- Must visit
National Museum of Scotland
Scotland's flagship museum covers science, design, natural history, and world cultures in a landmark building with excellent family appeal.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Colchester to Edinburgh
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 19
Cheapest price on Sep 19
$78
Average ticket price on Sep 19
$89
Fastest journey on Sep 19
13 h
Average journey duration on Sep 19
14 h 7 m
Buses on Sep 19
3
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 $89 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $78.
Fast buses
It's difficult to get from Colchester to Edinburgh without transferring at least 2 times.
NX717 · NX737 · NX5915:35 AM13h00Colchester, East Hill / High Street6:35 PMEdinburgh, Bus Station$781One-way2 transfers- NX717 · NXA8 · NX5944:40 PM14h40Colchester, East Hill / High Street7:20 AMEdinburgh, Bus Station$941One-way2 transfers
- NX717 · NXA8 · NX5944:40 PM14h40Colchester, East Hill / High Street7:20 AMEdinburgh, Bus Station$941One-way2 transfers
- NX717 · NX737 · NX5915:35 AM13h00Colchester, East Hill / High Street6:35 PMEdinburgh, Bus Station$781One-way2 transfers
- NX717 · NXA8 · NX5944:40 PM14h40Colchester, East Hill / High Street7:20 AMEdinburgh, Bus Station$941One-way2 transfers
- NX717 · NXA8 · NX5944:40 PM14h40Colchester, East Hill / High Street7:20 AMEdinburgh, Bus Station$941One-way2 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for Colchester to Edinburgh
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Colchester to Edinburgh among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $130 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 3h 53m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $130, while a flight costs an average of $300.
Distance: 326 miles (525 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$130 Average price Cheapest | $160 Average price | $300 Average price | $181 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
13h 16m Average total duration 12h 46m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 1m Average total duration 5h 31m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 53m Average total duration Fastest 1h 53m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 7h 31m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Most popular bus company |  Most popular train company |  Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Colchester to Edinburgh is a bus with an average price of $130.
This is compared to other travel options from Colchester to Edinburgh:
A bus is $29 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Colchester to Edinburgh costing on average $160.
A bus is $170 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Colchester to Edinburgh costing on average $300.
The fastest way to travel from Colchester to Edinburgh is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 53m.
Other travel options to Edinburgh take longer:
Train takes on average 5h 31m.
Bus takes on average 12h 46m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Colchester and Edinburgh including taking a bus, train, and flight.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Colchester to Edinburgh among Omio's users.
Take the bus. It's the cheapest way to make this trip, and the price gap is usually bigger than people expect.
Tickets start at around $130 compared to roughly $181 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $51. The journey takes 12h 46m versus 7h 31m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
Colchester to Edinburgh Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:35AM | Arrival Time 06:50PM | Duration 16h15 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $125 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:35AM | Arrival Time 05:50PM | Duration 13h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $64 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:35AM | Arrival Time 06:35PM | Duration 13h00 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $70 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:30PM | Arrival Time 07:20AM | Duration 14h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $77 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:40PM | Arrival Time 07:20AM | Duration 14h40 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $94 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:45PM | Arrival Time 07:20AM | Duration 14h35 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $127 |
Live departures
Colchester to Edinburgh bus times
The table below shows live departures for Colchester to Edinburgh buses for tomorrow, Saturday, September 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NX717 · NX737 · NX591 | 5:35 AM Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 13h00 | 6:35 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 2 transfers | |
| NX717 · NXA8 · NX594 | 4:40 PM Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 14h40 | 7:20 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 2 transfers | |
| NX717 · NXA8 · NX594 | 4:40 PM Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 14h40 | 7:20 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 2 transfers | |
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 bus, train, or flight
Compare bus, train, 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.
Sat
Sep 19
Sep 19
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Why should you book Colchester to Edinburgh buses with Omio?
National Express operates all buses services from Colchester to Edinburgh.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Colchester to Edinburgh.
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, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Colchester to Edinburgh.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Colchester to Edinburgh.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Colchester to Edinburgh
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Colchester to Edinburgh run on average 3 times per day, taking around 12h 46m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $64 but you can travel from only $42 by flight.
The earliest bus runs at 02:42, the last at 22:05. The fastest bus covers the 326 miles (525 km) distance in 11h 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
Flight from $42
Distance 326 miles (525 km) |
Average bus duration 12h 46m |
Cheapest ticket price $64 |
Buses per day 3 |
Fastest bus 11h 50m |
First bus 2:42 AM |
Last bus 10:05 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Mon |
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
Flight from $42
Bus providers: National Express from Colchester to EdinburghYou can travel by bus between Colchester to Edinburgh with National Express for as low as $42. 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 National Express Duration
11h 50m
Cheapest National Express Price
$64
National Express frequency
3 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.
Complete guide to Edinburgh
Things to do in Edinburgh
Discover the best of Edinburgh — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Edinburgh trip today.
- Must visit
National Gallery of Scotland
Major art gallery with Scottish and international works from the Renaissance onward, set dramatically on The Mound in the city centre.
- Recommended
Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art
Gallery of modern and contemporary art in a neoclassical building with sculpture park, strong changing exhibitions, and a peaceful setting.
- Must visit
Royal Mile
Historic spine of the Old Town linking the castle and palace, lined with closes, landmarks, performers, shops, and layered city history.
- Must visit
Princes Street
Elegant shopping boulevard in the New Town with castle views, gardens below, major monuments, and strong access to central attractions.
- Must visit
Arthur's Seat
Extinct volcano in Holyrood Park climbed for sweeping city views, sunrise walks, and one of Edinburgh's most memorable outdoor experiences.
Haggis
A rich savoury pudding of sheep offal, oats, suet, onion and spices, traditionally served with neeps and tatties. Scotland’s national dish and central to Burns Suppers.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Neeps And Tatties
Mashed turnips and potatoes, usually served with haggis. This classic Scottish side is a staple of traditional Edinburgh meals.
- Gluten-free
Cullen Skink
A hearty soup of smoked haddock, potatoes and onions in milk or cream. Strongly linked to Scotland’s fishing heritage and widely loved in Edinburgh.
Number One
Refined Scottish fine dining in the Balmoral Hotel, known for seasonal tasting menus and polished service in an elegant setting.
The Cafe Royal
Historic oyster bar and restaurant serving Scottish seafood, shellfish and game in a lively, classic Victorian dining room.
The Scran And Scallie
Celebrated modern Scottish restaurant focused on local produce, creative small plates and a relaxed but high-quality neighbourhood feel.
British pound sterling (£)
Edinburgh is pricier than many UK cities. Hotels surge in festival season, dining is mid-to-high, and transit is reasonable but not especially cheap for visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fast food or casual takeaway.
- Mid-range
- £20-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £70+ per person for upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- £3-4.50 for coffee.
Tipping culture
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if no service charge is added. Round up for taxis. Cafes usually do not expect tips.
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.
Cheap bus tickets from Colchester to Edinburgh can start from as little as $64 when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Colchester to Edinburgh is $130 ; 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 Edinburgh is 11h 50m to travel the 326 miles (525 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 Edinburgh leaves at 2:42 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Colchester to Edinburgh leaves at 10:05 PM.
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.
When taking a bus from Colchester to Edinburgh, you can count on National Express for the best way to get you to Edinburgh. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Colchester and Edinburgh and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
Passengers board the bus most frequently from Colchester, East Hill / High Street, which is located around away from the city centre, and they get off the bus at Edinburgh, Bus Station, located 0 away from the city centre.
A trip to Edinburgh from Colchester is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 11h 50m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Colchester to Edinburgh is June.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Colchester and Edinburgh including taking a bus, train, and 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.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Colchester to Edinburgh 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 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.
Since neither Colchester nor Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like the Royal Mile and public transport. Common scams include fake charity collectors and overcharging by taxi drivers who don’t use the meter. It’s advisable to use licensed taxis and keep belongings secure in busy spots. Avoid unlicensed ticket sellers near popular attractions to prevent fraud.
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 Edinburgh
Most Colchester to Edinburgh buses use the Colchester, East Hill / High Street to Edinburgh, Bus Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Colchester and Edinburgh bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Colchester
Arrival bus stations in Edinburgh
Which Colchester station do buses to Edinburgh leave from?
Buses from Colchester to Edinburgh leave from Colchester, East Hill / High Street. The station is from Colchester city centre at Colchester Bus Station, Colchester CO2 7DP, UK.
Colchester, East Hill / High StreetColchester Bus Station, Colchester CO2 7DP, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Colchester, East Hill / High Street from Colchester city centre
Bus1, 2, 3 · 1m · $4 · every ~17 min
107, 105 · 7m · $1 · every ~3 min
Colchester, East Hill / High Street bus station facilities and services
Colchester, East Hill / High Street has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Colchester, East Hill / High Street. ATMs are available at Colchester, East Hill / High Street.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Colchester, East Hill / High Street.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Colchester, East Hill / High Street: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Colchester, East Hill / High Street: Limited accessibility features.
Which Edinburgh station do buses from Colchester arrive at?
Buses from Colchester to Edinburgh arrive at Edinburgh, Bus Station. Edinburgh, Bus Station is from Edinburgh city centre.
Edinburgh, Bus StationElder Street, Edinburgh EH1 3DX, United Kingdom
City-centre transport
Getting to Edinburgh, Bus Station from Edinburgh city centre
Bus10, 11 · 2m · $2 · every ~30 min
Uk090 · 5m · $1 · every ~32 min
TramEdinburgh York Place - Edinburgh Airport, T50 · 3m · $5 · every ~38 min
Edinburgh, Bus Station bus station facilities and services
Edinburgh, Bus Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Café at the Station (in the station), Sandwich Shop (in the station).
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Edinburgh, Bus Station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Edinburgh, Bus Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Edinburgh, Bus Station: Elevators, ramps.
Most popular bus connections from Colchester
More options for your journey from Colchester to Edinburgh
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Edinburgh and Colchester
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