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Portsmouth to Colchester bus with National Express

Fri, Jan 23
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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 €36. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 54m. 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 €36, and a train costs an average of €101.

Distance: 114 miles (184 km)

Compare bus with

Most popular
Bus
Train

€53

Average price

Cheapest

€102

Average price

5h 31m

Average total duration

5h 1m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 24m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 54m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.2 - 0.5kg

CO2 emissions

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest
National Express

Most popular bus company

South Western Railway

Most popular train company

Direct Options

Direct Options

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

Live departures

Portsmouth to Colchester bus times

The table below shows live departures for Portsmouth to Colchester buses for today, Friday, January 23. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at 3:39 AM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
national_express7:10 PM Portsmouth
9h40
4:50 AM Colchester0 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.

Sat
Jan 24
Sun
Jan 25
Mon
Jan 26
Tue
Jan 27
Wed
Jan 28
Thu
Jan 29
Fri
Jan 30

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 18 times per day, taking around 5h 1m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $45 (€36) if you book in advance.

The earliest bus runs at 03:05, the last at 20:15. 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 1m
Cheapest ticket price
$45 (€36)
Buses per day
18
Fastest bus
6h 55m
First bus
03:05
Last bus
20:15
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 $45 (€36). 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)
National Express frequency
18 a day
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.
Learn more about 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.

FAQs
Cheap bus tickets from Portsmouth to Colchester can start from as little as $46 (€37) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Portsmouth to Colchester is $61 (€49); however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
On average the Portsmouth to Colchester bus travel time is 6 h 15 min   for the 114 mile (184 km) long journey, but the duration can vary if you travel on weekends and holidays.
The first bus from Portsmouth to Colchester leaves at 3: 20AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The last bus from Portsmouth to Colchester leaves at 6: 45PM.
There are 17 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.
For the best Portsmouth to Colchester bus to purchase, you can travel safely and comfortably with National Express. However, it's always good to check all possible bus companies with services to Colchester from Portsmouth to compare what amenities they may offer.
The cheapest month to travel from Portsmouth to Colchester by bus is December.
You have options as you can travel between Portsmouth and Colchester 2 different ways: bus or 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.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company National Express.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Portsmouth to Colchester depends on the bus company:
  • 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.

To find the cheapest bus tickets for your trip from Portsmouth to Colchester, follow these tips:

  • Book in advance: Tickets are often cheaper when booked early.
  • Be flexible with dates and times: Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money.
  • Use our search filters: Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options.
  • Look for special deals or discounts: Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.

    • Start your search now and compare ticket prices to find the best deal!

    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.

    popular bus stations

    Popular bus stations from Portsmouth to Colchester

    Portsmouth
    Colchester
    The major bus station for departures in Portsmouth is Portsmouth, University. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Portsmouth, University for your trip from Portsmouth to Colchester.
    Portsmouth, University
    information
    Portsmouth, The Hard InterchangeWifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Office
    Amenities at bus station
    WifiWifi
    ParkingParking
    DiningDining
    ATMATM
    TaxisTaxis
    AccessibilityAccessibility
    WCWC
    Ticket OfficeTicket Office
    information
    address
    Address
    The Hard Interchange, Portsmouth PO1 3DT, UK
    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
    Southsea, Clarence Esplanade
    information

    More options for your journey from Portsmouth to Colchester

    Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

    Return journeys for buses from Colchester to Portsmouth
    Tickets and more information for coaches to Portsmouth
    Tickets and more information for coaches to Colchester
    HomeBusesBuses in United KingdomBus tickets to ColchesterPortsmouth to Colchester bus

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