The cheapest and fastest buses from Portsmouth to Colchester
Cheapest price
$72
Average price
$72
Fastest journey
9 h 40 m
Average duration
9 h 40 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
184 km
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 $72 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $72.
Of the 1 buses that leave Portsmouth for Colchester on Tue, Dec 09, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, Dec 09 the direct buses cover the 184 km distance in an average of 9 h 40 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 9 h 40 m .
On Tue, Dec 09 the slowest buses will take 9 h 40 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.


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 |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Portsmouth to Colchester Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:20AM | Arrival Time 12:10PM | Duration 6h50 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $92 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:35AM | Arrival Time 12:10PM | Duration 6h35 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $93 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:30AM | Arrival Time 02:40PM | Duration 7h10 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $72 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 02:40PM | Duration 6h40 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $98 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:20AM | Arrival Time 02:40PM | Duration 6h20 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $99 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:49AM | Arrival Time 04:40PM | Duration 6h51 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $72 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:05AM | Arrival Time 04:40PM | Duration 6h35 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $72 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:34AM | Arrival Time 07:05PM | Duration 8h31 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $66 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:50AM | Arrival Time 07:05PM | Duration 8h15 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $66 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:34PM | Arrival Time 09:50PM | Duration 8h16 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $66 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:50PM | Arrival Time 09:50PM | Duration 8h00 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $66 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:29PM | Arrival Time 01:15AM | Duration 6h46 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $55 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:45PM | Arrival Time 01:15AM | Duration 6h30 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $55 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:55PM | Arrival Time 05:50AM | Duration 9h55 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $58 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:10PM | Arrival Time 05:50AM | Duration 9h40 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $58 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:15PM | Arrival Time 05:50AM | Duration 9h35 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $63 |
Live departures
Portsmouth to Colchester bus times
The table below shows live departures for Portsmouth to Colchester buses for today, Monday, December 8. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NX030 · NXA8 · NX717 | On time 6:29 PM Portsmouth, University | 6h46 | 1:15 AM Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 2 transfers | |
NX030 · NXA8 · NX717 | On time 6:29 PM Portsmouth, University | 6h46 | 1:15 AM Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 2 transfers | |
NX030 · NXA6 · NX717 | On time 7:55 PM Portsmouth, University | 9h55 | 5:50 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.
Dec 09
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Dec 11
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Dec 13
Dec 14
Dec 15
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Portsmouth to Colchester
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.
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 |
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
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.
To find the cheapest bus tickets for your trip from Portsmouth to Colchester, follow these tips:
Start your search now and compare ticket prices to find the best deal!
- 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
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

