4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest buses from Manchester to Colchester
Cheapest price
$74
Average price
$75
Fastest journey
9 h 25 m
Average duration
10 h
Buses per day
2
Distance
276 km
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 $75 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $74.
Of the 2 buses that leave Manchester for Colchester on Tue, May 26, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, May 26 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 Tue, May 26 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.
7:15 AM9h25Manchester4:40 PMColchester$741One-way0 transfers- 7:15 PM10h35Manchester5:50 AMColchester$761One-way0 transfers
- 7:15 AM9h25Manchester4:40 PMColchester$741One-way0 transfers
- 7:15 PM10h35Manchester5:50 AMColchester$761One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus, train, 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 $42. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 8m. 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 $42, and a flight costs an average of $91.
Distance: 171 miles (276 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$66 Average price Cheapest | $128 Average price | $227 Average price | $94 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
8h 23m Average total duration 7h 53m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 44m Average total duration 4h 14m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 8m Average total duration Fastest 1h 8m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 4h 45m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.3 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.8 - 1.6kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Most popular bus company |  Most popular train company |  Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | 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 Manchester to Colchester:
A bus is $62 (€50) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Manchester to Colchester costing on average $128 (€103).
A bus is $161 (€130) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Manchester to Colchester costing on average $227 (€183).
Other travel options to Colchester take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 14m.
Bus takes on average 7h 53m.
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.
Manchester to Colchester Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:45AM | Arrival Time 12:25PM | Duration 9h40 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $141 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:05AM | Arrival Time 02:55PM | Duration 8h50 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $115 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:15AM | Arrival Time 04:50PM | Duration 10h35 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $51 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:15AM | Arrival Time 04:40PM | Duration 9h25 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $45 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:30AM | Arrival Time 04:40PM | Duration 9h10 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $47 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:50AM | Arrival Time 04:55PM | Duration 8h05 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $115 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:30AM | Arrival Time 07:05PM | Duration 9h35 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $44 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:45AM | Arrival Time 06:50PM | Duration 8h05 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $86 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:55AM | Arrival Time 07:50PM | Duration 8h55 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $120 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:30PM | Arrival Time 09:50PM | Duration 9h20 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $68 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:30PM | Arrival Time 09:50PM | Duration 8h20 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $76 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:35PM | Arrival Time 10:50PM | Duration 8h15 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $120 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:45PM | Arrival Time 12:45AM | Duration 9h00 | Departure days Wed, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $57 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:55PM | Arrival Time 12:45AM | Duration 8h50 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $68 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:10PM | Arrival Time 12:45AM | Duration 8h35 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $60 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:10PM | Arrival Time 01:45AM | Duration 8h35 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $99 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:15PM | Arrival Time 05:50AM | Duration 10h35 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $52 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:55PM | Arrival Time 10:00AM | Duration 10h05 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $99 |
Live departures
Manchester to Colchester bus times
The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Colchester buses for today, Monday, May 25. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NX424 · NX777 · NX717 | On time 11:55 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 10h05 | 10:00 AM Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 2 transfers | |
| Tuesday, May 26 | |||||
| 7:15 AM Manchester | 9h25 | 4:40 PM Colchester | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 7:15 PM Manchester | 10h35 | 5:50 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 Manchester to Colchester by bus, train, or flight
Compare bus, train, 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.
May 26
May 27
May 28
May 29
May 30
May 31
Jun 01
Why should you book Manchester to Colchester buses with Omio?
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, train 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 bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Manchester to Colchester.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Manchester to Colchester
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Manchester to Colchester run on average 9 times per day, taking around 7h 53m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $42 (€34) 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 5m.
Distance 171 miles (276 km) |
Average bus duration 7h 53m |
Cheapest ticket price $42 (€34) |
Buses per day 9 |
Fastest bus 8h 5m |
First bus 12:05 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 14 days |
Bus providers: National Express from Manchester to ColchesterYou can travel by bus between Manchester to Colchester with National Express for as low as $42 (€34). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
National Express
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.
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
- 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.
- National Express
- Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Manchester to Colchester
WifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Office
- 06:00-22:00
- Free Wi-Fi
- Café at the Station (in the station)
- Fast Food Express (in the station).
- Available outside the main entrance.
- Ramps, assistance
- Available in the station.
- Bus: 50, 192, 201, 203, 205, 219, 255, 256 Train: Manchester Piccadilly Metro: Piccadilly Gardens
WifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCShowerTicket Office- 00:00-23:59
- Free Wi-Fi
- Burger King (in the station)
- Giraffe (in the station).
- Available outside the terminal, with several companies offering services.
- Elevators, ramps, assistance
- Available in the station.
- Bus: 43, 103 Train: Manchester Airport
More options for your journey from Manchester to Colchester
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Colchester and Manchester
Most popular bus connections to Colchester
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