Glasgow to Colchester bus with National Express

Sat, Sep 05
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Glasgow to Colchester

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 05

Cheapest price on Sep 05

€97

Average ticket price on Sep 05

€111

Fastest journey on Sep 05

12 h 20 m

Average journey duration on Sep 05

14 h 3 m

Buses on Sep 05

4

Distance

556 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Glasgow to Colchester will cost around €111 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €97.

Fast buses

It's difficult to get from Glasgow to Colchester without transferring at least 2 times.

  • National ExpressNX594 · NXA8 · NX717
    10:45 PM13h40
    Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station
    12:25 PMColchester, East Hill / High Street
    971One-way
    2 transfers
  • National ExpressNX594 · NXA8 · NX717
    10:45 PM13h40
    Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station
    12:25 PMColchester, East Hill / High Street
    971One-way
    2 transfers
  • National ExpressNX595 · NX737 · NX717
    9:45 PM12h20
    Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station
    10:05 AMColchester, East Hill / High Street
    1091One-way
    2 transfers
  • National ExpressNX591 · NX737 · NX717
    9:15 AM16h30
    Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station
    1:45 AMColchester, East Hill / High Street
    1401One-way
    2 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train, bus, and flight for Glasgow to Colchester

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Glasgow to Colchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of €105 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 3h 31m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €105, while a flight costs an average of €225.

Distance: 345 miles (556 km)

Compare bus with

Bus
Most popular
Train
Flight
Driving

€105

Average price

Cheapest

€146

Average price

€225

Average price

€154

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

12h 9m

Average total duration

11h 39m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

6h 38m

Average total duration

6h 8m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 31m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 31m

Onboard

+

2h 0m

Additional time*

7h 19m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

National Express

Most popular bus company

London North Eastern Railway

Most popular train company

British Airways

Most popular airline

Your own car or car rental

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from Glasgow to Colchester is a bus with an average price of €105.

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

A bus is €41 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Glasgow to Colchester costing on average €146.

A bus is €120 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Glasgow to Colchester costing on average €225.

The fastest way to travel from Glasgow to Colchester is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 31m.

Other travel options to Colchester take longer:

Train takes on average 6h 8m.

Bus takes on average 11h 39m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Glasgow and Colchester including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Glasgow to Colchester 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 €105 compared to roughly €154 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about €50. The journey takes 11h 39m versus 7h 19m 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.

Glasgow to Colchester Bus Timetables

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest price
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
08:15AM
Arrival Time
12:45AM
Duration
16h30
Departure days
Thu
Cheapest price
104
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
09:15AM
Arrival Time
01:45AM
Duration
16h30
Departure days
Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
96
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
08:45PM
Arrival Time
09:00AM
Duration
12h15
Departure days
Wed, Thu
Cheapest price
72
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
09:45PM
Arrival Time
09:45AM
Duration
12h00
Departure days
Everyday
Cheapest price
63
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
10:45PM
Arrival Time
12:25PM
Duration
13h40
Departure days
Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
66

Live departures

Glasgow to Colchester bus times

The table below shows live departures for Glasgow to Colchester buses for tomorrow, Saturday, September 5. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
National ExpressNX591 · NX737 · NX7179:15 AM Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station
16h30
1:45 AM Colchester, East Hill / High Street2 transfers
National ExpressNX595 · NX737 · NX7179:45 PM Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station
12h20
10:05 AM Colchester, East Hill / High Street2 transfers
National ExpressNX594 · NXA8 · NX71710:45 PM Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station
13h40
12:25 PM Colchester, East Hill / High Street2 transfers
National ExpressNX594 · NXA8 · NX71710:45 PM Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station
13h40
12:25 PM Colchester, East Hill / High Street2 transfers

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Glasgow to Colchester 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.

Sat
Sep 05
Sun
Sep 06
Mon
Sep 07
Tue
Sep 08
Wed
Sep 09
Thu
Sep 10
Fri
Sep 11

Why should you book Glasgow to Colchester buses with Omio?

National Express as well as FlixBus offer buses services from Glasgow to Colchester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Glasgow to Colchester.

Why book with Omio vs National Express?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for National Express, but also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Glasgow to Colchester.
  • 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, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Glasgow to Colchester.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Glasgow to Colchester.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Glasgow to Colchester.

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Glasgow to Colchester

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Glasgow to Colchester run on average 4 times per day, taking around 11h 39m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €63 but you can travel from only €49 by flight.

The earliest bus runs at 03:05, the last at 22:45. The fastest bus covers the 345 miles (556 km) distance in 10h 7m.

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
Flight from €49
Distance
345 miles (556 km)
Average bus duration
11h 39m
Cheapest ticket price
€63
Buses per day
4
Fastest bus
10h 7m
First bus
3:05 AM
Last bus
10:45 PM
Cheapest Month
Jul
Cheapest Day
Mon
High Season
Jan - Mar
Low Season
Apr - Jun
Busiest Day
Wed
Least Busy Day
Wed
Best time to book
3 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
Flight from €49

Bus providers: National Express from Glasgow to ColchesterYou can travel by bus between Glasgow to Colchester with National Express for as low as €49. 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
10h 7m
Cheapest National Express Price
€63
National Express frequency
4 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 Colchester

Things to do in Colchester

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

  • Must visit

Colchester Castle Museum

Major museum inside the Norman castle, presenting Roman finds and town history. Essential for understanding Colchester from Iron Age to modern times.

  • Recommended

The Military Museum

Award-winning museum on former barracks, covering military life and the Essex Regiment. Strong collections make it a standout for social and army history.

  • Recommended

Colchester Natural History Museum

Natural history museum in a former church, with local wildlife, geology, and family displays. A useful stop for learning about Essex's environment.

Pound sterling (£)

Moderate for the UK: hotels and dining cost less than London, while local buses and casual meals stay fairly manageable for tourists.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-15 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

Restaurants may add service; if not, tip 10-12% for good service. Taxi fares are often rounded up. Tipping in cafes is optional.

FAQs: Bus from Glasgow to Colchester

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

FAQs
Cheap bus tickets from Glasgow to Colchester can start from as little as €63 when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Glasgow to Colchester is €105 ; 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 Glasgow to Colchester is 10h 7m to travel the 345 miles (556 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 Glasgow to Colchester leaves at 3:05 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Glasgow to Colchester leaves at 10:45 PM.
There are 4 buses a day from Glasgow to Colchester which require at least one change with National Express, FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from Glasgow to Colchester, you can count on National Express, FlixBus for the best way to get you to Colchester. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Glasgow and Colchester and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
When departing from Glasgow , you have various bus station options to start your journey from including Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station . When arriving in Colchester , you can end your journey in bus stations like Colchester, East Hill / High Street, Marks Tey, A120 .Passengers board the bus most frequently from Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station, which is located around away from the city centre, and they get off the bus at Colchester, East Hill / High Street, located 0 away from the city centre.
A trip to Colchester from Glasgow is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 10h 7m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Glasgow to Colchester is July.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Glasgow and Colchester including taking a train, bus, and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Glasgow to Colchester:
  • National Express
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Accessible toilets.
  • FlixBus
    • Assistance
    • Priority boarding
    • Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Glasgow to Colchester for bus company National Express, FlixBus.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Glasgow to Colchester 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.
  • FlixBus
    • You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company National Express, FlixBus.
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 Glasgow to Colchester.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Glasgow to Colchester:
  • National Express
    • Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
  • FlixBus
    • One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Glasgow to Colchester:
  • National Express
    • 10€ per additional bag.
  • FlixBus
    • Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Glasgow to Colchester. The following conditions apply:
  • FlixBus
    • Small pets in carriers allowed
    • guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Glasgow to Colchester with the following bus company: National Express, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Glasgow to Colchester with the following bus company: National Express, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Glasgow to Colchester with the following bus company: National Express, FlixBus.
Since neither Glasgow nor Colchester 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 Glasgow to Colchester 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 Colchester, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in busy areas like the town center and near popular attractions. Common scams include overcharging by taxis that are not licensed and fraudulent street vendors. It's advisable to use official transportation services and remain vigilant in crowded places to avoid these issues.
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 Glasgow to Colchester

Most Glasgow to Colchester buses use the Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station to Colchester, East Hill / High Street station pair. Use this guide to compare Glasgow and Colchester bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.

Departure bus stations in Glasgow
Arrival bus stations in Colchester

Which Glasgow station do buses to Colchester leave from?

Buses from Glasgow to Colchester leave from Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station. The station is from Glasgow city centre at Killermont Street, Glasgow G2 3NW, United Kingdom.
Glasgow, Buchanan Bus StationKillermont Street, Glasgow G2 3NW, United KingdomWifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Office
City-centre transport

Getting to Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station from Glasgow city centre

Bus15 · 2m · €1 · every ~8 min
4 · 4m · €2 · every ~6 min
9, 9A, X8 · 6m · €2 · every ~26 min

Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station bus station facilities and services

Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.

Food and drink

Food options include: Cafeteria Buchanan (in the station), Coffee Express (in the station), Fast Bites (in the station).

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station: Elevators, ramps.

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