Manchester to Colchester bus with National Express

Tue, Feb 24
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Manchester to Colchester

Showing times and prices for Feb 25

Cheapest price

$46

Average price

$54

Fastest journey

9 h 25 m

Average duration

10 h

Buses per day

2

Distance

276 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Manchester to Colchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Manchester to Colchester will cost around $54 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $46.

Fast buses

Of the 2 buses that leave Manchester for Colchester on Wed, Feb 25, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Wed, Feb 25 the direct buses cover the 276 km distance in an average of 10 h but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 9 h 25 m .

On Wed, Feb 25 the slowest buses will take 10 h 35 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.

National Express
07:15PM10h35
Manchester
05:50AMColchester
$461One-way
0 transfers
National Express
07:15AM9h25
Manchester
04:40PMColchester
$621One-way
0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train, bus, and flight for Manchester to Colchester

Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Manchester to Colchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $46. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 6m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $46, and a flight costs an average of $86.

Distance: 171 miles (276 km)

Compare bus with

Most popular
Bus
Train
Flight

$76

Average price

Cheapest

$132

Average price

$180

Average price

8h 30m

Average total duration

8h 0m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 40m

Average total duration

4h 10m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 6m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 6m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

0.3 - 0.7kg

CO2 emissions

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.8 - 1.6kg

CO2 emissions

National Express

Most popular bus company

Avanti West Coast

Most popular train company

British Airways

Most popular airline

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Manchester to Colchester Bus Timetables

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest price
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
02:45AM
Arrival Time
12:10PM
Duration
9h25
Departure days
Tue, Fri
Cheapest price
$90
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
05:15AM
Arrival Time
02:45PM
Duration
9h30
Departure days
Tue, Fri
Cheapest price
$75
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
06:15AM
Arrival Time
04:50PM
Duration
10h35
Departure days
Fri
Cheapest price
$52
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
07:15AM
Arrival Time
04:40PM
Duration
9h25
Departure days
Tue
Cheapest price
$75
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
09:30AM
Arrival Time
07:05PM
Duration
9h35
Departure days
Tue, Fri
Cheapest price
$55
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
01:30PM
Arrival Time
09:50PM
Duration
8h20
Departure days
Tue, Fri
Cheapest price
$77
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
03:45PM
Arrival Time
01:15AM
Duration
9h30
Departure days
Tue, Fri
Cheapest price
$75
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
07:15PM
Arrival Time
05:50AM
Duration
10h35
Departure days
Tue, Fri
Cheapest price
$55
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
11:55PM
Arrival Time
09:35AM
Duration
9h40
Departure days
Tue, Fri
Cheapest price
$91

Live departures

Manchester to Colchester bus times

The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Colchester buses for today, Tuesday, February 24. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at 8:33 AM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
national_expressNX540 · NXA8 · NX717
Delayed
4:45 PM 7:15 AMManchester, Coach Station
9h25
4:40 PM Colchester, East Hill / High Street
2 transfers
national_expressNX540 · NXA8 · NX717
Delayed
4:45 PM 9:30 AMManchester, Coach Station
9h35
7:05 PM Colchester, East Hill / High Street
2 transfers
national_expressNX540 · NX737 · NX7171:30 PM Manchester, Coach Station
8h20
9:50 PM Colchester, East Hill / High Street2 transfers
national_expressNX540 · NX737 · NX7173:45 PM Manchester, Coach Station
9h30
1:15 AM Colchester, East Hill / High Street2 transfers
national_expressNX540 · NXA8 · NX717
On time
7:15 PM Manchester, Coach Station
10h35
5:50 AM Colchester, East Hill / High Street
2 transfers
national_expressNX540 · NXA6 · NX717
On time
7:15 PM Manchester, Coach Station
10h35
5:50 AM Colchester, East Hill / High Street
2 transfers
national_expressNX424 · NX777 · NX71711:55 PM Manchester, Coach Station
9h50
9:45 AM Colchester, East Hill / High Street2 transfers
Wednesday, February 25
national_express7:15 AM Manchester
9h25
4:40 PM Colchester0 transfersDirect

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Manchester to Colchester by train, bus, or flight

Compare train, bus, and flight 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.

Wed
Feb 25
Thu
Feb 26
Fri
Feb 27
Sat
Feb 28
Sun
Mar 01
Mon
Mar 02
Tue
Mar 03

Why should you book Manchester to Colchester buses with Omio?

National Express operates all buses services from Manchester to Colchester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Manchester 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 train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Manchester to Colchester.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu?

  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Manchester to Colchester.

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Manchester to Colchester

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Manchester to Colchester run on average 10 times per day, taking around 8h 0m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $46 (€37) if you book in advance.

The earliest bus runs at 00:05, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 171 miles (276 km) distance in 8h 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
171 miles (276 km)
Average bus duration
8h 0m
Cheapest ticket price
$46 (€37)
Buses per day
10
Fastest bus
8h 20m
First bus
00:05
Last bus
23:55
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 Manchester to ColchesterYou can travel by bus between Manchester to Colchester with National Express for as low as $46 (€37). 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 Duration
8h 20m
Cheapest Price
$46 (€37)
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.

FAQs: Bus from Manchester to Colchester

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester 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.

FAQs
Cheap bus tickets from Manchester to Colchester can start from as little as $46 (€37) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Manchester to Colchester is $76 (€60) ; 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 Manchester to Colchester is 8h 20m to travel the 171 miles (276 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 Manchester to Colchester leaves at 12:05 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Manchester to Colchester leaves at 11:55 PM.
There are 10 buses a day from Manchester 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 Manchester 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 Manchester and Colchester and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Colchester from Manchester is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 8h 20m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Manchester to Colchester is July.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Manchester and Colchester including taking a train, bus, and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Manchester to Colchester:
  • National Express
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Manchester to Colchester for bus company National Express.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Manchester 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 Manchester to Colchester.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Manchester 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 Manchester to Colchester:
  • National Express
    • 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Manchester to Colchester.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Manchester to Colchester with the following bus company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Manchester to Colchester with the following bus company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Manchester to Colchester with the following bus company: National Express.

popular bus stations

Popular bus stations from Manchester to Colchester

Manchester
Colchester
The major bus station for departures in Manchester is Manchester, Coach Station. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Manchester, Coach Station for your trip from Manchester to Colchester.
Manchester, Coach StationWifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Office
Amenities at bus station
WifiWifi
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 06:00-22:00
carConnection
Car connection
Chorlton Street
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free Wi-Fi
Dining
Dining
  • Café at the Station (in the station)
  • Fast Food Express (in the station).
Taxis
Taxis
  • Available outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Ramps, assistance
WC
WC
  • Available in the station.
Public transit options for Manchester, Coach Station
  • Bus: 50, 192, 201, 203, 205, 219, 255, 256 Train: Manchester Piccadilly Metro: Piccadilly Gardens
Manchester, AirportWifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCShowerTicket Office
Amenities at bus station
WifiWifi
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
ShowerShower
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 00:00-23:59
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
2 km
carConnection
Car connection
Terminal Road North
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free Wi-Fi
Dining
Dining
  • Burger King (in the station)
  • Giraffe (in the station).
Taxis
Taxis
  • Available outside the terminal, with several companies offering services.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Elevators, ramps, assistance
WC
WC
  • Available in the station.
Public transit options for Manchester, Airport
  • Bus: 43, 103 Train: Manchester Airport

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