- 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 London to Colchester
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 29 Aug
Cheapest price on 29 Aug
£43
Average ticket price on 29 Aug
£45
Fastest journey on 29 Aug
3 h 15 m
Average journey duration on 29 Aug
3 h 29 m
Buses on 29 Aug
7
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 £45 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £43.
Fast coaches
To travel from London to Colchester you need to make at least one change.
NXA8 · NX71713:003h55London, Victoria Coach Station16:55Colchester, East Hill / High Street£431One-way1 change- NXA8 · NX71719:303h20London, Victoria Coach Station22:50Colchester, East Hill / High Street£431One-way1 change
- NXA8 · NX7179:003h25London, Victoria Coach Station12:25Colchester, East Hill / High Street£431One-way1 change
- NXA8 · NX7176:303h35London, Victoria Coach Station10:05Colchester, East Hill / High Street£441One-way1 change
- NXA8 · NX71722:303h15London, Victoria Coach Station1:45Colchester, East Hill / High Street£451One-way1 change
- NXA8 · NX71722:303h15London, Victoria Coach Station1:45Colchester, East Hill / High Street£451One-way1 change
- NXA8 · NX71719:303h20London, Victoria Coach Station22:50Colchester, East Hill / High Street£431One-way1 change
- NXA8 · NX7179:003h25London, Victoria Coach Station12:25Colchester, East Hill / High Street£431One-way1 change
- NXA8 · NX7176:303h35London, Victoria Coach Station10:05Colchester, East Hill / High Street£441One-way1 change
- NXA8 · NX71716:003h50London, Victoria Coach Station19:50Colchester, East Hill / High Street£471One-way1 change
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 an average ticket price of £22 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 1h 22m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.1kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £22, while a coach costs an average of £28.
Distance: 83 km
Compare bus with
| Coach | Most popular Train |
|---|---|
£28 Average Price | £22 Average Price Cheapest |
2h 45m Average total duration 2h 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 22m Average total duration Fastest 52m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions | 0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest |
Most popular bus company |  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, Friday 28 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NXA8 · NX717 | 16:00 London, Victoria Coach Station | 3h50 | 19:50 Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 1 change | |
| NXA8 · NX717 | 19:30 London, Victoria Coach Station | 3h20 | 22:50 Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 1 change | |
| NXA8 · NX717 | 22:30 London, Victoria Coach Station | 3h15 | 1:45 Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 1 change | |
| Saturday 29 August | |||||
| NXA8 · NX717 | 6:30 London, Victoria Coach Station | 3h35 | 10:05 Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 1 change | |
| NXA8 · NX717 | 9:00 London, Victoria Coach Station | 3h25 | 12:25 Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 1 change | |
| NXA8 · NX717 | 11:00 London, Victoria Coach Station | 3h55 | 14:55 Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 1 change | |
| NXA8 · NX717 | 13:00 London, Victoria Coach Station | 3h55 | 16:55 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.
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Why should you book London to Colchester coaches with Omio?
National Express operates all 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?
- 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?
- 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.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from London to Colchester
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from London to Colchester run on average 8 times per day, taking around 2h 15m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £7 if you book in advance.
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
Distance 83 km |
Average bus duration 2h 15m |
Cheapest ticket price £7 |
Buses per day 8 |
Fastest bus 2h 0m |
First bus 0:02 |
Last bus 23:57 |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Sun |
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
Bus providers: National Express from London to ColchesterYou can travel by bus between London to Colchester with National Express for as low as £7. 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
3h 10m
Cheapest National Express Price
£22
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.
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.
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 £28; 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 8 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 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, York Road (London Eye), London, Southwark Street / Blackfriars Road, London, Baker Street Station, London, Heathrow Airport Terminal 4, London, Eastbourne Terrace (Paddington Station), London, Tottenham Hale Bus Station, London, Elephant and Castle, London, Canada Square South (Canary Wharf Station), London, Kingsland Road / Middleton Road, London, Lithos Road, London, Bethnal Green, London, Eltham, London, Golders Green Station, London, Finchley Road ("Subway" restaurant), London, New Cross Gate, London, Lewisham, London, Stratford City Bus Station, London, Whitechapel Station Royal London Hospital (Stop B), London, Walworth, London, Victoria Rail Station, London, St John's Wood, London, Marble Arch, London, Wembley Stadium (First Way), London, Gloucester Place (Baker Street Station), London, Bow Church Station (Stop A), London, Leman Street / Buckle Street (Aldgate East), Dartford, Bluewater Shopping Centre . 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.
A trip to Colchester from London is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 2h 0m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from London to Colchester is July.
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.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from London to Colchester for coach company National Express.
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.
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 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.
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a coach ticket from London to Colchester:
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from London to Colchester.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from London to Colchester with the following coach company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from London to Colchester with the following coach company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from London to Colchester with the following coach company: National Express.
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 Marks Tey, A120. 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 Kingdom
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 · £0.90 · 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 Kingdom
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 · £0.90 · 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, UK
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.
Which Colchester station do buses from London arrive at?
Buses from London to Colchester most often arrive at Colchester, East Hill / High Street. Some services arrive at Marks Tey, A120, 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 · £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.
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.
More options for your journey from London to Colchester
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Colchester and London
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