- Must visit
Ipswich Museum
Ipswich’s main museum and gallery, covering local history, archaeology, art, and natural science in a major Victorian institution.
Cheapest price
€8
Average price
€8
Fastest journey
35 m
Average duration
39 m
Buses per day
6
Distance
26 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Colchester to Ipswich is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Colchester to Ipswich will cost around €8 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €8.
Of the 6 buses that leave Colchester for Ipswich on Wed, Aug 05, 6 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Aug 05 the direct buses cover the 26 km distance in an average of 39 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 35 m .
On Wed, Aug 05 the slowest buses will take 40 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.
NX717
NX717
NX717
NX717
NX717
NX717
NX717
NX717
NX717
NX717Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Colchester to Ipswich among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €7. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 19m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.0kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €7, and a train costs an average of €6.
Distance: 16 miles (26 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
€11 Average price Cheapest | €12 Average price | €5 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 10m Average total duration 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 49m Average total duration Fastest 19m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 35m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions | 0.0 - 0.0kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Colchester to Ipswich:
A bus is €2 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Colchester to Ipswich costing on average €12.
Other travel options to Ipswich take longer:
Bus takes on average 40m.
You'll arrive about -1h -5m sooner (40m by bus vs 35m by car) and save roughly €-5.22 compared to fuel and tolls (€11 vs €5). 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 National Express.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:00AM | Arrival Time 10:40AM | Duration 0h40 | Departure days Wed, Fri | Cheapest price €8 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:05AM | Arrival Time 10:40AM | Duration 0h35 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price €8 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:25AM | Arrival Time 12:05PM | Duration 0h40 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price €7 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:25PM | Arrival Time 01:05PM | Duration 0h40 | Departure days Wed, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price €8 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:55PM | Arrival Time 03:35PM | Duration 0h40 | Departure days Wed, Sun | Cheapest price €8 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:00PM | Arrival Time 03:45PM | Duration 0h45 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price €8 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:55PM | Arrival Time 05:35PM | Duration 0h40 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Sun | Cheapest price €7 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:05PM | Arrival Time 05:45PM | Duration 0h40 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price €8 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:50PM | Arrival Time 07:30PM | Duration 0h40 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price €10 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:50PM | Arrival Time 08:30PM | Duration 0h40 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price €8 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:50PM | Arrival Time 10:25PM | Duration 0h35 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price €12 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:50PM | Arrival Time 11:25PM | Duration 0h35 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price €8 |
The table below shows live departures for Colchester to Ipswich buses for today, Tuesday, August 4. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NX717 | 7:50 PM Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 0h40 | 8:30 PM Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema) | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX717 | 10:50 PM Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 0h35 | 11:25 PM Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Wednesday, August 5 | |||||
NX717 | 10:00 AM Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 0h40 | 10:40 AM Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema) | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX717 | 12:25 PM Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 0h40 | 1:05 PM Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema) | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX717 | 2:55 PM Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 0h40 | 3:35 PM Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema) | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX717 | 4:55 PM Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 0h40 | 5:35 PM Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema) | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Buses from Colchester to Ipswich run on average 6 times per day, taking around 40m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €7 but you can travel from only €6 by train.
There are 6 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 01:11, the last at 23:51. The fastest bus covers the 16 miles (26 km) distance in 35m.
Distance 16 miles (26 km) |
Average bus duration 40m |
Cheapest ticket price €7 |
Buses per day 6 |
Direct buses 6 |
Fastest bus 35m |
First bus 1:11 AM |
Last bus 11:51 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 1 day |
Discover the best of Ipswich — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Ipswich trip today.
Ipswich’s main museum and gallery, covering local history, archaeology, art, and natural science in a major Victorian institution.
Elegant mansion museum in Christchurch Park with period rooms, Ipswich treasures, and changing displays in a beautiful historic setting.
Free contemporary gallery showing regional and national artists. A strong stop for visitors exploring Ipswich’s modern cultural scene.
Large historic park with lawns, wooded walks, tennis courts, and mansion views. It is Ipswich’s classic green escape near the centre.
Regenerated marina district with quayside walks, public art, and lively views of boats and historic warehouses day or night.
Main civic square framed by Town Hall and historic buildings. A natural starting point for markets, events, and town-centre sightseeing.
A traditional Suffolk cured ham, usually served thinly sliced. It is prized for its dry cure and long local heritage in East Anglian food culture.
A regional blue cheese made in Suffolk from cow's milk. Its creamy texture and rich, tangy taste make it a classic local cheese board choice.
Fresh fish landed from the Suffolk coast, often cod, plaice, or sole. It reflects Ipswich's long trading links with nearby North Sea fishing ports.
Well-known Ipswich pub and dining room serving classic British dishes, local ales, and seasonal produce in a smart yet relaxed setting.
Refined restaurant in nearby Great Bealings with modern British tasting menus, strong Suffolk sourcing, and an elegant country-house setting.
Popular independent venue in the town centre serving brunch, coffee, and modern British plates in a stylish casual space.
Moderate for the UK: hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while local buses and casual meals remain fairly affordable for tourists.
Tipping is modest. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is not included. Taxis are often rounded up. Cafes usually do not require tips.
Official public transport app
Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema) -> Ipswich Town Centre, Ipswich
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Colchester to Ipswich 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 Ipswich, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Colchester to Ipswich buses use the Colchester, East Hill / High Street to Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema) station pair. Use this guide to compare Colchester and Ipswich bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like 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 is available at Colchester, East Hill / High Street. ATMs are available at Colchester, East Hill / High Street.
Ticket office support is available at Colchester, East Hill / High Street.
Available at Colchester, East Hill / High Street: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Colchester, East Hill / High Street: Limited accessibility features.
Colchester, Stanwell Street (Bus station) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Colchester, Stanwell Street (Bus station). ATMs are available at Colchester, Stanwell Street (Bus station).
Ticket office support is available at Colchester, Stanwell Street (Bus station).
Available at Colchester, Stanwell Street (Bus station): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Colchester, Stanwell Street (Bus station): Wheelchair accessible with ramps.
Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Restaurants available near Cardinal Park Cinema.
Wi-Fi is available at Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema). ATMs are available at Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema).
Ticket office support is available at Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema).
Available at Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema): Bus stop accessible for wheelchairs.
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