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.
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).
Other travel options to Colchester take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 3m.
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 09:00AM | Duration 6h55 | Departure days Tue, Sat | Cheapest price $56 |
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 11:19AM | Arrival Time 06:50PM | Duration 7h31 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $44 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:29PM | Arrival Time 12:45AM | Duration 7h16 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $85 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:55PM | Arrival Time 05:50AM | Duration 9h55 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri | Cheapest price $68 |
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.
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Why should you book Portsmouth 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 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
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.
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 |
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
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.

- 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 Portsmouth to Colchester
- 05:00-23:00
- Free Wi-Fi
- Café at The Hard (in the station)
- Fast Food Outlet (in the station).
- Available outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps
- Available near the waiting area.
- Bus: 1, 2, 3, 7, 8, 13, 14 Train: South Western Railway, Southern, Great Western Railway
- 06:00-22:00
- Free Wi-Fi
- Café in the terminal (in the station)
- Fast-food outlet (in the station).
- Available outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps
- Available in the station.
- Bus: 8, 20, 700 Train: Portsmouth Harbour
Most popular bus connections from Portsmouth
More options for your journey from Portsmouth to Colchester
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