The cheapest and fastest buses from Colchester to Cardiff
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
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.
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.






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* |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Colchester to Cardiff Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest 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.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NX717 · NXA8 · NX509 | On time 7:30 PM Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 7h45 | 3:15 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 2 transfers | |
NX717 · NXA8 · NX509 | 7:30 PM Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 7h40 | 3:10 AM Cardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB) | 2 transfers | |
| Friday, March 6 | |||||
![]() | 4:30 PM Colchester | 8h30 | 1:00 AM Cardiff | 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 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.
Mar 06
Mar 07
Mar 08
Mar 09
Mar 10
Mar 11
Mar 12
Why should you book Colchester to Cardiff buses with Omio?
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
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.
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 |
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
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.

- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- National Express
- Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Colchester to Cardiff
Most popular bus connections from Colchester
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