Cardiff to Colchester bus with National Express

Thu, Jan 29
+ Add return
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Cardiff to Colchester

Showing times and prices for Jan 30

Cheapest price

€45

Average price

€55

Fastest journey

7 h 45 m

Average duration

8 h 28 m

Buses per day

3

Distance

285 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Cardiff to Colchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Cardiff to Colchester will cost around €55 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €45.

Fast buses

Of the 3 buses that leave Cardiff for Colchester on Fri, Jan 30, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Fri, Jan 30 the direct buses cover the 285 km distance in an average of 8 h 28 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 7 h 45 m .

On Fri, Jan 30 the slowest buses will take 8 h 50 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.

National Express
04:30PM7h45
Cardiff
12:15AMColchester
€451One-way
0 transfers
National Express
02:20AM8h50
Cardiff
11:10AMColchester
€601One-way
0 transfers
National Express
12:00PM8h50
Cardiff
08:50PMColchester
€611One-way
0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train and bus for Cardiff to Colchester

Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Colchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €34. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 4m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €34, and a train costs an average of €39.

Distance: 285 km

Compare bus with

Most popular
Bus
Train

€49

Average price

Cheapest

€69

Average price

7h 4m

Average total duration

6h 34m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 34m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 4m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

National Express

Most popular bus company

Great Western Rail

Most popular train company

Direct Options

Direct Options

Live departures

Cardiff to Colchester bus times

The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Colchester buses for today, Thursday, January 29. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at 7:14 AM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
national_express3:45 PM Cardiff
8h30
12:15 AM Colchester0 transfersDirect
national_express3:55 PM Cardiff
8h20
12:15 AM Colchester0 transfersDirect
Friday, January 30
national_express2:20 AM Cardiff
8h50
11:10 AM Colchester0 transfersDirect

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Cardiff to Colchester by train or bus

Compare train and bus 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.

Fri
Jan 30
Sat
Jan 31
Sun
Feb 01
Mon
Feb 02
Tue
Feb 03
Wed
Feb 04
Thu
Feb 05

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Cardiff to Colchester

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Cardiff to Colchester run on average 7 times per day, taking around 6h 34m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €34 if you book in advance.

The earliest bus runs at 03:05, the last at 19:58. The fastest bus covers the 285 km distance in 7h 45m.

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
285 km
Average bus duration
6h 34m
Cheapest ticket price
€34
Buses per day
7
Fastest bus
7h 45m
First bus
03:05
Last bus
19:58
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 Cardiff to ColchesterYou can travel by bus between Cardiff to Colchester with National Express for as low as €34. 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
7h 45m
Cheapest Price
€34
National Express frequency
8 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 Cardiff to Colchester

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff 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 coach tickets from Cardiff to Colchester can start from as little as €34 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Cardiff to Colchester is €49; 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 coach from Cardiff to Colchester is 7h 45m to travel the 285 km long trip. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest coach from Cardiff to Colchester leaves at 3:05 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Cardiff to Colchester leaves at 7:58 PM.
There are 7 coaches a day from Cardiff to Colchester which require at least one change with National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.
When taking a coach from Cardiff to Colchester, you can count on National Express for the best way to get you to Colchester. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Cardiff and Colchester and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
A trip to Colchester from Cardiff is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 7h 45m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Cardiff to Colchester is June.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cardiff and Colchester including taking a train and bus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Cardiff to Colchester:
  • National Express
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Cardiff to Colchester for coach company National Express.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Cardiff to Colchester depends on the coach companies:
  • 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.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the coach with coach company National Express.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
No, there is no food available to purchase on board the coach from Cardiff to Colchester.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Cardiff 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 coach ticket from Cardiff to Colchester:
  • National Express
    • 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Cardiff to Colchester.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Cardiff to Colchester with the following coach company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Cardiff to Colchester with the following coach company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Cardiff to Colchester with the following coach company: National Express.

popular bus stations

Popular bus stations from Cardiff to Colchester

Cardiff
Colchester
The major bus station for departures in Cardiff is Cardiff, Sophia Gardens. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens for your trip from Cardiff to Colchester.
Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
information
Cardiff, University
information
Cardiff, North Road (St Josephs Convent)
information

More options for your journey from Cardiff to Colchester

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

Tickets and more information for coaches to Cardiff
Tickets and more information for coaches to Colchester
HomeBusesBus tickets to ColchesterCardiff to Colchester bus

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