Cardiff to Colchester bus with National Express

Thu, May 07
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Cardiff to Colchester

Showing times and prices for May 07

Cheapest price

$47

Average price

$65

Fastest journey

8 h 35 m

Average duration

9 h 35 m

Buses per day

2

Distance

285 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Cardiff to Colchester will cost around $65 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $47.

Fast buses

Of the 2 buses that leave Cardiff for Colchester on Thu, May 07, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Thu, May 07 the direct buses cover the 285 km distance in an average of 9 h 35 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 8 h 35 m .

On Thu, May 07 the slowest buses will take 10 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.

  • National Express
    7:15 PM10h35
    Cardiff
    5:50 AMColchester
    $471One-way
    0 transfers
  • National Express
    10:30 AM8h35
    Cardiff
    7:05 PMColchester
    $841One-way
    0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train and bus for Cardiff to Colchester

Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Colchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $47. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 3m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $47, and a train costs an average of $71.

Distance: 177 miles (285 km)

Compare bus with

Most popular
Bus
Train

$67

Average price

Cheapest

$91

Average price

7h 2m

Average total duration

6h 32m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 33m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 3m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

National Express

Most popular bus company

Great Western Railway

Most popular train company

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from Cardiff to Colchester is a bus with an average price of $67 (€53).

This is compared to other travel options from Cardiff to Colchester:

A bus is $24 (€19) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cardiff to Colchester costing on average $91 (€73).

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

Other travel options to Colchester take longer:

Bus takes on average 6h 32m.

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

Live departures

Cardiff to Colchester bus times

The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Colchester buses for tomorrow, Thursday, May 7. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
national_express10:30 AM Cardiff
8h35
7:05 PM Colchester0 transfersDirect
national_express7:15 PM Cardiff
10h35
5:50 AM Colchester0 transfersDirect

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Cardiff 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.

Thu
May 07
Fri
May 08
Sat
May 09
Sun
May 10
Mon
May 11
Tue
May 12
Wed
May 13

Why should you book Cardiff to Colchester buses with Omio?

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

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Cardiff to Colchester

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Cardiff to Colchester run on average 7 times per day, taking around 6h 32m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $47 (€37) if you book in advance.

The earliest bus runs at 03:05, the last at 20:18. The fastest bus covers the 177 miles (285 km) distance in 7h 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
Distance
177 miles (285 km)
Average bus duration
6h 32m
Cheapest ticket price
$47 (€37)
Buses per day
7
Fastest bus
7h 45m
First bus
3:05 AM
Last bus
8:18 PM
Cheapest Month
Jun
Cheapest Day
Sat
High Season
Jul - Sep
Low Season
Apr - Jun
Busiest Day
Wed
Least Busy Day
Wed
Best time to book
28 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 Cardiff to ColchesterYou can travel by bus between Cardiff to Colchester with National Express for as low as $47 (€37). 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
7h 45m
Cheapest Price
$47 (€37)
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 Cardiff to Colchester

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff 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 Cardiff to Colchester can start from as little as $47 (€37) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Cardiff to Colchester is $67 (€53) ; 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 Cardiff to Colchester is 7h 45m to travel the 177 miles (285 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 Cardiff to Colchester leaves at 3:05 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Cardiff to Colchester leaves at 8:18 PM.
There are 7 buses a day from Cardiff 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 Cardiff 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 Cardiff and Colchester and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Colchester from Cardiff is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 7h 45m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Cardiff to Colchester is June.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cardiff and Colchester including taking a train and bus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Cardiff to Colchester:
  • National Express
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Cardiff to Colchester for bus company National Express.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Cardiff 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 Cardiff to Colchester.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Cardiff 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 Cardiff to Colchester:
  • National Express
    • 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Cardiff to Colchester.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Cardiff to Colchester with the following bus company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Cardiff to Colchester with the following bus company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Cardiff to Colchester with the following bus company: National Express.
Since neither Cardiff 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 Cardiff 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 Cardiff to Colchester

Cardiff
Colchester
The major bus station for departures in Cardiff is Cardiff, Sophia Gardens. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens for your trip from Cardiff to Colchester.
Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
information
Cardiff, University
information
Cardiff, North Road (St Josephs Convent)
information

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