- 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.
Cheapest price on Sep 10
$10
Average ticket price on Sep 10
$10
Fastest journey on Sep 10
35 m
Average journey duration on Sep 10
38 m
Buses on Sep 10
6
Distance
26 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Ipswich to Colchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Ipswich to Colchester will cost around $10 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $10.
On Thu, Sep 10, we found 6 buses from Ipswich to Colchester, including 6 direct services.
On Thu, Sep 10 the direct buses cover the 26 km distance in an average of 38 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 35 m .
On Thu, Sep 10 the slowest buses will take 40 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.
NX717
NX717
NX717
NX717
NX717
NX717
NX717
NX717
NX717
NX717Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Ipswich to Colchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $11 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 48m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.0kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $11, while a train costs an average of $16.
Distance: 16 miles (26 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$11 Average price Cheapest | $16 Average price | $7 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 8m Average total duration 38m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 48m Average total duration Fastest 18m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 33m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions | 0.0 - 0.0kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() 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.
This is compared to other travel options from Ipswich to Colchester:
A bus is $5 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Ipswich to Colchester costing on average $16.
Other travel options to Colchester take longer:
Bus takes on average 38m.
Tickets start at around $11 compared to roughly $7 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-4.02. The journey takes 38m versus 33m 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.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:00AM | Arrival Time 04:35AM | Duration 0h35 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $9 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:00AM | Arrival Time 05:35AM | Duration 0h35 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $10 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:10AM | Arrival Time 07:55AM | Duration 0h45 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $6 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 08:40AM | Duration 0h40 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $10 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:15AM | Arrival Time 11:55AM | Duration 0h40 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $10 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:30PM | Arrival Time 01:10PM | Duration 0h40 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $9 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:30PM | Arrival Time 02:10PM | Duration 0h40 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $10 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:50PM | Arrival Time 04:30PM | Duration 0h40 | Departure days Mon, Fri | Cheapest price $9 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:05PM | Arrival Time 04:45PM | Duration 0h40 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $10 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:05PM | Arrival Time 05:40PM | Duration 0h35 | Departure days Mon, Fri | Cheapest price $9 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:05PM | Arrival Time 06:40PM | Duration 0h35 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $10 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:00PM | Arrival Time 09:35PM | Duration 0h35 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $17 |
The table below shows live departures for Ipswich to Colchester buses for tomorrow, Thursday, September 10. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NX717 | 5:00 AM Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema) | 0h35 | 5:35 AM Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX717 | 8:00 AM Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema) | 0h40 | 8:40 AM Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX717 | 11:15 AM Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema) | 0h40 | 11:55 AM Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX717 | 1:30 PM Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema) | 0h40 | 2:10 PM Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX717 | 4:05 PM Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema) | 0h40 | 4:45 PM Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX717 | 6:05 PM Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema) | 0h35 | 6:40 PM Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Buses from Ipswich to Colchester run on average 7 times per day, taking around 38m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $8 if you book in advance.
There are 7 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 01:12, the last at 23:51. The fastest bus covers the 16 miles (26 km) distance in 35m.
Distance 16 miles (26 km) |
Average bus duration 38m |
Cheapest ticket price $8 |
Buses per day 7 |
Direct buses 7 |
Fastest bus 35m |
First bus 1:12 AM |
Last bus 11:51 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 28 days |
Discover the best of Colchester — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Colchester trip today.
Major museum inside the Norman castle, presenting Roman finds and town history. Essential for understanding Colchester from Iron Age to modern times.
Award-winning museum on former barracks, covering military life and the Essex Regiment. Strong collections make it a standout for social and army history.
Natural history museum in a former church, with local wildlife, geology, and family displays. A useful stop for learning about Essex's environment.
Historic park around the castle with formal planting, Roman walls, and central lawns. A classic place to relax while exploring the old town.
Charming conservation area of timber-framed buildings and narrow streets, reflecting the town's links with Dutch and Flemish settlers.
Main shopping and historic street lined with heritage buildings, independent businesses, and civic landmarks. A practical and atmospheric town-centre walk.
Colchester Native Oysters are famed shellfish from local estuaries, eaten raw or dressed. They are one of Britain’s oldest recorded regional delicacies.
Essex Eel Pie is a traditional regional pie of chopped eel in rich gravy. It reflects the historic importance of estuary fishing in Essex.
Tiptree Jam Tart uses the county’s famous Wilkin & Sons preserves in a simple buttery tart. It is a classic Essex tea-room style dessert.
Well-regarded modern British restaurant serving seasonal tasting-style plates in an intimate, refined atmosphere.
Established seafood restaurant known for oysters, fish and polished service in a smart but relaxed setting near the town centre.
Popular casual venue for brunch, coffee and comfort food with a stylish interior and a strong local following.
Moderate for the UK: hotels and dining cost less than London, while local buses and casual meals stay fairly manageable for tourists.
Restaurants may add service; if not, tip 10-12% for good service. Taxi fares are often rounded up. Tipping in cafes is optional.
Official public transport app
Colchester East Hill / High Street, Colchester -> Colchester Town Centre, Colchester
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Ipswich 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.

Most Ipswich to Colchester buses use the Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema) to Colchester, East Hill / High Street station pair, with some services arriving at Colchester, Stanwell Street (Bus station). Use this guide to compare Ipswich and Colchester bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Restaurants available near Cardinal Park Cinema.
Wi-Fi is available at Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema). ATMs are available at Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema).
Ticket office support is available at Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema).
Available at Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema): Bus stop accessible for wheelchairs.
Colchester, East Hill / High Street has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Colchester, East Hill / High Street. ATMs are available at Colchester, East Hill / High Street.
Ticket office support is available at Colchester, East Hill / High Street.
Available at Colchester, East Hill / High Street: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Colchester, East Hill / High Street: Limited accessibility features.
Colchester, Stanwell Street (Bus station) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Colchester, Stanwell Street (Bus station). ATMs are available at Colchester, Stanwell Street (Bus station).
Ticket office support is available at Colchester, Stanwell Street (Bus station).
Available at Colchester, Stanwell Street (Bus station): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Colchester, Stanwell Street (Bus station): Wheelchair accessible with ramps.
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