portsmouth£371One-way0 changes
- 12:107h40Colchester19:50Portsmouth£371One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Colchester to Portsmouth
Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Colchester to Portsmouth among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £44 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 4h 7m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £44, while a train costs an average of £92.
Distance: 184 km
Compare bus with
Most popular Coach | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£44 Average Price Cheapest | £92 Average Price | £35 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 49m Average total duration 5h 19m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 7m Average total duration Fastest 3h 37m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 34m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
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 Portsmouth is a coach with an average price of £44.
This is compared to other travel options from Colchester to Portsmouth:
A coach is £49 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Colchester to Portsmouth costing on average £92.
The fastest way to travel from Colchester to Portsmouth is by train with an average journey time of 3h 37m.
Other travel options to Portsmouth take longer:
Coach takes on average 5h 19m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Colchester and Portsmouth 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 £44 compared to roughly £35 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-8.34. The journey takes 5h 19m versus 2h 34m 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 Portsmouth bus times
The table below shows live departures for Colchester to Portsmouth coaches for tomorrow, Thursday 10 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12:10 Colchester | 7h40 | 19:50 Portsmouth | 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 Portsmouth 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
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16 Sept
16 Sept
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.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Colchester to Portsmouth
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Colchester to Portsmouth run on average 24 times per day, taking around 5h 19m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £39 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 7h 35m.
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 19m |
Cheapest ticket price £39 |
Buses per day 24 |
Fastest bus 7h 35m |
First bus 2:35 |
Last bus 20:20 |
Cheapest Month Sept |
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
Bus providers: National Express from Colchester to PortsmouthYou can travel by bus between Colchester to Portsmouth with National Express for as low as £39. 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
7h 35m
Cheapest National Express Price
£39
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.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
Cheap coach tickets from Colchester to Portsmouth can start from as little as £39 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Colchester to Portsmouth is £44; 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 Portsmouth is 7h 35m to travel the 184 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 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 24 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.
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.
A trip to Portsmouth from Colchester is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 7h 35m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Colchester to Portsmouth is September.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Colchester and Portsmouth including taking a train and coach.
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 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 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.
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 · £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.
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 · £0.90 · 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.
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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