- 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.
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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 an average ticket price of $21 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 55m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $21, while a train costs an average of $21.
Distance: 21 miles (34 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$21 Average price Cheapest | $9 Average price (fuel + tolls) | |
55m Average total duration Fastest 25m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 38m Average total duration (door-to-door) | |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Chelmsford to Colchester is a train with an average price of $21 (€17).
The fastest way to travel from Chelmsford to Colchester is by train with an average journey time of 25m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Chelmsford and Colchester including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Chelmsford to Colchester among Omio's users.
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.
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Journey information
Overview: Bus from Chelmsford to Colchester
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Take a bus from Chelmsford to Colchester and enjoy the approximately 21 miles (34 km) long journey. Find schedules and pricing options for a convenient and affordable trip.
The earliest bus runs at 03:42, the last at 23:57.
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 $21 (€17)
Distance 21 miles (34 km) |
First bus 3:42 AM |
Last bus 11:57 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 35 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 $21 (€17)
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 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.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Chelmsford to Colchester
Most Chelmsford to Colchester buses use the Chelmsford, Station (Stand VA) to Colchester, Stanwell Street (Bus station) station pair. Use this guide to compare Chelmsford and Colchester bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Chelmsford
Arrival bus stations in Colchester
Which Chelmsford station do buses to Colchester leave from?
Buses from Chelmsford to Colchester leave from Chelmsford, Station (Stand VA). The station is from Chelmsford city centre at Chelmsford Station (Stand VA), Chelmsford CM1 1NY, UK.
Chelmsford, Station (Stand VA)Chelmsford Station (Stand VA), Chelmsford CM1 1NY, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Chelmsford, Station (Stand VA) from Chelmsford city centre
TRUE
Chelmsford, Station (Stand VA) bus station facilities and services
Chelmsford, Station (Stand VA) 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 Chelmsford, Station (Stand VA). ATMs are available at Chelmsford, Station (Stand VA).
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Chelmsford, Station (Stand VA).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Chelmsford, Station (Stand VA): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Chelmsford, Station (Stand VA): Station is accessible for those with reduced mobility.
Which Colchester station do buses from Chelmsford arrive at?
Buses from Chelmsford to Colchester arrive at Colchester, Stanwell Street (Bus station). Colchester, Stanwell Street (Bus station) is from Colchester city centre.
Colchester, Stanwell Street (Bus station)Colchester Bus Station, Colchester CO2 7DP, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Colchester, Stanwell Street (Bus station) from Colchester city centre
Bus74B, 107, 105, 43 · 3m · $4 · every ~5 min
Colchester, Stanwell Street (Bus station) bus station facilities and services
Colchester, Stanwell Street (Bus station) 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, Stanwell Street (Bus station). ATMs are available at Colchester, Stanwell Street (Bus station).
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Colchester, Stanwell Street (Bus station).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Colchester, Stanwell Street (Bus station): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Colchester, Stanwell Street (Bus station): Wheelchair accessible with ramps.
More options for your journey from Chelmsford to Colchester
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Colchester and Chelmsford
Most popular bus connections to Colchester
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