Colchester to Birmingham bus with National Express

Sat, Jun 20
+ Add return
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First Essex
Hedingham & Chambers
Arriva UK
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Colchester to Birmingham

Showing times and prices for Jun 20

Cheapest price

$78

Average price

$95

Fastest journey

4 h 45 m

Average duration

6 h 17 m

Buses per day

7

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 $95 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $78.

Fast buses

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

  • National ExpressNX717 · NX777
    4:40 PM6h55
    Colchester, East Hill / High Street
    11:35 PMBirmingham, Coach Station
    $781One-way
    1 transfer
  • National ExpressNX717 · NX777
    6:40 PM6h40
    Colchester, East Hill / High Street
    1:20 AMBirmingham, Coach Station
    $781One-way
    1 transfer
  • National ExpressNX717 · NX777
    11:55 AM4h45
    Colchester, East Hill / High Street
    4:40 PMBirmingham, Coach Station
    $781One-way
    1 transfer
  • National ExpressNX717 · NX737 · NX541
    2:10 PM7h20
    Colchester, East Hill / High Street
    9:30 PMBirmingham, Coach Station
    $821One-way
    2 transfers
  • National ExpressNX717 · NX737 · NX590
    5:35 AM6h35
    Colchester, East Hill / High Street
    12:10 PMBirmingham, Coach Station
    $851One-way
    2 transfers

Travel Information

Compare bus and train 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 prices starting from $41. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 2m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $41, and a train costs an average of $50.

Distance: 125 miles (202 km)

Compare bus with

Most popular
Bus
Train
Driving

$69

Average price

Cheapest

$95

Average price

$64

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

6h 26m

Average total duration

5h 56m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 32m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 2m

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

National Express

Most popular bus company

Avanti West Coast

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 $69 (€56).

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

A bus is $26 (€22) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Colchester to Birmingham costing on average $95 (€78).

The fastest way to travel from Colchester to Birmingham is by train with an average journey time of 3h 2m.

Other travel options to Birmingham take longer:

Bus takes on average 5h 56m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Colchester and Birmingham including taking a bus and train.
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. On this route, it's both cheaper and quicker than driving.

You'll arrive about {timeSavings} sooner ({durationInMinutes} by bus vs {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car) and save roughly {savingsAmount} compared to fuel and tolls ({cheapestPrice} vs {drivingPriceInCents}). 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 {directProviders}.

Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.

Colchester to Birmingham Bus Timetables

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest price
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
02:35AM
Arrival Time
10:10AM
Duration
7h35
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$126
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
05:05AM
Arrival Time
12:30PM
Duration
7h25
Departure days
Fri
Cheapest price
$41
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
05:35AM
Arrival Time
12:10PM
Duration
6h35
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$85
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
06:05AM
Arrival Time
01:30PM
Duration
7h25
Departure days
Tue, Wed
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
08:50AM
Arrival Time
03:20PM
Duration
6h30
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$139
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
11:55AM
Arrival Time
04:40PM
Duration
4h45
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$78
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
12:10PM
Arrival Time
08:00PM
Duration
7h50
Departure days
Tue, Wed
Cheapest price
$65
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
01:10PM
Arrival Time
08:30PM
Duration
7h20
Departure days
Fri, Sun
Cheapest price
$75
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
03:45PM
Arrival Time
10:35PM
Duration
6h50
Departure days
Fri
Cheapest price
$84
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
04:30PM
Arrival Time
11:35PM
Duration
7h05
Departure days
Wed
Cheapest price
$65
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
04:40PM
Arrival Time
11:35PM
Duration
6h55
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$78
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
Sat
Cheapest price
$78
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 today, Friday, June 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
National Express1:10 PM Colchester
7h20
8:30 PM Birmingham0 transfersDirect
National Express2:10 PM Colchester
7h20
9:30 PM Birmingham0 transfersDirect
National Express3:45 PM Colchester
6h50
10:35 PM Birmingham0 transfersDirect
Saturday, June 20
National ExpressNX717 · NX727 · NX210
On time
2:35 AM Colchester, East Hill / High Street
7h35
10:10 AM Birmingham, Coach Station
2 transfers
National ExpressNX717 · NX737 · NX5905:35 AM Colchester, East Hill / High Street
6h35
12:10 PM Birmingham, Coach Station2 transfers
National ExpressNX717 · NX727 · NX210
On time
8:50 AM Colchester, East Hill / High Street
6h30
3:20 PM Birmingham, Coach Station
2 transfers
National ExpressNX717 · NX77711:55 AM Colchester, East Hill / High Street
4h45
4:40 PM Birmingham, Coach Station1 transfer

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Colchester to Birmingham by bus or train

Compare bus and train 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
Jun 20
Sun
Jun 21
Mon
Jun 22
Tue
Jun 23
Wed
Jun 24
Thu
Jun 25
Fri
Jun 26

Why should you book Colchester to Birmingham buses with Omio?

National Express as well as First Essex, Hedingham & Chambers, Arriva UK and more offer 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?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for National Express, but also compare tickets for the likes of First Essex, Hedingham & Chambers or Arriva UK to find the best option for your trip from Colchester to Birmingham.
  • 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 bus and train 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 bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Colchester to Birmingham.

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Colchester to Birmingham

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Colchester to Birmingham run on average 9 times per day, taking around 5h 56m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $41 (€34) 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 5h 50m.

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 56m
Cheapest ticket price
$41 (€34)
Buses per day
9
Fastest bus
5h 50m
First bus
1:00 AM
Last bus
11:55 PM
Cheapest Month
Apr
Cheapest Day
Sat
High Season
Apr - Jun
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Mon
Least Busy Day
Mon
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

Bus providers: National Express, First Essex, Hedingham & Chambers, Arriva UK from Colchester to BirminghamYou can travel by bus between Colchester to Birmingham with National Express, First Essex, Hedingham & Chambers, Arriva UK for as low as $41 (€34). 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
5h 50m
Cheapest Price
$41 (€34)
National Express frequency
9 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.

First Essex

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
6h 51m
First Essex frequency
2 a day

Hedingham & Chambers

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
6h 2m
Hedingham & Chambers frequency
1 a day

Arriva UK

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
6h 43m
Arriva UK frequency
2 a day

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

Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery

Major city museum with Pre-Raphaelite art, local history, and rotating exhibitions in a landmark civic building.

  • Recommended

Thinktank, Birmingham Science Museum

Family-friendly science museum with interactive galleries, a planetarium, and displays on industry and innovation.

  • Recommended

Ikon Gallery

Leading contemporary art gallery in Brindleyplace, known for ambitious exhibitions in a restored Victorian school building.

Pound sterling

Moderate by UK standards. Chain cafes and pubs are affordable, while central hotels and upscale dining cost more.

Average meal costs

Budget
GBP 8-15 for fast food or a simple lunch.
Mid-range
GBP 18-35 per person at a casual restaurant.
Fine dining
GBP 60+ per person at upscale restaurants.
Coffee
GBP 3-4.50 for a cappuccino or latte.

Tipping culture

Service charge may be added in restaurants. If not, tip 10-12.5% for good service. Round up taxis. Tipping in pubs and cafes is optional.

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.

FAQs
Cheap bus tickets from Colchester to Birmingham can start from as little as $41 (€34) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Colchester to Birmingham is $69 (€56) ; 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 5h 50m 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 9 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.
A trip to Birmingham from Colchester is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 5h 50m 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 bus and train.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Colchester to Birmingham:
  • National Express
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Colchester to Birmingham for bus company National Express.
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, with some services arriving at Birmingham, Hagley Road West. 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
Colchester, East Hill / High Street
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

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