- Must visit
Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery
Major city museum and gallery with fine art, Birmingham history and global collections in a landmark building.
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 Colchester to Birmingham
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 19
Cheapest price on Sep 19
$41
Average ticket price on Sep 19
$68
Fastest journey on Sep 19
6 h 55 m
Average journey duration on Sep 19
7 h 19 m
Buses on Sep 19
5
Distance
202 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Colchester to Birmingham is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Colchester to Birmingham will cost around $68 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $41.
Fast buses
On Sat, Sep 19, we found 5 buses from Colchester to Birmingham, including 5 direct services.
On Sat, Sep 19 the direct buses cover the 202 km distance in an average of 7 h 19 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 6 h 55 m .
On Sat, Sep 19 the slowest buses will take 7 h 40 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.
11:10 AM7h40Colchester6:50 PMBirmingham$411One-way0 transfers- 4:35 PM7h00Colchester11:35 PMBirmingham$691One-way0 transfers
- 12:10 PM7h40Colchester7:50 PMBirmingham$701One-way0 transfers
- 2:10 PM7h20Colchester9:30 PMBirmingham$711One-way0 transfers
- 6:05 AM6h55Colchester1:00 PMBirmingham$861One-way0 transfers
- 6:05 AM6h55Colchester1:00 PMBirmingham$861One-way0 transfers
- 4:35 PM7h00Colchester11:35 PMBirmingham$691One-way0 transfers
- 2:10 PM7h20Colchester9:30 PMBirmingham$711One-way0 transfers
- 12:10 PM7h40Colchester7:50 PMBirmingham$701One-way0 transfers
- 11:10 AM7h40Colchester6:50 PMBirmingham$411One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Colchester to Birmingham
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Colchester to Birmingham among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $88 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 22m. 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 $88, while a train costs an average of $96.
Distance: 125 miles (202 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$88 Average price Cheapest | $96 Average price | $65 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 35m Average total duration 5h 5m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 22m Average total duration Fastest 2h 52m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 3m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.5kg 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 Colchester to Birmingham is a bus with an average price of $88 (€72).
This is compared to other travel options from Colchester to Birmingham:
A bus is $8 (€7) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Colchester to Birmingham costing on average $96 (€79).
The fastest way to travel from Colchester to Birmingham is by train with an average journey time of 2h 52m.
Other travel options to Birmingham take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 5m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Colchester and Birmingham including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Colchester to Birmingham 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 $88 (€72) compared to roughly $65 (€53) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-23.09 (€-18.92). The journey takes 5h 5m versus 3h 3m 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.
Colchester to Birmingham Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:35AM | Arrival Time 10:15AM | Duration 7h40 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $119 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:35AM | Arrival Time 12:10PM | Duration 6h35 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $100 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:05AM | Arrival Time 01:00PM | Duration 6h55 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Sat | Cheapest price $60 |
Operator First Essex | Departure Time 06:28AM | Arrival Time 01:30PM | Duration 7h02 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $0.00 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:25AM | Arrival Time 03:55PM | Duration 7h30 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $65 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:40AM | Arrival Time 03:30PM | Duration 6h50 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $146 |
Operator First Essex | Departure Time 08:56AM | Arrival Time 03:55PM | Duration 6h59 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $0.00 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:10AM | Arrival Time 06:50PM | Duration 7h40 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $41 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:55AM | Arrival Time 04:55PM | Duration 5h00 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $93 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:10PM | Arrival Time 07:50PM | Duration 7h40 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Sat | Cheapest price $65 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:10PM | Arrival Time 08:30PM | Duration 7h20 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $81 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:10PM | Arrival Time 09:30PM | Duration 7h20 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $65 |
Operator Arriva UK | Departure Time 02:43PM | Arrival Time 09:40PM | Duration 6h57 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $0.00 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:40PM | Arrival Time 10:35PM | Duration 6h55 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $70 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:30PM | Arrival Time 11:35PM | Duration 7h05 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $65 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:35PM | Arrival Time 11:35PM | Duration 7h00 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $69 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:45PM | Arrival Time 11:35PM | Duration 6h50 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $91 |
Operator Arriva UK | Departure Time 04:52PM | Arrival Time 11:35PM | Duration 6h43 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $0.00 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:40PM | Arrival Time 12:20AM | Duration 6h40 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $41 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:40PM | Arrival Time 01:20AM | Duration 6h40 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $86 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:30PM | Arrival Time 01:20AM | Duration 5h50 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $65 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:35PM | Arrival Time 05:05AM | Duration 7h30 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $65 |
Operator Hedingham & Chambers | Departure Time 11:03PM | Arrival Time 05:05AM | Duration 6h02 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $0.00 |
Live departures
Colchester to Birmingham bus times
The table below shows live departures for Colchester to Birmingham buses for tomorrow, Saturday, September 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6:05 AM Colchester | 6h55 | 1:00 PM Birmingham | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 11:10 AM Colchester | 7h40 | 6:50 PM Birmingham | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 12:10 PM Colchester | 7h40 | 7:50 PM Birmingham | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 2:10 PM Colchester | 7h20 | 9:30 PM Birmingham | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 4:35 PM Colchester | 7h00 | 11:35 PM Birmingham | 0 transfersDirect |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Colchester to Birmingham 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 19
Sep 19
Sun
Sep 20
Sep 20
Mon
Sep 21
Sep 21
Tue
Sep 22
Sep 22
Wed
Sep 23
Sep 23
Thu
Sep 24
Sep 24
Fri
Sep 25
Sep 25
Why should you book Colchester to Birmingham buses with Omio?
National Express operates all buses services from Colchester to Birmingham.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Colchester to Birmingham.
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 Colchester to Birmingham.
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 Colchester to Birmingham.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Colchester to Birmingham
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Colchester to Birmingham run on average 7 times per day, taking around 5h 5m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $40 (€33) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 01:00, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 125 miles (202 km) distance in 4h 5m.
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 125 miles (202 km) |
Average bus duration 5h 5m |
Cheapest ticket price $40 (€33) |
Buses per day 7 |
Fastest bus 4h 5m |
First bus 1:00 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 3 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 Colchester to BirminghamYou can travel by bus between Colchester to Birmingham with National Express for as low as $40 (€33). 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
4h 5m
Cheapest National Express Price
$40 (€33)
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.
Complete guide to Birmingham
Things to do in Birmingham
Discover the best of Birmingham — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Birmingham trip today.
- Must visit
Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum
Science museum with interactive galleries, engines and family-friendly exhibits in Millennium Point.
- Recommended
The Barber Institute of Fine Arts
Historic home of the Pre-Raphaelite artists, showing furnished rooms, artworks and craft details.
- Must visit
Brindleyplace
Restored canal-side quarter with waterside walks, bars, heritage buildings and easy access to major venues.
- Must visit
Gas Street Basin
Lively canal junction area with historic warehouses, footbridges and one of Birmingham's best urban walks.
- Must visit
Digbeth
Creative district known for street art, independent culture, music heritage and alternative city energy.
- Gluten-free
Balti
A rich curry style developed by Birmingham's South Asian community, often cooked with green chillies, coriander and onions. It is the city's signature dish.
- Vegetarian
Chaat
A spicy Indian snack of potato, chickpeas, noodles, chutneys and crisp pastry pieces. Popular in Birmingham's Pakistani and Indian food culture.
- Vegetarian
Paratha
A flaky layered flatbread, often served with curry at breakfast or late-night eateries in the city. A staple in Birmingham's South Asian dining scene.
Opheem
Michelin-starred fine dining by Aktar Islam, known for modern Indian tasting menus in an elegant canal-side setting.
Adam's
Refined modern British restaurant with inventive tasting menus and polished service in a smart city-centre dining room.
Jyoti's Restaurant
Celebrated Indian vegetarian restaurant in Sparkbrook, loved for dosas, chaats and sweets in a busy casual setting.
British pound sterling (£)
Moderate for UK city breaks: hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while local transit and casual meals are fairly manageable for tourists.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fast food or casual takeaway.
- Mid-range
- £20-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £60+ per person for upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- £3-4.50 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service may be included in restaurants; otherwise tip 10-12.5% for good service. Taxis are often rounded up or tipped about 10%. Tipping in cafes is optional.
TfWM
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2.00
- Day pass
- £4.80
To the city center
Birmingham Coach Station -> Birmingham New Street, Birmingham
- Distance
- 1.2 km
- Travel time
- 15 min
- Contactless payment is widely accepted on National Express West Midlands buses and West Midlands Metro trams.
- Use Swift or contactless daily capping where available to avoid paying more than the best value adult fare.
FAQs: Bus from Colchester to Birmingham
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Colchester to Birmingham 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 Birmingham, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap bus tickets from Colchester to Birmingham can start from as little as $40 (€33) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Colchester to Birmingham is $88 (€72) ; 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 Colchester to Birmingham is 4h 5m to travel the 125 miles (202 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 Colchester to Birmingham leaves at 1:00 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Colchester to Birmingham leaves at 11:55 PM.
There are 7 buses a day from Colchester to Birmingham which require at least one change with National Express, First Essex, Hedingham & Chambers, Arriva UK. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from Colchester to Birmingham, you can count on National Express, First Essex, Hedingham & Chambers, Arriva UK for the best way to get you to Birmingham. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Colchester and Birmingham and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
When departing from Colchester , you have various bus station options to start your journey from including Colchester, East Hill / High Street, Marks Tey, A120 . When arriving in Birmingham , you can end your journey in bus stations like Birmingham, Coach Station, Birmingham, Hagley Road West .Passengers board the bus most frequently from Colchester, East Hill / High Street, which is located around away from the city centre, and they get off the bus at Birmingham, Coach Station, located 1 away from the city centre.
A trip to Birmingham from Colchester is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 4h 5m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Colchester to Birmingham is April.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Colchester and Birmingham including taking a train and bus.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Colchester to Birmingham for bus company National Express.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Colchester to Birmingham:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Birmingham are:
- Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, a cultural institution housing a vast collection of art and historical artifacts
- Cadbury World, an interactive chocolate-themed attraction offering tours and exhibits
- Birmingham Botanical Gardens, a serene 15-acre garden featuring exotic plants and glasshouses
- Symphony Hall, a renowned concert venue known for its exceptional acoustics and diverse performances
- The Bullring, a major shopping center with a wide range of retail outlets and dining options.
The best things to do in Birmingham include:
- Explore the historic Jewellery Quarter, known for its unique shops and vibrant atmosphere
- Take a canal boat tour to see the city from a different perspective
- Visit the National SEA LIFE Centre, home to a variety of marine life and interactive exhibits
- Enjoy a performance at the Birmingham Hippodrome, one of the busiest theatres in the UK
- Discover the rich history of the city at the Birmingham Back to Backs, a preserved 19th-century courtyard of working people's houses.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Colchester to Birmingham 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 Colchester to Birmingham.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Colchester to Birmingham:
- 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 Colchester to Birmingham:
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Colchester to Birmingham.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Colchester to Birmingham with the following bus company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Colchester to Birmingham with the following bus company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Colchester to Birmingham with the following bus company: National Express.
Since neither Colchester nor Birmingham 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 Colchester to Birmingham 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 Birmingham, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in busy areas like shopping districts and public transport hubs. Common scams include overcharging by taxi drivers and fake charity collectors. It's advisable to use licensed taxis, keep valuables secure, and remain alert in crowded places to avoid these risks.
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 Colchester to Birmingham
Most Colchester to Birmingham buses use the Colchester, East Hill / High Street to Birmingham, Coach Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Colchester and Birmingham bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Colchester
Arrival bus stations in Birmingham
Which Colchester station do buses to Birmingham leave from?
Buses from Colchester to Birmingham leave from Colchester, East Hill / High Street. The station is from Colchester city centre at Colchester Bus Station, Colchester CO2 7DP, UK.
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 · $4 · 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.
Which Birmingham station do buses from Colchester arrive at?
Buses from Colchester to Birmingham most often arrive at Birmingham, Coach Station. Some services arrive at Birmingham, Hagley Road West, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Birmingham arrival station.
Birmingham, Coach StationMill Lane, Digbeth, Birmingham, B5 6DD, United Kingdom
City-centre transport
Getting to Birmingham, Coach Station from Birmingham city centre
Birmingham, Coach Station is 1 km from Birmingham city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus4, 97, 6, X2, 3, 97A, 2, 4A, 5, X1 · 4m · $2 · every ~191 min
X2, 4A, X1, 2, 3, 6, 4, 5 · 13m · $2 · every ~149 min
Birmingham, Coach Station bus station facilities and services
Birmingham, Coach Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Cafeteria and fast-food options inside the station
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Birmingham, Coach Station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Birmingham, Coach Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Birmingham, Coach Station: Elevators, ramps.
Most popular bus connections from Colchester
More options for your journey from Colchester to Birmingham
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Birmingham and 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.
