Southampton to Colchester bus with National Express

Mon 01 Dec
+ Add return
National Express
FlixBus
Alsa
Megabus
Airport Bus Express Ltd
1,000+ travel companies
National Express
FlixBus
Alsa
Megabus
Airport Bus Express Ltd
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Southampton to Colchester

Showing times and prices for 01 Dec

Cheapest price

£45

Average price

£45

Fastest journey

9 h 20 m

Average duration

9 h 20 m

Buses per day

1

Distance

194 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Southampton to Colchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Southampton to Colchester will cost around £45 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £45.

Fast coaches

Of the 1 buses that leave Southampton for Colchester every day 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

These direct buses cover the 194 km distance in an average of 9 h 20 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 9 h 20 m .

The slowest buses will take 9 h 20 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.

National Express
19:309h20
Southampton
04:50Colchester
£451One-way
0 changes

Travel Information

Compare coach and train for Southampton to Colchester

Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Southampton 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 2h 34m. 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 £93.

Distance: 194 km

Compare bus with

Most popular
Coach
Train

£44

Average Price

Cheapest

£93

Average Price

5h 46m

Average total duration

5h 16m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 4m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 34m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.2 - 0.5kg

CO2 emissions

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest
National Express

Most popular bus company

South Western Railway

Most popular train company

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

Southampton to Colchester bus times

The table below shows live departures for Southampton to Colchester coaches for today, Sunday 30 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.

Last updated at 14:55
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
national_express19:30 Southampton
9h20
04:50 Colchester0 changesdirect

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Southampton 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.

Mon
01 Dec
Tue
02 Dec
Wed
03 Dec
Thu
04 Dec
Fri
05 Dec
Sat
06 Dec
Sun
07 Dec

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Southampton to Colchester

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Southampton to Colchester run on average 15 times per day, taking around 5h 16m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £32 if you book in advance.

The earliest coach runs at 02:05, the last at 21:35. The fastest coach covers the 194 km distance in 6h 45m.

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
194 km
Average bus duration
5h 16m
Cheapest ticket price
£32
Buses per day
15
Fastest bus
6h 45m
First bus
02:05
Last bus
21:35
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 Southampton to ColchesterYou can travel by bus between Southampton 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 45m
Cheapest Price
£32
National Express frequency
14 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.

FAQs: Southampton to Colchester coach

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Southampton 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.

FAQs
Cheap coach tickets from Southampton to Colchester can start from as little as £32 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Southampton to Colchester is £44; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The coach time between Southampton and Colchester is on average 6 h 5 min   for the 120 mile long journey, but the time it takes to go between Southampton and Colchester by coach can vary depending on specific dates or if traveling on weekends and holidays.
The first coach from Southampton to Colchester leaves at 03: 30. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The last coach from Southampton to Colchester leaves at 18: 20.
There are 11 coaches a day from Southampton 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 Southampton 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 Southampton and Colchester and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
The cheapest month to travel from Southampton to Colchester by coach is February.
You have options as you can travel to Colchester from Southampton 2 different ways: coach or train.
No, the coach from Southampton to Colchester has no accessibility options.
No, there are no bathrooms on board the coach from Southampton to Colchester.
No, bikes are not allowed on board the coach from Southampton to Colchester.

To find the cheapest bus tickets for your trip from Southampton to Colchester, follow these tips:

  • Book in advance: Tickets are often cheaper when booked early.
  • Be flexible with dates and times: Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money.
  • Use our search filters: Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options.
  • Look for special deals or discounts: Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
  • Start your search now and compare ticket prices to find the best deal!

    Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the coach from Southampton to Colchester.
    No, luggage for the coach from Southampton to Colchester needs to be booked in addition.
    No, there are no additional luggage options for the coach from Southampton to Colchester.
    Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Southampton to Colchester.
    No, there are no USB plugs on board the coach from Southampton to Colchester.
    No, there is no WiFi on board the coach from Southampton to Colchester.

    popular bus stations

    Important Stations and Airports in Southampton and Colchester

    Southampton
    Colchester
    The major coach station for departures in Southampton is Southampton, Coach Station. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Southampton, Coach Station for your trip from Southampton to Colchester.
    Amenities at bus station
    WifiWifi
    ParkingParking
    DiningDining
    ATMATM
    TaxisTaxis
    AccessibilityAccessibility
    WCWC
    Ticket OfficeTicket Office
    information
    ticketOfficeHours
    Ticket Office Hours
    • 06:00-22:00
    carConnection
    Car connection
    Harbour Parade
    Wifi
    Wifi
    • Free Wi-Fi
    Dining
    Dining
    • Café Express (in the station)
    • Sandwich Bar (in the station).
    Taxis
    Taxis
    • Available outside the station.
    Accessibility
    Accessibility
    • Elevators, ramps
    WC
    WC
    • Available near the entrance.
    Public transport options for Southampton, Coach Station
    • Bus: U1, U2, U6, X4 Train: South Western Railway
    Southampton, University
    information

    More options for your journey from Southampton to Colchester

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