The cheapest and fastest buses from Brighton to Colchester
Cheapest price
$44
Average price
$48
Fastest journey
7 h
Average duration
7 h 19 m
Buses per day
2
Distance
138 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Brighton to Colchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Brighton to Colchester will cost around $48 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $44.
Of the 2 buses that leave Brighton for Colchester on Sun, Jul 12, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Jul 12 the direct buses cover the 138 km distance in an average of 7 h 19 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 7 h .
On Sun, Jul 12 the slowest buses will take 7 h 38 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.
2:12 PM7h38Brighton9:50 PMColchester$441One-way0 transfers
10:50 PM7h00Brighton5:50 AMColchester$521One-way0 transfers
10:50 PM7h00Brighton5:50 AMColchester$521One-way0 transfers
2:12 PM7h38Brighton9:50 PMColchester$441One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus and train for Brighton to Colchester
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Brighton to Colchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $44. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 16m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $44, and a train costs an average of $59.
Distance: 85 miles (138 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$58 Average price Cheapest | $95 Average price | $40 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 20m Average total duration 5h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 46m Average total duration Fastest 2h 16m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 17m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg 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.
This is compared to other travel options from Brighton to Colchester:
A bus is $37 (€30) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Brighton to Colchester costing on average $95 (€78).
Other travel options to Colchester take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 50m.
You'll arrive about {timeSavings} sooner ({durationInMinutes} by bus vs {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car) and save roughly {savingsAmount} compared to fuel and tolls ({cheapestPrice} vs {drivingPriceInCents}). You also skip the drive itself — no traffic stress, no parking, and you can use the time to work, nap, or catch up on a series with the onboard Wi-Fi.
Direct coaches are operated by {directProviders}.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
Brighton to Colchester Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:55AM | Arrival Time 09:05AM | Duration 7h10 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $68 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:05AM | Arrival Time 06:50PM | Duration 8h45 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $66 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:12PM | Arrival Time 09:50PM | Duration 7h38 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $44 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:50PM | Arrival Time 05:50AM | Duration 7h00 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $52 |
Compare prices and tickets Brighton to Colchester by bus or train
Compare bus 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.
Jul 12
Jul 13
Jul 14
Jul 15
Jul 16
Jul 17
Jul 18
Why should you book Brighton to Colchester buses with Omio?
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 Brighton 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 Brighton to Colchester.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Brighton to Colchester
Buses from Brighton to Colchester run on average 14 times per day, taking around 5h 50m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $44 (€36) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 02:35, the last at 23:48. The fastest bus covers the 85 miles (138 km) distance in 7h 0m.
Distance 85 miles (138 km) |
Average bus duration 5h 50m |
Cheapest ticket price $44 (€36) |
Buses per day 14 |
Fastest bus 7h 0m |
First bus 2:35 AM |
Last bus 11:48 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 5 days |
Bus providers: National Express from Brighton to ColchesterYou can travel by bus between Brighton to Colchester with National Express for as low as $44 (€36). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
National Express
FAQs: Bus from Brighton to Colchester
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Brighton 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.

- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
- 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.
- National Express
- Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Brighton to Colchester
Most Brighton to Colchester buses use the Brighton, Preston Circus to Colchester, East Hill / High Street station pair. Use this guide to compare Brighton and Colchester bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Getting to Brighton, Preston Circus from Brighton city centre
Getting to Brighton, Pool Valley Coach Station from Brighton city centre
Getting to Brighton, Preston Park from Brighton city centre
Getting to Colchester, East Hill / High Street from Colchester city centre
Most popular bus connections from Brighton
More options for your journey from Brighton to Colchester
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

