- Must visit
Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum
Victorian villa museum with local history, archaeology, and rotating exhibitions in one of Bournemouth’s most important heritage buildings.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Colchester to Bournemouth
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 19
Cheapest price on Sep 19
kr707
Average ticket price on Sep 19
kr841
Fastest journey on Sep 19
5 h 45 m
Average journey duration on Sep 19
6 h 25 m
Buses on Sep 19
8
Distance
233 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Colchester to Bournemouth is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Colchester to Bournemouth will cost around kr841 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only kr707.
Fast buses
It's difficult to get from Colchester to Bournemouth without transferring at least 2 times.
NX717 · NXA8 · NX03511:55 AM7h40Colchester, East Hill / High Street7:35 PMBournemouth, Coach Stationkr7071One-way2 transfers- NX717 · NXA8 · NX0352:10 PM7h35Colchester, East Hill / High Street9:45 PMBournemouth, Coach Stationkr7301One-way2 transfers
- NX717 · NXA8 · NX0352:10 PM7h35Colchester, East Hill / High Street9:45 PMBournemouth, Coach Stationkr7301One-way2 transfers
- NX717 · NXA8 · NX0354:40 PM6h40Colchester, East Hill / High Street11:20 PMBournemouth, Coach Stationkr7451One-way2 transfers
- NX717 · NXA8 · NX0356:40 PM7h05Colchester, East Hill / High Street1:45 AMBournemouth, Coach Stationkr7641One-way2 transfers
- NX717 · NX727 · NX0358:50 AM5h45Colchester, East Hill / High Street2:35 PMBournemouth, Coach Stationkr11021One-way2 transfers
- NX717 · NX727 · NX0355:35 AM5h50Colchester, East Hill / High Street11:25 AMBournemouth, Coach Stationkr9501One-way2 transfers
- NX717 · NXA8 · NX0354:40 PM6h40Colchester, East Hill / High Street11:20 PMBournemouth, Coach Stationkr7451One-way2 transfers
- NX717 · NX727 · NX0352:35 AM6h45Colchester, East Hill / High Street9:20 AMBournemouth, Coach Stationkr9971One-way2 transfers
- NX717 · NXA8 · NX0356:40 PM7h05Colchester, East Hill / High Street1:45 AMBournemouth, Coach Stationkr7641One-way2 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus and train for Colchester to Bournemouth
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Colchester to Bournemouth among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of kr901 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 51m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of kr901, while a train costs an average of kr1072.
Distance: 144 miles (233 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
kr901 Average price Cheapest | kr1072 Average price | kr559 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 3m Average total duration 5h 33m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 51m Average total duration Fastest 3h 21m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 9m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Most popular bus company |  Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Colchester to Bournemouth is a bus with an average price of kr901.
This is compared to other travel options from Colchester to Bournemouth:
A bus is kr171 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Colchester to Bournemouth costing on average kr1072.
The fastest way to travel from Colchester to Bournemouth is by train with an average journey time of 3h 21m.
Other travel options to Bournemouth take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 33m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Colchester and Bournemouth including taking a bus and train.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Colchester to Bournemouth 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 kr901 compared to roughly kr559 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about kr-342.43. The journey takes 5h 33m versus 3h 9m 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 Bournemouth Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:35AM | Arrival Time 09:20AM | Duration 6h45 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price kr997 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:35AM | Arrival Time 11:25AM | Duration 5h50 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price kr950 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:50AM | Arrival Time 02:35PM | Duration 5h45 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price kr1102 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:55AM | Arrival Time 07:35PM | Duration 7h40 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price kr707 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:10PM | Arrival Time 09:45PM | Duration 7h35 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price kr730 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:30PM | Arrival Time 11:55PM | Duration 7h25 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price kr617 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:40PM | Arrival Time 11:20PM | Duration 6h40 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price kr745 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:40PM | Arrival Time 12:45AM | Duration 7h05 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price kr417 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:40PM | Arrival Time 01:45AM | Duration 7h05 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price kr764 |
Live departures
Colchester to Bournemouth bus times
The table below shows live departures for Colchester to Bournemouth 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NX717 · NX727 · NX035 | 2:35 AM Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 6h45 | 9:20 AM Bournemouth, Coach Station | 2 transfers | |
| NX717 · NX727 · NX035 | 5:35 AM Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 5h50 | 11:25 AM Bournemouth, Coach Station | 2 transfers | |
| NX717 · NX727 · NX035 | 8:50 AM Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 5h45 | 2:35 PM Bournemouth, Coach Station | 2 transfers | |
| NX717 · NXA8 · NX035 | 11:55 AM Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 7h40 | 7:35 PM Bournemouth, Coach Station | 2 transfers | |
| NX717 · NXA8 · NX035 | 2:10 PM Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 7h35 | 9:45 PM Bournemouth, Coach Station | 2 transfers | |
| NX717 · NXA8 · NX035 | 2:10 PM Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 7h35 | 9:45 PM Bournemouth, Coach Station | 2 transfers | |
| NX717 · NXA8 · NX035 | 4:40 PM Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 6h40 | 11:20 PM Bournemouth, Coach Station | 2 transfers | |
| NX717 · NXA8 · NX035 | 6:40 PM Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 7h05 | 1:45 AM Bournemouth, Coach Station | 2 transfers | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Colchester to Bournemouth 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
Sep 19
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Sep 20
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Tue
Sep 22
Sep 22
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Sep 23
Sep 23
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Sep 25
Why should you book Colchester to Bournemouth buses with Omio?
National Express operates all buses services from Colchester to Bournemouth.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Colchester to Bournemouth.
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 bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Colchester to Bournemouth.
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 Bournemouth.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Colchester to Bournemouth
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Colchester to Bournemouth run on average 7 times per day, taking around 5h 33m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at kr728 but you can travel from only kr578 by train.
The earliest bus runs at 01:32, the last at 21:27. The fastest bus covers the 144 miles (233 km) distance in 4h 20m.
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 kr578
Distance 144 miles (233 km) |
Average bus duration 5h 33m |
Cheapest ticket price kr728 |
Buses per day 7 |
Fastest bus 4h 20m |
First bus 1:32 AM |
Last bus 9:27 PM |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
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 kr578
Bus providers: National Express from Colchester to BournemouthYou can travel by bus between Colchester to Bournemouth with National Express for as low as kr578. 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 20m
Cheapest National Express Price
kr728
National Express frequency
8 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 Bournemouth
Things to do in Bournemouth
Discover the best of Bournemouth — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Bournemouth trip today.
- Recommended
Red House Museum and Gardens
Volunteer-run local museum covering Christchurch history, archaeology, and community life in a characterful period setting.
- Recommended
Bournemouth Aviation Museum
Specialist aviation museum at Bournemouth Airport displaying historic aircraft, cockpits, and memorabilia for enthusiasts and families.
- Must visit
Bournemouth Beach
Long sandy beach and promenade area at the resort’s core, ideal for classic seaside walks, sunsets, and easy access to the pier.
- Must visit
Lower Gardens
Victorian gardens running through the town center, popular for strolling, seasonal events, and a green link from square to sea.
- Recommended
Alum Chine
Clifftop and chine with woodland paths descending to a quieter beach, loved for views and a more local atmosphere.
- Gluten-free
Dorset Crab
Fresh crab landed on the Dorset coast, often served simply in salads or sandwiches. It is prized locally for its sweet flavour and seaside freshness.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Dorset Blue Vinny
A traditional Dorset blue cheese with a crumbly texture and strong savoury taste. It reflects the county’s long farmhouse cheesemaking heritage.
Fish And Chips
Classic fish and chips made with fresh south coast fish. It is a staple British seaside meal strongly associated with Bournemouth beach outings.
Chez Fred
Casual Bournemouth institution famous for hearty fish and chips close to the beach, ideal for a classic seaside meal.
The Crab At Bournemouth
Refined seafood-focused fine dining in a stylish setting near the coast, known for tasting menus and polished service.
WestBeach
Busy traditional seafood spot by the seafront, popular for fish and chips, shellfish, and relaxed coastal dining.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for a UK seaside town: hotels peak in summer, dining is mid-priced, and local buses are fairly affordable for visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fast food or a casual meal.
- Mid-range
- £18-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £60+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4.50 for cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is modest. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if not already added. Round up or add a little for taxis. Cafes usually do not require tips, but spare change is appreciated.
morebus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2.00
- Day pass
- £4.70
To the city center
Bournemouth Coach Station -> Bournemouth Square
- Distance
- 1.6 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Contactless card and mobile payment are accepted on morebus buses, including tap on board for adult fares.
- The morebus app lets you buy tickets and check live departures before boarding.
FAQs: Bus from Colchester to Bournemouth
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Colchester to Bournemouth 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 Bournemouth, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap bus tickets from Colchester to Bournemouth can start from as little as kr728 when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Colchester to Bournemouth is kr901 ; 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 Bournemouth is 4h 20m to travel the 144 miles (233 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 Bournemouth leaves at 1:32 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Colchester to Bournemouth leaves at 9:27 PM.
There are 7 buses a day from Colchester to Bournemouth which require at least one change with National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from Colchester to Bournemouth, you can count on National Express for the best way to get you to Bournemouth. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Colchester and Bournemouth and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Bournemouth from Colchester is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 4h 20m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Colchester to Bournemouth is April.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Colchester and Bournemouth including taking a bus and train.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Colchester to Bournemouth:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Colchester to Bournemouth for bus company National Express.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Bournemouth are:
- Bournemouth Beach, a popular sandy beach stretching for miles with a pier and various water activities
- Bournemouth Pier, a Victorian-era pier offering entertainment, dining, and panoramic views of the coastline
- Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum, a historic house museum featuring a diverse collection of art and artifacts
- Bournemouth Gardens, a series of beautiful gardens perfect for leisurely walks and picnics
- St. Peter's Church, a historic church known for its stunning architecture and the resting place of Mary Shelley.
The best things to do in Bournemouth include:
- Oceanarium, an aquarium featuring marine life from various global habitats
- Lower Gardens, a well-maintained public park with floral displays and seasonal events
- Boscombe Chine Gardens, a picturesque garden with a mini-golf course and water play area
- Hengistbury Head, a nature reserve ideal for hiking and birdwatching
- Bournemouth Aviation Museum, an interactive museum dedicated to the history of aviation.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Colchester to Bournemouth 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 Bournemouth.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Colchester to Bournemouth:
- 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 Bournemouth:
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Colchester to Bournemouth.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Colchester to Bournemouth with the following bus company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Colchester to Bournemouth with the following bus company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Colchester to Bournemouth with the following bus company: National Express.
Since neither Colchester nor Bournemouth 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 train as it is the most popular way to get from Colchester to Bournemouth 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 Bournemouth, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like beaches and nightlife spots. Common scams include overcharging by taxi drivers and fake charity collectors. It's advisable to use licensed taxis, keep valuables secure, and stay vigilant in busy public places to ensure safety.
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 Bournemouth
Most Colchester to Bournemouth buses use the Colchester, East Hill / High Street to Bournemouth, Coach Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Colchester and Bournemouth 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 Bournemouth
Which Colchester station do buses to Bournemouth leave from?
Buses from Colchester to Bournemouth 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 · kr35 · every ~17 min
107, 105 · 7m · kr12 · 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.
Bournemouth, Coach Station
City-centre transport
Getting to Bournemouth, Coach Station from Bournemouth city centre
Bus13, 5, 6, 50, m1, 12, 13A, N5, N1, 11, 21 · 6m · kr23 · every ~74 min
m1, 5, 6, 50, 13, 12, 13A, 21, 11, N5, N1 · 7m · kr23 · every ~74 min
Most popular bus connections from Colchester
More options for your journey from Colchester to Bournemouth
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Bournemouth and Colchester
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