Colchester to Manchester bus with National Express

Wed, Nov 05
+ Add return
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Colchester to Manchester

Showing times and prices for Nov 06

Cheapest price

$91

Average price

$95

Fastest journey

9 h 10 m

Average duration

9 h 13 m

Buses per day

2

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 $95 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $91.

Fast buses

Of the 2 buses that leave Colchester for Manchester on Thu, Nov 06, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Thu, Nov 06 the direct buses cover the 276 km distance in an average of 9 h 13 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 9 h 10 m .

On Thu, Nov 06 the slowest buses will take 9 h 15 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.

National Express
02:05AM9h15
Colchester
11:20AMManchester
$911One-way
0 transfers
National Express
11:10AM9h10
Colchester
08:20PMManchester
$991One-way
0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train, bus, and flight for Colchester to Manchester

Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Colchester to Manchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €45. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 3m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €45, and a flight costs an average of €55.

Distance: 171 miles (276 km)

Compare bus with

Most popular
Bus
Train
Flight

€63

Average price

Cheapest

€112

Average price

€173

Average price

8h 49m

Average total duration

8h 19m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 49m

Average total duration

4h 19m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 3m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 3m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

0.3 - 0.7kg

CO2 emissions

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.8 - 1.6kg

CO2 emissions

National Express

Most popular bus company

Avanti West Coast

Most popular train company

British Airways

Most popular airline

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

Colchester to Manchester bus times

The table below shows live departures for Colchester to Manchester buses for today, Wednesday, November 5. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at 9:34 AM

ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
national_express11:10 AM Colchester
9h10
8:20 PM Manchester0 transfersDirect
national_express3:30 PM Colchester
9h15
12:45 AM Manchester0 transfersDirect
national_express6:30 PM Colchester
10h30
5:00 AM Manchester0 transfersDirect
Thursday, November 6
national_express2:05 AM Colchester
9h15
11:20 AM Manchester0 transfersDirect

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Colchester to Manchester by train, bus, or flight

Compare train, bus, 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.

Thu
Nov 06
Fri
Nov 07
Sat
Nov 08
Sun
Nov 09
Mon
Nov 10
Tue
Nov 11
Wed
Nov 12

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Colchester to Manchester

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus
Buses from Colchester to Manchester run on average 8 times per day, taking around 8h 19m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $54 (€45) 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 8h 20m.
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
8h 19m
Cheapest ticket price
$54 (€45)
Buses per day
8
Fastest bus
8h 20m
First bus
00:05
Last bus
23:55
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 $54 (€45). 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 Duration
8h 20m
Cheapest Price
$52 (€43)
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.

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.
FAQs
Cheap bus tickets from Colchester to Manchester can start from as little as $54 (€44) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Colchester to Manchester is $79 (€64); however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The bus time to Manchester from Colchester is on average 9 h 15 min   for the 171 mile (275 km) long journey, but the time it takes to go between Colchester and Manchester by bus can vary depending on specific dates or if traveling on weekends and holidays.
The first bus from Colchester to Manchester leaves at 3: 05AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The last bus from Colchester to Manchester leaves at 9: 35PM.
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 to Manchester from Colchester and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
The cheapest month to travel from Colchester to Manchester by bus is March.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel from Colchester to Manchester including taking a train, bus or flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Colchester to Manchester:
  • National Express
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Colchester to Manchester for bus company National Express.
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.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company National Express.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Colchester to Manchester depends on the bus company:
  • 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.

To find the cheapest bus tickets for your trip from Colchester to Manchester, follow these tips:

  • Book in advance: Tickets are often cheaper when booked early.
  • Be flexible with dates and times: Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money.
  • Use our search filters: Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options.
  • Look for special deals or discounts: Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
  • Start your search now and compare ticket prices to find the best deal!

    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.

    popular bus stations

    Popular bus stations from Colchester to Manchester

    Colchester
    Manchester
    The major bus station for departures in Colchester is Colchester, East Hill / High Street. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Colchester, East Hill / High Street for your trip from Colchester to Manchester.
    Colchester, East Hill / High Street
    information

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