- 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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Journey information
Overview: Manchester to Colchester flight
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Flights from Manchester to Colchester depart on average 13 times per day, taking around 1h 54m. Cheap flight tickets for this journey start at $85 but you can travel from only $44 by bus.
There are 6 flights per day. The earliest flight runs at 05:05, the last at 22:15. The fastest flight covers the 171 miles (276 km) distance in 1h 0m. January is the cheapest month to fly.
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $44
Distance 171 miles (276 km) |
Average flight duration 1h 54m |
Cheapest ticket price $85 |
Flights per day 13 |
Direct flights 6 |
Fastest flight 1h 0m |
First flight 5:05 AM |
Last flight 10:15 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 1 day |
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $44
The cheapest and fastest flights from Manchester to Colchester
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 20
Cheapest price on Sep 20
$159
Average ticket price on Sep 20
$170
Fastest journey on Sep 20
1 h
Average journey duration on Sep 20
1 h 5 m
Flights on Sep 20
3
Distance
276 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap flight ticket from Manchester to Colchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Manchester to Colchester will cost around $170 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $159.
Fast flights
On Sun, Sep 20, we found 3 flights from Manchester to Colchester, including 3 direct services.
On Sun, Sep 20 the direct flights cover the 276 km distance in an average of 1 h 5 m but if you time it right, some flights will get you there in just 1 h .
On Sun, Sep 20 the longest flights will take 1 h 10 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.
11:45 AM1h10Manchester12:55 PMColchester$1591One-way0 transfers- 3:35 PM1h05Manchester4:40 PMColchester$1751One-way0 transfers
- 7:00 PM1h00Manchester8:00 PMColchester$1771One-way0 transfers
- 7:00 PM1h00Manchester8:00 PMColchester$1771One-way0 transfers
- 3:35 PM1h05Manchester4:40 PMColchester$1751One-way0 transfers
- 11:45 AM1h10Manchester12:55 PMColchester$1591One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for Manchester to Colchester
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Manchester to Colchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $88 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 3h 54m. 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 $88, while a flight costs an average of $427.
Distance: 171 miles (276 km)
Compare flight with
| Flight | Most popular Bus | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$427 Average price | $88 Average price Cheapest | $158 Average price | $93 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 54m Average total duration Fastest 1h 54m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 7h 39m Average total duration 7h 9m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 57m Average total duration 3h 27m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 45m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.8 - 1.6kg CO2 emissions | 0.3 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
Most popular airline |  Most popular bus company |  Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | 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 Manchester to Colchester is a bus with an average price of $88.
This is compared to other travel options from Manchester to Colchester:
A bus is $70 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Manchester to Colchester costing on average $158.
A bus is $338 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Manchester to Colchester costing on average $427.
The fastest way to travel from Manchester to Colchester is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 54m.
Other travel options to Colchester take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 27m.
Bus takes on average 7h 9m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Manchester and Colchester including taking a bus, train, and flight.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Manchester to Colchester among Omio's users.
Live departures
Manchester to Colchester flight times
The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Colchester flights for today, Saturday, September 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated flight journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5:10 PM Manchester | 1h05 | 6:15 PM Colchester | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 5:35 PM Manchester | 1h00 | 6:35 PM Colchester | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last flight of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Manchester to Colchester by bus, train, or flight
Compare bus, train, and flight 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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Sep 20
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Why should you book Manchester to Colchester flights with Omio?
British Airways operates all flights services from Manchester to Colchester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Manchester to Colchester.
Why book with Omio vs British Airways?
- 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 British Airways with all available travel options, which are bus, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Manchester to Colchester.
Why book with Omio over Skyscanner, Trip or Edreams?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Manchester to Colchester.
Airlines: British Airways, Loganair, BA Cityflyer from Manchester to ColchesterFind the best flights between Manchester to Colchester with Omio's travel partners British Airways, Loganair, BA Cityflyer from $44. We can find you the best deals, schedules and tickets when comparing and booking the best trip.
British Airways
About
British Airways (BA) is the United Kingdom’s flag carrier airline with headquarters in London near its main hub at London Heathrow Airport (LHR). BA is the second largest UK-based airline in terms of fleet size and number of passengers carried. Known as a full-service global airline, British Airways offers year-round low fares to destinations worldwide and flies to and from centrally-located airports. Its extensive global route network includes more than 170 destinations in nearly 80 countries throughout Europe, North America, South America, Asia, Africa and Australia. syn p British Airways (BA) is the flag carrier airline of the United Kingdom with its headquarters in London near its main hub at London Heathrow Airport (LHR). Known as a full-service global airline, BA offers low fares year-round to destinations around the globe and flies to and from centrally-located airports. Its extensive global route network includes more than 170 destinations in nearly 80 countries throughout Europe, North America, South America, Asia, Africa and Australia. BA is also the second largest airline based in the UK in terms of its fleet size and number of passengers carried.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average British Airways Duration
1h 0m
Cheapest British Airways Price
$85
British Airways frequency
12 a day
Luggage included
Economy Basic includes 1 cabin bag (max 23kg, 56x45x25cm) plus 1 personal item (40x30x15cm)
Additional luggage
Additional checked bags can be purchased, with prices varying by route and fare class
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policy depends on ticket type - Basic tickets non-refundable, Flexible tickets can be cancelled for a full refund
Pregnant on board
Travel permitted until end of 36th week for single pregnancies, end of 32nd week for multiple pregnancies. Medical clearance required after 28th weeks
Unaccompagned minor
Young flyers aged 5-11 can travel alone using British Airways' Skyflyer Solo service. Service must be booked in advance and is available on most routes
Amenities on board the airplane
Wifi
Food sold onboard
USB plugs
Accessibility
British Airways provides assistance for passengers with reduced mobility, including wheelchair assistance and special assistance through airports.
Pets
Pets travel in the hold except assistance dogs. Advance booking required. Only cats and dogs accepted on most routes
Entertaiment on board
BA Cityflyer
About
BA Cityflyer is a British regional airline and a wholly-owned subsidiary of British Airways, operating under BA's branding and flight numbers. Its main base is London City Airport, from which it operates a network of domestic and European routes. The airline primarily uses a fleet of Embraer 190 aircraft, which are suited for London City's short runway and steep approach. While focusing on the financial market, BA Cityflyer has expanded into leisure destinations. Unlike mainline British Airways flights, BA Cityflyer offers a complimentary bar service in economy class on its London City services.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average BA Cityflyer Duration
2h 30m
Cheapest BA Cityflyer Price
$328
BA Cityflyer frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
1 cabin bag (40x30x15cm) + 1 personal item
Additional luggage
23kg checked baggage can be purchased
Cancellation Policy
Full refund available up to 24 hours after booking if travel is more than 3 weeks away
Pregnant on board
Up to end of 36th week for single pregnancy, end of 32nd week for multiple pregnancy. Medical certificate required after 28th week
Unaccompagned minor
Available for ages 5-11, must be booked at least 72 hours before departure
Amenities on board the airplane
Wifi
USB plugs
Accessibility
BA CityFlyer provides assistance for passengers with reduced mobility. Pre-notification is required.
Pets
Small pets in cabin, max 6kg including carrier
Entertaiment on board
Loganair
About
Loganair, established in 1962, is Scotland's largest regional airline, headquartered at Glasgow Airport. It primarily operates domestic flights within the United Kingdom, serving over 40 destinations, including remote island communities. Known for its "lifeline services," Loganair connects isolated areas and even operates the world's shortest scheduled flight between Westray and Papa Westray. The airline also uniquely uses Barra Airport, where flights land on a tidal beach. Loganair has a diverse fleet, including smaller aircraft like the Britten-Norman Islander, and offers a frequent flyer program called Clan Loganair.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Loganair Duration
2h 15m
Cheapest Loganair Price
$312
Loganair frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
1 piece of cabin baggage (40x35x18cm) plus 1 personal item
Additional luggage
Hold luggage can be purchased, 15kg or 23kg options available
Cancellation Policy
Non-refundable tickets unless flex fare purchased. Changes allowed with fee.
Pregnant on board
Passengers can fly up to the end of 36th week for single pregnancies, end of 32nd week for multiple pregnancies
Unaccompagned minor
Young persons aged 12-16 can travel unaccompanied. Children aged 5-11 must use Meet and Assist service
Amenities on board the airplane
USB plugs
Accessibility
Loganair provides assistance for passengers with reduced mobility, including wheelchair assistance and special assistance for boarding and disembarking
Pets
Small pets allowed in cabin, larger dogs in hold. Must be booked in advance
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.
FAQs: Manchester to Colchester Flight
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester to Colchester by flight. 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 flight, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Colchester, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap plane tickets from Manchester to Colchester can start from as little as $85 when you book in advance. The average flight ticket price for Manchester to Colchester is $427 ; 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 plane from Manchester to Colchester is 1h 0m to travel the 171 miles (276 km) long route. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest flight from Manchester to Colchester leaves at 5:05 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest flight from Manchester to Colchester leaves at 10:15 PM.
Yes, there are 6 direct flights a day from Manchester to Colchester with . Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct flights.
When taking a flight from Manchester to Colchester, you can count on British Airways for the best way to get you to Colchester. You can also check all possible airlines who offer a service between Manchester and Colchester and compare the amenities they offer before buying a plane ticket.
Flights from Manchester to Colchester generally leave from Manchester Airport and arrive in London Heathrow Airport.Manchester Airport is 8 miles (13 km) away from Manchester city centre and London Heathrow Airport is 14 miles (23 km) from Colchester city centre.
The cheapest month for a flight from Manchester to Colchester is January.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Manchester and Colchester including taking a bus, train, and flight.
Since neither Manchester 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.
There is no time difference between Manchester and Colchester.
The best events to attend in Colchester include:
- Colchester Castle Park Fireworks, a spectacular fireworks display set against the backdrop of the historic Colchester Castle
- Colchester Arts Festival, a vibrant celebration of arts and culture featuring performances, exhibitions, and workshops
- Colchester Food and Drink Festival, an annual event showcasing local produce, culinary delights, and craft beverages.
The best holidays to experience in Colchester include:
- Easter, mild spring weather and traditional religious processions
- May Bank Holiday, vibrant local events and blooming gardens
- August Bank Holiday, warm weather perfect for outdoor activities and festivals.
The best season to visit Colchester is Spring or Summer. The best weather to explore Colchester is during May-July or September-October.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Manchester to Colchester among Omio's users.
For domestic flights we recommend to arrive 1.5 to 2 hours before departure. Please check the website of your departure airport if in doubt. Some airports may offer booking time slots for security checks or offer additional information on when to get there based on time of day.
Most airlines permit carry-on bags that fit within specific dimensions (e.g., 22 x 14 x 9 inches or 56 x 36 x 23 cm), including handles and wheels. Bags must fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you.
Many airlines impose weight limits, commonly ranging between 7 kg (15 lbs) and 12 kg (26 lbs). Typically, passengers are allowed one carry-on bag and one personal item (for example a purse, laptop bag, or backpack). Personal items must fit under the seat in front of you. Budget Airlines (like Ryanair or Wizz Air) have stricter size and weight limits, often requiring fees for larger carry-ons. Full-Service Airlines have more lenient policies, sometimes including more spacious dimensions or higher weight limits depending on your ticket class.
The list of items prohibited on an airplane varies by country and airline, but in general, the following items are not allowed in carry-on or checked baggage: Weapons and self-defence items, sharp objects, flammable materials, explosives, toxic substances, or liquids over 100ml (except for medications and baby essentials). In checked baggage, firearms (without authorization), explosives, large lithium batteries, and hazardous chemicals are prohibited. Electronic cigarettes must be in carry-on bags, while alcohol and dry ice have restrictions. Always check with your airline for specific regulations.
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 airports
Popular airports from Manchester to Colchester
Most Manchester to Colchester flights use the Manchester Airport to London Heathrow Airport airport pair. Use this guide to compare Manchester and Colchester airports on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like airport facilities and services.
Departure airports in Manchester
Arrival airports in Colchester
Which Manchester airport do flights to Colchester leave from?
Flights from Manchester to Colchester depart from Manchester Airport. The airport is 8 miles (13 km) from Manchester city centre at Manchester Airport, Manchester M90 1QX, United Kingdom.
Manchester Airport (MAN)Manchester Airport, Manchester M90 1QX, United Kingdom
City-centre transport
Getting to Manchester Airport from Manchester city centre
Manchester Airport is 13 km from Manchester city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainLiverpool Lime Street - Manchester Airport, Manchester Piccadilly - Crewe, Blackpool North - Manchester Airport, Barrow-in-Furness - Manchester Airport, Windermere - Manchester Airport, Manchester Piccadilly - Wilmslow, Manchester Piccadilly - Manchester Airport, Millom - Manchester Airport, Lancaster - Manchester Airport, Manchester Oxford Road - Manchester Airport, Corkickle - Manchester Airport, Preston - Manchester Airport · 17m · $6 · every ~9 min
BusUk980, Uk076, Uk074, Uk072, Ukn23 · 30m · $1 · every ~2 min
43, 103 · 1h 6m · $2 · every ~29 min
TramNavy Line · 51m · $5 · every ~16 min
Navy Line · 54m · $5 · every ~16 min
Manchester Airport airport facilities and services
Manchester Airport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, Lounge, and Lost and Found Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi available throughout the airport. ATMs are located in all terminals.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Manchester Airport: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Airport: Assistance, toilets.
Most popular flights from Manchester
More options for your journey from Manchester to Colchester
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular flights to and from Colchester and Manchester
Most popular flights to Colchester
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