- 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
€30
Average price
€35
Fastest journey
3 h 15 m
Average duration
3 h 53 m
Buses per day
5
Distance
91 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Luton to Colchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Luton to Colchester will cost around €35 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €30.
Of the 5 buses that leave Luton for Colchester on Wed, Aug 26, 5 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 91 km distance in an average of 3 h 53 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 3 h 15 m .
On Wed, Aug 26 the slowest buses will take 4 h 30 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.










Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Luton to Colchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €29. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 40m. 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 bus costs an average of €29, and a train costs an average of €34.
Distance: 56 miles (91 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
€43 Average price Cheapest | €66 Average price | €21 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 13m Average total duration 2h 43m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 10m Average total duration Fastest 1h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 37m 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 Luton to Colchester:
A bus is €23 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Luton to Colchester costing on average €66.
Other travel options to Colchester take longer:
Bus takes on average 2h 43m.
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 02:35AM | Arrival Time 05:50AM | Duration 3h15 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price €31 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:50AM | Arrival Time 09:00AM | Duration 4h10 | Departure days Mon, Wed | Cheapest price €31 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:50AM | Arrival Time 10:00AM | Duration 4h10 | Departure days Tue, Sun | Cheapest price €32 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:10AM | Arrival Time 10:00AM | Duration 3h50 | Departure days Tue, Sun | Cheapest price €34 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:00AM | Arrival Time 11:25AM | Duration 4h25 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price €33 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:15AM | Arrival Time 11:25AM | Duration 4h10 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price €34 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 12:25PM | Duration 4h25 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price €33 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:15AM | Arrival Time 12:25PM | Duration 4h10 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price €32 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:25AM | Arrival Time 12:25PM | Duration 4h00 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price €51 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:35AM | Arrival Time 12:25PM | Duration 3h50 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price €34 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:05AM | Arrival Time 01:55PM | Duration 4h50 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price €34 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:05AM | Arrival Time 02:55PM | Duration 4h50 | Departure days Tue, Fri | Cheapest price €21 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:25AM | Arrival Time 02:55PM | Duration 4h30 | Departure days Tue, Sun | Cheapest price €32 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:45AM | Arrival Time 02:55PM | Duration 4h10 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price €34 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:35PM | Arrival Time 03:55PM | Duration 3h20 | Departure days Wed, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price €34 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:40PM | Arrival Time 06:50PM | Duration 4h10 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price €41 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:00PM | Arrival Time 06:50PM | Duration 3h50 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price €40 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:40PM | Arrival Time 07:50PM | Duration 4h10 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price €49 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:00PM | Arrival Time 07:50PM | Duration 3h50 | Departure days Tue, Sun | Cheapest price €32 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:20PM | Arrival Time 07:50PM | Duration 3h30 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price €34 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:35PM | Arrival Time 10:50PM | Duration 4h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €30 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:55PM | Arrival Time 10:50PM | Duration 3h55 | Departure days Tue, Sun | Cheapest price €34 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:45PM | Arrival Time 01:45AM | Duration 5h00 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price €31 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:05PM | Arrival Time 01:45AM | Duration 4h40 | Departure days Tue, Sun | Cheapest price €34 |
The table below shows live departures for Luton 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NX737 · NX717 | 8:00 AM Luton, Station Interchange | 4h25 | 12:25 PM Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 1 transfer | |
NX737 · NX717 | 8:25 AM Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station | 4h00 | 12:25 PM Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 1 transfer | |
NX737 · NX717 | 10:05 AM Luton, Station Interchange | 4h50 | 2:55 PM Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 1 transfer | |
NX737 · NX717 | 10:25 AM Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station | 4h30 | 2:55 PM Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 1 transfer | |
NX737 · NX717 | 3:40 PM Luton, Station Interchange | 4h10 | 7:50 PM Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 1 transfer | |
NX737 · NX717 | 4:00 PM Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station | 3h50 | 7:50 PM Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 1 transfer | |
NX737 · NX717 | 6:35 PM Luton, Station Interchange | 4h15 | 10:50 PM Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 1 transfer | |
NX737 · NX717 | 6:55 PM Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station | 3h55 | 10:50 PM Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 1 transfer | |
NX737 · NX717 | 8:45 PM Luton, Station Interchange | 5h00 | 1:45 AM Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 1 transfer | |
NX737 · NX717 | 9:05 PM Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station | 4h40 | 1:45 AM Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 4:50 AM Luton | 4h10 | 9:00 AM Colchester | 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 Luton to Colchester run on average 12 times per day, taking around 2h 43m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €29 if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 02:25, the last at 23:00. The fastest bus covers the 56 miles (91 km) distance in 2h 20m.
Distance 56 miles (91 km) |
Average bus duration 2h 43m |
Cheapest ticket price €29 |
Buses per day 12 |
Fastest bus 2h 20m |
First bus 2:25 AM |
Last bus 11:00 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 7 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 Luton 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 Luton to Colchester buses use the Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station to Colchester, East Hill / High Street station pair. Use this guide to compare Luton and Colchester bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Luton, Station Interchange has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafes and fast food options nearby.
WiFi is available at nearby facilities. ATMs are aTM available within short walking distance.
Ticket office support is available at Luton, Station Interchange.
Available at Luton, Station Interchange: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Luton, Station Interchange: Ramps and accessible routes available for wheelchairs.
Luton, Halfway Avenue/Dunstable Road (Challney) is 3 km from Luton city centre. Public transport options include:
Luton, Halfway Avenue/Dunstable Road (Challney) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Luton, Halfway Avenue/Dunstable Road (Challney). ATMs are available at Luton, Halfway Avenue/Dunstable Road (Challney).
Ticket office support is available at Luton, Halfway Avenue/Dunstable Road (Challney).
Available at Luton, Halfway Avenue/Dunstable Road (Challney): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Luton, Halfway Avenue/Dunstable Road (Challney): Limited accessibility.
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.
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