The cheapest and fastest buses from Manchester to Colchester
Cheapest price
$46
Average price
$60
Fastest journey
8 h 30 m
Average duration
9 h 25 m
Buses per day
3
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 $60 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $46.
Of the 3 buses that leave Manchester for Colchester on Sat, Apr 11, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Apr 11 the direct buses cover the 276 km distance in an average of 9 h 25 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 8 h 30 m .
On Sat, Apr 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.
7:15 PM10h35Manchester5:50 AMColchester$461One-way0 transfers
7:30 AM9h10Manchester4:40 PMColchester$481One-way0 transfers
4:45 PM8h30Manchester1:15 AMColchester$851One-way0 transfers
4:45 PM8h30Manchester1:15 AMColchester$851One-way0 transfers
7:30 AM9h10Manchester4:40 PMColchester$481One-way0 transfers
7:15 PM10h35Manchester5:50 AMColchester$461One-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 $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 $85.
Distance: 171 miles (276 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Train | Flight |
|---|---|---|
$76 Average price Cheapest | $132 Average price | $179 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 |
![]() 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.
Live departures
Manchester to Colchester bus times
The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Colchester buses for today, Friday, April 10. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 7:15 PM Manchester | 10h35 | 5:50 AM Colchester | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Saturday, April 11 | |||||
![]() | 7:30 AM Manchester | 9h10 | 4:40 PM 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.
Apr 11
Apr 12
Apr 13
Apr 14
Apr 15
Apr 16
Apr 17
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
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.
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 12:05 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
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
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
- 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


