- Must visit
M Shed
City museum on Bristol’s docks covering local history, people, transport and protest movements. A strong first stop for understanding the city.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Colchester to Bristol
Showing times and prices for Jun 16
Cheapest price
$54
Average price
$62
Fastest journey
6 h 20 m
Average duration
7 h 42 m
Buses per day
3
Distance
246 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Colchester to Bristol is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Colchester to Bristol will cost around $62 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $54.
Fast buses
Of the 3 buses that leave Colchester for Bristol on Tue, Jun 16, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, Jun 16 the direct buses cover the 246 km distance in an average of 7 h 42 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 6 h 20 m .
On Tue, Jun 16 the slowest buses will take 9 h 35 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.
5:40 PM7h10Colchester12:50 AMBristol$541One-way0 transfers- 3:05 AM9h35Colchester12:40 PMBristol$621One-way0 transfers
- 7:30 PM6h20Colchester1:50 AMBristol$691One-way0 transfers
- 7:30 PM6h20Colchester1:50 AMBristol$691One-way0 transfers
- 5:40 PM7h10Colchester12:50 AMBristol$541One-way0 transfers
- 3:05 AM9h35Colchester12:40 PMBristol$621One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus and train for Colchester to Bristol
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Colchester to Bristol 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 2h 49m. 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 $41.
Distance: 152 miles (246 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$59 Average price Cheapest | $66 Average price | $79 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 6m Average total duration 5h 36m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 19m Average total duration Fastest 2h 49m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 23m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.6kg 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 Bristol is a bus with an average price of $59 (€48).
This is compared to other travel options from Colchester to Bristol:
A bus is $7 (€6) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Colchester to Bristol costing on average $66 (€54).
The fastest way to travel from Colchester to Bristol is by train with an average journey time of 2h 49m.
Other travel options to Bristol take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 36m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Colchester and Bristol including taking a bus and train.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Colchester to Bristol 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 Bristol Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:05AM | Arrival Time 12:40PM | Duration 9h35 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $62 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:10AM | Arrival Time 06:20PM | Duration 7h10 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $41 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:10PM | Arrival Time 07:20PM | Duration 7h10 | Departure days Mon, Sat | Cheapest price $65 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:45PM | Arrival Time 10:55PM | Duration 7h10 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $43 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:30PM | Arrival Time 11:40PM | Duration 7h10 | Departure days Mon, Fri | Cheapest price $48 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:40PM | Arrival Time 12:50AM | Duration 7h10 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $54 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:30PM | Arrival Time 01:50AM | Duration 6h20 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $48 |
Live departures
Colchester to Bristol bus times
The table below shows live departures for Colchester to Bristol buses for today, Monday, June 15. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12:10 PM Colchester | 7h30 | 7:40 PM Bristol | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 4:30 PM Colchester | 7h10 | 11:40 PM Bristol | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 7:30 PM Colchester | 6h50 | 2:20 AM Bristol | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Colchester to Bristol 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.
Tue
Jun 16
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Why should you book Colchester to Bristol buses with Omio?
National Express operates all buses services from Colchester to Bristol.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Colchester to Bristol.
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 Bristol.
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 Bristol.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Colchester to Bristol
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Colchester to Bristol run on average 16 times per day, taking around 5h 36m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $41 (€33) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 02:35, the last at 21:35. The fastest bus covers the 152 miles (246 km) distance in 6h 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
Distance 152 miles (246 km) |
Average bus duration 5h 36m |
Cheapest ticket price $41 (€33) |
Buses per day 16 |
Fastest bus 6h 20m |
First bus 2:35 AM |
Last bus 9:35 PM |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 7 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 BristolYou can travel by bus between Colchester to Bristol with National Express for as low as $41 (€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 Duration
6h 20m
Cheapest Price
$41 (€33)
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 Bristol
Things to do in Bristol
Discover the best of Bristol — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Bristol trip today.
- Must visit
Bristol Museum & Art Gallery
Major museum and gallery with archaeology, natural history, fine art and Egyptian collections near the University area.
- Must visit
SS Great Britain
Museum ship designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, one of Bristol’s signature attractions and a major piece of maritime engineering history.
- Must visit
Bristol Harbourside
Revitalized waterfront area with museums, public art, walking routes and some of the city’s most photogenic views.
- Must visit
Old City
Historic core of Bristol with narrow lanes, heritage buildings, street art and access to St Nicholas Market.
- Recommended
Clifton Village
Elegant neighborhood of terraces, small streets and viewpoints near the Suspension Bridge, popular for strolling and architecture.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
Bristol Cider
Traditional West Country cider is deeply tied to Bristol and the surrounding apple-growing region. It ranges from still to sparkling and is a classic local drink in pubs and cider houses.
- Vegetarian
Bath Bun
A sweet enriched bun with currants and sugar, long associated with nearby Bath and commonly found across Bristol bakeries and tea rooms. It is a classic regional teatime treat.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Cheddar Cheese
England’s famous Cheddar comes from Somerset, close to Bristol. This firm cow’s milk cheese is a staple in the region and often featured on local cheeseboards and in pub dishes.
Pasture Bristol
Popular steakhouse near the waterfront, known for wood-fired cooking, high-quality beef, and a lively modern dining room.
Wilsons
Highly regarded neighbourhood restaurant in Redland, celebrated for seasonal farm-to-table cooking and an intimate, ingredient-led approach.
The Pony Chew Valley
Well-known destination restaurant by Josh Eggleton outside central Bristol, focused on refined seasonal British cooking in a polished countryside setting.
Pound sterling
Moderate by UK standards. Dining and hotels cost less than London, but central areas can still be pricey.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- GBP 8-15 for takeaway or a casual lunch.
- Mid-range
- GBP 18-35 per person at a mid-range restaurant.
- Fine dining
- GBP 60+ per person at upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- GBP 3-4.50 for a regular coffee.
Tipping culture
Service is often included only at some restaurants. If not, tip 10-12.5% for good service. Round up in taxis. Tipping is not expected for pubs or counter service.
First Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- GBP 2.00
- Day pass
- GBP 6.00
To the city center
Bristol Bus & Coach Station, Marlborough Street, Bristol -> Bristol Temple Meads Station, Bristol
- Distance
- 1.8 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Tap on with a contactless card or mobile wallet on most First Bus services; the GBP 2.00 single fare cap applies to many routes.
- Use the First Bus app for live times and mobile tickets; buying a day ticket in the app can be quicker than paying on board.
FAQs: Bus from Colchester to Bristol
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Colchester to Bristol 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 Bristol, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap bus tickets from Colchester to Bristol can start from as little as $41 (€33) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Colchester to Bristol is $59 (€48) ; 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 Bristol is 6h 20m to travel the 152 miles (246 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 Bristol leaves at 2:35 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Colchester to Bristol leaves at 9:35 PM.
There are 16 buses a day from Colchester to Bristol 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 Bristol, you can count on National Express for the best way to get you to Bristol. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Colchester and Bristol and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Bristol from Colchester is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 6h 20m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Colchester to Bristol is April.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Colchester and Bristol including taking a bus and train.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Colchester to Bristol:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Colchester to Bristol for bus company National Express.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Bristol are:
- Clifton Suspension Bridge, an iconic 19th-century suspension bridge offering panoramic views of the Avon Gorge
- Bristol Cathedral, a historic cathedral with stunning Gothic architecture and serene gardens
- SS Great Britain, a restored 19th-century passenger steamship and museum located in the Great Western Dockyard
- Bristol Museum & Art Gallery, a museum featuring diverse collections of art, archaeology, and natural history
- St Nicholas Market, a vibrant market with a variety of food stalls, independent shops, and local crafts.
The best things to do in Bristol include:
- Bristol Zoo Gardens, a family-friendly attraction with diverse animal exhibits
- Take a boat tour along the River Avon for unique views of the city
- Explore the street art in the Stokes Croft area, known for its vibrant murals and graffiti
- Visit the Arnolfini, a contemporary arts center with exhibitions and performances
- Enjoy a leisurely walk or picnic in Brandon Hill Park, home to the historic Cabot Tower.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Colchester to Bristol 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 Bristol.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Colchester to Bristol:
- 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 Bristol:
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Colchester to Bristol.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Colchester to Bristol with the following bus company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Colchester to Bristol with the following bus company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Colchester to Bristol with the following bus company: National Express.
Since neither Colchester nor Bristol 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 Bristol 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 Bristol, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like the city center and on public transport. Common scams include overcharging by unofficial taxi drivers and counterfeit event tickets. It's advisable to use licensed taxis and buy tickets only from official vendors to avoid these issues. Additionally, travelers should stay aware of their surroundings at night, particularly in less busy areas.
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 Bristol
Colchester
Bristol
The major bus station for departures in Colchester is Colchester, East Hill / High Street. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Colchester, East Hill / High Street for your trip from Colchester to Bristol.
Colchester, East Hill / High Street
information
The major bus station for arrivals in Bristol is Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St). Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) for your trip to Bristol from Colchester.
information
Bristol, University Queens Road
information
Bristol, Clifton Down
information
Most popular bus connections from Colchester
More options for your journey from Colchester to Bristol
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Bristol and Colchester
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