Colchester to Cardiff bus with National Express

Fri, Mar 06
+ Add return
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Colchester to Cardiff

Showing times and prices for Mar 06

Cheapest price

$42

Average price

$77

Fastest journey

7 h 20 m

Average duration

8 h 2 m

Buses per day

3

Distance

285 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Colchester to Cardiff is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Colchester to Cardiff will cost around $77 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $42.

Fast buses

Of the 3 buses that leave Colchester for Cardiff on Fri, Mar 06, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Fri, Mar 06 the direct buses cover the 285 km distance in an average of 8 h 2 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 7 h 20 m .

On Fri, Mar 06 the slowest buses will take 8 h 30 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.

National Express
07:30PM8h15
Colchester
03:45AMCardiff
$421One-way
0 transfers
National Express
04:30PM8h30
Colchester
01:00AMCardiff
$721One-way
0 transfers
National Express
07:35PM7h20
Colchester
02:55AMCardiff
$1191One-way
0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train and bus for Colchester to Cardiff

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Colchester to Cardiff among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $44. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 15m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $44, and a train costs an average of $51.

Distance: 177 miles (285 km)

Compare bus with

Bus
Most popular
Train

$64

Average price

Cheapest

$72

Average price

6h 57m

Average total duration

6h 27m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 45m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 15m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

National Express

Most popular bus company

Great Western Rail

Most popular train company

Direct Options

Direct Options

Colchester to Cardiff Bus Timetables

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest price
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
03:05AM
Arrival Time
12:05PM
Duration
9h00
Departure days
Thu
Cheapest price
$71
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
06:05AM
Arrival Time
04:15PM
Duration
10h10
Departure days
Thu
Cheapest price
$71
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
08:25AM
Arrival Time
05:10PM
Duration
8h45
Departure days
Thu
Cheapest price
$71
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
12:10PM
Arrival Time
08:20PM
Duration
8h10
Departure days
Thu
Cheapest price
$77
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
02:10PM
Arrival Time
10:40PM
Duration
8h30
Departure days
Thu
Cheapest price
$81
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
04:30PM
Arrival Time
12:55AM
Duration
8h25
Departure days
Thu
Cheapest price
$68
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
07:30PM
Arrival Time
03:15AM
Duration
7h45
Departure days
Thu
Cheapest price
$71

Live departures

Colchester to Cardiff bus times

The table below shows live departures for Colchester to Cardiff buses for today, Thursday, March 5. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at 6:50 PM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
national_expressNX717 · NXA8 · NX509
On time
7:30 PM Colchester, East Hill / High Street
7h45
3:15 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
2 transfers
national_expressNX717 · NXA8 · NX5097:30 PM Colchester, East Hill / High Street
7h40
3:10 AM Cardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB)2 transfers
Friday, March 6
national_express4:30 PM Colchester
8h30
1:00 AM Cardiff0 transfersDirect

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Colchester to Cardiff 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.

Fri
Mar 06
Sat
Mar 07
Sun
Mar 08
Mon
Mar 09
Tue
Mar 10
Wed
Mar 11
Thu
Mar 12

Why should you book Colchester to Cardiff buses with Omio?

National Express operates all buses services from Colchester to Cardiff.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Colchester to Cardiff.

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 Cardiff.

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 Cardiff.

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Colchester to Cardiff

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Colchester to Cardiff run on average 19 times per day, taking around 6h 27m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $44 (€36) if you book in advance.

The earliest bus runs at 03:05, the last at 20:18. The fastest bus covers the 177 miles (285 km) distance in 7h 15m.

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
177 miles (285 km)
Average bus duration
6h 27m
Cheapest ticket price
$44 (€36)
Buses per day
19
Fastest bus
7h 15m
First bus
03:05
Last bus
20:18
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 CardiffYou can travel by bus between Colchester to Cardiff with National Express for as low as $44 (€36). 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
7h 15m
Cheapest Price
$44 (€36)
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.

FAQs: Bus from Colchester to Cardiff

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Colchester to Cardiff 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 Cardiff, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Cheap bus tickets from Colchester to Cardiff can start from as little as $44 (€36) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Colchester to Cardiff is $64 (€52) ; 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 Cardiff is 7h 15m to travel the 177 miles (285 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 Cardiff leaves at 3:05 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Colchester to Cardiff leaves at 8:18 PM.
There are 19 buses a day from Colchester to Cardiff 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 Cardiff, you can count on National Express for the best way to get you to Cardiff. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Colchester and Cardiff and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Cardiff from Colchester is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 7h 15m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Colchester to Cardiff is December.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Colchester and Cardiff including taking a train and bus.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Colchester to Cardiff for bus company National Express.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Colchester to Cardiff:
  • National Express
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Accessible toilets.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Cardiff are:
  • Cardiff Castle, a historic fortress with Roman and Norman roots offering guided tours and events
  • St Fagans National Museum of History, an open-air museum showcasing Welsh life and culture through reconstructed buildings and exhibits
  • Cardiff Bay, a vibrant waterfront area with dining, entertainment, and cultural attractions
  • National Museum Cardiff, featuring art, archaeology, and natural history collections
  • Bute Park, a large green space perfect for leisurely walks and picnics.
The best things to do in Cardiff include:
  • Millennium Centre, a renowned arts venue hosting opera, ballet, and theater performances
  • Explore the vibrant nightlife in Cardiff's city center with its array of pubs and clubs
  • Take a boat tour around Cardiff Bay for scenic views and historical insights
  • Visit the Cardiff International White Water for an adventurous day of rafting and kayaking
  • Enjoy shopping and dining at the bustling Cardiff Market, offering local produce and unique finds.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company National Express.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Colchester to Cardiff 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.
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 Cardiff.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Colchester to Cardiff:
  • 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 Cardiff:
  • National Express
    • 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Colchester to Cardiff.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Colchester to Cardiff with the following bus company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Colchester to Cardiff with the following bus company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Colchester to Cardiff with the following bus company: National Express.

popular bus stations

Popular bus stations from Colchester to Cardiff

Colchester
Cardiff
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 Cardiff.
Colchester, East Hill / High Street
information

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