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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Norwich to Colchester
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 17 Sept
Cheapest price on 17 Sept
£8
Average ticket price on 17 Sept
£55
Fastest journey on 17 Sept
2 h 5 m
Average journey duration on 17 Sept
4 h 38 m
Buses on 17 Sept
8
Distance
86 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Norwich to Colchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Norwich to Colchester will cost around £55 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £8.
Fast coaches
On Thu 17 Sept, we found 8 buses from Norwich to Colchester, including 1 direct services.
These direct buses cover the 86 km distance in an average of 4 h 38 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 h 5 m .
The slowest buses will take 5 h 55 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.
FlixBus5:502h05Norwich, Bus Station7:55Colchester, Stanwell Street (Bus station)£81One-way0 changes
NX727 · NX7173:576h03Norwich, University Of East Anglia10:00Colchester, East Hill / High Street£521One-way1 change- NX727 · NX7177:155h10Norwich, Bus Station12:25Colchester, East Hill / High Street£621One-way1 change
- NX727 · NX7173:456h15Norwich, Bus Station10:00Colchester, East Hill / High Street£621One-way1 change
- NX728 · NX71713:306h20Norwich, University Of East Anglia19:50Colchester, East Hill / High Street£641One-way1 change
- FlixBus5:502h05Norwich, Bus Station7:55Colchester, Stanwell Street (Bus station)£81One-way0 changes
- NX727 · NX71710:054h50Norwich, Bus Station14:55Colchester, East Hill / High Street£641One-way1 change
- NX727 · NX7177:155h10Norwich, Bus Station12:25Colchester, East Hill / High Street£621One-way1 change
- NX727 · NX71711:455h10Norwich, Bus Station16:55Colchester, East Hill / High Street£641One-way1 change
- NX728 · NX71713:555h55Norwich, Bus Station19:50Colchester, East Hill / High Street£641One-way1 change
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Norwich to Colchester
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Norwich to Colchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £19 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 1h 29m. 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 £19, while a coach costs an average of £43.
Distance: 86 km
Compare bus with
| Coach | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£43 Average Price | £19 Average Price Cheapest | £16 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 3m Average total duration 2h 33m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 29m Average total duration Fastest 59m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 25m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions | 0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
Most popular bus company |  Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The cheapest way to travel from Norwich to Colchester is a train with an average price of £19.
This is compared to other travel options from Norwich to Colchester:
A train is £24 less than a coach for this route with tickets for a coach from Norwich to Colchester costing on average £43.
The fastest way to travel from Norwich to Colchester is by train with an average journey time of 59m.
Other travel options to Colchester take longer:
Coach takes on average 2h 33m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Norwich and Colchester including taking a train and coach.
Take the bus. It's the cheapest way to make this trip, and the price gap is usually bigger than people expect.
Tickets start at around £43 compared to roughly £16 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-26.18. The journey takes 2h 33m versus 1h 25m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
Live departures
Norwich to Colchester bus times
The table below shows live departures for Norwich to Colchester coaches for tomorrow, Thursday 17 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NX727 · NX717 | 3:45 Norwich, Bus Station | 6h15 | 10:00 Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 1 change | |
| NX727 · NX717 | 3:57 Norwich, University Of East Anglia | 6h03 | 10:00 Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 1 change | |
| FlixBus | 5:50 Norwich, Bus Station | 2h05 | 7:55 Colchester, Stanwell Street (Bus station) | 0 changesdirect | |
| NX727 · NX717 | 7:15 Norwich, Bus Station | 5h10 | 12:25 Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 1 change | |
| NX727 · NX717 | 10:05 Norwich, Bus Station | 4h50 | 14:55 Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 1 change | |
| NX727 · NX717 | 11:45 Norwich, Bus Station | 5h10 | 16:55 Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 1 change | |
| NX728 · NX717 | 13:30 Norwich, University Of East Anglia | 6h20 | 19:50 Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 1 change | |
| NX728 · NX717 | 13:55 Norwich, Bus Station | 5h55 | 19:50 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 Norwich 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.
Thu
17 Sept
17 Sept
Fri
18 Sept
18 Sept
Sat
19 Sept
19 Sept
Sun
20 Sept
20 Sept
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21 Sept
21 Sept
Tue
22 Sept
22 Sept
Wed
23 Sept
23 Sept
Why should you book Norwich to Colchester coaches with Omio?
FlixBus as well as National Express offer coaches services from Norwich to Colchester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Norwich to Colchester.
Why book with Omio vs FlixBus?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for FlixBus, but also compare tickets for the likes of National Express to find the best option for your trip from Norwich 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 FlixBus with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Norwich 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 National Express to find the best option for your trip from Norwich to Colchester.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Norwich to Colchester.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Norwich to Colchester
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Norwich to Colchester run on average 8 times per day, taking around 2h 33m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £10 if you book in advance.
The earliest coach runs at 00:02, the last at 23:51. The fastest coach covers the 86 km distance in 2h 5m.
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 86 km |
Average bus duration 2h 33m |
Cheapest ticket price £10 |
Buses per day 8 |
Fastest bus 2h 5m |
First bus 0:02 |
Last bus 23:51 |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 2 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: FlixBus, National Express from Norwich to ColchesterYou can travel by bus between Norwich to Colchester with FlixBus, National Express for as low as £10. 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 5m
Cheapest FlixBus Price
£10
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
5h 48m
Cheapest National Express Price
£28
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.
What's included in each class
Compare National Express classes and the amenities included in each one.
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.
- 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: Norwich to Colchester coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Norwich 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 Norwich to Colchester can start from as little as £10 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Norwich to Colchester is £43; 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 Norwich to Colchester is 2h 5m to travel the 86 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 Norwich to Colchester leaves at 0:02. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Norwich to Colchester leaves at 23:51.
There are 8 coaches a day from Norwich to Colchester which require at least one change with FlixBus, National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.
When taking a coach from Norwich to Colchester, you can count on FlixBus, National Express for the best way to get you to Colchester. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Norwich and Colchester and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
A trip to Colchester from Norwich is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 2h 5m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Norwich to Colchester is April.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Norwich and Colchester including taking a train and coach.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Norwich 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 Norwich to Colchester for coach company FlixBus, National Express.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Norwich 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.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the coach with coach company FlixBus, 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 Norwich to Colchester.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Norwich 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 Norwich 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 Norwich 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 Norwich to Colchester with the following coach company: FlixBus, National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Norwich to Colchester with the following coach company: FlixBus, National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Norwich to Colchester with the following coach company: FlixBus, National Express.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Norwich and Colchester
Most Norwich to Colchester buses use the Norwich, Bus Station to Colchester, East Hill / High Street station pair, with some services arriving at Colchester, Stanwell Street (Bus station). Use this guide to compare Norwich and Colchester bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Norwich
Arrival bus stations in Colchester
Norwich, Bus Station
City-centre transport
Getting to Norwich, Bus Station from Norwich city centre
Bus8, 3B, 8A, 8C · 3m · £2 · every ~6 min
Norwich, University Of East AngliaResearch Park, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Norwich, University Of East Anglia from Norwich city centre
Norwich, University Of East Anglia is 4 km from Norwich city centre. Public transport options include:
BusUk007, Uk950 · 14m · £0.90
4, 3, 3B · 15m · £2 · every ~4 min
25, 26, 26A · 18m · £2 · every ~26 min
25, 26, 26A · 28m · £2 · every ~26 min
Norwich, University Of East Anglia bus station facilities and services
Norwich, University Of East Anglia has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Cafeterias and food outlets available on campus.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Available on campus for students and staff. ATMs are aTMs located on campus.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Norwich, University Of East Anglia.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Norwich, University Of East Anglia: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Norwich, University Of East Anglia: Most buildings and paths are wheelchair accessible.
Which Colchester station do buses from Norwich arrive at?
Buses from Norwich to Colchester most often arrive at Colchester, East Hill / High Street. Some services arrive at Colchester, Stanwell Street (Bus station), 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.
Most popular bus connections from Norwich
More options for your journey from Norwich to Colchester
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Colchester and Norwich
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