- 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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Journey information
Overview: Bus from Northampton to Colchester
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Northampton to Colchester run on average 10 times per day, taking around 3h 43m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £44 if you book in advance.
The earliest coach runs at 00:35, the last at 23:45. The fastest coach covers the 129 km distance in 3h 30m.
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 129 km |
Average bus duration 3h 43m |
Cheapest ticket price £44 |
Buses per day 10 |
Fastest bus 3h 30m |
First bus 0:35 |
Last bus 23:45 |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 3 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
Why should you book Northampton to Colchester coaches with Omio?
National Express operates all coaches services from Northampton to Colchester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Northampton 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.
Bus providers: National Express from Northampton to ColchesterYou can travel by bus between Northampton to Colchester with National Express for as low as £44. 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 30m
Cheapest National Express Price
£44
National Express frequency
9 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.
FAQs: Northampton to Colchester coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Northampton 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 Northampton to Colchester can start from as little as £44 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Northampton to Colchester is £65; 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 Northampton to Colchester is 3h 30m to travel the 129 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 Northampton to Colchester leaves at 0:35. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Northampton to Colchester leaves at 23:45.
There are 10 coaches a day from Northampton 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 Northampton 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 Northampton and Colchester and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
Yes, you can take a train between Northampton and Colchester.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Northampton to Colchester for coach company National Express.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Northampton to Colchester:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Northampton 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 Northampton to Colchester.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Northampton 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 Northampton to Colchester:
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Northampton to Colchester.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Northampton to Colchester with the following coach company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Northampton to Colchester with the following coach company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Northampton to Colchester with the following coach company: National Express.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Northampton and Colchester
Most Northampton to Colchester buses use the Northampton, Town Centre to Colchester, East Hill / High Street station pair. Use this guide to compare Northampton and Colchester bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Northampton
Arrival bus stations in Colchester
Northampton, Town Centre
Northampton, Far CottonFar Cotton, Northampton NN4, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Northampton, Far Cotton from Northampton city centre
Northampton, Far Cotton is 2 km from Northampton city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus4A, 4 · 16m · £2 · every ~15 min
X10, 7, 58, 10, 2, 8A, 7B · 19m · £4 · every ~24 min
Northampton, Far Cotton bus station facilities and services
Northampton, Far Cotton 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 Northampton, Far Cotton. ATMs are available at Northampton, Far Cotton.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Northampton, Far Cotton.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Northampton, Far Cotton: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Northampton, Far Cotton: Accessible for passengers with reduced mobility.
Northampton, London Road
City-centre transport
Getting to Northampton, London Road from Northampton city centre
Bus11A, 11 · 26m · £2 · every ~5 min
12 · 27m · £2 · every ~5 min
12, 12A · 28m · £2 · every ~10 min
11A, 11 · 50m · £4 · every ~5 min
Which Colchester station do buses from Northampton arrive at?
Buses from Northampton to Colchester arrive at Colchester, East Hill / High Street. Colchester, East Hill / High Street is from Colchester city centre.
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 · £0.89 · 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.
Most popular bus connections from Northampton
More options for your journey from Northampton to Colchester
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Colchester and Northampton
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