- Must visit
SeaCity Museum
Maritime museum telling the story of the Titanic, the docks and ocean travel. One of Southampton’s key visitor attractions.
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Colchester to Southampton
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 20 Sept
Cheapest price on 20 Sept
£32
Average ticket price on 20 Sept
£40
Fastest journey on 20 Sept
5 h 25 m
Average journey duration on 20 Sept
6 h 11 m
Buses on 20 Sept
20
Distance
194 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Colchester to Southampton is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Colchester to Southampton will cost around £40 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £32.
Fast coaches
To travel from Colchester to Southampton you need to make at least 2 changes.
NX717 · NXA8 · NX03214:107h40Colchester, East Hill / High Street21:50Southampton, Coach Station£321One-way2 changes- NX717 · NXA8 · NX03214:107h20Colchester, East Hill / High Street21:30Southampton, University£321One-way2 changes
- NX717 · NXA8 · NX03214:107h40Colchester, East Hill / High Street21:50Southampton, Coach Station£321One-way2 changes
- NX717 · NXA8 · NX03214:107h20Colchester, East Hill / High Street21:30Southampton, University£321One-way2 changes
- NX717 · NXA8 · NX03216:407h10Colchester, East Hill / High Street23:50Southampton, University£331One-way2 changes
- NX717 · NX727 · NX0325:355h25Colchester, East Hill / High Street11:00Southampton, University£541One-way2 changes
- NX717 · NX727 · NX0325:355h45Colchester, East Hill / High Street11:20Southampton, Coach Station£541One-way2 changes
- NX717 · NX727 · NX0328:506h00Colchester, East Hill / High Street14:50Southampton, Coach Station£601One-way2 changes
- NX717 · NXA8 · NX03218:406h50Colchester, East Hill / High Street1:30Southampton, Coach Station£431One-way2 changes
- NX717 · NXA6 · NX0322:356h55Colchester, East Hill / High Street9:30Southampton, University£531One-way2 changes
Travel Information
Compare coach and train for Colchester to Southampton
Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Colchester to Southampton among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £53 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 35m. 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 £53, while a train costs an average of £93.
Distance: 194 km
Compare bus with
Most popular Coach | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£53 Average Price Cheapest | £93 Average Price | £41 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 45m Average total duration 5h 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 35m Average total duration Fastest 3h 5m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 53m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.2kg 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 Southampton is a train with an average price of £64.
This is compared to other travel options from Colchester to Southampton:
A train is £12 less than a coach for this route with tickets for a coach from Colchester to Southampton costing on average £76.
The fastest way to travel from Colchester to Southampton is by train with an average journey time of 2h 21m.
Other travel options to Southampton take longer:
Coach takes on average 5h 20m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Colchester and Southampton 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 £76 compared to roughly £41 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-35.50. The journey takes 5h 20m versus 2h 53m 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 Southampton bus times
The table below shows live departures for Colchester to Southampton coaches for today, Saturday 19 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17:40 Colchester | 6h50 | 0:30 Southampton | 0 changesdirect | |
| Sunday 20 September | |||||
| NX717 · NXA6 · NX032 | 2:35 Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 7h15 | 9:50 Southampton, Coach Station | 2 changes | |
| NX717 · NXA6 · NX032 | 2:35 Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 6h55 | 9:30 Southampton, University | 2 changes | |
| NX717 · NX727 · NX032 | 5:35 Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 5h45 | 11:20 Southampton, Coach Station | 2 changes | |
| NX717 · NX727 · NX032 | 5:35 Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 5h25 | 11:00 Southampton, University | 2 changes | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Colchester to Southampton 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.
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Why should you book Colchester to Southampton coaches with Omio?
National Express operates all coaches services from Colchester to Southampton.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Colchester to Southampton.
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 bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Colchester to Southampton.
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 Southampton.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Colchester to Southampton
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Colchester to Southampton run on average 22 times per day, taking around 5h 20m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £59 if you book in advance.
The earliest coach runs at 02:05, the last at 21:35. The fastest coach covers the 194 km distance in 3h 50m.
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 194 km |
Average bus duration 5h 20m |
Cheapest ticket price £59 |
Buses per day 22 |
Fastest bus 3h 50m |
First bus 2:05 |
Last bus 21:35 |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sept |
Best time to book 28 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 SouthamptonYou can travel by bus between Colchester to Southampton with National Express for as low as £37. 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 40m
Cheapest National Express Price
£51
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.
Complete guide to Southampton
Things to do in Southampton
Discover the best of Southampton — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Southampton trip today.
- Recommended
Tudor House and Garden
Historic house museum with period rooms and displays on local history. A rewarding visit in the heart of the old town.
- Recommended
Southampton City Art Gallery
Gallery in the Civic Centre showing art from several periods, including modern British works. Good for a cultural stop in the city centre.
- Must visit
Old Town
Historic quarter of lanes, walls and vaults near the waterfront. Best for wandering between medieval sites, museums and old pubs.
- Recommended
Southampton Common
Large central park popular for walks, events and green space between the civic buildings. A practical and pleasant break from shopping streets.
- Recommended
Ocean Village
Waterside promenade with marina views, cafés nearby and links to old town walks. Visit for harbour scenery and a relaxed atmosphere.
- Gluten-free
Hampshire Hoggers
A hearty Hampshire stew of beef, onions and root vegetables, slowly cooked. It is a traditional county comfort dish linked to local farmhouse cooking.
- Gluten-free
South Coast Crab
Fresh crab from the nearby Solent and south coast, often served simply dressed. It is prized locally for sweet flavour and strong coastal identity.
Plaice
A classic south coast catch, grilled or fried and served in local pubs and seafood spots. It reflects Southampton’s long maritime food culture.
The Oxford Brasserie
Lively Oxford Street seafood restaurant serving fish, shellfish and British classics in an established, bustling setting.
Bacaro
Well-known Italian restaurant in Ocean Village with pizzas, pasta and marina views in a relaxed modern setting.
The Jetty
Contemporary fine dining in a polished setting, known for seasonal British tasting menus and carefully presented plates.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for UK city breaks. Hotels and dining cost less than London, while buses and casual meals are fairly manageable for most tourists.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-12 for fast food or a basic meal.
- Mid-range
- £18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £60+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Restaurants may add a 10-12.5% service charge; if not, tip around 10% for good service. Taxi fares are often rounded up. Tipping in cafés is optional.
FAQs: Colchester to Southampton coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Colchester to Southampton 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 Southampton, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap coach tickets from Colchester to Southampton can start from as little as £59 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Colchester to Southampton is £76; 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 Southampton is 3h 50m to travel the 194 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 Southampton leaves at 2:05. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Colchester to Southampton leaves at 21:35.
There are 22 coaches a day from Colchester to Southampton 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 Southampton, you can count on National Express for the best way to get you to Southampton. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Colchester and Southampton 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 Southampton , you can end your route in coach stations like Southampton, Coach Station, Southampton, University.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 Southampton, Coach Station, located 0 away from the city centre.
A trip to Southampton from Colchester is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 3h 50m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Colchester to Southampton is October.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Colchester and Southampton including taking a coach and train.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Colchester to Southampton:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Colchester to Southampton for coach company National Express.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Colchester to Southampton 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 Southampton.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Colchester to Southampton:
- 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 Southampton:
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Colchester to Southampton.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Colchester to Southampton with the following coach company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Colchester to Southampton with the following coach company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Colchester to Southampton with the following coach company: National Express.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Colchester and Southampton
Most Colchester to Southampton buses use the Colchester, East Hill / High Street to Southampton, University station pair, with some services arriving at Southampton, Coach Station. Use this guide to compare Colchester and Southampton 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 Southampton
Which Colchester station do buses to Southampton leave from?
Buses from Colchester to Southampton 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 Southampton station do buses from Colchester arrive at?
Buses from Colchester to Southampton most often arrive at Southampton, Coach Station. Some services arrive at Southampton, University, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Southampton arrival station.
Southampton, Coach StationHarbour Parade, Southampton SO15 1BA, United Kingdom
City-centre transport
Getting to Southampton, Coach Station from Southampton city centre
BusX4, X5 · 5m · £2 · every ~20 min
Southampton, Coach Station bus station facilities and services
Southampton, Coach Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Café Express (in the station), Sandwich Bar (in the station).
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance for cash withdrawals.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Southampton, Coach Station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Southampton, Coach Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Southampton, Coach Station: Elevators, ramps.
Southampton, UniversityUniversity Rd, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Southampton, University from Southampton city centre
Southampton, University is 3 km from Southampton city centre. Public transport options include:
BusU2b, U2 · 11m · £2 · every ~6 min
U1a, U1n, U1e · 25m · £2 · every ~37 min
U1a, U1n, U1e · 29m · £2 · every ~37 min
Southampton, University bus station facilities and services
Southampton, University 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 Southampton, University. ATMs are available at Southampton, University.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Southampton, University.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Southampton, University: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Southampton, University: Basic accessibility features are available for passengers.
More options for your journey from Colchester to Southampton
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Southampton and Colchester
Most popular bus connections
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