Colchester to Edinburgh bus with National Express

Fri, Nov 07
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Colchester to Edinburgh

Showing times and prices for Nov 07

Cheapest price

$68

Average price

$85

Fastest journey

14 h 20 m

Average duration

15 h 13 m

Buses per day

2

Distance

525 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Colchester to Edinburgh will cost around $85 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $68.

Fast buses

Of the 2 buses that leave Colchester for Edinburgh on Fri, Nov 07, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Fri, Nov 07 the direct buses cover the 525 km distance in an average of 15 h 13 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 14 h 20 m .

On Fri, Nov 07 the slowest buses will take 16 h 5 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
03:30PM14h20
Colchester
05:50AMEdinburgh
$681One-way
0 transfers
National Express
02:05AM16h05
Colchester
06:10PMEdinburgh
$1021One-way
0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train, bus, and flight for Colchester to Edinburgh

Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Colchester to Edinburgh among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €58. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 22m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €58, and a train costs an average of €66.

Distance: 326 miles (525 km)

Compare bus with

Most popular
Bus
Train
Flight

€91

Average price

Cheapest

€112

Average price

€97

Average price

12h 48m

Average total duration

12h 18m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

6h 15m

Average total duration

5h 45m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 22m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 22m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

National Express

Most popular bus company

LNER

Most popular train company

easyJet

Most popular airline

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Colchester to Edinburgh Bus Timetables

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest price
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
03:05AM
Arrival Time
06:55PM
Duration
15h50
Departure days
Tue
Cheapest price
$146
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
04:30PM
Arrival Time
06:50AM
Duration
14h20
Departure days
Tue
Cheapest price
$130

Live departures

Colchester to Edinburgh bus times

The table below shows live departures for Colchester to Edinburgh buses for today, Thursday, November 6. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at 3:39 AM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
national_express3:30 PM Colchester
14h20
5:50 AM Edinburgh0 transfersDirect
Friday, November 7
national_express2:05 AM Colchester
16h05
6:10 PM Edinburgh0 transfersDirect

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Colchester to Edinburgh by train, bus, or flight

Compare train, bus, and flight 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
Nov 07
Sat
Nov 08
Sun
Nov 09
Mon
Nov 10
Tue
Nov 11
Wed
Nov 12
Thu
Nov 13

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Colchester to Edinburgh

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Colchester to Edinburgh run on average 4 times per day, taking around 12h 18m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $71 (€58) but you can travel from only $31 (€25) by flight.

The earliest bus runs at 02:42, the last at 22:00. The fastest bus covers the 326 miles (525 km) distance in 14h 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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from $31 (€25)
Distance
326 miles (525 km)
Average bus duration
12h 18m
Cheapest ticket price
$71 (€58)
Buses per day
4
Fastest bus
14h 15m
First bus
02:42
Last bus
22:00
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
Flight from $31 (€25)

Bus providers: National Express from Colchester to EdinburghYou can travel by bus between Colchester to Edinburgh with National Express for as low as $31 (€25). 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
14h 15m
Cheapest Price
$63 (€52)
National Express frequency
4 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.

FAQs: Bus from Colchester to Edinburgh

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

FAQs
Cheap bus tickets from Colchester to Edinburgh can start from as little as $64 (€52) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Colchester to Edinburgh is $90 (€73); however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
On average the Colchester to Edinburgh bus travel time is 14 h 5 min   for the 326 mile (525 km) long journey, but the duration can vary if you travel on weekends and holidays.
The first bus from Colchester to Edinburgh leaves at 2: 42AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The last bus from Colchester to Edinburgh leaves at 10: 15PM.
There are 3 buses a day from Colchester to Edinburgh which require at least one change with National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
For the journey from Colchester to Edinburgh you can take a bus with National Express. Be sure to check out all possible bus companies that offer services to Edinburgh from Colchester on Omio to compare what amenities they may have.
The cheapest month to travel from Colchester to Edinburgh by bus is March.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Colchester and Edinburgh including taking a train, bus or flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Colchester to Edinburgh:
  • National Express
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Colchester to Edinburgh for bus company National Express.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Edinburgh are:
  • Edinburgh Castle, a historic fortress offering panoramic views of the city and housing the Crown Jewels
  • Arthur's Seat, an ancient volcano providing hiking trails and a vantage point over Edinburgh
  • The Royal Mile, a historic street connecting Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace, lined with shops and landmarks
  • Holyrood Palace, the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland, featuring beautiful gardens and historic architecture
  • The National Museum of Scotland, a museum showcasing Scottish history, culture, and natural history through diverse exhibits.
The best things to do in Edinburgh include:
  • Explore the vibrant atmosphere of Grassmarket, a historic marketplace with pubs, shops, and street performances
  • Enjoy a ghost tour through the haunted streets and underground vaults of Edinburgh
  • Attend a performance at the Edinburgh Festival Theatre, known for its diverse range of shows
  • Visit the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, offering beautiful landscapes and plant collections
  • Discover the hidden gems and local art at the Stockbridge Market.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company National Express.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Colchester to Edinburgh depends on the bus company:
  • 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.

To find the cheapest bus tickets for your trip from Colchester to Edinburgh, follow these tips:

  • Book in advance: Tickets are often cheaper when booked early.
  • Be flexible with dates and times: Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money.
  • Use our search filters: Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options.
  • Look for special deals or discounts: Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
  • Start your search now and compare ticket prices to find the best deal!

    Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from Colchester to Edinburgh.
    Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Colchester to Edinburgh:
    • 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 Edinburgh:
    • National Express
      • 10€ per additional bag.
    Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Colchester to Edinburgh.
    You can reserve your seat on the bus from Colchester to Edinburgh with the following bus company: National Express
    Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Colchester to Edinburgh with the following bus company: National Express.
    Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Colchester to Edinburgh with the following bus company: National Express.

    popular bus stations

    Popular bus stations from Colchester to Edinburgh

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

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