- 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.
Buses from Brighton to Colchester run on average 15 times per day, taking around 5h 24m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $65 but you can travel from only $63 by train.
The earliest bus runs at 02:35, the last at 23:48. The fastest bus covers the 85 miles (138 km) distance in 4h 23m.
Distance 85 miles (138 km) |
Average bus duration 5h 24m |
Cheapest ticket price $65 |
Buses per day 15 |
Fastest bus 4h 23m |
First bus 2:35 AM |
Last bus 11:48 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 1 day |
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:50AM | Arrival Time 10:00AM | Duration 7h10 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $66 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:55AM | Arrival Time 10:00AM | Duration 7h05 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $66 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:35AM | Arrival Time 12:25PM | Duration 6h50 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $91 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:41AM | Arrival Time 12:25PM | Duration 6h44 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $91 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:05AM | Arrival Time 03:00PM | Duration 6h55 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $113 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:12AM | Arrival Time 03:00PM | Duration 6h48 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $113 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:05AM | Arrival Time 05:05PM | Duration 7h00 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $104 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:12AM | Arrival Time 05:05PM | Duration 6h53 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $104 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:05AM | Arrival Time 07:50PM | Duration 8h45 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $64 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:12AM | Arrival Time 07:50PM | Duration 8h38 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $64 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:12PM | Arrival Time 09:50PM | Duration 7h38 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $43 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:50PM | Arrival Time 10:15PM | Duration 6h25 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $12 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:00PM | Arrival Time 10:15PM | Duration 6h15 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $12 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:05PM | Arrival Time 10:50PM | Duration 6h45 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $88 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:12PM | Arrival Time 10:50PM | Duration 6h38 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $88 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:20PM | Arrival Time 01:45AM | Duration 7h25 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $64 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:27PM | Arrival Time 01:45AM | Duration 7h18 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $64 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:50PM | Arrival Time 05:50AM | Duration 7h00 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $51 |
The table below shows live departures for Brighton to Colchester buses for today, Friday, October 9. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NX025 · NXA8 · NX717 | 11:05 AM Brighton, Old Steine South (Stop Z) | 8h45 | 7:50 PM Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 2 transfers | |
NX025 · NXA8 · NX717 | 11:05 AM Brighton, Old Steine South (Stop Z) | 8h45 | 7:50 PM Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 2 transfers | |
NX025 · NXA8 · NX717 | 11:12 AM Brighton, Preston Circus | 8h38 | 7:50 PM Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 2 transfers | |
NX025 · NXA8 · NX717 | 11:12 AM Brighton, Preston Circus | 8h38 | 7:50 PM Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 3:50 PM Brighton Railway Station - Stroudley Road | 6h25 | 10:15 PM Colchester, Stanwell Street (Bus station) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 4:00 PM Brighton, Preston Road / Harrington Road (Preston Park) | 6h15 | 10:15 PM Colchester, Stanwell Street (Bus station) | 1 transfer | |
NX025 · NX727 · NX717 | 4:05 PM Brighton, Old Steine South (Stop Z) | 6h45 | 10:50 PM Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 2 transfers | |
NX025 · NX727 · NX717 | 4:12 PM Brighton, Preston Circus | 6h38 | 10:50 PM Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 2 transfers | |
NX025 · NXA8 · NX717 | 6:20 PM Brighton, Old Steine South (Stop Z) | 7h25 | 1:45 AM Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 2 transfers | |
NX025 · NXA8 · NX717 | 6:27 PM Brighton, Preston Circus | 7h18 | 1:45 AM Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 2 transfers | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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 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.

Most Brighton to Colchester buses use the Brighton, Preston Circus to Colchester, East Hill / High Street station pair, with some services arriving at Colchester, Stanwell Street (Bus station). 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.
Brighton, Preston Circus has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Brighton, Preston Circus. ATMs are available at Brighton, Preston Circus.
Ticket office support is available at Brighton, Preston Circus.
Available at Brighton, Preston Circus: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Brighton, Preston Circus: Buses with accessibility features serve this stop.
Brighton Railway Station - Stroudley Road has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Snacks and drinks available at nearby shops.
Wi-Fi is available at Brighton Railway Station - Stroudley Road. ATMs are available at Brighton Railway Station - Stroudley Road.
Ticket office support is available at Brighton Railway Station - Stroudley Road.
Available at Brighton Railway Station - Stroudley Road: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Brighton Railway Station - Stroudley Road: Station accessible with ramps and lifts.
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.
Colchester, Stanwell Street (Bus station) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Colchester, Stanwell Street (Bus station). ATMs are available at Colchester, Stanwell Street (Bus station).
Ticket office support is available at Colchester, Stanwell Street (Bus station).
Available at Colchester, Stanwell Street (Bus station): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Colchester, Stanwell Street (Bus station): Wheelchair accessible with ramps.
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