- Must visit
Science and Industry Museum
Leading museum of science, industry, transport, and computing on a historic railway site. Essential for understanding Manchester's global impact.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Colchester to Manchester
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 19
Cheapest price on Sep 19
€45
Average ticket price on Sep 19
€57
Fastest journey on Sep 19
8 h 50 m
Average journey duration on Sep 19
9 h 14 m
Buses on Sep 19
4
Distance
276 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Colchester to Manchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Colchester to Manchester will cost around €57 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €45.
Fast buses
On Sat, Sep 19, we found 4 buses from Colchester to Manchester, including 4 direct services.
On Sat, Sep 19 the direct buses cover the 276 km distance in an average of 9 h 14 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 8 h 50 m .
On Sat, Sep 19 the slowest buses will take 9 h 45 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.
3:05 AM9h15Colchester12:20 PMManchester€451One-way0 transfers- 1:35 AM9h45Colchester11:20 AMManchester€541One-way0 transfers
- 12:10 PM8h50Colchester9:00 PMManchester€581One-way0 transfers
- 3:40 PM9h05Colchester12:45 AMManchester€711One-way0 transfers
- 12:10 PM8h50Colchester9:00 PMManchester€581One-way0 transfers
- 3:40 PM9h05Colchester12:45 AMManchester€711One-way0 transfers
- 3:05 AM9h15Colchester12:20 PMManchester€451One-way0 transfers
- 1:35 AM9h45Colchester11:20 AMManchester€541One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for Colchester to Manchester
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Colchester to Manchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of €75 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 3h 53m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €75, while a flight costs an average of €356.
Distance: 171 miles (276 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
€75 Average price Cheapest | €104 Average price | €356 Average price | €74 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
7h 35m Average total duration 7h 5m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 0m Average total duration 3h 30m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 53m Average total duration Fastest 1h 53m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 4h 44m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.3 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.8 - 1.6kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
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 |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The cheapest way to travel from Colchester to Manchester is a bus with an average price of €75.
This is compared to other travel options from Colchester to Manchester:
A bus is €29 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Colchester to Manchester costing on average €104.
A bus is €281 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Colchester to Manchester costing on average €356.
The fastest way to travel from Colchester to Manchester is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 53m.
Other travel options to Manchester take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 30m.
Bus takes on average 7h 5m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Colchester and Manchester including taking a bus, train, and flight.
We recommend using the flight as it is the most popular way to get from Colchester to Manchester 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 €75 compared to roughly €74 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about €-1.40. The journey takes 7h 5m versus 4h 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 Manchester Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:35AM | Arrival Time 11:20AM | Duration 9h45 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price €52 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:05AM | Arrival Time 12:20PM | Duration 9h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price €45 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:35AM | Arrival Time 12:50PM | Duration 8h15 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price €61 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:50AM | Arrival Time 05:05PM | Duration 9h15 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price €65 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:10PM | Arrival Time 09:00PM | Duration 8h50 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price €58 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:10PM | Arrival Time 10:25PM | Duration 9h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price €41 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:40PM | Arrival Time 12:45AM | Duration 9h05 | Departure days Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €70 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:45PM | Arrival Time 01:15AM | Duration 9h30 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price €83 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:30PM | Arrival Time 06:05AM | Duration 10h35 | Departure days Tue, Fri | Cheapest price €42 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:35PM | Arrival Time 07:35AM | Duration 10h00 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price €61 |
Live departures
Colchester to Manchester bus times
The table below shows live departures for Colchester to Manchester buses for today, Friday, September 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9:35 PM Colchester | 10h00 | 7:35 AM Manchester | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Saturday, September 19 | |||||
| 1:35 AM Colchester | 9h45 | 11:20 AM Manchester | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 3:05 AM Colchester | 9h15 | 12:20 PM Manchester | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 12:10 PM Colchester | 8h50 | 9:00 PM Manchester | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 3:40 PM Colchester | 9h05 | 12:45 AM Manchester | 0 transfersDirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Colchester to Manchester 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.
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Why should you book Colchester to Manchester buses with Omio?
National Express operates all buses services from Colchester to Manchester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Colchester to Manchester.
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 Manchester.
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 Manchester.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Colchester to Manchester
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Colchester to Manchester run on average 7 times per day, taking around 7h 5m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €35 if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 00:05, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 171 miles (276 km) distance in 6h 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
Distance 171 miles (276 km) |
Average bus duration 7h 5m |
Cheapest ticket price €35 |
Buses per day 7 |
Fastest bus 6h 15m |
First bus 12:05 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 6 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
Bus providers: National Express from Colchester to ManchesterYou can travel by bus between Colchester to Manchester with National Express for as low as €35. 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
6h 15m
Cheapest National Express Price
€35
National Express frequency
8 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 Manchester
Things to do in Manchester
Discover the best of Manchester — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Manchester trip today.
- Must visit
Manchester Art Gallery
Major art museum with Pre-Raphaelite works, design, and changing exhibitions. A central cultural stop with broad appeal.
- Must visit
Manchester Museum
The University of Manchester museum spans dinosaurs, Egypt, nature, and anthropology. Recently renewed and excellent for varied interests.
- Must visit
Castlefield
Historic canal-side district with Roman remains, warehouses, and walkable towpaths. One of Manchester's most atmospheric urban areas.
- Must visit
Albert Square
Central square framed by grand civic buildings, museums, and monuments. A classic starting point for exploring the city centre.
- Must visit
Northern Quarter
Creative quarter of street art, music history, indie shops, and nightlife. It is one of Manchester's most characterful neighborhoods.
- Vegetarian
Manchester Curry Pie
A flaky pastry pie filled with spiced potatoes, onion and often chickpeas. Created by Manchester’s South Asian community and now a city staple.
Steak and Onion Pudding
A comforting Northern pudding of suet pastry filled with beef and onion, traditionally steamed and served with gravy. Common in Greater Manchester pubs.
Fish and Chips
Manchester’s classic order of battered fish with chips, often served with mushy peas and curry sauce. A long-standing local takeaway favourite.
Slattery
Iconic market bakery and café known for Manchester tarts, Eccles cakes and hearty lunches. Casual, busy and deeply rooted in local food culture.
Mana
Refined modern British fine dining in a restored townhouse. Known for tasting menus, polished service and one of Manchester’s top culinary reputations.
Mughli
Lively Indian restaurant famous for bold curries, grills and chaat. A long-established Rusholme favourite with a casual, energetic atmosphere.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for the UK: hotels often cost less than London, while dining and transit are manageable for tourists with many mid-range options.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fast food or casual eats.
- Mid-range
- £18-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £60+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4.50 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service may be included. If not, 10-12.5% in restaurants is common for good service. Round up or add a little for taxis. Cafe tipping is optional.
FAQs: Bus from Colchester to Manchester
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Colchester to Manchester 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 Manchester, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap bus tickets from Colchester to Manchester can start from as little as €35 when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Colchester to Manchester is €75 ; 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 Manchester is 6h 15m to travel the 171 miles (276 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 Manchester leaves at 12:05 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Colchester to Manchester leaves at 11:55 PM.
There are 7 buses a day from Colchester to Manchester 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 Manchester, you can count on National Express for the best way to get you to Manchester. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Colchester and Manchester 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 Manchester, Coach Station, located 0 away from the city centre.
A trip to Manchester from Colchester is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 6h 15m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Colchester to Manchester is October.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Colchester and Manchester including taking a bus, train, and flight.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Colchester to Manchester for bus company National Express.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Colchester to Manchester:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Manchester are:
- Manchester Art Gallery, a public art museum housing an extensive collection of fine art and decorative pieces
- Science and Industry Museum, an interactive museum exploring Manchester's industrial heritage and scientific achievements
- Manchester Cathedral, a historic Gothic-style cathedral known for its stunning architecture and serene atmosphere
- The John Rylands Library, a neo-Gothic library with an impressive collection of rare books and manuscripts
- Castlefield, a historic area with Roman ruins and picturesque canals, perfect for a leisurely stroll.
The best things to do in Manchester include:
- Old Trafford, the iconic football stadium and home to Manchester United, offering tours and a museum dedicated to the club's history
- The Northern Quarter, a vibrant district known for its independent shops, cafes, and street art
- Visit the Manchester Opera House for a captivating performance
- Explore the vibrant nightlife at Deansgate Locks, a popular area with bars and clubs
- Enjoy a relaxing day at Heaton Park, one of the largest municipal parks in Europe, offering beautiful landscapes and recreational activities.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Colchester to Manchester 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 Manchester.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Colchester to Manchester:
- 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 Manchester:
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Colchester to Manchester.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Colchester to Manchester with the following bus company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Colchester to Manchester with the following bus company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Colchester to Manchester with the following bus company: National Express.
Since neither Colchester nor Manchester 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 bus as it is the most popular way to get from Colchester to Manchester 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 Manchester, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like markets, public transport, and popular tourist spots. Common scams include fake charity collectors and overcharging by unofficial taxi drivers. It is advisable to use licensed taxis and keep personal belongings secure to avoid theft. Staying aware of surroundings, particularly at night, helps reduce safety risks.
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 Manchester
Most Colchester to Manchester buses use the Colchester, East Hill / High Street to Manchester, Coach Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Colchester and Manchester 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 Manchester
Which Colchester station do buses to Manchester leave from?
Buses from Colchester to Manchester 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.
Which Manchester station do buses from Colchester arrive at?
Buses from Colchester to Manchester arrive at Manchester, Coach Station. Manchester, Coach Station is from Manchester city centre.
Manchester, Coach StationChorlton St, Manchester M1 3JF, United Kingdom
City-centre transport
Getting to Manchester, Coach Station from Manchester city centre
Bus42A, 43, 42, 101, 85, 85A, 111, 263, 142, 143, 87, 41, 18, 33, 86, 15, 250, 42B, 42C, 103, 102 · 1m · €2 · every ~231 min
Manchester, Coach Station bus station facilities and services
Manchester, Coach 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), Fast Food Express (in the station).
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located within the station for cash withdrawals.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Manchester, Coach Station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Manchester, Coach Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester, Coach Station: Ramps, assistance.
Most popular bus connections from Colchester
More options for your journey from Colchester to Manchester
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Manchester and Colchester
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