- Must visit
Colchester Castle Museum
Major museum inside the Norman castle, presenting Roman finds and town history. Essential for understanding Colchester from Iron Age to modern times.
Cheapest price on Sep 05
€61
Average ticket price on Sep 05
€76
Fastest journey on Sep 05
6 h 20 m
Average journey duration on Sep 05
6 h 43 m
Buses on Sep 05
7
Distance
202 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Birmingham to Colchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Birmingham to Colchester will cost around €76 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €61.
It's difficult to get from Birmingham to Colchester without transferring at least once.
NX541 · NXA8 · NX717
NX777 · NX717
NX777 · NX717
NX777 · NX717
NX541 · NX737 · NX717
NX777 · NX717
NX210 · NX727 · NX717
NX777 · NX717
NX541 · NXA8 · NX717
NX777 · NX717Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Birmingham to Colchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of €51 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 50m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €51, while a train costs an average of €61.
Distance: 125 miles (202 km)
Most popular Bus | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
€51 Average price Cheapest | €61 Average price | €53 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 54m Average total duration 5h 24m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 50m Average total duration Fastest 3h 20m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 4m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.2kg 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.
This is compared to other travel options from Birmingham to Colchester:
A bus is €9 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Birmingham to Colchester costing on average €61.
Other travel options to Colchester take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 24m.
Tickets start at around €51 compared to roughly €53 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about €2. The journey takes 5h 24m versus 3h 4m 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.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:30AM | Arrival Time 09:00AM | Duration 6h30 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price €63 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:30AM | Arrival Time 10:05AM | Duration 6h35 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price €75 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:45AM | Arrival Time 11:25AM | Duration 6h40 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price €62 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:05AM | Arrival Time 11:25AM | Duration 6h20 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price €64 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:05AM | Arrival Time 12:25PM | Duration 6h20 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price €73 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:50AM | Arrival Time 02:55PM | Duration 7h05 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price €72 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:55AM | Arrival Time 03:55PM | Duration 7h00 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price €60 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:45AM | Arrival Time 04:55PM | Duration 7h10 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price €76 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:30AM | Arrival Time 07:05PM | Duration 7h35 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price €31 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:00PM | Arrival Time 06:50PM | Duration 6h50 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price €64 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:35PM | Arrival Time 07:50PM | Duration 7h15 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price €76 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:15PM | Arrival Time 10:50PM | Duration 6h35 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price €97 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:15PM | Arrival Time 12:45AM | Duration 7h30 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price €54 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:30PM | Arrival Time 12:45AM | Duration 7h15 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price €63 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:00PM | Arrival Time 01:15AM | Duration 7h15 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price €31 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:15PM | Arrival Time 01:15AM | Duration 7h00 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price €57 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:45PM | Arrival Time 01:45AM | Duration 7h00 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price €61 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:30PM | Arrival Time 05:50AM | Duration 8h20 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price €47 |
The table below shows live departures for Birmingham to Colchester buses for today, Friday, September 4. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 9:30 PM Birmingham | 8h20 | 5:50 AM Colchester | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Saturday, September 5 | |||||
NX777 · NX717 | 3:30 AM Birmingham, Coach Station | 6h35 | 10:05 AM Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 1 transfer | |
NX777 · NX717 | 6:05 AM Birmingham, Coach Station | 6h20 | 12:25 PM Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 1 transfer | |
NX777 · NX717 | 7:50 AM Birmingham, Coach Station | 7h05 | 2:55 PM Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 1 transfer | |
NX777 · NX717 | 9:45 AM Birmingham, Coach Station | 7h10 | 4:55 PM Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 1 transfer | |
NX541 · NX737 · NX717 | 12:35 PM Birmingham, Coach Station | 7h15 | 7:50 PM Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 2 transfers | |
NX210 · NX727 · NX717 | 4:15 PM Birmingham, Coach Station | 6h35 | 10:50 PM Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 2 transfers | |
NX541 · NXA8 · NX717 | 6:45 PM Birmingham, Coach Station | 7h00 | 1:45 AM Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 2 transfers | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and bus 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.
Buses from Birmingham to Colchester run on average 8 times per day, taking around 5h 24m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €35 if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 01:00, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 125 miles (202 km) distance in 6h 20m.
Distance 125 miles (202 km) |
Average bus duration 5h 24m |
Cheapest ticket price €35 |
Buses per day 8 |
Fastest bus 6h 20m |
First bus 1:00 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 35 days |
Discover the best of Colchester — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Colchester trip today.
Major museum inside the Norman castle, presenting Roman finds and town history. Essential for understanding Colchester from Iron Age to modern times.
Award-winning museum on former barracks, covering military life and the Essex Regiment. Strong collections make it a standout for social and army history.
Natural history museum in a former church, with local wildlife, geology, and family displays. A useful stop for learning about Essex's environment.
Historic park around the castle with formal planting, Roman walls, and central lawns. A classic place to relax while exploring the old town.
Charming conservation area of timber-framed buildings and narrow streets, reflecting the town's links with Dutch and Flemish settlers.
Main shopping and historic street lined with heritage buildings, independent businesses, and civic landmarks. A practical and atmospheric town-centre walk.
Colchester Native Oysters are famed shellfish from local estuaries, eaten raw or dressed. They are one of Britain’s oldest recorded regional delicacies.
Essex Eel Pie is a traditional regional pie of chopped eel in rich gravy. It reflects the historic importance of estuary fishing in Essex.
Tiptree Jam Tart uses the county’s famous Wilkin & Sons preserves in a simple buttery tart. It is a classic Essex tea-room style dessert.
Well-regarded modern British restaurant serving seasonal tasting-style plates in an intimate, refined atmosphere.
Established seafood restaurant known for oysters, fish and polished service in a smart but relaxed setting near the town centre.
Popular casual venue for brunch, coffee and comfort food with a stylish interior and a strong local following.
Moderate for the UK: hotels and dining cost less than London, while local buses and casual meals stay fairly manageable for tourists.
Restaurants may add service; if not, tip 10-12% for good service. Taxi fares are often rounded up. Tipping in cafes is optional.
Official public transport app
Colchester East Hill / High Street, Colchester -> Colchester Town Centre, Colchester
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Birmingham to Colchester by bus. 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 bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Colchester, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Birmingham to Colchester buses use the Birmingham, Coach Station to Colchester, East Hill / High Street station pair. Use this guide to compare Birmingham and Colchester bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Birmingham, Coach Station is 1 km from Birmingham city centre. Public transport options include:
Birmingham, Coach Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafeteria and fast-food options inside the station
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Birmingham, Coach Station.
Available at Birmingham, Coach Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Birmingham, Coach Station: Elevators, ramps.
Birmingham, Comet Road (Airport) is 1 km from Birmingham city centre. Public transport options include:
Birmingham, Comet Road (Airport) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Restaurants available in the airport terminal.
Free WiFi available. ATMs are aTMs available inside the airport terminal.
Ticket office support is available at Birmingham, Comet Road (Airport).
Available at Birmingham, Comet Road (Airport): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Birmingham, Comet Road (Airport): Facilities accessible for disabled persons.
Colchester, East Hill / High Street has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Colchester, East Hill / High Street. ATMs are available at Colchester, East Hill / High Street.
Ticket office support is available at Colchester, East Hill / High Street.
Available at Colchester, East Hill / High Street: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Colchester, East Hill / High Street: Limited accessibility features.
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