Portsmouth to Colchester bus with National Express

Wed, Jun 10
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Portsmouth to Colchester

Showing times and prices for Jun 10

Cheapest price

$75

Average price

$83

Fastest journey

6 h 40 m

Average duration

6 h 48 m

Buses per day

19

Distance

184 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Portsmouth to Colchester will cost around $83 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $75.

Fast buses

It's difficult to get from Portsmouth to Colchester without transferring at least 2 times.

  • National ExpressNX030 · NXA8 · NX717
    11:05 AM8h45
    Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange
    7:50 PMColchester, East Hill / High Street
    $751One-way
    2 transfers
  • National ExpressNX030 · NXA8 · NX717
    6:45 PM7h00
    Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange
    1:45 AMColchester, East Hill / High Street
    $751One-way
    2 transfers
  • National ExpressNX030 · NXA8 · NX717
    9:00 AM7h55
    Portsmouth, University
    4:55 PMColchester, East Hill / High Street
    $751One-way
    2 transfers
  • National ExpressNX030 · NXA8 · NX717
    9:20 AM7h35
    Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange
    4:55 PMColchester, East Hill / High Street
    $751One-way
    2 transfers
  • National ExpressNX030 · NXA8 · NX717
    6:29 PM7h16
    Portsmouth, University
    1:45 AMColchester, East Hill / High Street
    $751One-way
    2 transfers

Travel Information

Compare bus and train for Portsmouth to Colchester

Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Portsmouth to Colchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $44. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 36m. 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 $44, and a train costs an average of $47.

Distance: 114 miles (184 km)

Compare bus with

Most popular
Bus
Train
Driving

$66

Average price

Cheapest

$88

Average price

$48

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

5h 33m

Average total duration

5h 3m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 6m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 36m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

2h 46m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

0.2 - 0.5kg

CO2 emissions

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

-

CO2 emissions

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

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

The cheapest way to travel from Portsmouth to Colchester is a bus with an average price of $66 (€53).

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

A bus is $22 (€18) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Portsmouth to Colchester costing on average $88 (€71).

The fastest way to travel from Portsmouth to Colchester is by train with an average journey time of 3h 36m.

Other travel options to Colchester take longer:

Bus takes on average 5h 3m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Portsmouth and Colchester including taking a bus and train.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Portsmouth 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.

Portsmouth to Colchester Bus Timetables

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest price
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
02:05AM
Arrival Time
09:00AM
Duration
6h55
Departure days
Tue, Sat
Cheapest price
$56
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
03:05AM
Arrival Time
10:00AM
Duration
6h55
Departure days
Wed
Cheapest price
$84
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
03:20AM
Arrival Time
10:00AM
Duration
6h40
Departure days
Wed
Cheapest price
$85
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
05:20AM
Arrival Time
12:25PM
Duration
7h05
Departure days
Wed
Cheapest price
$111
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
05:35AM
Arrival Time
12:25PM
Duration
6h50
Departure days
Wed
Cheapest price
$114
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
07:35AM
Arrival Time
02:55PM
Duration
7h20
Departure days
Wed
Cheapest price
$79
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
07:50AM
Arrival Time
02:55PM
Duration
7h05
Departure days
Wed
Cheapest price
$76
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
08:00AM
Arrival Time
02:55PM
Duration
6h55
Departure days
Wed
Cheapest price
$81
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
08:49AM
Arrival Time
03:55PM
Duration
7h06
Departure days
Fri, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$71
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
09:00AM
Arrival Time
04:55PM
Duration
7h55
Departure days
Wed
Cheapest price
$75
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
09:20AM
Arrival Time
04:55PM
Duration
7h35
Departure days
Wed
Cheapest price
$75
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
10:49AM
Arrival Time
07:50PM
Duration
9h01
Departure days
Wed
Cheapest price
$75
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
11:05AM
Arrival Time
07:50PM
Duration
8h45
Departure days
Wed
Cheapest price
$75
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
11:19AM
Arrival Time
06:50PM
Duration
7h31
Departure days
Mon
Cheapest price
$44
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
03:05PM
Arrival Time
10:50PM
Duration
7h45
Departure days
Wed
Cheapest price
$79
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
03:54PM
Arrival Time
10:50PM
Duration
6h56
Departure days
Wed
Cheapest price
$99
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
04:10PM
Arrival Time
10:50PM
Duration
6h40
Departure days
Wed
Cheapest price
$100
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
05:29PM
Arrival Time
12:45AM
Duration
7h16
Departure days
Thu
Cheapest price
$85
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
06:29PM
Arrival Time
01:45AM
Duration
7h16
Departure days
Wed
Cheapest price
$75
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
06:45PM
Arrival Time
01:45AM
Duration
7h00
Departure days
Wed
Cheapest price
$75
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
07:55PM
Arrival Time
05:50AM
Duration
9h55
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Fri
Cheapest price
$68

Live departures

Portsmouth to Colchester bus times

The table below shows live departures for Portsmouth to Colchester buses for tomorrow, Wednesday, June 10. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
National ExpressNX030 · NXA8 · NX7173:05 AM Portsmouth, University
6h55
10:00 AM Colchester, East Hill / High Street2 transfers
National ExpressNX030 · NXA8 · NX717
On time
3:20 AM Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange
6h40
10:00 AM Colchester, East Hill / High Street
2 transfers
National ExpressNX030 · NX728 · NX7175:20 AM Portsmouth, University
7h05
12:25 PM Colchester, East Hill / High Street2 transfers
National ExpressNX030 · NX728 · NX717
On time
5:35 AM Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange
6h50
12:25 PM Colchester, East Hill / High Street
2 transfers
National ExpressNX030 · NXA8 · NX7177:35 AM Portsmouth, University
7h20
2:55 PM Colchester, East Hill / High Street2 transfers
National ExpressNX030 · NXA8 · NX717
On time
7:50 AM Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange
7h05
2:55 PM Colchester, East Hill / High Street
2 transfers
National ExpressNX030 · NXA8 · NX7178:00 AM Portsmouth, International Port
6h55
2:55 PM Colchester, East Hill / High Street2 transfers
National ExpressNX030 · NXA8 · NX7179:00 AM Portsmouth, University
7h55
4:55 PM Colchester, East Hill / High Street2 transfers
National ExpressNX030 · NXA8 · NX717
On time
9:20 AM Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange
7h35
4:55 PM Colchester, East Hill / High Street
2 transfers
National ExpressNX030 · NXA8 · NX71710:49 AM Portsmouth, University
9h01
7:50 PM Colchester, East Hill / High Street2 transfers
National ExpressNX030 · NXA8 · NX717
On time
11:05 AM Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange
8h45
7:50 PM Colchester, East Hill / High Street
2 transfers
National ExpressNX030 · NXA8 · NX7173:05 PM Portsmouth, International Port
7h45
10:50 PM Colchester, East Hill / High Street2 transfers
National ExpressNX030 · NXA8 · NX7173:05 PM Portsmouth, International Port
7h45
10:50 PM Colchester, East Hill / High Street2 transfers
National ExpressNX030 · NX727 · NX7173:54 PM Portsmouth, University
6h56
10:50 PM Colchester, East Hill / High Street2 transfers
National ExpressNX030 · NX727 · NX717
On time
4:10 PM Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange
6h40
10:50 PM Colchester, East Hill / High Street
2 transfers
National ExpressNX030 · NXA8 · NX7176:29 PM Portsmouth, University
7h16
1:45 AM Colchester, East Hill / High Street2 transfers
National ExpressNX030 · NXA8 · NX7176:29 PM Portsmouth, University
7h16
1:45 AM Colchester, East Hill / High Street2 transfers
National ExpressNX030 · NXA8 · NX717
On time
6:45 PM Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange
7h00
1:45 AM Colchester, East Hill / High Street
2 transfers
National ExpressNX030 · NXA8 · NX717
On time
6:45 PM Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange
7h00
1:45 AM Colchester, East Hill / High Street
2 transfers

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Portsmouth to Colchester by bus or train

Compare bus and train 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
Jun 10
Thu
Jun 11
Fri
Jun 12
Sat
Jun 13
Sun
Jun 14
Mon
Jun 15
Tue
Jun 16

Why should you book Portsmouth to Colchester buses with Omio?

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

Why book with Omio over Wanderu?

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

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Portsmouth to Colchester

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Portsmouth to Colchester run on average 20 times per day, taking around 5h 3m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $44 (€35) if you book in advance.

The earliest bus runs at 02:35, the last at 20:20. The fastest bus covers the 114 miles (184 km) distance in 6h 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
Distance
114 miles (184 km)
Average bus duration
5h 3m
Cheapest ticket price
$44 (€35)
Buses per day
20
Fastest bus
6h 55m
First bus
2:35 AM
Last bus
8:20 PM
Cheapest Month
Jul
Cheapest Day
Sun
High Season
Apr - Jun
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Best time to book
14 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

Bus providers: National Express from Portsmouth to ColchesterYou can travel by bus between Portsmouth to Colchester with National Express for as low as $44 (€35). 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
6h 55m
Cheapest Price
$44 (€35)
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 Portsmouth to Colchester

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth to Colchester can start from as little as $44 (€35) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Portsmouth to Colchester is $66 (€53) ; 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 Portsmouth to Colchester is 6h 55m to travel the 114 miles (184 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 Portsmouth to Colchester leaves at 2:35 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Portsmouth to Colchester leaves at 8:20 PM.
There are 20 buses a day from Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth and Colchester and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Colchester from Portsmouth is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 6h 55m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Portsmouth to Colchester is July.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Portsmouth and Colchester including taking a bus and train.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Portsmouth to Colchester for bus company National Express.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Portsmouth to Colchester:
  • National Express
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Accessible toilets.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth to Colchester.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth to Colchester:
  • National Express
    • 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Portsmouth to Colchester.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Portsmouth to Colchester with the following bus company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Portsmouth to Colchester with the following bus company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Portsmouth to Colchester with the following bus company: National Express.
Since neither Portsmouth 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 bus as it is the most popular way to get from Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth to Colchester

Portsmouth
Colchester
The major bus station for departures in Portsmouth is Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange for your trip from Portsmouth to Colchester.
Amenities at bus station
WifiWifi
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 05:00-23:00
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
carConnection
Car connection
The Hard
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free Wi-Fi
Dining
Dining
  • Café at The Hard (in the station)
  • Fast Food Outlet (in the station).
Taxis
Taxis
  • Available outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Elevators, ramps
WC
WC
  • Available near the waiting area.
Public transit options for Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange
  • Bus: 1, 2, 3, 7, 8, 13, 14 Train: South Western Railway, Southern, Great Western Railway
Portsmouth, University
information
Amenities at bus station
WifiWifi
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 06:00-22:00
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
carConnection
Car connection
Wharf Road
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free Wi-Fi
Dining
Dining
  • Café in the terminal (in the station)
  • Fast-food outlet (in the station).
Taxis
Taxis
  • Available outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Elevators, ramps
WC
WC
  • Available in the station.
Public transit options for Portsmouth, International Port
  • Bus: 8, 20, 700 Train: Portsmouth Harbour

More options for your journey from Portsmouth to Colchester

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