Cambridge to Colchester bus with National Express

Sat, Jan 31
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Cambridge to Colchester

Showing times and prices for Feb 01

Cheapest price

$30

Average price

$32

Fastest journey

2 h 25 m

Average duration

2 h 45 m

Buses per day

7

Distance

64 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Cambridge to Colchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Cambridge to Colchester will cost around $32 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $30.

Fast buses

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

National ExpressNX727 · NX717
06:05AM3h30
Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece)
09:35AMColchester, East Hill / High Street
$301One-way
1 transfer
National ExpressNX777 · NX717
06:55PM2h55
Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece)
09:50PMColchester, East Hill / High Street
$311One-way
1 transfer
National ExpressNX728 · NX717
04:15PM2h50
Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece)
07:05PMColchester, East Hill / High Street
$321One-way
1 transfer
National ExpressNX727 · NX717
01:55PM2h45
Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece)
04:40PMColchester, East Hill / High Street
$321One-way
1 transfer
National ExpressNX727 · NX717
12:15PM2h25
Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece)
02:40PMColchester, East Hill / High Street
$321One-way
1 transfer

Travel Information

Compare train and bus for Cambridge to Colchester

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cambridge to Colchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from €19. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 1h 45m. 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 train costs an average of €19, and a bus costs an average of €20.

Distance: 39 miles (64 km)

Compare bus with

Bus
Most popular
Train

€34

Average price

€32

Average price

Cheapest

2h 15m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 45m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

2h 20m

Average total duration

1h 50m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

0.0 - 0.1kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest
National Express

Most popular bus company

Abellio Greater Anglia

Most popular train company

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Cambridge to Colchester Bus Timetables

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest price
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
06:05AM
Arrival Time
09:35AM
Duration
3h30
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
$30
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
09:20AM
Arrival Time
12:10PM
Duration
2h50
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
$34
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
12:15PM
Arrival Time
02:40PM
Duration
2h25
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
$32
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
01:55PM
Arrival Time
04:40PM
Duration
2h45
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
$32
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
04:15PM
Arrival Time
07:05PM
Duration
2h50
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
$32
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
06:55PM
Arrival Time
09:50PM
Duration
2h55
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
$31
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
09:40PM
Arrival Time
01:15AM
Duration
3h35
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
$32

Live departures

Cambridge to Colchester bus times

The table below shows live departures for Cambridge to Colchester buses for today, Saturday, January 31. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at 1:11 AM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
national_express5:05 AM Cambridge
3h30
8:35 AM Colchester0 transfersDirect
national_express12:55 PM Cambridge
2h45
3:40 PM Colchester0 transfersDirect
national_express3:15 PM Cambridge
2h50
6:05 PM Colchester0 transfersDirect
national_express8:40 PM Cambridge
3h35
12:15 AM Colchester0 transfersDirect

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Cambridge 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.

Sun
Feb 01
Mon
Feb 02
Tue
Feb 03
Wed
Feb 04
Thu
Feb 05
Fri
Feb 06
Sat
Feb 07

Why should you book Cambridge to Colchester buses with Omio?

National Express operates all buses services from Cambridge to Colchester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cambridge to Colchester.

Why book with Omio vs National Express?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for National Express, but also compare tickets for the likes of to find the best option for your trip from Cambridge to Colchester.
  • 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 Cambridge 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 Cambridge to Colchester.

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Cambridge to Colchester

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Cambridge to Colchester run on average 6 times per day, taking around 1h 45m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $25 (€20) but you can travel from only $24 (€19) by train.

The earliest bus runs at 03:35, the last at 22:43. The fastest bus covers the 39 miles (64 km) distance in 2h 38m.

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 $24 (€19)
Distance
39 miles (64 km)
Average bus duration
1h 45m
Cheapest ticket price
$25 (€20)
Buses per day
6
Fastest bus
2h 38m
First bus
03:35
Last bus
22:43
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 $24 (€19)

Bus providers: National Express from Cambridge to ColchesterYou can travel by bus between Cambridge to Colchester with National Express for as low as $24 (€19). 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 Duration
2h 45m
Cheapest Price
$25 (€20)
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.

FAQs: Bus from Cambridge to Colchester

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cambridge 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 Cambridge to Colchester can start from as little as $25 (€20) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Cambridge to Colchester is $42 (€34) ; 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 Cambridge to Colchester is 2h 38m to travel the 39 miles (64 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 Cambridge to Colchester leaves at 3:35 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Cambridge to Colchester leaves at 10:43 PM.
There are 6 buses a day from Cambridge 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 Cambridge 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 Cambridge and Colchester and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Colchester from Cambridge is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 2h 38m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Cambridge to Colchester is May.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cambridge and Colchester including taking a train and bus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Cambridge to Colchester:
  • National Express
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Cambridge to Colchester for bus company National Express.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Cambridge 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 Cambridge to Colchester.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Cambridge 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 Cambridge to Colchester:
  • National Express
    • 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Cambridge to Colchester.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Cambridge to Colchester with the following bus company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Cambridge to Colchester with the following bus company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Cambridge to Colchester with the following bus company: National Express.

popular bus stations

Popular bus stations from Cambridge to Colchester

Cambridge
Colchester
The major bus station for departures in Cambridge is Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece). Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece) for your trip from Cambridge to Colchester.
Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece)
information

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