London to Colchester bus with National Express

Sat 10 Jan
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from London to Colchester

Showing times and prices for 11 Jan

Cheapest price

£22

Average price

£29

Fastest journey

1 h 45 m

Average duration

1 h 45 m

Buses per day

14

Distance

83 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from London to Colchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from London to Colchester will cost around £29 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £22.

Fast coaches

To travel from London to Colchester you need to make at least 2 changes.

Abellio Greater AngliaF22655 · LE479100 · P47543
09:321h45
London Liverpool Street (LST)
11:17Colchester station (COL)
£221One-way
2 changes
Abellio Greater AngliaF22656 · LE479200 · P47403
09:021h45
London Liverpool Street (LST)
10:47Colchester station (COL)
£221One-way
2 changes
Abellio Greater AngliaF22653 · LE479000 · P47407
10:021h45
London Liverpool Street (LST)
11:47Colchester station (COL)
£221One-way
2 changes
Abellio Greater AngliaF22651 · LE478900 · P47554
10:321h45
London Liverpool Street (LST)
12:17Colchester station (COL)
£221One-way
2 changes
Abellio Greater AngliaF22649 · LE478800 · P47409
11:021h45
London Liverpool Street (LST)
12:47Colchester station (COL)
£221One-way
2 changes

Travel Information

Compare train and coach for London to Colchester

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from London to Colchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from £13. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 53m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £13, and a coach costs an average of £22.

Distance: 83 km

Compare bus with

Coach
Most popular
Train

£36

Average Price

£25

Average Price

Cheapest

2h 44m

Average total duration

2h 14m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

1h 23m

Average total duration

Fastest

53m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

0.0 - 0.1kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest
National Express

Most popular bus company

Abellio Greater Anglia

Most popular train company

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

London to Colchester bus times

The table below shows live departures for London to Colchester coaches for today, Saturday 10 January. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.

Last updated at 09:01
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
national_expressNXA8 · NX717
Delayed
12:50 02:40London, Victoria Coach Station
3h10
05:50 Colchester, East Hill / High Street
1 change
national_expressNXA8 · NX717
Delayed
12:50 06:00London, Victoria Coach Station
3h35
09:35 Colchester, East Hill / High Street
1 change
national_expressNXA8 · NX717
Delayed
12:50 08:30London, Victoria Coach Station
3h40
12:10 Colchester, East Hill / High Street
1 change
greater_angliaF22058 · LE131200 · P47538
On time
09:03 London Liverpool Street (LST)
1h43
10:46 Colchester station (COL)
2 changes
greater_angliaF22054 · LE131100 · F21943
On time
09:18 London Liverpool Street (LST)
1h43
11:01 Colchester station (COL)
2 changes
national_expressNXA8 · NX717
Delayed
12:50 11:00London, Victoria Coach Station
3h40
14:40 Colchester, East Hill / High Street
1 change
national_expressNXA8 · NX717
On time
13:00 London, Victoria Coach Station
3h40
16:40 Colchester, East Hill / High Street
1 change
national_expressNXA8 · NX717
On time
15:30 London, Victoria Coach Station
3h35
19:05 Colchester, East Hill / High Street
1 change
national_expressNXA8 · NX717
On time
18:30 London, Victoria Coach Station
3h20
21:50 Colchester, East Hill / High Street
1 change
national_expressNXA8 · NX717
On time
22:00 London, Victoria Coach Station
3h15
01:15 Colchester, East Hill / High Street
1 change
national_expressNXA8 · NX717
Delayed
08:00 02:40London, Victoria Coach Station
3h10
09:35 09:35Colchester, East Hill / High Street
1 change
national_expressNXA8 · NX717
Delayed
08:00 06:00London, Victoria Coach Station
3h35
09:35 Colchester, East Hill / High Street
1 change
national_expressNXA8 · NX717
On time
08:30 London, Victoria Coach Station
3h40
12:10 Colchester, East Hill / High Street
1 change
greater_angliaF22657 · LE479300 · P47536
On time
08:32 London Liverpool Street (LST)
1h45
10:17 Colchester station (COL)
2 changes
national_expressNXA8 · NX717
On time
11:00 London, Victoria Coach Station
3h40
14:40 Colchester, East Hill / High Street
1 change
national_expressNXA8 · NX717
On time
13:00 London, Victoria Coach Station
3h40
16:40 Colchester, East Hill / High Street
1 change
national_expressNXA8 · NX717
On time
15:30 London, Victoria Coach Station
3h35
19:05 Colchester, East Hill / High Street
1 change
national_expressNXA8 · NX717
On time
18:30 London, Victoria Coach Station
3h20
21:50 Colchester, East Hill / High Street
1 change
national_expressNXA8 · NX717
On time
22:00 London, Victoria Coach Station
3h15
01:15 Colchester, East Hill / High Street
1 change

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets London 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.

Sun
11 Jan
Mon
12 Jan
Tue
13 Jan
Wed
14 Jan
Thu
15 Jan
Fri
16 Jan
Sat
17 Jan
Sun
18 Jan
Mon
19 Jan
Tue
20 Jan
Wed
21 Jan
Thu
22 Jan
Fri
23 Jan
Sat
24 Jan

Journey information

Overview: Bus from London to Colchester

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from London to Colchester run on average 8 times per day, taking around 2h 14m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £22 but you can travel from only £13 by train.

The earliest coach runs at 00:02, the last at 23:57. The fastest coach covers the 83 km distance in 3h 15m.

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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from £13
Distance
83 km
Average bus duration
2h 14m
Cheapest ticket price
£22
Buses per day
8
Fastest bus
3h 15m
First bus
00:02
Last bus
23:57
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from £13

Bus providers: National Express from London to ColchesterYou can travel by bus between London to Colchester with National Express for as low as £13. 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 Duration
3h 15m
Cheapest Price
£22
National Express frequency
7 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.

Coaches from London to Colchester

There are fast and frequent departures from London to Colchester every day. The first coach departures are very early in the morning, while the last coach departs very late at night. The fastest coaches are the non-stop services, which can take less than two and a half hours. Indirect services, requiring a change of coaches, can take up almost four hours.

Which coach companies travel from London to Colchester?

National Express is the sole provider of coaches for the journey from London to Colchester. The company operates both the non-stop and indirect services. No other company operates coaches on the route from London to Colchester.

How long is the coach from London to Colchester?

The fastest journeys on this route are on the non-stop services, which operate throughout the day. The very fastest of these direct journeys can take less than two and a half hours. Other non-stop services, however, can take longer: up to three hours, depending on the time of departure from London. Indirect services require a change of buses at London's Stansted Airport. These journeys are substantially longer, at up to four hours.

How many coaches are there from London to Colchester?

On weekdays, there are 13 daily coaches from London to Colchester, with 12 running on both Saturdays and Sundays. The first coaches on both weekdays and weekends leave in the early morning and the last leave late at night. There are departures at least every two hours throughout the day.

What are the departure and arrival stations for coaches from London to Colchester?

Departure coach station: London Victoria Coach Station is the departure point for all of these journeys from London to Colchester. This large, busy bus station is within walking distance of London's West End. Among the many facilities available are public toilets, cash machines, restaurants, cafes, fast food outlets and left luggage facilities. Victoria Railway Station is directly adjacent to the coach station and has a stop on London's Underground. Local buses leave from just outside.

Arrival coach station: Colchester Stanwell Street is the arrival point for all of these coach journeys. This is a bus stop rather than a bus station, located in the town centre with restaurants, cafes and other facilities within easy reach. Local buses depart from the stop. The railway station is within ten minutes' walk.

FAQs: London to Colchester coach

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from London 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.

FAQs
Cheap coach tickets from London to Colchester can start from as little as £22 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for London to Colchester is £39; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The coach time between London and Colchester is on average 1 h 47 min   for the 51 mile long journey, but the time it takes to go to Colchester from London by coach can vary depending on specific dates or if traveling on weekends and holidays.
The first coach from London to Colchester leaves at 00: 02. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The last coach from London to Colchester leaves at 22: 00.
There are 7 coaches a day from London to Colchester which require at least one change with National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.
When taking a coach from London to Colchester, you can count on National Express for the best way to get you to Colchester. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service to Colchester from London and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.

Passengers board the coach most frequently from London, Victoria Coach Station, which is located around 1.9 miles (3 km) away from the city centre, and they get off the coach at Colchester, East Hill / High Street, located 0.5 miles (821 m) away from the city centre.

A day trip to Colchester from London is worth doing with a journey time of 1 h 47 min each way. Check with Omio app   the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from London to Colchester is March.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between London and Colchester including taking a train or coach.
No, the coach from London to Colchester has no accessibility options.
No, there are no bathrooms on board the coach from London to Colchester.
No, bikes are not allowed on board the coach from London to Colchester.

To find the cheapest bus tickets for your trip from London to Colchester, follow these tips:

  • Book in advance: Tickets are often cheaper when booked early.
  • Be flexible with dates and times: Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money.
  • Use our search filters: Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options.
  • Look for special deals or discounts: Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
  • Start your search now and compare ticket prices to find the best deal!

    Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the coach from London to Colchester.
    No, luggage for the coach from London to Colchester needs to be booked in addition.
    No, there are no additional luggage options for the coach from London to Colchester.
    Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from London to Colchester.
    No, there are no USB plugs on board the coach from London to Colchester.
    No, there is no WiFi on board the coach from London to Colchester.

    popular bus stations

    Important Stations and Airports in London and Colchester

    London
    Colchester
    The major coach station for departures in London is London, Victoria Coach Station. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at London, Victoria Coach Station for your trip from London to Colchester.
    London, Victoria Coach StationWifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Office
    Amenities at bus station
    WifiWifi
    ParkingParking
    DiningDining
    ATMATM
    TaxisTaxis
    AccessibilityAccessibility
    WCWC
    Ticket OfficeTicket Office
    information
    ticketOfficeHours
    Ticket Office Hours
    • 06:00-23:00
    ticketOfficeHours
    Distance to city center
    2 km
    carConnection
    Car connection
    Buckingham Palace Road
    Wifi
    Wifi
    • Free Wi-Fi
    Dining
    Dining
    • Pret a Manger (in the station)
    • Starbucks (in the station).
    Taxis
    Taxis
    • Available outside the station on Buckingham Palace Road.
    Accessibility
    Accessibility
    • Elevators, ramps
    WC
    WC
    • Available in the station.
    Public transport options for London, Victoria Coach Station
    • Bus: 11, 44, 170, 211, C1, C10 Metro: Victoria Train: Southern, Gatwick Express
    London, Bishopsgate (Liverpool Street Station - Stop G)WifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Office
    Amenities at bus station
    WifiWifi
    ParkingParking
    DiningDining
    ATMATM
    TaxisTaxis
    AccessibilityAccessibility
    WCWC
    Ticket OfficeTicket Office
    information
    ticketOfficeHours
    Ticket Office Hours
    • 06:00-23:00
    ticketOfficeHours
    Distance to city center
    3 km
    carConnection
    Car connection
    Bishopsgate
    Wifi
    Wifi
    • Free Wi-Fi
    Dining
    Dining
    • Pret a Manger (in the station)
    • Starbucks (in the station).
    Taxis
    Taxis
    • Available outside the station on Bishopsgate.
    Accessibility
    Accessibility
    • Elevators, ramps
    WC
    WC
    • Available in the station.
    Public transport options for London, Bishopsgate (Liverpool Street Station - Stop G)
    • Bus: 11, 23, 26, 76, 133, 388 Metro: Central, Circle, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan Train: Greater Anglia, TfL Rail
    Amenities at bus station
    WifiWifi
    ParkingParking
    DiningDining
    ATMATM
    TaxisTaxis
    AccessibilityAccessibility
    WCWC
    Ticket OfficeTicket Office
    information
    ticketOfficeHours
    Ticket Office Hours
    • 00:00-23:59
    carConnection
    Car connection
    Bath Road
    Wifi
    Wifi
    • Free Wi-Fi
    Dining
    Dining
    • Pret a Manger (in the station)
    • Caffè Nero (in the station)
    Taxis
    Taxis
    • Available outside the arrivals area, with services provided by licensed black cabs and private hire vehicles.
    Accessibility
    Accessibility
    • Ramps, assistance
    WC
    WC
    • Available in the station.
    Public transport options for London, Heathrow Airport Terminals 2 & 3
    • Bus: 105, 111, 140, 285, 423 Train: Heathrow Express Metro: Piccadilly

    More options for your journey from London to Colchester

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