- 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.
2,000+ travel companies
2,000+ travel companies
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
4.942K ratings
Google Play
4.6136K reviews
The cheapest and fastest buses from Bristol to Colchester
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 05
Cheapest price on Sep 05
€39
Average ticket price on Sep 05
€48
Fastest journey on Sep 05
6 h 45 m
Average journey duration on Sep 05
7 h 40 m
Buses on Sep 05
2
Distance
246 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Bristol to Colchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Bristol to Colchester will cost around €48 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €39.
Fast buses
On Sat, Sep 05, we found 2 buses from Bristol to Colchester, including 2 direct services.
On Sat, Sep 05 the direct buses cover the 246 km distance in an average of 7 h 40 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 6 h 45 m .
On Sat, Sep 05 the slowest buses will take 8 h 35 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.
6:30 PM6h45Bristol1:15 AMColchester€391One-way0 transfers- 9:15 PM8h35Bristol5:50 AMColchester€561One-way0 transfers
- 6:30 PM6h45Bristol1:15 AMColchester€391One-way0 transfers
- 9:15 PM8h35Bristol5:50 AMColchester€561One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Bristol to Colchester
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Bristol to Colchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of €48 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 10m. 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 €48, while a train costs an average of €49.
Distance: 152 miles (246 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
€48 Average price Cheapest | €49 Average price | €64 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 22m Average total duration 5h 52m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 10m Average total duration Fastest 2h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 29m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.6kg 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.
The cheapest way to travel from Bristol to Colchester is a bus with an average price of €48.
This is compared to other travel options from Bristol to Colchester:
A bus is €0.60 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Bristol to Colchester costing on average €49.
The fastest way to travel from Bristol to Colchester is by train with an average journey time of 2h 40m.
Other travel options to Colchester take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 52m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Bristol and Colchester including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Bristol 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 €48 compared to roughly €64 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about €16. The journey takes 5h 52m versus 3h 29m 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.
Bristol to Colchester Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:50AM | Arrival Time 12:25PM | Duration 6h35 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price €99 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 03:00PM | Duration 7h00 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price €106 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:05AM | Arrival Time 05:05PM | Duration 8h00 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price €80 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:00AM | Arrival Time 05:05PM | Duration 7h05 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price €103 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:20AM | Arrival Time 07:05PM | Duration 7h45 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price €37 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:30AM | Arrival Time 07:05PM | Duration 7h35 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price €52 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:30PM | Arrival Time 07:50PM | Duration 7h20 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price €73 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:15PM | Arrival Time 09:50PM | Duration 7h35 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price €40 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:35PM | Arrival Time 10:50PM | Duration 8h15 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price €58 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:45PM | Arrival Time 09:50PM | Duration 7h05 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price €57 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:35PM | Arrival Time 10:50PM | Duration 7h15 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price €56 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:30PM | Arrival Time 01:15AM | Duration 6h45 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price €39 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:00PM | Arrival Time 01:45AM | Duration 6h45 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price €60 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:45PM | Arrival Time 05:50AM | Duration 9h05 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price €55 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:15PM | Arrival Time 05:50AM | Duration 8h35 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €47 |
Live departures
Bristol to Colchester bus times
The table below shows live departures for Bristol to Colchester buses for tomorrow, Saturday, September 5. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6:30 PM Bristol | 6h45 | 1:15 AM Colchester | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Bristol 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
Sep 05
Sun
Sep 06
Sep 06
Mon
Sep 07
Sep 07
Tue
Sep 08
Sep 08
Wed
Sep 09
Sep 09
Thu
Sep 10
Sep 10
Fri
Sep 11
Sep 11
Why should you book Bristol to Colchester buses with Omio?
National Express operates all buses services from Bristol to Colchester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Bristol 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 Bristol 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 Bristol to Colchester.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Bristol to Colchester
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Bristol to Colchester run on average 11 times per day, taking around 5h 52m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €35 but you can travel from only €31 by train.
The earliest bus runs at 02:35, the last at 21:35. The fastest bus covers the 152 miles (246 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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from €31
Distance 152 miles (246 km) |
Average bus duration 5h 52m |
Cheapest ticket price €35 |
Buses per day 11 |
Fastest bus 6h 45m |
First bus 2:35 AM |
Last bus 9:35 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 5 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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from €31
Bus providers: National Express from Bristol to ColchesterYou can travel by bus between Bristol to Colchester with National Express for as low as €31. 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 45m
Cheapest National Express Price
€35
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.
- 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.
- Must visit
Castle Park
Historic park around the castle with formal planting, Roman walls, and central lawns. A classic place to relax while exploring the old town.
- Recommended
Dutch Quarter
Charming conservation area of timber-framed buildings and narrow streets, reflecting the town's links with Dutch and Flemish settlers.
- Recommended
High Street
Main shopping and historic street lined with heritage buildings, independent businesses, and civic landmarks. A practical and atmospheric town-centre walk.
- Gluten-free
Colchester Native Oysters
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
Essex Eel Pie is a traditional regional pie of chopped eel in rich gravy. It reflects the historic importance of estuary fishing in Essex.
- Vegetarian
Tiptree Jam Tart
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.
Kintsu
Well-regarded modern British restaurant serving seasonal tasting-style plates in an intimate, refined atmosphere.
Church Street Tavern
Established seafood restaurant known for oysters, fish and polished service in a smart but relaxed setting near the town centre.
The Cafe at The Minories
Popular casual venue for brunch, coffee and comfort food with a stylish interior and a strong local following.
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.
First Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2.00
- Day pass
- £4.50
To the city center
Colchester East Hill / High Street, Colchester -> Colchester Town Centre, Colchester
- Distance
- 0.3 km
- Travel time
- 4 min
- Contactless card payment is accepted on First Bus services in Colchester. You can also use the First Bus app for tickets and live times.
- Colchester town centre is walkable, so buses are most useful for longer trips such as Colchester Station or outlying areas.
FAQs: Bus from Bristol to Colchester
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bristol 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.
Cheap bus tickets from Bristol to Colchester can start from as little as €35 when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Bristol to Colchester is €48 ; 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 Bristol to Colchester is 6h 45m to travel the 152 miles (246 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 Bristol to Colchester leaves at 2:35 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Bristol to Colchester leaves at 9:35 PM.
There are 11 buses a day from Bristol 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 Bristol 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 Bristol and Colchester and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
When departing from Bristol , you have various bus station options to start your journey from including Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St), Bristol, University Queens Road, Bristol, Clifton Down, Bristol, Blackboy Hill . When arriving in Colchester , you can end your journey in bus stations like Colchester, East Hill / High Street .Passengers board the bus most frequently from Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St), which is located around 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 Bristol is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 6h 45m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Bristol to Colchester is August.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Bristol and Colchester including taking a train and bus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Bristol to Colchester:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Bristol to Colchester for bus company National Express.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Bristol 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 Bristol to Colchester.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Bristol 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 Bristol to Colchester:
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Bristol to Colchester.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Bristol to Colchester with the following bus company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Bristol to Colchester with the following bus company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Bristol to Colchester with the following bus company: National Express.
Since neither Bristol 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 train as it is the most popular way to get from Bristol 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 Bristol to Colchester
Most Bristol to Colchester buses use the Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) to Colchester, East Hill / High Street station pair. Use this guide to compare Bristol and Colchester bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Bristol
Arrival bus stations in Colchester
Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)Bristol Bus Station (Bay 19), Marlborough Street 15, BS1 3ES
City-centre transport
Getting to Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) from Bristol city centre
Bus76, X6, X1, 39, 75, X9, X4, 73, X39, 522, X6a, X1a · 4m · €2 · every ~156 min
Bristol, University Queens RoadBeacon House, Queens Rd, Bristol BS8 1QU, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Bristol, University Queens Road from Bristol city centre
Bus72 · 11m · €4 · every ~8 min
Bristol, University Queens Road bus station facilities and services
Bristol, University Queens Road has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Cafes and eateries in vicinity.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Bristol, University Queens Road. ATMs are aTMs available at nearby locations.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Bristol, University Queens Road.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Bristol, University Queens Road: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Bristol, University Queens Road: Wheelchair accessible via ramps.
Bristol, Clifton DownBristol Bus Station, Bristol BS1 3LH, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Bristol, Clifton Down from Bristol city centre
Bristol, Clifton Down is 1 km from Bristol city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainBristol Temple Meads - Severn Beach, Bristol Temple Meads - Avonmouth, Weston-super-Mare - Severn Beach, Weston-super-Mare - Avonmouth, Taunton - Severn Beach, Weston-super-Mare - Clifton Down · 14m · €2 · every ~4 min
Bus2a, 5, 3, 4, 1, 2 · 7m · €4 · every ~91 min
T7 · 10m · every ~2 min
4, 5, 1, 3, 2, 2a · 10m · €4 · every ~91 min
Bristol, Clifton Down bus station facilities and services
Bristol, Clifton Down has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Bristol, Clifton Down. ATMs are available at Bristol, Clifton Down.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Bristol, Clifton Down.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Bristol, Clifton Down: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Bristol, Clifton Down: Accessible by ramps or lifts.
Which Colchester station do buses from Bristol arrive at?
Buses from Bristol to Colchester arrive at Colchester, East Hill / High Street. Colchester, East Hill / High Street is from Colchester city centre.
Colchester, East Hill / High StreetColchester Bus Station, Colchester CO2 7DP, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Colchester, East Hill / High Street from Colchester city centre
Bus1, 2, 3 · 1m · €3 · every ~17 min
107, 105 · 7m · €1 · every ~3 min
Colchester, East Hill / High Street bus station facilities and services
Colchester, East Hill / High Street has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Colchester, East Hill / High Street. ATMs are available at Colchester, East Hill / High Street.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Colchester, East Hill / High Street.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Colchester, East Hill / High Street: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Colchester, East Hill / High Street: Limited accessibility features.
More options for your journey from Bristol to Colchester
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Colchester and Bristol
Most popular bus connections to Colchester
The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy
We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.
