Birmingham to Colchester bus with National Express

Sat, Sep 05
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Birmingham to Colchester

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 05

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

Cheap tickets

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.

Fast buses

It's difficult to get from Birmingham to Colchester without transferring at least once.

  • National ExpressNX541 · NXA8 · NX717
    6:45 PM7h00
    Birmingham, Coach Station
    1:45 AMColchester, East Hill / High Street
    611One-way
    2 transfers
  • National ExpressNX777 · NX717
    7:50 AM7h05
    Birmingham, Coach Station
    2:55 PMColchester, East Hill / High Street
    721One-way
    1 transfer
  • National ExpressNX777 · NX717
    6:05 AM6h20
    Birmingham, Coach Station
    12:25 PMColchester, East Hill / High Street
    731One-way
    1 transfer
  • National ExpressNX777 · NX717
    3:30 AM6h35
    Birmingham, Coach Station
    10:05 AMColchester, East Hill / High Street
    751One-way
    1 transfer
  • National ExpressNX541 · NX737 · NX717
    12:35 PM7h15
    Birmingham, Coach Station
    7:50 PMColchester, East Hill / High Street
    761One-way
    2 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train and bus for Birmingham to Colchester

Omio 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)

Compare bus with

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

National Express

Most popular bus company

Avanti West Coast

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 Birmingham to Colchester is a bus with an average price of €51.

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.

The fastest way to travel from Birmingham to Colchester is by train with an average journey time of 3h 20m.

Other travel options to Colchester take longer:

Bus takes on average 5h 24m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Birmingham and Colchester including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Birmingham to Colchester among Omio's users.
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 €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.

Birmingham to Colchester Bus Timetables

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest 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

Live departures

Birmingham to Colchester bus times

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.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
National Express9:30 PM Birmingham
8h20
5:50 AM Colchester0 transfersDirect
Saturday, September 5
National ExpressNX777 · NX7173:30 AM Birmingham, Coach Station
6h35
10:05 AM Colchester, East Hill / High Street1 transfer
National ExpressNX777 · NX7176:05 AM Birmingham, Coach Station
6h20
12:25 PM Colchester, East Hill / High Street1 transfer
National ExpressNX777 · NX7177:50 AM Birmingham, Coach Station
7h05
2:55 PM Colchester, East Hill / High Street1 transfer
National ExpressNX777 · NX7179:45 AM Birmingham, Coach Station
7h10
4:55 PM Colchester, East Hill / High Street1 transfer
National ExpressNX541 · NX737 · NX71712:35 PM Birmingham, Coach Station
7h15
7:50 PM Colchester, East Hill / High Street2 transfers
National ExpressNX210 · NX727 · NX7174:15 PM Birmingham, Coach Station
6h35
10:50 PM Colchester, East Hill / High Street2 transfers
National ExpressNX541 · NXA8 · NX7176:45 PM Birmingham, Coach Station
7h00
1:45 AM Colchester, East Hill / High Street2 transfers

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Birmingham to Colchester by train or bus

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.

Sat
Sep 05
Sun
Sep 06
Mon
Sep 07
Tue
Sep 08
Wed
Sep 09
Thu
Sep 10
Fri
Sep 11

Why should you book Birmingham to Colchester buses with Omio?

National Express operates all buses services from Birmingham to Colchester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Birmingham 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 train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Birmingham to Colchester.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu?

  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Birmingham to Colchester.

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Birmingham to Colchester

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

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.

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
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
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 Birmingham to ColchesterYou can travel by bus between Birmingham to Colchester with National Express for as low as €35. 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
6h 20m
Cheapest National Express Price
€35
National Express frequency
7 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.

  • 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.

  • Recommended

The Military Museum

Award-winning museum on former barracks, covering military life and the Essex Regiment. Strong collections make it a standout for social and army history.

  • Recommended

Colchester Natural History Museum

Natural history museum in a former church, with local wildlife, geology, and family displays. A useful stop for learning about Essex's environment.

Pound sterling (£)

Moderate for the UK: hotels and dining cost less than London, while local buses and casual meals stay fairly manageable for tourists.

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 dining.
Coffee
£2.50-4 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Restaurants may add service; if not, tip 10-12% for good service. Taxi fares are often rounded up. Tipping in cafes is optional.

FAQs: Bus from Birmingham to 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.

FAQs
Cheap bus tickets from Birmingham to Colchester can start from as little as €35 when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Birmingham to Colchester is €51 ; 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 bus from Birmingham to Colchester is 6h 20m to travel the 125 miles (202 km) long journey. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest bus from Birmingham to Colchester leaves at 1:00 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Birmingham to Colchester leaves at 11:55 PM.
There are 8 buses a day from Birmingham to Colchester which require at least one change with National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from Birmingham to Colchester, you can count on National Express for the best way to get you to Colchester. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Birmingham and Colchester and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
When departing from Birmingham , you have various bus station options to start your journey from including Birmingham, Coach Station, Birmingham, Hagley Road West, Birmingham, Comet Road (Airport) . When arriving in Colchester , you can end your journey in bus stations like Colchester, East Hill / High Street, Marks Tey, A120, Capel St Mary, Ipswich Road .Passengers board the bus most frequently from Birmingham, Coach Station, which is located around 0 miles (1 km) away from the city centre, and they get off the bus at Colchester, East Hill / High Street, located 0 away from the city centre.
A trip to Colchester from Birmingham is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 6h 20m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Birmingham to Colchester is January.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Birmingham and Colchester including taking a train and bus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Birmingham to Colchester:
  • National Express
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Birmingham to Colchester for bus company National Express.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Birmingham to Colchester depends on the bus 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 bus with bus 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.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from Birmingham to Colchester.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Birmingham 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 bus ticket from Birmingham to Colchester:
  • National Express
    • 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Birmingham to Colchester.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Birmingham to Colchester with the following bus company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Birmingham to Colchester with the following bus company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Birmingham to Colchester with the following bus company: National Express.
Since neither Birmingham nor Colchester are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United Kingdom and United Kingdom. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Birmingham to Colchester among Omio's users.
The currency used in the United Kingdom is the British Pound Sterling (GBP). For travelers, using a card is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially in cities and for transportation tickets, though carrying some cash can be useful for small purchases or in rural areas.
In Colchester, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in busy areas like the town center and near popular attractions. Common scams include overcharging by taxis that are not licensed and fraudulent street vendors. It's advisable to use official transportation services and remain vigilant in crowded places to avoid these issues.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.

popular bus stations

Popular bus stations from Birmingham to Colchester

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.

Departure bus stations in Birmingham
Arrival bus stations in Colchester

Which Birmingham station do buses to Colchester leave from?

Buses from Birmingham to Colchester leave from Birmingham, Coach Station. The station is 0 miles (1 km) from Birmingham city centre at Mill Lane, Digbeth, Birmingham, B5 6DD, United Kingdom.
Birmingham, Coach StationMill Lane, Digbeth, Birmingham, B5 6DD, United KingdomWifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Office
City-centre transport

Getting to Birmingham, Coach Station from Birmingham city centre

Birmingham, Coach Station is 1 km from Birmingham city centre. Public transport options include:

Bus4, 97, 6, X2, 3, 97A, 2, 4A, 5, X1 · 4m · €2 · every ~191 min
X2, 4A, X1, 2, 3, 6, 4, 5 · 13m · €2 · every ~149 min

Birmingham, Coach Station bus station facilities and services

Birmingham, Coach Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.

Food and drink

Food options include: Cafeteria and fast-food options inside the station

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Birmingham, Coach Station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Birmingham, Coach Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Birmingham, Coach Station: Elevators, ramps.

Birmingham, Comet Road (Airport)Comet Rd, Birmingham B26, UKWifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCShowerTicket Office
City-centre transport

Getting to Birmingham, Comet Road (Airport) from Birmingham city centre

Birmingham, Comet Road (Airport) is 1 km from Birmingham city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainRugeley Trent Valley - Birmingham International, Birmingham New Street - London Euston, Birmingham New Street - Birmingham International, Birmingham New Street - Coventry, Birmingham New Street - Northampton, Walsall - London Euston, Birmingham New Street - Milton Keynes Central, Birmingham New Street - Rugby, Liverpool Lime Street - Coventry, Wolverhampton - Birmingham International, Liverpool Lime Street - Birmingham International · 14m · €5 · every ~8 min
BusUk920, Uk025 · 25m · €1
X1 · 27m · €4 · every ~5 min
X1 · 29m · €4 · every ~5 min
X12 · 1h 10m · €4 · every ~8 min

Birmingham, Comet Road (Airport) bus station facilities and services

Birmingham, Comet Road (Airport) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.

Food and drink

Food options include: Restaurants available in the airport terminal.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free WiFi available. ATMs are aTMs available inside the airport terminal.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Birmingham, Comet Road (Airport).

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Birmingham, Comet Road (Airport): Parking, Taxis, WC.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Birmingham, Comet Road (Airport): Facilities accessible for disabled persons.

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