4.9
4.6
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Chelmsford to Colchester
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Chelmsford to Colchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $14. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 26m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $14, and a bus costs an average of $21.
Distance: 21 miles (34 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$21 Average price | $20 Average price Cheapest | $9 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 25m Average total duration 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 56m Average total duration Fastest 26m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 38m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Chelmsford to Colchester:
A train is $1 (€0.88) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Chelmsford to Colchester costing on average $21 (€17).
Other travel options to Colchester take longer:
Bus takes on average 55m.
You'll arrive about -1h -17m sooner (55m by bus vs 38m by car) and save roughly $-12.03 (€-9.69) compared to fuel and tolls ($21 (€17) vs $9 (€7)). 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 First Essex, Stephensons of Essex.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
Chelmsford to Colchester Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator First Essex | Departure Time 05:56AM | Arrival Time 07:13AM | Duration 1h17 | Departure days Mon, Tue | Cheapest price $0.00 |
Operator First Essex | Departure Time 06:21AM | Arrival Time 07:46AM | Duration 1h25 | Departure days Mon, Tue | Cheapest price $0.00 |
Operator First Essex | Departure Time 06:53AM | Arrival Time 08:23AM | Duration 1h30 | Departure days Mon, Tue | Cheapest price $0.00 |
Operator First Essex | Departure Time 07:01AM | Arrival Time 08:27AM | Duration 1h26 | Departure days Mon, Tue | Cheapest price $0.00 |
Operator First Essex | Departure Time 07:21AM | Arrival Time 09:01AM | Duration 1h40 | Departure days Mon, Tue | Cheapest price $0.00 |
Operator Stephensons of Essex | Departure Time 07:27AM | Arrival Time 08:18AM | Duration 0h51 | Departure days Mon, Tue | Cheapest price $6 |
Operator First Essex | Departure Time 07:31AM | Arrival Time 08:59AM | Duration 1h28 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $0.00 |
Operator First Essex | Departure Time 08:01AM | Arrival Time 09:36AM | Duration 1h35 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $0.00 |
Operator First Essex | Departure Time 08:36AM | Arrival Time 10:11AM | Duration 1h35 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $0.00 |
Operator Greater Anglia | Departure Time 08:40AM | Arrival Time 10:05AM | Duration 1h25 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $21 |
Operator First Essex | Departure Time 09:01AM | Arrival Time 10:16AM | Duration 1h15 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $0.00 |
Operator First Essex | Departure Time 09:22AM | Arrival Time 10:52AM | Duration 1h30 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $0.00 |
Operator First Essex | Departure Time 09:52AM | Arrival Time 11:23AM | Duration 1h31 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $0.00 |
Operator First Essex | Departure Time 10:22AM | Arrival Time 11:52AM | Duration 1h30 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $0.00 |
Operator First Essex | Departure Time 10:52AM | Arrival Time 12:23PM | Duration 1h31 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $0.00 |
Operator First Essex | Departure Time 11:22AM | Arrival Time 12:52PM | Duration 1h30 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $0.00 |
Operator First Essex | Departure Time 11:52AM | Arrival Time 01:24PM | Duration 1h32 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $0.00 |
Operator First Essex | Departure Time 12:22PM | Arrival Time 01:52PM | Duration 1h30 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $0.00 |
Operator Greater Anglia | Departure Time 12:42PM | Arrival Time 02:05PM | Duration 1h23 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $21 |
Operator First Essex | Departure Time 12:52PM | Arrival Time 02:24PM | Duration 1h32 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $0.00 |
Operator First Essex | Departure Time 01:22PM | Arrival Time 02:52PM | Duration 1h30 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $0.00 |
Operator First Essex | Departure Time 01:52PM | Arrival Time 03:24PM | Duration 1h32 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $0.00 |
Operator First Essex | Departure Time 02:17PM | Arrival Time 03:48PM | Duration 1h31 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $0.00 |
Operator First Essex | Departure Time 02:46PM | Arrival Time 04:20PM | Duration 1h34 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $0.00 |
Operator First Essex | Departure Time 03:27PM | Arrival Time 04:58PM | Duration 1h31 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $0.00 |
Operator First Essex | Departure Time 03:55PM | Arrival Time 05:36PM | Duration 1h41 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $0.00 |
Operator First Essex | Departure Time 04:02PM | Arrival Time 05:38PM | Duration 1h36 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $0.00 |
Operator First Essex | Departure Time 04:17PM | Arrival Time 05:58PM | Duration 1h41 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $0.00 |
Operator First Essex | Departure Time 04:46PM | Arrival Time 06:22PM | Duration 1h36 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $0.00 |
Operator First Essex | Departure Time 05:51PM | Arrival Time 07:13PM | Duration 1h22 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $0.00 |
Operator First Essex | Departure Time 06:21PM | Arrival Time 07:41PM | Duration 1h20 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $0.00 |
Operator First Essex | Departure Time 06:47PM | Arrival Time 08:02PM | Duration 1h15 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $0.00 |
Operator First Essex | Departure Time 07:31PM | Arrival Time 08:45PM | Duration 1h14 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $0.00 |
Operator First Essex | Departure Time 08:46PM | Arrival Time 10:00PM | Duration 1h14 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $0.00 |
Compare prices and tickets Chelmsford 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.
May 29
May 30
May 31
Jun 01
Jun 02
Jun 03
Jun 04
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Chelmsford to Colchester
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Chelmsford to Colchester run on average 5 times per day, taking around 55m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $21 (€17) but you can travel from only $14 (€11) by train.
There are 3 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 03:42, the last at 23:57. The fastest bus covers the 21 miles (34 km) distance in 1h 23m.
Distance 21 miles (34 km) |
Average bus duration 55m |
Cheapest ticket price $21 (€17) |
Buses per day 5 |
Direct buses 3 |
Fastest bus 1h 23m |
First bus 3:42 AM |
Last bus 11:57 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 35 days |
Bus providers: First Essex, Stephensons of Essex from Chelmsford to ColchesterYou can travel by bus between Chelmsford to Colchester with First Essex, Stephensons of Essex for as low as $14 (€11). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
First Essex
Stephensons of Essex
FAQs: Bus from Chelmsford to Colchester
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chelmsford 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.
More options for your journey from Chelmsford to Colchester
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