Colchester to Luton bus with National Express

Sat, Sep 19
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National Express
First Essex
Hedingham & Chambers
Arriva UK
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First Essex
Hedingham & Chambers
Arriva UK
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2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Colchester to Luton

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 19

Cheapest price on Sep 19

$59

Average ticket price on Sep 19

$62

Fastest journey on Sep 19

3 h 5 m

Average journey duration on Sep 19

3 h 44 m

Buses on Sep 19

12

Distance

91 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Colchester to Luton will cost around $62 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $59.

Fast buses

It's difficult to get from Colchester to Luton without transferring at least once.

  • National ExpressNX717 · NX737
    6:40 PM5h19
    Colchester, East Hill / High Street
    11:59 PMLuton, Station Interchange
    $591One-way
    1 transfer
  • National ExpressNX717 · NX737
    4:40 PM4h50
    Colchester, East Hill / High Street
    9:30 PMLuton, Station Interchange
    $591One-way
    1 transfer
  • National ExpressNX717 · NX737
    5:35 AM3h25
    Colchester, East Hill / High Street
    9:00 AMLuton, Station Interchange
    $591One-way
    1 transfer
  • National ExpressNX717 · NX737
    2:10 PM4h50
    Colchester, East Hill / High Street
    7:00 PMLuton, Station Interchange
    $611One-way
    1 transfer
  • National ExpressNX717 · NX737
    5:35 AM3h05
    Colchester, East Hill / High Street
    8:40 AMLuton, London Luton Airport Bus Station
    $621One-way
    1 transfer

Travel Information

Compare train and bus for Colchester to Luton

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Colchester to Luton among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $55 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 11m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.1kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $55, while a train costs an average of $69.

Distance: 56 miles (91 km)

Compare bus with

Bus
Most popular
Train
Driving

$55

Average price

Cheapest

$69

Average price

$26

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

3h 19m

Average total duration

2h 49m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

2h 11m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 41m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

1h 36m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

0.0 - 0.1kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

-

CO2 emissions

National Express

Most popular bus company

Greater Anglia

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.

The cheapest way to travel from Colchester to Luton is a bus with an average price of $55 (€45).

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

A bus is $14 (€11) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Colchester to Luton costing on average $69 (€56).

The fastest way to travel from Colchester to Luton is by train with an average journey time of 1h 41m.

Other travel options to Luton take longer:

Bus takes on average 2h 49m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Colchester and Luton including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Colchester to Luton 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 $55 (€45) compared to roughly $26 (€21) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-29.67 (€-24.28). The journey takes 2h 49m versus 1h 36m 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 Luton Bus Timetables

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest price
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
04:35AM
Arrival Time
07:55AM
Duration
3h20
Departure days
Mon
Cheapest price
$43
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
05:35AM
Arrival Time
08:40AM
Duration
3h05
Departure days
Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$46
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
08:25AM
Arrival Time
01:25PM
Duration
5h00
Departure days
Tue
Cheapest price
$44
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
08:50AM
Arrival Time
01:30PM
Duration
4h40
Departure days
Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$46
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
11:55AM
Arrival Time
04:00PM
Duration
4h05
Departure days
Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$49
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
01:10PM
Arrival Time
06:10PM
Duration
5h00
Departure days
Tue, Thu
Cheapest price
$42
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
02:10PM
Arrival Time
06:40PM
Duration
4h30
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Wed, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$39
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
04:40PM
Arrival Time
09:30PM
Duration
4h50
Departure days
Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$41
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
04:45PM
Arrival Time
09:10PM
Duration
4h25
Departure days
Fri
Cheapest price
$64
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
05:40PM
Arrival Time
10:55PM
Duration
5h15
Departure days
Tue, Wed
Cheapest price
$40
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
06:40PM
Arrival Time
11:59PM
Duration
5h19
Departure days
Fri, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$54
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
09:35PM
Arrival Time
02:55AM
Duration
5h20
Departure days
Thu
Cheapest price
$57

Live departures

Colchester to Luton bus times

The table below shows live departures for Colchester to Luton buses for tomorrow, Saturday, September 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
National ExpressNX717 · NX7375:35 AM Colchester, East Hill / High Street
3h05
8:40 AM Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station1 transfer
National ExpressNX717 · NX7375:35 AM Colchester, East Hill / High Street
3h25
9:00 AM Luton, Station Interchange1 transfer
National ExpressNX717 · NX7378:50 AM Colchester, East Hill / High Street
4h40
1:30 PM Luton, Station Interchange1 transfer
National ExpressNX717 · NX7378:50 AM Colchester, East Hill / High Street
4h20
1:10 PM Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station1 transfer
National ExpressNX717 · NX73711:55 AM Colchester, East Hill / High Street
4h05
4:00 PM Luton, Station Interchange1 transfer
National ExpressNX717 · NX73711:55 AM Colchester, East Hill / High Street
3h45
3:40 PM Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station1 transfer
National ExpressNX717 · NX7372:10 PM Colchester, East Hill / High Street
4h30
6:40 PM Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station1 transfer
National ExpressNX717 · NX7372:10 PM Colchester, East Hill / High Street
4h50
7:00 PM Luton, Station Interchange1 transfer
National ExpressNX717 · NX7374:40 PM Colchester, East Hill / High Street
4h50
9:30 PM Luton, Station Interchange1 transfer
National ExpressNX717 · NX7374:40 PM Colchester, East Hill / High Street
4h30
9:10 PM Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station1 transfer
National ExpressNX717 · NX7376:40 PM Colchester, East Hill / High Street
5h19
11:59 PM Luton, Station Interchange1 transfer
National ExpressNX717 · NX7376:40 PM Colchester, East Hill / High Street
5h00
11:40 PM Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station1 transfer

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Colchester to Luton 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.

Sat
Sep 19
Sun
Sep 20
Mon
Sep 21
Tue
Sep 22
Wed
Sep 23
Thu
Sep 24
Fri
Sep 25

Why should you book Colchester to Luton buses with Omio?

National Express operates all buses services from Colchester to Luton.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Colchester to Luton.

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 train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Colchester to Luton.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu?

  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Colchester to Luton.

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Colchester to Luton

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Colchester to Luton run on average 12 times per day, taking around 2h 49m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $36 (€29) but you can travel from only $36 (€29) by train.

The earliest bus runs at 02:25, the last at 22:12. The fastest bus covers the 56 miles (91 km) distance in 2h 25m.

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 $36 (€29)
Distance
56 miles (91 km)
Average bus duration
2h 49m
Cheapest ticket price
$36 (€29)
Buses per day
12
Fastest bus
2h 25m
First bus
2:25 AM
Last bus
10:12 PM
Cheapest Month
Dec
Cheapest Day
Sat
High Season
Oct - Dec
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Fri
Least Busy Day
Fri
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 $36 (€29)

Bus providers: National Express from Colchester to LutonYou can travel by bus between Colchester to Luton with National Express for as low as $36 (€29). 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
2h 25m
Cheapest National Express Price
$36 (€29)
National Express frequency
12 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 Luton

Things to do in Luton

Discover the best of Luton — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Luton trip today.

  • Must visit

Wardown House, Museum and Gallery

Luton's main museum in a Victorian mansion, covering local history, hats, lace, and changing exhibitions in a well-kept park setting.

  • Must visit

Stockwood Discovery Centre

Museum complex with rural life displays, carriages, gardens, and archaeology, making it one of Luton's strongest family-friendly heritage sites.

  • Recommended

The Hat Factory at Stockwood Discovery Centre

Working hat factory museum explaining Luton's famous hat-making trade through machinery, displays, and guided tours in an authentic setting.

British Pound Sterling (£)

Moderate for the UK. Hotels near the airport can be pricey, but dining and local transit are usually cheaper than central London.

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
£2.80-4 for coffee.

Tipping culture

Service may be included. If not, tip 10-12.5% in restaurants for good service. Taxis are often rounded up. Tipping in cafes is optional.

FAQs: Bus from Colchester to Luton

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

FAQs
Cheap bus tickets from Colchester to Luton can start from as little as $36 (€29) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Colchester to Luton is $55 (€45) ; 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 Luton is 2h 25m to travel the 56 miles (91 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 Luton leaves at 2:25 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Colchester to Luton leaves at 10:12 PM.
There are 12 buses a day from Colchester to Luton which require at least one change with National Express, First Essex, Hedingham & Chambers, Arriva UK. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from Colchester to Luton, you can count on National Express, First Essex, Hedingham & Chambers, Arriva UK for the best way to get you to Luton. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Colchester and Luton and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
When departing from Colchester , you have various bus station options to start your journey from including Colchester, East Hill / High Street, Capel St Mary, Ipswich Road, Marks Tey, A120 . When arriving in Luton , you can end your journey in bus stations like Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station, Luton, Station Interchange, Luton, Dunstable Road (Challney) .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 Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station, located 2 away from the city centre.
A trip to Luton from Colchester is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 2h 25m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Colchester to Luton is December.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Colchester and Luton including taking a train and bus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Colchester to Luton:
  • National Express
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Colchester to Luton for bus company National Express.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Luton are:
  • Stockwood Discovery Centre, a museum featuring local history exhibits, gardens, and a collection of horse-drawn carriages
  • Wardown House Museum and Gallery, a Victorian mansion offering art exhibitions and insights into Luton's history
  • Luton Hoo Estate, a historic country house with expansive gardens and a golf course
  • Whipsnade Zoo, a large zoo home to a variety of animals and conservation programs
  • The Hat Factory Arts Centre, a cultural venue hosting performances, workshops, and art exhibitions.
The best things to do in Luton include:
  • The Mall Luton, a large shopping center with a variety of retail stores and dining options
  • Woodside Animal Farm, a family-friendly attraction featuring a range of animals, play areas, and seasonal events
  • Luton Indoor Market, a bustling market offering a variety of goods from fresh produce to unique crafts
  • Stockwood Park, a large public park perfect for picnics, walks, and outdoor sports
  • The Galaxy, an entertainment complex featuring a cinema, bowling alley, and restaurants.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Colchester to Luton 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 Luton.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Colchester to Luton:
  • 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 Luton:
  • National Express
    • 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Colchester to Luton.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Colchester to Luton with the following bus company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Colchester to Luton with the following bus company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Colchester to Luton with the following bus company: National Express.
Since neither Colchester nor Luton 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 Luton 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 Luton, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas such as Luton Airport and the town center. Taxi scams can occur, so using licensed cabs or pre-booked transportation is advised. Be wary of unofficial currency exchange services offering poor rates or counterfeit notes. Staying vigilant in busy spots and securing personal belongings helps ensure a safe 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 Luton

Most Colchester to Luton buses use the Colchester, East Hill / High Street to Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station station pair, with some services arriving at Luton, Station Interchange. Use this guide to compare Colchester and Luton 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 Luton

Which Colchester station do buses to Luton leave from?

Buses from Colchester to Luton 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, UKWifiParkingATMTaxisAccessibilityWCShowerTicket Office
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.

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