The cheapest and fastest buses from Manchester to Colchester
Cheapest price
$90
Average price
$93
Fastest journey
9 h 35 m
Average duration
10 h 5 m
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 $93 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $90.
Of the 2 buses that leave Manchester for Colchester on Sun, Jan 11, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Jan 11 the direct buses cover the 276 km distance in an average of 10 h 5 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 9 h 35 m .
On Sun, Jan 11 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.




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 €35. 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 €35, and a flight costs an average of €63.
Distance: 171 miles (276 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Train | Flight |
|---|---|---|
€53 Average price Cheapest | €127 Average price | €174 Average price |
8h 32m Average total duration 8h 2m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 41m Average total duration 4h 11m 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 |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | ![]() 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
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:45AM | Arrival Time 12:10PM | Duration 9h25 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $93 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:15AM | Arrival Time 02:40PM | Duration 9h25 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $76 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:15AM | Arrival Time 04:40PM | Duration 9h25 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $54 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:30AM | Arrival Time 07:05PM | Duration 9h35 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $59 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:30PM | Arrival Time 09:50PM | Duration 8h20 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $76 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:45PM | Arrival Time 01:15AM | Duration 9h30 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $74 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:15PM | Arrival Time 05:50AM | Duration 10h35 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $58 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:55PM | Arrival Time 09:45AM | Duration 9h50 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $87 |
Live departures
Manchester to Colchester bus times
The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Colchester buses for today, Saturday, January 10. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 8:30 AM Manchester | 9h35 | 6:05 PM Colchester | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 6:15 PM Manchester | 10h35 | 4:50 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 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.
Jan 11
Jan 12
Jan 13
Jan 14
Jan 15
Jan 16
Jan 17
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Manchester to Colchester
Buses from Manchester to Colchester run on average 10 times per day, taking around 8h 2m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $43 (€35) 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 9h 10m.
Distance 171 miles (276 km) |
Average bus duration 8h 2m |
Cheapest ticket price $43 (€35) |
Buses per day 10 |
Fastest bus 9h 10m |
First bus 00:05 |
Last bus 23:55 |
Bus providers: National Express from Manchester to ColchesterYou can travel by bus between Manchester to Colchester with National Express for as low as $43 (€35). 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.
To find the cheapest bus tickets for your trip from Manchester to Colchester, follow these tips:
Start your search now and compare ticket prices to find the best deal!
- 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
- 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
- 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


