- Must visit
Leicester Museum & Art Gallery
Leicester's flagship museum and gallery, known for dinosaurs, German Expressionism and broad collections for first-time visitors.
2,000+ travel companies
2,000+ travel companies
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
4.942K ratings
Google Play
4.6136K reviews
The cheapest and fastest buses from Colchester to Leicester
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 19
Cheapest price on Sep 19
€49
Average ticket price on Sep 19
€58
Fastest journey on Sep 19
5 h
Average journey duration on Sep 19
5 h 20 m
Buses on Sep 19
17
Distance
162 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Colchester to Leicester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Colchester to Leicester will cost around €58 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €49.
Fast buses
It's difficult to get from Colchester to Leicester without transferring at least once.
NX717 · NXA8 · NX4405:35 AM6h40Colchester, East Hill / High Street12:15 PMLeicester, Braunstone€491One-way2 transfers- NX717 · NX7772:10 PM5h40Colchester, East Hill / High Street7:50 PMLeicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station€511One-way1 transfer
- NX717 · NX737 · NX4404:40 PM8h25Colchester, East Hill / High Street1:05 AMLeicester, Braunstone€511One-way2 transfers
- NX717 · NXA8 · NX4402:10 PM6h50Colchester, East Hill / High Street9:00 PMLeicester, Braunstone€521One-way2 transfers
- NX717 · NX7776:40 PM5h00Colchester, East Hill / High Street11:40 PMLeicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station€551One-way1 transfer
- NX717 · NX7776:40 PM5h00Colchester, East Hill / High Street11:40 PMLeicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station€551One-way1 transfer
- NX717 · NX7778:50 AM5h00Colchester, East Hill / High Street1:50 PMLeicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station€691One-way1 transfer
- NX717 · NX7774:40 PM5h05Colchester, East Hill / High Street9:45 PMLeicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station€591One-way1 transfer
- NX717 · NX7772:10 PM5h40Colchester, East Hill / High Street7:50 PMLeicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station€511One-way1 transfer
- NX717 · NX737 · NX2305:35 AM5h55Colchester, East Hill / High Street11:30 AMLeicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station€601One-way2 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus and train for Colchester to Leicester
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Colchester to Leicester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of €54 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 54m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €54, while a train costs an average of €78.
Distance: 100 miles (162 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
€54 Average price Cheapest | €78 Average price | €36 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 22m Average total duration 4h 52m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 54m Average total duration Fastest 2h 24m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 44m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Most popular bus company |  Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Colchester to Leicester is a bus with an average price of €54.
This is compared to other travel options from Colchester to Leicester:
A bus is €24 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Colchester to Leicester costing on average €78.
The fastest way to travel from Colchester to Leicester is by train with an average journey time of 2h 24m.
Other travel options to Leicester take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 52m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Colchester and Leicester including taking a bus and train.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Colchester to Leicester 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 €54 compared to roughly €36 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about €-17.90. The journey takes 4h 52m versus 2h 44m 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 Leicester Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:35AM | Arrival Time 10:05AM | Duration 7h30 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price €63 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:35AM | Arrival Time 01:25PM | Duration 8h50 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price €45 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:35AM | Arrival Time 12:15PM | Duration 6h40 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price €49 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:40AM | Arrival Time 04:55PM | Duration 8h15 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price €66 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:50AM | Arrival Time 04:20PM | Duration 7h30 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price €59 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:55AM | Arrival Time 07:25PM | Duration 7h30 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price €58 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:10PM | Arrival Time 09:30PM | Duration 8h20 | Departure days Thu, Sun | Cheapest price €45 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:10PM | Arrival Time 09:00PM | Duration 6h50 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price €51 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:40PM | Arrival Time 09:45PM | Duration 5h05 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price €51 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:45PM | Arrival Time 01:05AM | Duration 8h20 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price €66 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:40PM | Arrival Time 11:40PM | Duration 5h00 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price €55 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:35PM | Arrival Time 04:30AM | Duration 6h55 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price €60 |
Live departures
Colchester to Leicester bus times
The table below shows live departures for Colchester to Leicester 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 · NXA8 · NX440 | 2:35 AM Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 7h20 | 9:55 AM Leicester, Braunstone | 2 transfers | |
| NX717 · NXA8 · NX440 | 2:35 AM Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 7h30 | 10:05 AM Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 2 transfers | |
| NX717 · NXA6 · NX440 | 2:35 AM Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 7h20 | 9:55 AM Leicester, Braunstone | 2 transfers | |
| NX717 · NXA6 · NX440 | 2:35 AM Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 7h30 | 10:05 AM Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 2 transfers | |
| NX717 · NXA8 · NX440 | 5:35 AM Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 6h40 | 12:15 PM Leicester, Braunstone | 2 transfers | |
| NX717 · NX737 · NX230 | 5:35 AM Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 5h55 | 11:30 AM Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 2 transfers | |
| NX717 · NXA8 · NX440 | 8:50 AM Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 7h30 | 4:20 PM Leicester, Braunstone | 2 transfers | |
| NX717 · NX777 | 8:50 AM Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 5h00 | 1:50 PM Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
| NX717 · NXA8 · NX440 | 8:50 AM Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 7h30 | 4:20 PM Leicester, Braunstone | 2 transfers | |
| NX717 · NXA8 · NX440 | 11:55 AM Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 8h20 | 8:15 PM Leicester, Braunstone | 2 transfers | |
| NX717 · NX737 · NX240 | 11:55 AM Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 7h30 | 7:25 PM Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 2 transfers | |
| NX717 · NXA8 · NX440 | 11:55 AM Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 8h20 | 8:15 PM Leicester, Braunstone | 2 transfers | |
| NX717 · NXA8 · NX440 | 2:10 PM Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 6h50 | 9:00 PM Leicester, Braunstone | 2 transfers | |
| NX717 · NX777 | 2:10 PM Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 5h40 | 7:50 PM Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
| NX717 · NX777 | 4:40 PM Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 5h05 | 9:45 PM Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
| NX717 · NX737 · NX440 | 4:40 PM Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 8h25 | 1:05 AM Leicester, Braunstone | 2 transfers | |
| NX717 · NX777 | 6:40 PM Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 5h00 | 11:40 PM Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Colchester to Leicester by bus or train
Compare bus and train 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
Sun
Sep 20
Sep 20
Mon
Sep 21
Sep 21
Tue
Sep 22
Sep 22
Wed
Sep 23
Sep 23
Thu
Sep 24
Sep 24
Fri
Sep 25
Sep 25
Why should you book Colchester to Leicester buses with Omio?
National Express operates all buses services from Colchester to Leicester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Colchester to Leicester.
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 and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Colchester to Leicester.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Colchester to Leicester.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Colchester to Leicester
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Colchester to Leicester run on average 15 times per day, taking around 4h 52m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €33 but you can travel from only €27 by train.
The earliest bus runs at 02:35, the last at 23:45. The fastest bus covers the 100 miles (162 km) distance in 3h 5m.
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 €27
Distance 100 miles (162 km) |
Average bus duration 4h 52m |
Cheapest ticket price €33 |
Buses per day 15 |
Fastest bus 3h 5m |
First bus 2:35 AM |
Last bus 11:45 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
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 €27
Bus providers: National Express from Colchester to LeicesterYou can travel by bus between Colchester to Leicester with National Express for as low as €27. 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
3h 5m
Cheapest National Express Price
€33
National Express frequency
13 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 Leicester
Things to do in Leicester
Discover the best of Leicester — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Leicester trip today.
- Must visit
King Richard III Visitor Centre
Dedicated to the 2012 discovery of Richard III, this award-winning museum uses immersive displays to tell a remarkable royal story.
- Recommended
Abbey Pumping Station
A grand Victorian pumping station with working steam heritage displays, making industrial history surprisingly engaging for all ages.
- Must visit
Old Town
Revived historic quarter around Leicester Cathedral and the Richard III story, packed with lanes, heritage sites and independent venues.
- Must visit
Abbey Park
Leicester's best-known green space, offering formal gardens, boating, sports facilities and a lively urban park atmosphere.
- Recommended
Town Hall Square
Main civic square framed by key institutions and events, useful as a central meeting point and starting place for exploring.
Melton Mowbray Pork Pie
A flaky pastry pie from nearby Melton Mowbray, traditionally made with uncured pork. It is one of Leicestershire’s best-known foods and widely eaten in Leicester.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Red Leicester Cheese
A hard, crumbly red cheese from Leicestershire with a nutty, mellow flavour. It is one of England’s oldest named cheeses and a proud regional staple.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Stilton
A blue-veined Stilton-style cheese made in Leicestershire. Rich and creamy, it is strongly linked to the county’s cheesemaking tradition.
John's House
Modern British fine dining with tasting menus in an intimate setting. One of Leicester’s most acclaimed restaurants for special occasions.
Herb
Well-known modern Indian restaurant serving refined regional dishes and grills in a smart, contemporary dining room.
Shivalli
Long-established vegetarian Indian restaurant on the Golden Mile, known for Gujarati snacks, thalis and a lively casual atmosphere.
British pound sterling (£)
Moderate for the UK. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while buses and casual meals stay fairly affordable for most visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-12 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- £18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £50+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £2.50-4 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is not included. Round up for taxis. Cafe tipping is not expected, but small change is appreciated.
FAQs: Bus from Colchester to Leicester
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Colchester to Leicester 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 Leicester, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap bus tickets from Colchester to Leicester can start from as little as €33 when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Colchester to Leicester is €54 ; 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 Leicester is 3h 5m to travel the 100 miles (162 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 Leicester leaves at 2:35 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Colchester to Leicester leaves at 11:45 PM.
There are 15 buses a day from Colchester to Leicester 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 Leicester, you can count on National Express for the best way to get you to Leicester. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Colchester and Leicester and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Leicester from Colchester is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 3h 5m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Colchester to Leicester is March.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Colchester and Leicester including taking a bus and train.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Colchester to Leicester for bus company National Express.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Colchester to Leicester:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Colchester to Leicester 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 Leicester.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Colchester to Leicester:
- 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 Leicester:
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Colchester to Leicester.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Colchester to Leicester with the following bus company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Colchester to Leicester with the following bus company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Colchester to Leicester with the following bus company: National Express.
Since neither Colchester nor Leicester 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 Leicester 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 Leicester, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like markets and public transport. Common scams include overcharging by taxi drivers who are not licensed and street vendors selling counterfeit goods. Staying vigilant in busy spots and using licensed services helps ensure a safer visit.
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 Leicester
Most Colchester to Leicester buses use the Colchester, East Hill / High Street to Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station station pair, with some services arriving at Leicester, Braunstone. Use this guide to compare Colchester and Leicester 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 Leicester
Which Colchester station do buses to Leicester leave from?
Buses from Colchester to Leicester 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 · €3 · 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.
Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station
City-centre transport
Getting to Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station from Leicester city centre
BusHop · 0m · €2 · every ~14 min
26 · 1m · every ~10 min
21 · 4m
Leicester, BraunstoneBraunstone Town, Leicester, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Leicester, Braunstone from Leicester city centre
Leicester, Braunstone is 3 km from Leicester city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus153, 158 · 7m · €2 · every ~9 min
153, 158 · 11m · €2 · every ~9 min
Nd · 20m · every ~9 min
20 · 26m · €2 · every ~4 min
Leicester, Braunstone bus station facilities and services
Leicester, Braunstone has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Snack outlets in the nearby vicinity.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Leicester, Braunstone. ATMs are available at Leicester, Braunstone.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Leicester, Braunstone.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Leicester, Braunstone: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Leicester, Braunstone: Basic wheelchair accessibility.
Most popular bus connections from Colchester
More options for your journey from Colchester to Leicester
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Leicester and Colchester
Most popular bus connections to Leicester
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.
