- 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 Ipswich to Colchester
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 16 Oct
Cheapest price on 16 Oct
£5
Average ticket price on 16 Oct
£7
Fastest journey on 16 Oct
35 m
Average journey duration on 16 Oct
38 m
Buses on 16 Oct
7
Distance
26 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Ipswich to Colchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Ipswich to Colchester will cost around £7 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £5.
Fast coaches
On Fri 16 Oct, we found 7 buses from Ipswich to Colchester, including 7 direct services.
These direct buses cover the 26 km distance in an average of 38 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 35 m .
The slowest buses will take 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.
FlixBus7:100h45Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema)7:55Colchester, Stanwell Street (Bus station)£51One-way0 changes
NX71718:050h35Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema)18:40Colchester, East Hill / High Street£81One-way0 changes- NX7175:000h35Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema)5:35Colchester, East Hill / High Street£81One-way0 changes
- NX71711:150h40Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema)11:55Colchester, East Hill / High Street£81One-way0 changes
- NX71713:300h40Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema)14:10Colchester, East Hill / High Street£81One-way0 changes
- NX71718:050h35Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema)18:40Colchester, East Hill / High Street£81One-way0 changes
- NX7175:000h35Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema)5:35Colchester, East Hill / High Street£81One-way0 changes
- NX71711:150h40Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema)11:55Colchester, East Hill / High Street£81One-way0 changes
- NX71713:300h40Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema)14:10Colchester, East Hill / High Street£81One-way0 changes
- NX71716:050h40Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema)16:45Colchester, East Hill / High Street£81One-way0 changes
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Ipswich to Colchester
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Ipswich to Colchester run on average 7 times per day, taking around 38m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £6 if you book in advance.
There are 7 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 01:12, the last at 23:51. The fastest coach covers the 26 km distance in 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 26 km |
Average bus duration 38m |
Cheapest ticket price £6 |
Buses per day 7 |
Direct buses 7 |
Fastest bus 35m |
First bus 1:12 |
Last bus 23:51 |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Mon |
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
Live departures
Ipswich to Colchester bus times
The table below shows live departures for Ipswich to Colchester coaches for tomorrow, Friday 16 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NX717 | 5:00 Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema) | 0h35 | 5:35 Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 0 changesdirect | |
| FlixBus | 7:10 Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema) | 0h45 | 7:55 Colchester, Stanwell Street (Bus station) | 0 changesdirect | |
| NX717 | 8:00 Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema) | 0h40 | 8:40 Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 0 changesdirect | |
| NX717 | 11:15 Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema) | 0h40 | 11:55 Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 0 changesdirect | |
| NX717 | 13:30 Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema) | 0h40 | 14:10 Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 0 changesdirect | |
| NX717 | 16:05 Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema) | 0h40 | 16:45 Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 0 changesdirect | |
| NX717 | 18:05 Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema) | 0h35 | 18:40 Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Why should you book Ipswich to Colchester coaches with Omio?
National Express as well as FlixBus offer coaches services from Ipswich to Colchester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Ipswich to Colchester.
Why book with Omio vs National Express?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for National Express, but also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Ipswich to Colchester.
- 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 Ipswich to Colchester.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Ipswich to Colchester.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Ipswich to Colchester.
Bus providers: National Express, FlixBus from Ipswich to ColchesterYou can travel by bus between Ipswich to Colchester with National Express, FlixBus for as low as £6. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
About
FlixBus is one of Europe’s leading low-cost bus companies, founded in Germany and now offering long-distance services across Europe and the United States. In addition to its extensive daytime network, FlixBus also operates overnight buses on select European routes. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets to charge devices, extra legroom, luggage space, and onboard toilets, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. FlixBus offers a single Standard ticket type for all routes, which includes one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. Additional fees apply for extra luggage and for reserving specific seats, such as Extra Seats, Table Seats, or Panorama Seats. This combination of affordability, comfort, and wide coverage makes FlixBus a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average FlixBus Duration
45m
Cheapest FlixBus Price
£6
FlixBus frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for a fee; must be booked.
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed; guide dogs travel for free.
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
35m
Cheapest National Express Price
£7
National Express frequency
6 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.
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.
Buses from Ipswich to Colchester
The bus journey between Ipswich and Colchester is provided by National Express. This coach company runs this service 14 times per day, taking 30 to 45 minutes to complete the journey. Buses depart around the clock, although frequency drops between 9:00 p.m. and 1:00 a.m. At other times, there is at least one bus departing every two hours.
What are the departure and arrival stations for buses from Ipswich to Colchester?
Departure Station: Buses from Ipswich to Colchester depart from Old Cattle Market Bus Station. The station is situated between the city centre and the docks, being 10 minutes away from the waterfront and approximately the same distance from the shops and banks at Westgate Street. Buses 6, 12, 13, and 15A travel between the corner of the station and Dogs Head Street and the core city area.
Arrival Station: Buses from Ipswich to Colchester arrive at Colchester Bus Station, located 300 metres to the south of Colchester High Street and a 5-minute walk from the main train station. Colchester castle is slightly further away (600 metres north), but it is still within walking distance of the station. To reach the city centre by bus, visitors can take lines 67 and 87 from Osborne Street, right around the corner from the station.
FAQs: Ipswich to Colchester coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Ipswich 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 Ipswich to Colchester can start from as little as £6 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Ipswich to Colchester is £8; 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 Ipswich to Colchester is 35m to travel the 26 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 Ipswich to Colchester leaves at 1:12. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Ipswich to Colchester leaves at 23:51.
Yes, there are 7 direct coaches a day from Ipswich to Colchester with National Express, FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct coaches.
When taking a coach from Ipswich to Colchester, you can count on National Express, FlixBus for the best way to get you to Colchester. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Ipswich and Colchester and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
When departing from Ipswich , you have various coach station options to start your route from including Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema) . When arriving in Colchester , you can end your route in coach stations like Colchester, East Hill / High Street, Colchester, Stanwell Street (Bus station).Passengers board the coach most frequently from Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema), 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.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Ipswich and Colchester including taking a coach and train.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Ipswich to Colchester:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Ipswich to Colchester for coach company National Express, FlixBus.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Ipswich to Colchester 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.
- FlixBus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the coach with coach company National Express, FlixBus.
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 Ipswich to Colchester.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Ipswich to Colchester:
- National Express
- Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a coach ticket from Ipswich to Colchester:
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the coach from Ipswich to Colchester. The following conditions apply:
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Ipswich to Colchester with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Ipswich to Colchester with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Ipswich to Colchester with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Ipswich and Colchester
Most Ipswich to Colchester buses use the Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema) to Colchester, East Hill / High Street station pair, with some services arriving at Colchester, Stanwell Street (Bus station). Use this guide to compare Ipswich and Colchester bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Ipswich
Arrival bus stations in Colchester
Which Ipswich station do buses to Colchester leave from?
Buses from Ipswich to Colchester leave from Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema). The station is 1 km from Ipswich city centre at Cardinal Park Cinema, Ipswich IP1 1AX, UK.
Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema)Cardinal Park Cinema, Ipswich IP1 1AX, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema) from Ipswich city centre
TRUE
Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema) bus station facilities and services
Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Restaurants available near Cardinal Park Cinema.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema). ATMs are available at Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema).
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema): Bus stop accessible for wheelchairs.
Which Colchester station do buses from Ipswich arrive at?
Buses from Ipswich to Colchester most often arrive at Colchester, East Hill / High Street. Some services arrive at Colchester, Stanwell Street (Bus station), so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Colchester arrival station.
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.
Colchester, Stanwell Street (Bus station)Colchester Bus Station, Colchester CO2 7DP, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Colchester, Stanwell Street (Bus station) from Colchester city centre
Bus74B, 107, 105, 43 · 3m · £3 · every ~5 min
Colchester, Stanwell Street (Bus station) bus station facilities and services
Colchester, Stanwell Street (Bus station) 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, Stanwell Street (Bus station). ATMs are available at Colchester, Stanwell Street (Bus station).
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Colchester, Stanwell Street (Bus station).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Colchester, Stanwell Street (Bus station): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Colchester, Stanwell Street (Bus station): Wheelchair accessible with ramps.
Most popular bus connections from Ipswich
More options for your journey from Ipswich to Colchester
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Colchester and Ipswich
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