Oxford to Colchester bus with National Express

Sun, May 17
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Oxford to Colchester

Showing times and prices for May 17

Cheapest price

$40

Average price

$81

Fastest journey

5 h 10 m

Average duration

5 h 24 m

Buses per day

12

Distance

149 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Oxford to Colchester will cost around $81 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $40.

Fast buses

It's difficult to get from Oxford to Colchester without transferring at least once.

  • National ExpressNX737 · NX717
    4:05 AM6h00
    Oxford, Gloucester Green Bus Station
    10:05 AMColchester, East Hill / High Street
    $401One-way
    1 transfer
  • National ExpressNX737 · NX717
    11:40 AM5h15
    Oxford, Gloucester Green Bus Station
    4:55 PMColchester, East Hill / High Street
    $401One-way
    1 transfer
  • National ExpressNX737 · NX717
    2:05 PM5h45
    Oxford, Gloucester Green Bus Station
    7:50 PMColchester, East Hill / High Street
    $421One-way
    1 transfer
  • National ExpressOLOXT · NXA8 · NX717
    7:43 PM6h02
    Oxford, Gloucester Green Bus Station
    1:45 AMColchester, East Hill / High Street
    $751One-way
    2 transfers
  • National ExpressTALHR · NX727 · NX717
    11:20 AM5h35
    Oxford,Thornhill Park and Ride
    4:55 PMColchester, East Hill / High Street
    $911One-way
    2 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train and bus for Oxford to Colchester

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Oxford to Colchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $25. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 3m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $25, and a bus costs an average of $42.

Distance: 92 miles (149 km)

Compare bus with

Bus
Most popular
Train
Driving

$70

Average price

$52

Average price

Cheapest

$41

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

4h 26m

Average total duration

3h 56m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

2h 33m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 3m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

2h 25m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

National Express

Most popular bus company

Greater Anglia

Most popular train company

Your own car or car rental

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from Oxford to Colchester is a train with an average price of $52 (€42).

This is compared to other travel options from Oxford to Colchester:

A train is $18 (€15) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Oxford to Colchester costing on average $70 (€57).

The fastest way to travel from Oxford to Colchester is by train with an average journey time of 2h 3m.

Other travel options to Colchester take longer:

Bus takes on average 3h 56m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Oxford and Colchester including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Oxford to Colchester among Omio's users.
Take the bus. On this route, it's both cheaper and quicker than driving.

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.

Oxford to Colchester Bus Timetables

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest price
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
03:05AM
Arrival Time
09:00AM
Duration
5h55
Departure days
Tue
Cheapest price
$42
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
04:05AM
Arrival Time
10:05AM
Duration
6h00
Departure days
Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$40
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
06:50AM
Arrival Time
12:25PM
Duration
5h35
Departure days
Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$91
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
07:15AM
Arrival Time
12:25PM
Duration
5h10
Departure days
Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$91
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
08:50AM
Arrival Time
02:55PM
Duration
6h05
Departure days
Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$93
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
09:20AM
Arrival Time
02:55PM
Duration
5h35
Departure days
Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$93
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
11:20AM
Arrival Time
04:55PM
Duration
5h35
Departure days
Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$91
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
11:40AM
Arrival Time
04:55PM
Duration
5h15
Departure days
Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$40
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
02:05PM
Arrival Time
07:50PM
Duration
5h45
Departure days
Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$42
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
04:50PM
Arrival Time
10:50PM
Duration
6h00
Departure days
Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$101
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
05:25PM
Arrival Time
10:50PM
Duration
5h25
Departure days
Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$101
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
07:30PM
Arrival Time
01:45AM
Duration
6h15
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$82
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
07:35PM
Arrival Time
01:45AM
Duration
6h10
Departure days
Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$118
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
07:43PM
Arrival Time
01:45AM
Duration
6h02
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
$75
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
11:00PM
Arrival Time
05:50AM
Duration
6h50
Departure days
Fri
Cheapest price
$85
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
11:15PM
Arrival Time
05:50AM
Duration
6h35
Departure days
Wed
Cheapest price
$81

Live departures

Oxford to Colchester bus times

The table below shows live departures for Oxford to Colchester buses for today, Saturday, May 16. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
National ExpressTALHR · NX727 · NX7177:35 PM Oxford,Thornhill Park and Ride
6h10
1:45 AM Colchester, East Hill / High Street2 transfers
Sunday, May 17
National ExpressNX737 · NX717
Delayed
1:05 PM 4:05 AMOxford, Gloucester Green Bus Station
6h00
10:05 AM Colchester, East Hill / High Street
1 transfer
National ExpressTALHR · NX728 · NX717
Delayed
12:10 PM 6:50 AMOxford, Gloucester Green Bus Station
5h35
12:25 PM Colchester, East Hill / High Street
2 transfers
National ExpressTALHR · NX728 · NX7177:15 AM Oxford,Thornhill Park and Ride
5h10
12:25 PM Colchester, East Hill / High Street2 transfers
National ExpressTALHR · NX727 · NX717
Delayed
12:10 PM 8:50 AMOxford, Gloucester Green Bus Station
6h05
2:55 PM Colchester, East Hill / High Street
2 transfers
National ExpressTALHR · NX727 · NX7179:20 AM Oxford,Thornhill Park and Ride
5h35
2:55 PM Colchester, East Hill / High Street2 transfers
National ExpressTALHR · NX727 · NX71711:20 AM Oxford,Thornhill Park and Ride
5h35
4:55 PM Colchester, East Hill / High Street2 transfers
National ExpressNX737 · NX717
Delayed
1:05 PM 11:40 AMOxford, Gloucester Green Bus Station
5h15
4:55 PM Colchester, East Hill / High Street
1 transfer
National ExpressNX737 · NX717
On time
2:05 PM Oxford, Gloucester Green Bus Station
5h45
7:50 PM Colchester, East Hill / High Street
1 transfer
National ExpressTALHR · NX727 · NX717
On time
4:50 PM Oxford, Gloucester Green Bus Station
6h00
10:50 PM Colchester, East Hill / High Street
2 transfers
National ExpressTALHR · NX727 · NX7175:25 PM Oxford,Thornhill Park and Ride
5h25
10:50 PM Colchester, East Hill / High Street2 transfers

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Oxford to Colchester by train or bus

Compare train and bus 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.

Sun
May 17
Mon
May 18
Tue
May 19
Wed
May 20
Thu
May 21
Fri
May 22
Sat
May 23

Why should you book Oxford to Colchester buses with Omio?

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

Why book with Omio over Wanderu?

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

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Oxford to Colchester

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Oxford to Colchester run on average 14 times per day, taking around 3h 56m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $42 (€34) but you can travel from only $25 (€20) by train.

The earliest bus runs at 00:08, the last at 23:45. The fastest bus covers the 92 miles (149 km) distance in 5h 55m.

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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from $25 (€20)
Distance
92 miles (149 km)
Average bus duration
3h 56m
Cheapest ticket price
$42 (€34)
Buses per day
14
Fastest bus
5h 55m
First bus
12:08 AM
Last bus
11:45 PM
Cheapest Month
Jan
Cheapest Day
Sun
High Season
Jul - Sep
Low Season
Oct - Dec
Busiest Day
Fri
Least Busy Day
Sun
Best time to book
7 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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from $25 (€20)

Bus providers: National Express from Oxford to ColchesterYou can travel by bus between Oxford to Colchester with National Express for as low as $25 (€20). 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
5h 55m
Cheapest Price
$42 (€34)
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 Oxford to Colchester

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Oxford 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 Oxford to Colchester can start from as little as $42 (€34) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Oxford to Colchester is $70 (€57) ; 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 Oxford to Colchester is 5h 55m to travel the 92 miles (149 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 Oxford to Colchester leaves at 12:08 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Oxford to Colchester leaves at 11:45 PM.
There are 14 buses a day from Oxford 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 Oxford 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 Oxford and Colchester and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Colchester from Oxford is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 5h 55m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Oxford to Colchester is January.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Oxford and Colchester including taking a train and bus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Oxford to Colchester:
  • National Express
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Oxford to Colchester for bus company National Express.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Oxford 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 Oxford to Colchester.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Oxford 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 Oxford to Colchester:
  • National Express
    • 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Oxford to Colchester.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Oxford to Colchester with the following bus company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Oxford to Colchester with the following bus company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Oxford to Colchester with the following bus company: National Express.
Since neither Oxford nor Colchester are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United Kingdom and United Kingdom. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Oxford to Colchester among Omio's users.
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 Oxford to Colchester

Oxford
Colchester
The major bus station for departures in Oxford is Oxford, Gloucester Green Bus Station. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Oxford, Gloucester Green Bus Station for your trip from Oxford to Colchester.
Oxford, Gloucester Green Bus 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
George Street
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free Wi-Fi
Dining
Dining
  • Café Nero (in the station)
  • The Four Candles (0.2 km)
  • The White Rabbit (0.3 km).
Taxis
Taxis
  • Available outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Elevators, ramps
WC
WC
  • Available near the waiting area.
Public transit options for Oxford, Gloucester Green Bus Station
  • Bus: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 10, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 27, 28, 31, 35, 36, 40, 41, 44, 46, 63, 66, 70, 77, 100, 280, 500, S1, S2, S3, S5, S8, S9, X3, X13, X32, X39, X40, X90
Oxford,Thornhill Park and Ride
information

More options for your journey from Oxford to Colchester

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