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Travel Information
Compare coach and train for Portsmouth to Colchester
Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Portsmouth to Colchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £32. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 36m. 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 £32, and a train costs an average of £34.
Distance: 184 km
Compare bus with
Most popular Coach | Train |
|---|---|
£48 Average Price Cheapest | £65 Average Price |
5h 33m Average total duration 5h 3m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 6m Average total duration Fastest 3h 36m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Portsmouth to Colchester bus times
The table below shows live departures for Portsmouth to Colchester coaches for today, Tuesday 9 June. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 19:55 Portsmouth | 9h55 | 5:50 Colchester | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Portsmouth to Colchester by coach or train
Compare coach and train 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 Portsmouth to Colchester coaches with Omio?
National Express operates all coaches services from Portsmouth to Colchester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Portsmouth 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 bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Portsmouth to Colchester.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Portsmouth to Colchester.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Portsmouth to Colchester
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Portsmouth to Colchester run on average 20 times per day, taking around 5h 3m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £32 if you book in advance.
The earliest coach runs at 02:35, the last at 20:20. The fastest coach covers the 184 km distance in 6h 55m.
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 184 km |
Average bus duration 5h 3m |
Cheapest ticket price £32 |
Buses per day 20 |
Fastest bus 6h 55m |
First bus 2:35 |
Last bus 20:20 |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
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 Portsmouth to ColchesterYou can travel by bus between Portsmouth to Colchester with National Express for as low as £32. 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 Duration
6h 55m
Cheapest Price
£32
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.
FAQs: Portsmouth to Colchester coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth to Colchester can start from as little as £32 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Portsmouth to Colchester is £48; 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 Portsmouth to Colchester is 6h 55m to travel the 184 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 Portsmouth to Colchester leaves at 2:35. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Portsmouth to Colchester leaves at 20:20.
There are 20 coaches a day from Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth and Colchester and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
A trip to Colchester from Portsmouth is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 6h 55m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Portsmouth to Colchester is July.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Portsmouth and Colchester including taking a coach and train.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Portsmouth to Colchester:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Portsmouth to Colchester for coach company National Express.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth to Colchester.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth to Colchester:
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Portsmouth to Colchester.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Portsmouth to Colchester with the following coach company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Portsmouth to Colchester with the following coach company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Portsmouth to Colchester with the following coach company: National Express.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Portsmouth and Colchester
Portsmouth
Colchester
The major coach station for departures in Portsmouth is Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange for your trip from Portsmouth to Colchester.
Amenities at bus station
Wifi
Parking
Dining
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
Ticket Officeinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 05:00-23:00
Distance to city center
1 km
Car connection
The HardWifi
- Free Wi-Fi
Dining
- Café at The Hard (in the station)
- Fast Food Outlet (in the station).
Taxis
- Available outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
- Elevators, ramps
WC
- Available near the waiting area.
Public transport options for Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange
- Bus: 1, 2, 3, 7, 8, 13, 14 Train: South Western Railway, Southern, Great Western Railway
Portsmouth, University
information
Amenities at bus station
WifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Officeinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 06:00-22:00
Distance to city center
1 kmCar connection
Wharf RoadWifi
- Free Wi-Fi
Dining
- Café in the terminal (in the station)
- Fast-food outlet (in the station).
Taxis
- Available outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
- Elevators, ramps
WC
- Available in the station.
Public transport options for Portsmouth, International Port
- Bus: 8, 20, 700 Train: Portsmouth Harbour
The major coach station for arrivals in Colchester is Colchester, East Hill / High Street. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Colchester, East Hill / High Street for your trip to Colchester from Portsmouth.
Colchester, East Hill / High Street
information
Most popular bus connections from Portsmouth
More options for your journey from Portsmouth to Colchester
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Colchester and Portsmouth
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