The cheapest and fastest coaches from Manchester to Colchester
Cheapest price
£34
Average price
£40
Fastest journey
9 h 25 m
Average duration
10 h
Buses per day
2
Distance
276 km
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Manchester to Colchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Manchester to Colchester will cost around £40 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £34.
Of the 2 buses that leave Manchester for Colchester every day 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct buses cover the 276 km distance in an average of 10 h but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 9 h 25 m .
The slowest buses will take 10 h 35 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.




Travel Information
Compare train, coach and flight for Manchester to Colchester
Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Manchester to Colchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £34. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 6m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £34, and a flight costs an average of £63.
Distance: 276 km
Compare bus with
Most popular Coach | Train | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£55 Average Price Cheapest | £95 Average Price | £132 Average Price |
8h 30m Average total duration 8h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 40m Average total duration 4h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 6m Average total duration Fastest 1h 6m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.3 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.8 - 1.6kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Manchester to Colchester bus times
The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Colchester coaches for today, Tuesday 24 February. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NX421 · NX777 · NX717 | Delayed 07:57 02:45Manchester, Coach Station | 9h25 | 12:10 Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 2 changes | |
NX540 · NXA8 · NX717 | Delayed 16:45 07:15Manchester, Coach Station | 9h25 | 16:40 Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 2 changes | |
NX540 · NXA8 · NX717 | Delayed 16:45 09:30Manchester, Coach Station | 9h35 | 19:05 Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 2 changes | |
NX540 · NX737 · NX717 | 13:30 Manchester, Coach Station | 8h20 | 21:50 Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 2 changes | |
NX540 · NX737 · NX717 | 15:45 Manchester, Coach Station | 9h30 | 01:15 Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 2 changes | |
NX540 · NXA8 · NX717 | On time 19:15 Manchester, Coach Station | 10h35 | 05:50 Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 2 changes | |
NX540 · NXA6 · NX717 | On time 19:15 Manchester, Coach Station | 10h35 | 05:50 Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 2 changes | |
NX424 · NX777 · NX717 | 23:55 Manchester, Coach Station | 9h50 | 09:45 Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 2 changes | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Manchester to Colchester by train, coach or flight
Compare train, coach and flight 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.
25 Feb
26 Feb
27 Feb
28 Feb
01 Mar
02 Mar
03 Mar
Why should you book Manchester to Colchester coaches with Omio?
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, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Manchester to Colchester.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Manchester to Colchester.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Manchester to Colchester
Buses from Manchester to Colchester run on average 10 times per day, taking around 8h 0m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £34 if you book in advance.
The earliest coach runs at 00:05, the last at 23:55. The fastest coach covers the 276 km distance in 8h 20m.
Distance 276 km |
Average bus duration 8h 0m |
Cheapest ticket price £34 |
Buses per day 10 |
Fastest bus 8h 20m |
First bus 00:05 |
Last bus 23:55 |
Bus providers: National Express from Manchester to ColchesterYou can travel by bus between Manchester to Colchester with National Express for as low as £34. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
National Express
FAQs: Manchester to Colchester coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester 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.

- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
- 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.
- National Express
- Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Manchester and Colchester
- 06:00-22:00
- Free Wi-Fi
- Café at the Station (in the station)
- Fast Food Express (in the station).
- Available outside the main entrance.
- Ramps, assistance
- Available in the station.
- Bus: 50, 192, 201, 203, 205, 219, 255, 256 Train: Manchester Piccadilly Metro: Piccadilly Gardens
- 00:00-23:59
- Free Wi-Fi
- Burger King (in the station)
- Giraffe (in the station).
- Available outside the terminal, with several companies offering services.
- Elevators, ramps, assistance
- Available in the station.
- Bus: 43, 103 Train: Manchester Airport
Most popular bus connections from Manchester
More options for your journey from Manchester to Colchester
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need


