London to Colchester bus with National Express

Tue 13 Oct
+ Add return
National Express
FlixBus
Alsa
BlaBlaCar Bus
Avanza
2,000+ travel companies
National Express
FlixBus
Alsa
BlaBlaCar Bus
Avanza
2,000+ travel companies
QR-Code
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
rate4.9
42K ratings
Google Play
rate4.6
136K reviews

The cheapest and fastest coaches from London to Colchester

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 13 Oct

Cheapest price on 13 Oct

£6

Average ticket price on 13 Oct

£38

Fastest journey on 13 Oct

2 h

Average journey duration on 13 Oct

3 h 11 m

Buses on 13 Oct

8

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 £38 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £6.

Fast coaches

On Tue 13 Oct, we found 8 buses from London to Colchester, including 1 direct services.

These direct buses cover the 83 km distance in an average of 3 h 11 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 h .

The slowest buses will take 3 h 50 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.

  • FlixBusFlixBus
    20:152h00
    London, Stratford City Bus Station
    22:15Colchester, Stanwell Street (Bus station)
    £61One-way
    0 changes
  • National ExpressNXA8 · NX717
    22:303h15
    London, Victoria Coach Station
    1:45Colchester, East Hill / High Street
    £421One-way
    1 change
  • National ExpressNXA8 · NX717
    16:003h50
    London, Victoria Coach Station
    19:50Colchester, East Hill / High Street
    £421One-way
    1 change
  • National ExpressNXA8 · NX717
    13:003h55
    London, Victoria Coach Station
    16:55Colchester, East Hill / High Street
    £431One-way
    1 change
  • National ExpressNXA8 · NX717
    6:303h30
    London, Victoria Coach Station
    10:00Colchester, East Hill / High Street
    £431One-way
    1 change

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 7 times per day, taking around 2h 55m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £7 but you can travel from only £5 by train.

The earliest coach runs at 00:02, the last at 23:57. The fastest coach covers the 83 km distance in 2h 0m.

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 £5
Distance
83 km
Average bus duration
2h 55m
Cheapest ticket price
£7
Buses per day
7
Fastest bus
2h 0m
First bus
0:02
Last bus
23:57
Cheapest Month
Jul
Cheapest Day
Sat
High Season
Jul - Sept
Low Season
Apr - Jun
Busiest Day
Fri
Least Busy Day
Mon
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from £5

Live departures

London to Colchester bus times

The table below shows live departures for London to Colchester coaches for today, Monday 12 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
National ExpressNXA8 · NX71719:30 London, Victoria Coach Station
3h20
22:50 Colchester, East Hill / High Street1 change
FlixBusFlixBus20:15 London, Stratford City Bus Station
2h00
22:15 Colchester, Stanwell Street (Bus station)0 changesdirect
National ExpressNXA8 · NX71722:30 London, Victoria Coach Station
3h15
1:45 Colchester, East Hill / High Street1 change
Tuesday 13 October
National ExpressNXA8 · NX7176:30 London, Victoria Coach Station
3h30
10:00 Colchester, East Hill / High Street1 change
National ExpressNXA8 · NX7178:30 London, Victoria Coach Station
3h55
12:25 Colchester, East Hill / High Street1 change
National ExpressNXA8 · NX71711:00 London, Victoria Coach Station
3h55
14:55 Colchester, East Hill / High Street1 change
National ExpressNXA8 · NX71713:00 London, Victoria Coach Station
3h55
16:55 Colchester, East Hill / High Street1 change
National ExpressNXA8 · NX71716:00 London, Victoria Coach Station
3h50
19:50 Colchester, East Hill / High Street1 change

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Why should you book London to Colchester coaches with Omio?

National Express as well as FlixBus offer coaches services from London to Colchester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from London 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 London 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 train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from London 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 London to Colchester.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from London to Colchester.

Bus providers: National Express, FlixBus from London to ColchesterYou can travel by bus between London to Colchester with National Express, FlixBus for as low as £5. 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
2h 0m
Cheapest FlixBus Price
£7
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
2h 20m
Cheapest National Express Price
£21
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.

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.

  • Must visit

Colchester Castle Museum

Main city museum inside the castle, covering Roman Colchester, local archaeology and later history in a dramatic historic setting.

  • 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.

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.

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 £7 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for London to Colchester is £35; 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 London to Colchester is 2h 0m to travel the 83 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 London to Colchester leaves at 0:02. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from London to Colchester leaves at 23:57.
There are 7 coaches a day from London to Colchester which require at least one change with National Express, FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.
When taking a coach from London 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 London and Colchester and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
When departing from London , you have various coach station options to start your route from including London, Victoria Coach Station, London, Bishopsgate (Liverpool Street Station - Stop G), London, Shoreditch High St / Bethnal Green Road (Stop L), London, Heathrow Airport Terminals 2 & 3, London, Heathrow Airport Terminal 5, London, Southwark Street / Blackfriars Road, London, York Road (London Eye), London, Baker Street Station, London, Heathrow Airport Terminal 4, London, Eastbourne Terrace (Paddington Station), London, Stratford City Bus Station, London, Canada Square South (Canary Wharf Station), London, Elephant and Castle, London, Tottenham Hale Bus Station, London, Kingsland Road / Middleton Road, London, Victoria Rail Station, London, Wembley Stadium (First Way) . When arriving in Colchester , you can end your route in coach stations like Colchester, East Hill / High Street, Marks Tey, A120, Capel St Mary, Ipswich Road, Colchester, Stanwell Street (Bus station).Passengers board the coach most frequently from London, Victoria Coach Station, which is located around 2 km 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 London and Colchester including taking a train and coach.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from London 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 London to Colchester for coach company National Express, FlixBus.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the coach with coach company National Express, FlixBus.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from London 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.
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 London to Colchester.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from London 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 London 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 London 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 London to Colchester with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from London to Colchester with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from London to Colchester with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus.

popular bus stations

Important Stations and Airports in London and Colchester

Most London to Colchester buses use the London, Victoria Coach Station to Colchester, East Hill / High Street station pair, with some services arriving at Colchester, Stanwell Street (Bus station). Use this guide to compare London and Colchester bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.

Departure bus stations in London
Arrival bus stations in Colchester

Which London station do buses to Colchester leave from?

Buses from London to Colchester leave from London, Victoria Coach Station. The station is 2 km from London city centre at 164 Buckingham Palace Road, London SW1W 9TP, United Kingdom.
London, Victoria Coach Station164 Buckingham Palace Road, London SW1W 9TP, United KingdomWifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Office
City-centre transport

Getting to London, Victoria Coach Station from London city centre

London, Victoria Coach Station is 2 km from London city centre. Public transport options include:

BusN11, N44 · 9m · £10 · every ~4 min
148 · 17m · £2 · every ~30 min
24 · 25m · £2 · every ~25 min
38, N38 · 30m · £2 · every ~46 min
A8 · 30m · £0.89 · every ~10 min
390 · 35m · £2 · every ~26 min

London, Victoria Coach Station bus station facilities and services

London, Victoria 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: Pret a Manger (in the station), Starbucks (in the station).

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance and inside the station.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at London, Victoria Coach Station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at London, Victoria Coach Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at London, Victoria Coach Station: Elevators, ramps.

London, Bishopsgate (Liverpool Street Station - Stop G)London, Bishopsgate, EC2M 4NR, United KingdomWifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Office
City-centre transport

Getting to London, Bishopsgate (Liverpool Street Station - Stop G) from London city centre

London, Bishopsgate (Liverpool Street Station - Stop G) is 3 km from London city centre. Public transport options include:

BusA8 · 20m · £0.89 · every ~11 min
26, N26 · 21m · £4 · every ~27 min
SubwayCentral · 13m · £3 · every ~94 min

London, Bishopsgate (Liverpool Street Station - Stop G) bus station facilities and services

London, Bishopsgate (Liverpool Street Station - Stop G) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.

Food and drink

Food options include: Pret a Manger (in the station), Starbucks (in the station).

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance and concourse area.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at London, Bishopsgate (Liverpool Street Station - Stop G).

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at London, Bishopsgate (Liverpool Street Station - Stop G): Parking, Taxis, WC.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at London, Bishopsgate (Liverpool Street Station - Stop G): Elevators, ramps.

London, Heathrow Airport Terminals 2 & 3Heathrow Airport Terminals 2 & 3, Hounslow, TW6 1EW, London, UKWifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Office
City-centre transport

Getting to London, Heathrow Airport Terminals 2 & 3 from London city centre

TrainElizabeth, London Paddington - Heathrow Terminal 4, London Paddington - Heathrow Terminal 5 · 21m · £31 · every ~3 min
Elizabeth · 41m · £15 · every ~8 min
BusUkn14, Ukn02, Uk043, Uk042, Ukn23, Ukxn10, Ukn49 · 50m · £2 · every ~1 min
Ukxn10 · 50m · £3 · every ~1 min
Ukxn10 · 50m · £3 · every ~1 min
N9 · 1h 11m · £2 · every ~4 min
SubwayPiccadilly · 48m · £19 · every ~27 min

London, Heathrow Airport Terminals 2 & 3 bus station facilities and services

London, Heathrow Airport Terminals 2 & 3 has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.

Food and drink

Food options include: Pret a Manger (in the station), Caffè Nero (in the station)

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located in the arrivals and departures areas, offering multiple currency options.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at London, Heathrow Airport Terminals 2 & 3.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at London, Heathrow Airport Terminals 2 & 3: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at London, Heathrow Airport Terminals 2 & 3: Ramps, assistance.

More options for your journey from London to Colchester

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy

We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.

ios-badge
android-badge
Hand With Phone