- 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.
Cheapest price on Sep 10
Kč1246
Average ticket price on Sep 10
Kč1551
Fastest journey on Sep 10
6 h 20 m
Average journey duration on Sep 10
6 h 43 m
Buses on Sep 10
18
Distance
194 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Southampton to Colchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Southampton to Colchester will cost around Kč1551 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only Kč1246.
It's difficult to get from Southampton to Colchester without transferring at least 2 times.
NX032 · NXA8 · NX717
NX032 · NXA8 · NX717
NX032 · NXA8 · NX717
NX032 · NXA8 · NX717
NX032 · NXA8 · NX717
NX032 · NX727 · NX717
NX032 · NX728 · NX717
NX032 · NX727 · NX717
NX032 · NX728 · NX717
NX032 · NXA8 · NX717Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Southampton to Colchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of Kč1761 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 9m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of Kč1761, while a train costs an average of Kč1903.
Distance: 120 miles (194 km)
Most popular Bus | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
Kč1761 Average price Cheapest | Kč1903 Average price | Kč1061 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 49m Average total duration 5h 19m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 9m Average total duration Fastest 2h 39m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 0m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
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 Southampton to Colchester:
A bus is Kč143 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Southampton to Colchester costing on average Kč1903.
Other travel options to Colchester take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 19m.
Tickets start at around Kč1761 compared to roughly Kč1061 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about Kč-699.92. The journey takes 5h 19m versus 3h 0m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:05AM | Arrival Time 09:00AM | Duration 7h55 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price Kč1581 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:05AM | Arrival Time 10:05AM | Duration 8h00 | Departure days Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price Kč1535 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:20AM | Arrival Time 10:05AM | Duration 7h45 | Departure days Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price Kč1535 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:35AM | Arrival Time 12:25PM | Duration 6h50 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price Kč2062 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:40AM | Arrival Time 12:25PM | Duration 6h45 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price Kč1061 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:50AM | Arrival Time 12:25PM | Duration 6h35 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price Kč2062 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:45AM | Arrival Time 12:25PM | Duration 5h40 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price Kč1803 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:00AM | Arrival Time 02:55PM | Duration 7h55 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price Kč1355 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:45AM | Arrival Time 02:55PM | Duration 7h10 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price Kč1889 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:05AM | Arrival Time 02:55PM | Duration 6h50 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price Kč1889 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:05AM | Arrival Time 04:55PM | Duration 7h50 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price Kč1246 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:15AM | Arrival Time 04:55PM | Duration 7h40 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price Kč1356 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:05AM | Arrival Time 04:55PM | Duration 6h50 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price Kč1995 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:45AM | Arrival Time 07:05PM | Duration 8h20 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price Kč1571 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:05AM | Arrival Time 07:50PM | Duration 8h45 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price Kč1644 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:15PM | Arrival Time 07:50PM | Duration 7h35 | Departure days Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price Kč1359 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:35PM | Arrival Time 07:50PM | Duration 7h15 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price Kč1359 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:20PM | Arrival Time 10:50PM | Duration 7h30 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price Kč1387 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:45PM | Arrival Time 10:50PM | Duration 7h05 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price Kč1260 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:05PM | Arrival Time 10:50PM | Duration 6h45 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price Kč1260 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:30PM | Arrival Time 10:50PM | Duration 6h20 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price Kč2023 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:30PM | Arrival Time 01:45AM | Duration 7h15 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price Kč1387 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:45PM | Arrival Time 01:45AM | Duration 7h00 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price Kč1387 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:00PM | Arrival Time 01:45AM | Duration 6h45 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price Kč1291 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:15PM | Arrival Time 01:45AM | Duration 6h30 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price Kč1291 |
The table below shows live departures for Southampton to Colchester buses for tomorrow, Thursday, September 10. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NX032 · NXA8 · NX717 | 2:05 AM Southampton, Coach Station | 7h55 | 10:00 AM Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 2 transfers | |
NX032 · NXA8 · NX717 | 2:05 AM Southampton, Coach Station | 7h55 | 10:00 AM Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 2 transfers | |
NX032 · NXA8 · NX717 | 2:20 AM Southampton, University | 7h40 | 10:00 AM Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 2 transfers | |
NX032 · NXA8 · NX717 | 2:20 AM Southampton, University | 7h40 | 10:00 AM Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 2 transfers | |
NX032 · NX728 · NX717 | 5:35 AM Southampton, Coach Station | 6h50 | 12:25 PM Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 2 transfers | |
NX032 · NX728 · NX717 | 5:50 AM Southampton, University | 6h35 | 12:25 PM Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 2 transfers | |
NX032 · NXA8 · NX717 | 7:00 AM Southampton, Coach Station | 7h55 | 2:55 PM Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 2 transfers | |
NX032 · NXA8 · NX717 | 9:05 AM Southampton, University | 7h50 | 4:55 PM Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 2 transfers | |
NX032 · NXA8 · NX717 | 9:05 AM Southampton, University | 7h50 | 4:55 PM Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 2 transfers | |
NX032 · NX727 · NX717 | 10:05 AM Southampton, Coach Station | 6h50 | 4:55 PM Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 2 transfers | |
NX032 · NXA8 · NX717 | 12:15 PM Southampton, Coach Station | 7h35 | 7:50 PM Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 2 transfers | |
NX032 · NXA8 · NX717 | 12:35 PM Southampton, University | 7h15 | 7:50 PM Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 2 transfers | |
NX032 · NXA8 · NX717 | 3:20 PM Southampton, University | 7h30 | 10:50 PM Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 2 transfers | |
NX032 · NX727 · NX717 | 4:30 PM Southampton, Coach Station | 6h20 | 10:50 PM 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 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.
Buses from Southampton to Colchester run on average 18 times per day, taking around 5h 19m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at Kč1324 but you can travel from only Kč1209 by train.
The earliest bus runs at 02:05, the last at 21:35. The fastest bus covers the 120 miles (194 km) distance in 3h 55m.
Distance 120 miles (194 km) |
Average bus duration 5h 19m |
Cheapest ticket price Kč1324 |
Buses per day 18 |
Fastest bus 3h 55m |
First bus 2:05 AM |
Last bus 9:35 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 1 day |
Discover the best of Colchester — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Colchester trip today.
Major museum inside the Norman castle, presenting Roman finds and town history. Essential for understanding Colchester from Iron Age to modern times.
Award-winning museum on former barracks, covering military life and the Essex Regiment. Strong collections make it a standout for social and army history.
Natural history museum in a former church, with local wildlife, geology, and family displays. A useful stop for learning about Essex's environment.
Historic park around the castle with formal planting, Roman walls, and central lawns. A classic place to relax while exploring the old town.
Charming conservation area of timber-framed buildings and narrow streets, reflecting the town's links with Dutch and Flemish settlers.
Main shopping and historic street lined with heritage buildings, independent businesses, and civic landmarks. A practical and atmospheric town-centre walk.
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 is a traditional regional pie of chopped eel in rich gravy. It reflects the historic importance of estuary fishing in Essex.
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.
Well-regarded modern British restaurant serving seasonal tasting-style plates in an intimate, refined atmosphere.
Established seafood restaurant known for oysters, fish and polished service in a smart but relaxed setting near the town centre.
Popular casual venue for brunch, coffee and comfort food with a stylish interior and a strong local following.
Moderate for the UK: hotels and dining cost less than London, while local buses and casual meals stay fairly manageable for tourists.
Restaurants may add service; if not, tip 10-12% for good service. Taxi fares are often rounded up. Tipping in cafes is optional.
Official public transport app
Colchester East Hill / High Street, Colchester -> Colchester Town Centre, Colchester
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Southampton 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.

Most Southampton to Colchester buses use the Southampton, Coach Station to Colchester, East Hill / High Street station pair. Use this guide to compare Southampton and Colchester bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Southampton, Coach Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Café Express (in the station), Sandwich Bar (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance for cash withdrawals.
Ticket office support is available at Southampton, Coach Station.
Available at Southampton, Coach Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Southampton, Coach Station: Elevators, ramps.
Southampton, University is 3 km from Southampton city centre. Public transport options include:
Southampton, University has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Southampton, University. ATMs are available at Southampton, University.
Ticket office support is available at Southampton, University.
Available at Southampton, University: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Southampton, University: Basic accessibility features are available for passengers.
Colchester, East Hill / High Street has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Colchester, East Hill / High Street. ATMs are available at Colchester, East Hill / High Street.
Ticket office support is available at Colchester, East Hill / High Street.
Available at Colchester, East Hill / High Street: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Colchester, East Hill / High Street: Limited accessibility features.
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