- 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 Luton to Colchester
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Oct 10
Cheapest price on Oct 10
€31
Average ticket price on Oct 10
€34
Fastest journey on Oct 10
3 h 15 m
Average journey duration on Oct 10
3 h 49 m
Buses on Oct 10
5
Distance
91 km
Cheap tickets
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 €34 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €31.
Fast buses
On Sat, Oct 10, we found 5 buses from Luton to Colchester, including 5 direct services.
On Sat, Oct 10 the direct buses cover the 91 km distance in an average of 3 h 49 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 3 h 15 m .
On Sat, Oct 10 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.
8:45 PM4h30Luton1:15 AMColchester€311One-way0 transfers- 6:35 PM3h15Luton9:50 PMColchester€321One-way0 transfers
- 7:15 AM4h10Luton11:25 AMColchester€341One-way0 transfers
- 12:35 PM3h20Luton3:55 PMColchester€341One-way0 transfers
- 3:00 PM3h50Luton6:50 PMColchester€401One-way0 transfers
- 6:35 PM3h15Luton9:50 PMColchester€321One-way0 transfers
- 12:35 PM3h20Luton3:55 PMColchester€341One-way0 transfers
- 3:00 PM3h50Luton6:50 PMColchester€401One-way0 transfers
- 7:15 AM4h10Luton11:25 AMColchester€341One-way0 transfers
- 8:45 PM4h30Luton1:15 AMColchester€311One-way0 transfers
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Luton to Colchester
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Luton to Colchester run on average 11 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.
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 56 miles (91 km) |
Average bus duration 2h 43m |
Cheapest ticket price €29 |
Buses per day 11 |
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 Thu |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 63 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
Luton to Colchester Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:50AM | Arrival Time 09:00AM | Duration 4h10 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price €40 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:50AM | Arrival Time 10:00AM | Duration 4h10 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Fri | Cheapest price €44 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:10AM | Arrival Time 10:00AM | Duration 3h50 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Fri | Cheapest price €46 |
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, Sun | Cheapest price €34 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 12:25PM | Duration 4h25 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Fri | Cheapest price €33 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:25AM | Arrival Time 12:25PM | Duration 4h00 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Fri | Cheapest price €35 |
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 03:00PM | Duration 4h55 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Fri | Cheapest price €44 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:25AM | Arrival Time 03:00PM | Duration 4h35 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Fri | Cheapest price €46 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:35PM | Arrival Time 03:55PM | Duration 3h20 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price €34 |
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, Wed, Fri | Cheapest price €45 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:00PM | Arrival Time 07:50PM | Duration 3h50 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Fri | Cheapest price €47 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:35PM | Arrival Time 09:50PM | Duration 3h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price €32 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:55PM | Arrival Time 10:50PM | Duration 3h55 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Fri | Cheapest price €47 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:45PM | Arrival Time 01:15AM | Duration 4h30 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price €31 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:05PM | Arrival Time 01:45AM | Duration 4h40 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Fri | Cheapest price €51 |
Live departures
Luton to Colchester bus times
The table below shows live departures for Luton to Colchester buses for today, Friday, October 9. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | |
| Saturday, October 10 | |||||
| 7:15 AM Luton | 4h10 | 11:25 AM Colchester | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Why should you book Luton to Colchester buses with Omio?
National Express operates all buses services from Luton to Colchester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Luton 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 Luton 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 Luton to Colchester.
Bus providers: National Express from Luton to ColchesterYou can travel by bus between Luton to Colchester with National Express for as low as €29. 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 20m
Cheapest National Express Price
€29
National Express frequency
12 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 Luton to 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.
Cheap bus tickets from Luton to Colchester can start from as little as €29 when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Luton to Colchester is €45 ; 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 Luton to Colchester is 2h 20m to travel the 56 miles (91 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 Luton to Colchester leaves at 2:25 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Luton to Colchester leaves at 11:00 PM.
There are 11 buses a day from Luton 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 Luton 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 Luton and Colchester and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
When departing from Luton , you have various bus station options to start your journey from including Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station, Luton, Station Interchange, Luton, Dunstable Road (Challney) . When arriving in Colchester , you can end your journey in bus stations like Colchester, East Hill / High Street, Marks Tey, A120, Capel St Mary, Ipswich Road .Passengers board the bus most frequently from Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station, which is located around 1 miles (2 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.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Luton and Colchester including taking a bus and train.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Luton to Colchester:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Luton to Colchester for bus company National Express.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Luton 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 Luton to Colchester.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Luton 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 Luton to Colchester:
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Luton to Colchester.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Luton to Colchester with the following bus company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Luton to Colchester with the following bus company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Luton to Colchester with the following bus company: National Express.
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 Luton to Colchester
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.
Departure bus stations in Luton
Arrival bus stations in Colchester
Which Luton station do buses to Colchester leave from?
Buses from Luton to Colchester leave from Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station. The station is 1 miles (3 km) from Luton city centre at Luton Airport, Airport Way, Luton LU2 9LU, UK.
Luton, Station InterchangeLuton Station Interchange, Luton LU1 2WG, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Luton, Station Interchange from Luton city centre
Bus17 · 7m · €2 · every ~2 min
Luton, Station Interchange 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 and drink
Food options include: Cafes and fast food options nearby.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
WiFi is available at nearby facilities. ATMs are aTM available within short walking distance.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Luton, Station Interchange.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Luton, Station Interchange: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Luton, Station Interchange: Ramps and accessible routes available for wheelchairs.
Luton, Halfway Avenue/Dunstable Road (Challney)Dunstable Rd, Luton, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Luton, Halfway Avenue/Dunstable Road (Challney) from Luton city centre
Luton, Halfway Avenue/Dunstable Road (Challney) is 3 km from Luton city centre. Public transport options include:
BusZ · 11m · €2 · every ~15 min
A · 1h 5m · €2 · every ~13 min
Luton, Halfway Avenue/Dunstable Road (Challney) bus station facilities and services
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 and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Luton, Halfway Avenue/Dunstable Road (Challney). ATMs are available at Luton, Halfway Avenue/Dunstable Road (Challney).
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Luton, Halfway Avenue/Dunstable Road (Challney).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Luton, Halfway Avenue/Dunstable Road (Challney): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Luton, Halfway Avenue/Dunstable Road (Challney): Limited accessibility.
Which Colchester station do buses from Luton arrive at?
Buses from Luton to Colchester most often arrive at Colchester, East Hill / High Street. Some services arrive at Marks Tey, A120, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Colchester arrival station.
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 · €3 · 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.
More options for your journey from Luton to Colchester
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Colchester and Luton
Most popular bus connections to Colchester
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