Colchester to Chelmsford bus with First Essex

Tue, Jun 16
+ Add return
First Essex
Stephensons of Essex
FlixBus
Alsa
BlaBlaCar Bus
2,000+ travel companies
First Essex
Stephensons of Essex
FlixBus
Alsa
BlaBlaCar Bus
2,000+ travel companies
QR-Code
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
rate4.9
42K ratings
Google Play
rate4.6
136K reviews

The cheapest and fastest buses from Colchester to Chelmsford

Showing times and prices for Jun 16

Cheapest price

$0.00

Average price

$-0.01

Fastest journey

1 h 19 m

Average duration

1 h 27 m

Buses per day

10

Distance

34 km

Cheap tickets

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

Fast buses

Of the 10 buses that leave Colchester for Chelmsford on Tue, Jun 16, 10 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 34 km distance in an average of 1 h 27 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 1 h 19 m .

On Tue, Jun 16 the slowest buses will take 1 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.

  • First Essex
    5:45 AM1h19
    Colchester
    7:04 AMChelmsford
    Find prices
    0 transfers
  • First Essex
    6:15 AM1h25
    Colchester
    7:40 AMChelmsford
    Find prices
    0 transfers
  • First Essex
    6:45 AM1h35
    Colchester
    8:20 AMChelmsford
    Find prices
    0 transfers
  • First Essex
    7:22 AM1h38
    Colchester
    9:00 AMChelmsford
    Find prices
    0 transfers
  • First Essex
    8:00 AM1h33
    Colchester
    9:33 AMChelmsford
    Find prices
    0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train and bus for Colchester to Chelmsford

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Colchester to Chelmsford among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $14. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 24m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $14, and a bus costs an average of $21.

Distance: 21 miles (34 km)

Compare bus with

Bus
Most popular
Train
Driving

$21

Average price

$20

Average price

Cheapest

$9

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

1h 48m

Average total duration

1h 18m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

54m

Average total duration

Fastest

24m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

36m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from Colchester to Chelmsford is a train with an average price of $20 (€16).

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

A train is $1 (€0.89) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Colchester to Chelmsford costing on average $21 (€17).

The fastest way to travel from Colchester to Chelmsford is by train with an average journey time of 24m.

Other travel options to Chelmsford take longer:

Bus takes on average 1h 18m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Colchester and Chelmsford including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Colchester to Chelmsford among Omio's users.
Take the bus. On this route, it's both cheaper and quicker than driving.

You'll arrive about -1h -42m sooner (1h 18m by bus vs 36m by car) and save roughly $-11.99 (€-9.70) compared to fuel and tolls ($21 (€17) vs $9 (€7)). 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 First Essex, Stephensons of Essex.

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 Chelmsford Bus Timetables

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest price
Operator
First Essex
Departure Time
05:45AM
Arrival Time
07:04AM
Duration
1h19
Departure days
Mon, Tue
Cheapest price
$0.00
Operator
Greater Anglia
Departure Time
06:00AM
Arrival Time
06:50AM
Duration
0h50
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
$21
Operator
First Essex
Departure Time
06:15AM
Arrival Time
07:40AM
Duration
1h25
Departure days
Mon, Tue
Cheapest price
$0.00
Operator
First Essex
Departure Time
06:45AM
Arrival Time
08:20AM
Duration
1h35
Departure days
Mon, Tue
Cheapest price
$0.00
Operator
First Essex
Departure Time
07:22AM
Arrival Time
09:00AM
Duration
1h38
Departure days
Mon, Tue
Cheapest price
$0.00
Operator
First Essex
Departure Time
08:00AM
Arrival Time
09:33AM
Duration
1h33
Departure days
Mon, Tue
Cheapest price
$0.00
Operator
First Essex
Departure Time
08:40AM
Arrival Time
10:10AM
Duration
1h30
Departure days
Mon, Tue
Cheapest price
$0.00
Operator
First Essex
Departure Time
09:05AM
Arrival Time
10:35AM
Duration
1h30
Departure days
Mon, Tue
Cheapest price
$0.00
Operator
First Essex
Departure Time
09:35AM
Arrival Time
11:04AM
Duration
1h29
Departure days
Mon, Tue
Cheapest price
$0.00
Operator
First Essex
Departure Time
10:05AM
Arrival Time
11:35AM
Duration
1h30
Departure days
Mon, Tue
Cheapest price
$0.00
Operator
First Essex
Departure Time
10:35AM
Arrival Time
12:06PM
Duration
1h31
Departure days
Mon, Tue
Cheapest price
$0.00
Operator
First Essex
Departure Time
11:05AM
Arrival Time
12:35PM
Duration
1h30
Departure days
Mon
Cheapest price
$0.00
Operator
First Essex
Departure Time
11:35AM
Arrival Time
01:06PM
Duration
1h31
Departure days
Mon
Cheapest price
$0.00
Operator
First Essex
Departure Time
12:05PM
Arrival Time
01:35PM
Duration
1h30
Departure days
Mon
Cheapest price
$0.00
Operator
First Essex
Departure Time
12:35PM
Arrival Time
02:06PM
Duration
1h31
Departure days
Mon
Cheapest price
$0.00
Operator
First Essex
Departure Time
01:05PM
Arrival Time
02:35PM
Duration
1h30
Departure days
Mon
Cheapest price
$0.00
Operator
First Essex
Departure Time
01:35PM
Arrival Time
03:06PM
Duration
1h31
Departure days
Mon
Cheapest price
$0.00
Operator
First Essex
Departure Time
02:05PM
Arrival Time
03:37PM
Duration
1h32
Departure days
Mon
Cheapest price
$0.00
Operator
First Essex
Departure Time
02:32PM
Arrival Time
04:05PM
Duration
1h33
Departure days
Mon
Cheapest price
$0.00
Operator
First Essex
Departure Time
03:02PM
Arrival Time
04:35PM
Duration
1h33
Departure days
Mon
Cheapest price
$0.00
Operator
First Essex
Departure Time
03:35PM
Arrival Time
05:09PM
Duration
1h34
Departure days
Mon
Cheapest price
$0.00
Operator
Stephensons of Essex
Departure Time
03:50PM
Arrival Time
04:37PM
Duration
0h47
Departure days
Mon
Cheapest price
$6
Operator
First Essex
Departure Time
04:05PM
Arrival Time
05:40PM
Duration
1h35
Departure days
Mon
Cheapest price
$0.00
Operator
First Essex
Departure Time
04:35PM
Arrival Time
06:09PM
Duration
1h34
Departure days
Mon
Cheapest price
$0.00
Operator
First Essex
Departure Time
05:15PM
Arrival Time
06:45PM
Duration
1h30
Departure days
Mon
Cheapest price
$0.00
Operator
First Essex
Departure Time
05:50PM
Arrival Time
07:12PM
Duration
1h22
Departure days
Mon
Cheapest price
$0.00
Operator
First Essex
Departure Time
06:35PM
Arrival Time
07:53PM
Duration
1h18
Departure days
Mon
Cheapest price
$0.00
Operator
First Essex
Departure Time
07:25PM
Arrival Time
08:36PM
Duration
1h11
Departure days
Mon
Cheapest price
$0.00
Operator
First Essex
Departure Time
09:15PM
Arrival Time
10:22PM
Duration
1h07
Departure days
Mon
Cheapest price
$0.00

Live departures

Colchester to Chelmsford bus times

The table below shows live departures for Colchester to Chelmsford buses for today, Monday, June 15. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
First Essex9:15 PM Colchester
1h07
10:22 PM Chelmsford0 transfersDirect
Tuesday, June 16
First Essex5:45 AM Colchester
1h19
7:04 AM Chelmsford0 transfersDirect
First Essex6:15 AM Colchester
1h25
7:40 AM Chelmsford0 transfersDirect
First Essex6:45 AM Colchester
1h35
8:20 AM Chelmsford0 transfersDirect
First Essex7:22 AM Colchester
1h38
9:00 AM Chelmsford0 transfersDirect
First Essex8:00 AM Colchester
1h33
9:33 AM Chelmsford0 transfersDirect
First Essex8:40 AM Colchester
1h30
10:10 AM Chelmsford0 transfersDirect
First Essex9:05 AM Colchester
1h30
10:35 AM Chelmsford0 transfersDirect
First Essex9:35 AM Colchester
1h29
11:04 AM Chelmsford0 transfersDirect
First Essex10:05 AM Colchester
1h30
11:35 AM Chelmsford0 transfersDirect
First Essex10:35 AM Colchester
1h31
12:06 PM Chelmsford0 transfersDirect

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Colchester to Chelmsford 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.

Tue
Jun 16
Wed
Jun 17
Thu
Jun 18
Fri
Jun 19
Sat
Jun 20
Sun
Jun 21
Mon
Jun 22

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Colchester to Chelmsford

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Colchester to Chelmsford run on average 5 times per day, taking around 1h 18m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $21 (€17) but you can travel from only $14 (€11) by train.

There are 2 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:14, the last at 23:44. The fastest bus covers the 21 miles (34 km) distance in 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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from $14 (€11)
Distance
21 miles (34 km)
Average bus duration
1h 18m
Cheapest ticket price
$21 (€17)
Buses per day
5
Direct buses
2
Fastest bus
50m
First bus
12:14 AM
Last bus
11:44 PM
Cheapest Month
Mar
Cheapest Day
Sat
High Season
Jul - Sep
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Wed
Least Busy Day
Sun
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from $14 (€11)

Bus providers: First Essex, Stephensons of Essex from Colchester to ChelmsfordYou can travel by bus between Colchester to Chelmsford with First Essex, Stephensons of Essex for as low as $14 (€11). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey

First Essex

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
55m
First Essex frequency
16 a day

Stephensons of Essex

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
47m
Cheapest Price
$6 (€5)
Stephensons of Essex frequency
1 a day

Bus from Colchester to Chelmsford

Buses from Colchester to Chelmsford depart every day, including at weekends. There are multiple departures throughout the day, covering the 20 miles between the two destinations in Essex. The journey can take anywhere from 35 minutes to 45 minutes, depending on the service selected.

How long is the journey by bus from Colchester to Chelmsford?

Taking buses from Colchester to Chelmsford can be as quick as 35 minutes or a little longer at 45 minutes. There are no changes required along the route, but passengers can decide which stops to get on and off at for their convenience.

How many buses are there from Colchester to Chelmsford?

There are up to 11 buses a day traveling between Colchester and Chelmsford, with the first buses leaving early in the morning and the last mid-afternoon. The 6:00 a.m. departure can get passengers into Chelmsford in time for the start of the working day, while the 3.55 p.m. bus arrives late in the afternoon.

What are the departure and arrival bus stations for buses from Colchester to Chelmsford?

Departure bus station: Passengers boarding buses from Colchester to Chelmsford can do so from a number of stops. These are the bus station, the railway station and Zingst, West. Colchester Bus Station is a 20-minute walk from the center of town and on the numbers one A, 64 and 64A bus routes. There are refreshment facilities and bathrooms at the bus station.

Arrival bus station: Chelmsford Bus and Bus Terminal. This is a four-minute walk from the city center and is close to other transport infrastructure, such as the train station. A retail complex is attached to the bus station, offering ample facilities, including bathrooms.

Which bus providers travel from Colchester to Chelmsford?

Buses from Colchester to Chelmsford are operated by National Express, with multiple departures to choose from. While there is a disparity in length between some of the services, it's only about a 10 minute difference.

National Express Colchester to Chelmsford

National Express operates 11 buses a day from Colchester to Chelmsford, offering a number of departure times, from 6:00 a.m. until 3.55 p.m. There is no need for passengers to change buses between the two destinations in the southeast, but there are a number of stops on the route. This can be particularly convenient for anyone not wanting to get on the bus in central Colchester.

Colchester to Chelmsford Bus: Services on board

Everybody who buys a ticket for National Express buses from Colchester to Chelmsford is guaranteed a comfortable seat with a generous amount of legroom and individual air conditioning controls. The VUER entertainment system is provided as standard, with hours of TV and films to screen throughout the journey. There is also free WiFi and accessible USB ports near each seat. Passengers have a luggage allowance of one case measuring 75 cm x 50 cm x 32 cm or two cases no bigger than 70 cm x 45 cm x 70 cm. In total, this baggage must not weigh more than 20 kg. An additional piece of soft hand luggage measuring 45 cm x 35 cm x 20 cm or smaller is also allowed on board. Extra pieces can be transported inside the hold for a supplementary fee. Pets are not permitted on board, with the exception of assistance dogs. Bikes are welcomed if they have been folded up, dismantled into manageable pieces or wrapped in an appropriate manner; they will then be considered as one piece of luggage. The majority of National Express's buses from Colchester to Chelmsford can be accessed by disabled passengers due to lifts fitted at the front. It's best for passengers with mobility issues to contact National Express 36 hours before travel to secure their services.

FAQs: Bus from Colchester to Chelmsford

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

FAQs
Cheap bus tickets from Colchester to Chelmsford can start from as little as $21 (€17) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Colchester to Chelmsford is $21 (€17) ; 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 Chelmsford is 50m to travel the 21 miles (34 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 Chelmsford leaves at 12:14 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Colchester to Chelmsford leaves at 11:44 PM.
Yes, there are 2 direct buses a day from Colchester to Chelmsford with First Essex, Stephensons of Essex. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
When taking a bus from Colchester to Chelmsford, you can count on First Essex, Stephensons of Essex for the best way to get you to Chelmsford. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Colchester and Chelmsford and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A day trip to Chelmsford from Colchester is worth doing with a journey time of 50m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Colchester to Chelmsford is March.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Colchester and Chelmsford including taking a train and bus.
No, the bus from Colchester to Chelmsford has no accessibility options.
No, there are no bathrooms on board the bus from Colchester to Chelmsford.
No, bikes are not allowed on board the bus from Colchester to Chelmsford.
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.
No, there is no food available to purchase on board the bus from Colchester to Chelmsford.
No, luggage for the bus from Colchester to Chelmsford needs to be booked in addition.
No, there are no additional luggage options for the bus from Colchester to Chelmsford.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Colchester to Chelmsford.
No, there are no USB plugs on board the bus from Colchester to Chelmsford.
No, there is no WiFi on board the bus from Colchester to Chelmsford.
Since neither Colchester nor Chelmsford 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 Chelmsford 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 Chelmsford, travelers should be aware of occasional pickpocketing in crowded areas and be cautious when using unofficial taxi services to avoid overcharging. It's advisable to keep personal belongings secure and use licensed transportation options. There are no widespread scams specific to Chelmsford, but general vigilance against common travel scams is recommended.
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.
HomeBusesBuses in United KingdomColchester to Chelmsford bus

The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy

We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.

ios-badge
android-badge
Hand With Phone