- Must visit
Colchester Castle Museum
Main city museum inside the castle, covering Roman Colchester, local archaeology and later history in a dramatic historic setting.
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Harlow to Colchester
Showing times and prices for 20 Aug
Cheapest price
£23
Average price
£23
Fastest journey
1 h 45 m
Average duration
1 h 51 m
Buses per day
8
Distance
56 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Harlow to Colchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Harlow to Colchester will cost around £23 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £23.
Fast coaches
To travel from Harlow to Colchester you need to make at least one change.
3:551h55Harlow5:50Colchester£231One-way1 change- 7:272h18Harlow9:45Colchester£231One-way1 change
- 10:231h47Harlow12:10Colchester£231One-way1 change
- 12:421h58Harlow14:40Colchester£231One-way1 change
- 14:421h58Harlow16:40Colchester£231One-way1 change
- 17:201h45Harlow19:05Colchester£231One-way1 change
- 10:231h47Harlow12:10Colchester£231One-way1 change
- 23:231h52Harlow1:15Colchester£231One-way1 change
- 3:551h55Harlow5:50Colchester£231One-way1 change
- 19:551h55Harlow21:50Colchester£231One-way1 change
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Harlow to Colchester
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Harlow to Colchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £23. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 23m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £23, and a train costs an average of £26.
Distance: 56 km
Compare bus with
| Coach | Most popular Train |
|---|---|
£23 Average Price Cheapest | £32 Average Price |
2h 27m Average total duration 1h 57m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 53m Average total duration Fastest 1h 23m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Harlow to Colchester bus times
The table below shows live departures for Harlow to Colchester coaches for today, Wednesday 19 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7:27 Harlow | 2h18 | 9:45 Colchester | 1 change | |
| 10:23 Harlow | 1h47 | 12:10 Colchester | 1 change | |
| 12:42 Harlow | 1h58 | 14:40 Colchester | 1 change | |
| 14:42 Harlow | 1h58 | 16:40 Colchester | 1 change | |
| 17:20 Harlow | 1h45 | 19:05 Colchester | 1 change | |
| 19:55 Harlow | 1h55 | 21:50 Colchester | 1 change | |
| 23:23 Harlow | 1h52 | 1:15 Colchester | 1 change | |
| Thursday 20 August | |||||
| 3:55 Harlow | 1h55 | 5:50 Colchester | 1 change | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Harlow to Colchester 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
20 Aug
20 Aug
Fri
21 Aug
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Sat
22 Aug
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Sun
23 Aug
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26 Aug
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Harlow to Colchester
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Harlow to Colchester run on average 6 times per day, taking around 1h 57m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £23 if you book in advance.
The earliest coach runs at 03:45, the last at 21:55. The fastest coach covers the 56 km distance in 1h 42m.
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 56 km |
Average bus duration 1h 57m |
Cheapest ticket price £23 |
Buses per day 6 |
Fastest bus 1h 42m |
First bus 3:45 |
Last bus 21:55 |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Thu |
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: Arriva UK from Harlow to ColchesterYou can travel by bus between Harlow to Colchester with Arriva UK for as low as £23. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
Arriva UK
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 42m
Cheapest Price
£23
Arriva UK frequency
7 a day
Complete guide to Colchester
Things to do in Colchester
Discover the best of Colchester — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Colchester trip today.
- Recommended
The Natural History Museum
Natural history museum in a former church, with displays on Essex wildlife, geology and environment, suited to families and curious visitors.
- Recommended
Hollytrees Museum
Museum charting the city’s social history, from everyday objects to changing local life, housed in a restored historic building.
- Must visit
Castle Park
Central park beside the castle with lawns, mature trees and Roman remains. Ideal for a stroll, picnic or pause between sights.
- Recommended
High Street
Historic main street lined with shops and civic buildings, useful for exploring the town centre and taking in everyday city life.
- Recommended
Dutch Quarter
Characterful district of timber-framed houses and narrow streets, known for its historic atmosphere and photogenic townscape.
- Gluten-free
Colchester Oysters
Native Colchester oysters, served raw or dressed. They have been harvested locally since Roman times and are the town’s best-known traditional food.
- Gluten-free
Smoked Eel
Smoked eel from the Essex coast and estuaries, traditionally cured and smoked for a rich flavour tied to local fishing heritage.
- Gluten-free
Essex Clanger
A traditional Essex bake made with potatoes, onions and pork or beef, slowly cooked until soft. It is a longstanding county comfort food.
Le Talbooth
Fine dining restaurant in Dedham Vale near Colchester, known for polished British cooking and a refined countryside setting.
Church Street Tavern
Established restaurant serving modern British dishes and seafood in a smart yet relaxed setting near the town centre.
Timbers
Popular casual venue for brunch, coffee and seasonal plates, with a friendly atmosphere and strong local reputation.
British pound sterling (£)
Moderate for England: hotels and dining cost less than London, but more than smaller UK towns. Buses are reasonable; central sightseeing is mostly low cost.
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
- £50+ per person for upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- £2.80-4 for cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service is sometimes included. If not, tip about 10% in restaurants for good service. Taxis are often rounded up or tipped 10%. Cafés usually do not expect tips, but small change is appreciated.
First Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2
- Day pass
- £4.50
To the city centre
Colchester, East Hill / High Street -> Colchester Town Railway Station
- Distance
- 0.7 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Contactless Tap & Cap works on Colchester Shuttles and other First Bus services in Colchester. Official First Bus information states you will not pay more than £4.50 in a day.
- Use the First Bus app for live tracking, journey planning and mobile tickets. It also supports card, Apple Pay and Google Pay for ticket purchases.
FAQs: Harlow to Colchester coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Harlow to Colchester 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 Colchester, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap coach tickets from Harlow to Colchester can start from as little as £23 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Harlow to Colchester is £23; 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 Harlow to Colchester is 1h 42m to travel the 56 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 Harlow to Colchester leaves at 3:45. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Harlow to Colchester leaves at 21:55.
There are 6 coaches a day from Harlow to Colchester which require at least one change with Arriva UK. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.
When taking a coach from Harlow to Colchester, you can count on Arriva UK for the best way to get you to Colchester. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Harlow and Colchester and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
Passengers board the coach most frequently from Hertford, Mill Road (Tesco), which is located around away from the city centre, and they get off the coach at Colchester, East Hill / High Street, located 0 away from the city centre.
A day trip to Colchester from Harlow is worth doing with a journey time of 1h 42m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Harlow and Colchester including taking a train and coach.
No, there are no bathrooms on board the coach from Harlow to Colchester.
No, the coach from Harlow to Colchester has no accessibility options.
No, bikes are not allowed on board the coach from Harlow to Colchester.
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 Harlow to Colchester.
No, luggage for the coach from Harlow to Colchester needs to be booked in addition.
No, there are no additional luggage options for the coach from Harlow to Colchester.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Harlow to Colchester.
No, there are no USB plugs on board the coach from Harlow to Colchester.
No, there is no WiFi on board the coach from Harlow to Colchester.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Harlow and Colchester
Most Harlow to Colchester buses use the Hertford, Mill Road (Tesco) to Colchester, East Hill / High Street station pair. Use this guide to compare Harlow and Colchester bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Harlow
Arrival bus stations in Colchester
Which Colchester station do buses from Harlow arrive at?
Buses from Harlow to Colchester arrive at Colchester, East Hill / High Street. Colchester, East Hill / High Street is from Colchester city centre.
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.
Most popular bus connections from Harlow
More options for your journey from Harlow to Colchester
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Colchester and Harlow
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