- 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
€7
Average price
€41
Fastest journey
2 h
Average duration
3 h 11 m
Buses per day
8
Distance
83 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from London to Colchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from London to Colchester will cost around €41 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €7.
Of the 8 buses that leave London for Colchester on Wed, Aug 26, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Aug 26 the direct buses cover the 83 km distance in an average of 3 h 11 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 h .
On Wed, Aug 26 the slowest buses will take 3 h 50 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.
FlixBus
NXA8 · NX717
NXA8 · NX717
NXA8 · NX717
NXA8 · NX717
FlixBus
NXA8 · NX717
NXA8 · NX717
NXA8 · NX717
NXA8 · NX717Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from London to Colchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from €6. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 55m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of €6, and a bus costs an average of €7.
Distance: 51 miles (83 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
€39 Average price | €32 Average price Cheapest | €32 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 25m Average total duration 2h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 25m Average total duration Fastest 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 48m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions | 0.0 - 0.1kg 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 London to Colchester:
A train is €7 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from London to Colchester costing on average €39.
Other travel options to Colchester take longer:
Bus takes on average 2h 55m.
You'll arrive about {timeSavings} sooner ({durationInMinutes} by bus vs {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car) and save roughly {savingsAmount} compared to fuel and tolls ({cheapestPrice} vs {drivingPriceInCents}). You also skip the drive itself — no traffic stress, no parking, and you can use the time to work, nap, or catch up on a series with the onboard Wi-Fi.
Direct coaches are operated by {directProviders}.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:30AM | Arrival Time 10:05AM | Duration 3h35 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price €40 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:30AM | Arrival Time 12:25PM | Duration 3h55 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price €35 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:00AM | Arrival Time 12:25PM | Duration 3h25 | Departure days Mon, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €28 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:00AM | Arrival Time 02:55PM | Duration 3h55 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price €42 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:00PM | Arrival Time 04:55PM | Duration 3h55 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price €43 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:00PM | Arrival Time 07:50PM | Duration 3h50 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price €39 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:30PM | Arrival Time 10:50PM | Duration 3h20 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price €39 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:15PM | Arrival Time 10:15PM | Duration 2h00 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price €7 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:30PM | Arrival Time 01:45AM | Duration 3h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price €44 |
The table below shows live departures for London to Colchester buses for today, Tuesday, August 25. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NXA8 · NX717 | 6:30 AM London, Victoria Coach Station | 3h30 | 10:00 AM Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 1 transfer | |
NXA8 · NX717 | 8:30 AM London, Victoria Coach Station | 3h55 | 12:25 PM Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 1 transfer | |
NXA8 · NX717 | 11:00 AM London, Victoria Coach Station | 3h55 | 2:55 PM Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 1 transfer | |
NXA8 · NX717 | 1:00 PM London, Victoria Coach Station | 3h55 | 4:55 PM Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 1 transfer | |
NXA8 · NX717 | 4:00 PM London, Victoria Coach Station | 3h50 | 7:50 PM Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 1 transfer | |
NXA8 · NX717 | 7:30 PM London, Victoria Coach Station | 3h20 | 10:50 PM Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 1 transfer | |
NXA8 · NX717 | 10:30 PM London, Victoria Coach Station | 3h15 | 1:45 AM Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and bus 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 London to Colchester run on average 7 times per day, taking around 2h 55m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €7 but you can travel from only €6 by train.
The earliest bus runs at 00:02, the last at 23:57. The fastest bus covers the 51 miles (83 km) distance in 2h 0m.
Distance 51 miles (83 km) |
Average bus duration 2h 55m |
Cheapest ticket price €7 |
Buses per day 7 |
Fastest bus 2h 0m |
First bus 12:02 AM |
Last bus 11:57 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 56 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 London 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 London to Colchester buses use the London, Victoria Coach Station to Colchester, East Hill / High Street station pair, with some services arriving at Marks Tey, A120. Use this guide to compare London and Colchester bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
London, Victoria Coach Station is 2 km from London city centre. Public transport options include:
London, Victoria Coach Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Pret a Manger (in the station), Starbucks (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance and inside the station.
Ticket office support is available at London, Victoria Coach Station.
Available at London, Victoria Coach Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at London, Victoria Coach Station: Elevators, ramps.
London, Bishopsgate (Liverpool Street Station - Stop G) is 3 km from London city centre. Public transport options include:
London, Bishopsgate (Liverpool Street Station - Stop G) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Pret a Manger (in the station), Starbucks (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance and concourse area.
Ticket office support is available at London, Bishopsgate (Liverpool Street Station - Stop G).
Available at London, Bishopsgate (Liverpool Street Station - Stop G): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at London, Bishopsgate (Liverpool Street Station - Stop G): Elevators, ramps.
London, Heathrow Airport Terminals 2 & 3 has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Pret a Manger (in the station), Caffè Nero (in the station)
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located in the arrivals and departures areas, offering multiple currency options.
Ticket office support is available at London, Heathrow Airport Terminals 2 & 3.
Available at London, Heathrow Airport Terminals 2 & 3: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at London, Heathrow Airport Terminals 2 & 3: Ramps, assistance.
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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need