- 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.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Leicester to Colchester
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 10
Cheapest price on Sep 10
$58
Average ticket price on Sep 10
$65
Fastest journey on Sep 10
7 h 20 m
Average journey duration on Sep 10
8 h 3 m
Buses on Sep 10
2
Distance
162 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Leicester to Colchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Leicester to Colchester will cost around $65 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $58.
Fast buses
On Thu, Sep 10, we found 2 buses from Leicester to Colchester, including 2 direct services.
On Thu, Sep 10 the direct buses cover the 162 km distance in an average of 8 h 3 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 7 h 20 m .
On Thu, Sep 10 the slowest buses will take 8 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.
5:10 AM8h45Leicester1:55 PMColchester$581One-way0 transfers- 5:55 PM7h20Leicester1:15 AMColchester$721One-way0 transfers
- 5:55 PM7h20Leicester1:15 AMColchester$721One-way0 transfers
- 5:10 AM8h45Leicester1:55 PMColchester$581One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus and train for Leicester to Colchester
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Leicester to Colchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $78 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 0m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $78, while a train costs an average of $145.
Distance: 100 miles (162 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$78 Average price Cheapest | $145 Average price | $44 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 15m Average total duration 4h 45m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 0m Average total duration Fastest 2h 30m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 49m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Most popular bus company |  Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Leicester to Colchester is a bus with an average price of $78 (€63).
This is compared to other travel options from Leicester to Colchester:
A bus is $67 (€54) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Leicester to Colchester costing on average $145 (€117).
The fastest way to travel from Leicester to Colchester is by train with an average journey time of 2h 30m.
Other travel options to Colchester take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 45m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Leicester and Colchester including taking a bus and train.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Leicester 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 $78 (€63) compared to roughly $44 (€36) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-33.92 (€-27.39). The journey takes 4h 45m versus 2h 49m 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.
Leicester to Colchester Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:10AM | Arrival Time 01:55PM | Duration 8h45 | Departure days Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $58 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:45AM | Arrival Time 02:00PM | Duration 8h15 | Departure days Mon, Fri | Cheapest price $61 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:55AM | Arrival Time 12:25PM | Duration 6h30 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $61 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:00AM | Arrival Time 02:55PM | Duration 7h55 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $73 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:45AM | Arrival Time 12:25PM | Duration 4h40 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $60 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:25AM | Arrival Time 03:55PM | Duration 7h30 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $66 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:35AM | Arrival Time 04:55PM | Duration 7h20 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $75 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:40AM | Arrival Time 02:55PM | Duration 5h15 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $70 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:40AM | Arrival Time 07:50PM | Duration 8h10 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $72 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:30PM | Arrival Time 07:05PM | Duration 5h35 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $64 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:40PM | Arrival Time 09:50PM | Duration 7h10 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $42 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:55PM | Arrival Time 10:50PM | Duration 6h55 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $71 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:00PM | Arrival Time 09:50PM | Duration 4h50 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $64 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:55PM | Arrival Time 01:15AM | Duration 7h20 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $44 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:00PM | Arrival Time 01:45AM | Duration 6h45 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $74 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:55PM | Arrival Time 01:15AM | Duration 5h20 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $64 |
Live departures
Leicester to Colchester bus times
The table below shows live departures for Leicester to Colchester buses for tomorrow, Thursday, September 10. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5:10 AM Leicester | 8h45 | 1:55 PM Colchester | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 5:55 PM Leicester | 7h20 | 1:15 AM Colchester | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Leicester to Colchester by bus or train
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.
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Sep 10
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Why should you book Leicester to Colchester buses with Omio?
National Express operates all buses services from Leicester to Colchester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Leicester to Colchester.
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 and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Leicester to Colchester.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Leicester to Colchester.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Leicester to Colchester
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Leicester to Colchester run on average 14 times per day, taking around 4h 45m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $53 (€43) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 00:45, the last at 23:45. The fastest bus covers the 100 miles (162 km) distance in 2h 55m.
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 100 miles (162 km) |
Average bus duration 4h 45m |
Cheapest ticket price $53 (€43) |
Buses per day 14 |
Fastest bus 2h 55m |
First bus 12:45 AM |
Last bus 11:45 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 14 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 Leicester to ColchesterYou can travel by bus between Leicester to Colchester with National Express for as low as $53 (€43). 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 55m
Cheapest National Express Price
$53 (€43)
National Express frequency
16 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.
- 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.
- Must visit
Castle Park
Historic park around the castle with formal planting, Roman walls, and central lawns. A classic place to relax while exploring the old town.
- Recommended
Dutch Quarter
Charming conservation area of timber-framed buildings and narrow streets, reflecting the town's links with Dutch and Flemish settlers.
- Recommended
High Street
Main shopping and historic street lined with heritage buildings, independent businesses, and civic landmarks. A practical and atmospheric town-centre walk.
- Gluten-free
Colchester Native Oysters
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
Essex Eel Pie is a traditional regional pie of chopped eel in rich gravy. It reflects the historic importance of estuary fishing in Essex.
- Vegetarian
Tiptree Jam Tart
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.
Kintsu
Well-regarded modern British restaurant serving seasonal tasting-style plates in an intimate, refined atmosphere.
Church Street Tavern
Established seafood restaurant known for oysters, fish and polished service in a smart but relaxed setting near the town centre.
The Cafe at The Minories
Popular casual venue for brunch, coffee and comfort food with a stylish interior and a strong local following.
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.
First Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2.00
- Day pass
- £4.50
To the city center
Colchester East Hill / High Street, Colchester -> Colchester Town Centre, Colchester
- Distance
- 0.3 km
- Travel time
- 4 min
- Contactless card payment is accepted on First Bus services in Colchester. You can also use the First Bus app for tickets and live times.
- Colchester town centre is walkable, so buses are most useful for longer trips such as Colchester Station or outlying areas.
FAQs: Bus from Leicester to Colchester
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Leicester 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.
Cheap bus tickets from Leicester to Colchester can start from as little as $53 (€43) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Leicester to Colchester is $78 (€63) ; 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 Leicester to Colchester is 2h 55m to travel the 100 miles (162 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 Leicester to Colchester leaves at 12:45 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Leicester to Colchester leaves at 11:45 PM.
There are 14 buses a day from Leicester to Colchester which require at least one change with National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from Leicester to Colchester, you can count on National Express for the best way to get you to Colchester. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Leicester and Colchester and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
When departing from Leicester , you have various bus station options to start your journey from including Leicester, Braunstone, Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station . When arriving in Colchester , you can end your journey in bus stations like Colchester, East Hill / High Street .Passengers board the bus most frequently from Leicester, Braunstone, which is located around 1 miles (3 km) 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 Leicester is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 2h 55m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Leicester to Colchester is October.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Leicester and Colchester including taking a bus and train.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Leicester to Colchester for bus company National Express.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Leicester to Colchester:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Leicester 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.
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 Leicester to Colchester.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Leicester to Colchester:
- 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 Leicester to Colchester:
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Leicester to Colchester.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Leicester to Colchester with the following bus company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Leicester to Colchester with the following bus company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Leicester to Colchester with the following bus company: National Express.
Since neither Leicester 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 bus as it is the most popular way to get from Leicester 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 Leicester to Colchester
Most Leicester to Colchester buses use the Leicester, Braunstone to Colchester, East Hill / High Street station pair. Use this guide to compare Leicester and Colchester bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Leicester
Arrival bus stations in Colchester
Which Leicester station do buses to Colchester leave from?
Buses from Leicester to Colchester leave from Leicester, Braunstone. The station is 1 miles (3 km) from Leicester city centre at Braunstone Town, Leicester, UK.
Leicester, BraunstoneBraunstone Town, Leicester, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Leicester, Braunstone from Leicester city centre
Leicester, Braunstone is 3 km from Leicester city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus153, 158 · 7m · $2 · every ~9 min
153, 158 · 11m · $2 · every ~9 min
Nd · 20m · every ~9 min
20 · 26m · $2 · every ~4 min
Leicester, Braunstone bus station facilities and services
Leicester, Braunstone has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Snack outlets in the nearby vicinity.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Leicester, Braunstone. ATMs are available at Leicester, Braunstone.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Leicester, Braunstone.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Leicester, Braunstone: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Leicester, Braunstone: Basic wheelchair accessibility.
Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station
City-centre transport
Getting to Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station from Leicester city centre
BusHop · 0m · $2 · every ~14 min
26 · 1m · every ~10 min
21 · 4m
Which Colchester station do buses from Leicester arrive at?
Buses from Leicester to Colchester arrive at Colchester, East Hill / High Street. Colchester, East Hill / High Street is from Colchester city centre.
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 · $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.
Most popular bus connections from Leicester
More options for your journey from Leicester to Colchester
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Colchester and Leicester
Most popular bus connections to Colchester
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