- Must visit
Colchester Castle Museum
Major museum inside the Norman castle, presenting Roman finds and town history. Essential for understanding Colchester from Iron Age to modern times.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Portsmouth to Colchester
Showing times and prices for Jul 27
Cheapest price
$35
Average price
$52
Fastest journey
7 h 31 m
Average duration
8 h 43 m
Buses per day
2
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 $52 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $35.
Fast buses
Of the 2 buses that leave Portsmouth for Colchester on Mon, Jul 27, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Jul 27 the direct buses cover the 184 km distance in an average of 8 h 43 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 7 h 31 m .
On Mon, Jul 27 the slowest buses will take 9 h 55 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.
11:19 AM7h31Portsmouth6:50 PMColchester$351One-way0 transfers- 7:55 PM9h55Portsmouth5:50 AMColchester$681One-way0 transfers
- 11:19 AM7h31Portsmouth6:50 PMColchester$351One-way0 transfers
- 7:55 PM9h55Portsmouth5:50 AMColchester$681One-way0 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 $35. 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 $35, and a train costs an average of $38.
Distance: 114 miles (184 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$53 Average price Cheapest | $71 Average price | $39 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 $53 (€53).
This is compared to other travel options from Portsmouth to Colchester:
A bus is $18 (€18) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Portsmouth to Colchester costing on average $71 (€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
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:05AM | Arrival Time 09:05AM | Duration 7h00 | Departure days Tue, Sat | Cheapest price $46 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:49AM | Arrival Time 03:55PM | Duration 7h06 | Departure days Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $57 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:19AM | Arrival Time 06:50PM | Duration 7h31 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:29PM | Arrival Time 12:45AM | Duration 7h16 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $69 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:55PM | Arrival Time 05:50AM | Duration 9h55 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri | Cheapest price $55 |
Live departures
Portsmouth to Colchester bus times
The table below shows live departures for Portsmouth to Colchester buses for tomorrow, Monday, July 27. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11:19 AM Portsmouth | 7h31 | 6:50 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 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.
Mon
Jul 27
Jul 27
Tue
Jul 28
Jul 28
Wed
Jul 29
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Thu
Jul 30
Jul 30
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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
Buses from Portsmouth to Colchester run on average 20 times per day, taking around 5h 3m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $35 (€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 $35 (€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 $35 (€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
$35 (€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.
Complete guide to Colchester
Things to do in Colchester
Discover the best of Colchester — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Colchester trip today.
- Recommended
The Military Museum
Award-winning museum on former barracks, covering military life and the Essex Regiment. Strong collections make it a standout for social and army history.
- Recommended
Colchester Natural History Museum
Natural history museum in a former church, with local wildlife, geology, and family displays. A useful stop for learning about Essex's environment.
- Must visit
Castle Park
Historic park around the castle with formal planting, Roman walls, and central lawns. A classic place to relax while exploring the old town.
- Recommended
Dutch Quarter
Charming conservation area of timber-framed buildings and narrow streets, reflecting the town's links with Dutch and Flemish settlers.
- Recommended
High Street
Main shopping and historic street lined with heritage buildings, independent businesses, and civic landmarks. A practical and atmospheric town-centre walk.
- Gluten-free
Colchester Native Oysters
Colchester Native Oysters are famed shellfish from local estuaries, eaten raw or dressed. They are one of Britain’s oldest recorded regional delicacies.
Essex Eel Pie
Essex Eel Pie is a traditional regional pie of chopped eel in rich gravy. It reflects the historic importance of estuary fishing in Essex.
- Vegetarian
Tiptree Jam Tart
Tiptree Jam Tart uses the county’s famous Wilkin & Sons preserves in a simple buttery tart. It is a classic Essex tea-room style dessert.
Kintsu
Well-regarded modern British restaurant serving seasonal tasting-style plates in an intimate, refined atmosphere.
Church Street Tavern
Established seafood restaurant known for oysters, fish and polished service in a smart but relaxed setting near the town centre.
The Cafe at The Minories
Popular casual venue for brunch, coffee and comfort food with a stylish interior and a strong local following.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for the UK: hotels and dining cost less than London, while local buses and casual meals stay fairly manageable for tourists.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- £18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £50+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £2.50-4 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Restaurants may add service; if not, tip 10-12% for good service. Taxi fares are often rounded up. Tipping in cafes is optional.
First Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2.00
- Day pass
- £4.50
To the city center
Colchester East Hill / High Street, Colchester -> Colchester Town Centre, Colchester
- Distance
- 0.3 km
- Travel time
- 4 min
- Contactless card payment is accepted on First Bus services in Colchester. You can also use the First Bus app for tickets and live times.
- Colchester town centre is walkable, so buses are most useful for longer trips such as Colchester Station or outlying areas.
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.
Cheap bus tickets from Portsmouth to Colchester can start from as little as $35 (€35) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Portsmouth to Colchester is $53 (€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, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Portsmouth to Colchester:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Portsmouth to Colchester for bus company National Express.
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
Most Portsmouth to Colchester buses use the Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange to Colchester, East Hill / High Street station pair. Use this guide to compare Portsmouth and Colchester bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Portsmouth
Arrival bus stations in Colchester
Which Portsmouth station do buses to Colchester leave from?
Buses from Portsmouth to Colchester leave from Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange. The station is 0 miles (1 km) from Portsmouth city centre at The Hard Interchange, Portsmouth PO1 3DT, UK.
Portsmouth, The Hard InterchangeThe Hard Interchange, Portsmouth PO1 3DT, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange from Portsmouth city centre
Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange is 1 km from Portsmouth city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainLondon Victoria - Portsmouth Harbour, Brighton - Portsmouth Harbour, Littlehampton - Portsmouth Harbour, Three Bridges - Portsmouth Harbour, Barnham - Portsmouth Harbour, Gatwick Airport - Portsmouth Harbour, Havant - Portsmouth Harbour, Bognor Regis - Portsmouth Harbour · 3m · $1 · every ~4 min
Bus1, 2, 8, 3, 7, X4, H1, X5, Pr1 · 6m · $2 · every ~214 min
Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange bus station facilities and services
Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Café at The Hard (in the station), Fast Food Outlet (in the station).
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange: Elevators, ramps.
Portsmouth, University
Portsmouth, International PortWharf Road, Portsmouth PO2 8RU, United Kingdom
City-centre transport
Getting to Portsmouth, International Port from Portsmouth city centre
Portsmouth, International Port is 1 km from Portsmouth city centre. Public transport options include:
BusX4, X5, Pr1 · 3m · every ~55 min
8, 3, 7, X4, X5 · 6m · $2 · every ~113 min
725 · 15m · $2
Portsmouth, International Port bus station facilities and services
Portsmouth, International Port has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Café in the terminal (in the station), Fast-food outlet (in the station).
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance of the terminal.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Portsmouth, International Port.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Portsmouth, International Port: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Portsmouth, International Port: Elevators, ramps.
Colchester, East Hill / High Street
City-centre transport
Getting to Colchester, East Hill / High Street from Colchester city centre
Bus1, 2, 3 · 1m · $3 · every ~17 min
107, 105 · 7m · $1 · every ~3 min
Most popular bus connections from Portsmouth
More options for your journey from Portsmouth to Colchester
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Colchester and Portsmouth
Most popular bus connections to Colchester
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