Travel Information
Compare bus and train for Colchester to Chelmsford
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Colchester to Chelmsford among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €5. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 23m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €5, and a train costs an average of €11.
Distance: 34 km
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train |
|---|---|
€5 Average price Cheapest | €16 Average price |
1h 23m Average total duration 53m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 53m Average total duration Fastest 23m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Compare prices and tickets Colchester to Chelmsford 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.
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Journey information
Overview: Bus from Colchester to Chelmsford
Buses from Colchester to Chelmsford run on average 4 times per day, taking around 53m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €5 if you book in advance.
There are 3 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:14, the last at 23:50. The fastest bus covers the 34 km distance in 46m.
Distance 34 km |
Average bus duration 53m |
Cheapest ticket price €5 |
Buses per day 4 |
Direct buses 3 |
Fastest bus 46m |
First bus 00:14 |
Last bus 23:50 |
Bus providers: First Essex, Stephensons of Essex from Colchester to ChelmsfordYou can travel by bus between Colchester to Chelmsford with First Essex, Stephensons of Essex for as low as €5. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
First Essex
Stephensons of Essex
Coach from Colchester to Chelmsford
Coaches from Colchester to Chelmsford depart every day, including at weekends. There are multiple departures throughout the day, covering the 20 miles between the two destinations in Essex. The journey can take anywhere from 35 minutes to 45 minutes, depending on the service selected.
How long is the journey by bus from Colchester to Chelmsford?
Taking coaches from Colchester to Chelmsford can be as quick as 35 minutes or a little longer at 45 minutes. There are no changes required along the route, but passengers can decide which stops to get on and off at for their convenience.
How many coaches are there from Colchester to Chelmsford?
There are up to 11 coaches a day travelling between Colchester and Chelmsford, with the first buses leaving early in the morning and the last mid-afternoon. The 6:00 a.m. departure can get passengers into Chelmsford in time for the start of the working day, while the 3.55 p.m. bus arrives late in the afternoon.
What is/are the departure and arrival bus stations for buses from Colchester to Chelmsford?
Departure bus station: Passengers boarding coaches from Colchester to Chelmsford can do so from a number of stops. These are the coach station, the railway station and Zingst, West. Colchester Coach Station is a 20-minute walk from the centre of town and on the numbers one A, 64 and 64A bus routes. There are refreshment facilities and toilets at the coach station.
Arrival bus station: Chelmsford Bus and Coach Terminal. This is a four-minute walk from the city centre and is close to other transport infrastructure, such as the train station. A retail complex is attached to the coach station, offering ample facilities, including toilets.
Which coach providers travel from Colchester to Chelmsford?
Coaches from Colchester to Chelmsford are operated by National Express, with multiple departures to choose from. While there is a disparity in length between some of the services, it's only about a 10 minute difference.
National Express Colchester to Chelmsford
National Express operates 11 coaches a day from Colchester to Chelmsford, offering a number of departure times, from 6:00 a.m. until 3.55 p.m. There is no need for passengers to change buses between the two destinations in the southeast, but there are a number of stops on the route. This can be particularly convenient for anyone not wanting to get on the coach in central Colchester.
Colchester to Chelmsford Coach: Services on board
Everybody who buys a ticket for National Express coaches from Colchester to Chelmsford is guaranteed a comfortable seat with a generous amount of legroom and individual air conditioning controls. The VUER entertainment system is provided as standard, with hours of TV and films to screen throughout the journey. There is also free WiFi and accessible USB ports near each seat. Passengers have a luggage allowance of one case measuring 75 cm x 50 cm x 32 cm or two cases no bigger than 70 cm x 45 cm x 70 cm. In total, this baggage must not weigh more than 20 kg. An additional piece of soft hand luggage measuring 45 cm x 35 cm x 20 cm or smaller is also allowed on board. Extra pieces can be transported inside the hold for a supplementary fee. Pets are not permitted on board, with the exception of assistance dogs. Bikes are welcomed if they have been folded up, dismantled into manageable pieces or wrapped in an appropriate manner; they will then be considered as one piece of luggage. The majority of National Express's coaches from Colchester to Chelmsford can be accessed by disabled passengers due to lifts fitted at the front. It's best for passengers with mobility issues to contact National Express 36 hours before travel to secure their services.
FAQs: Bus from Colchester to Chelmsford
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Colchester to Chelmsford 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 Chelmsford, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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