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The cheapest and fastest buses from Manchester to Colchester
Showing times and prices for Mar 21
Cheapest price
€46
Average price
€59
Fastest journey
8 h 20 m
Average duration
8 h 53 m
Buses per day
10
Distance
276 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus 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 €59 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €46.
Fast buses
It's difficult to get from Manchester to Colchester without transferring at least 2 times.
NX540 · NXA8 · NX71707:15PM10h35
Manchester, Coach Station05:50AMColchester, East Hill / High Street
€461One-way
2 transfers
NX540 · NXA6 · NX71707:15PM10h35
Manchester, Coach Station05:50AMColchester, East Hill / High Street
€461One-way
2 transfers
NX540 · NXA8 · NX71709:30AM9h35
Manchester, Coach Station07:05PMColchester, East Hill / High Street
€481One-way
2 transfers
NX540 · NXA8 · NX71707:30AM9h10
Manchester, Coach Station04:40PMColchester, East Hill / High Street
€481One-way
2 transfers
NX540 · NXA8 · NX71709:30AM9h35
Manchester, Coach Station07:05PMColchester, East Hill / High Street
€481One-way
2 transfers
NX540 · NX737 · NX71701:30PM8h20
Manchester, Coach Station09:50PMColchester, East Hill / High Street
€621One-way
2 transfers
NX540 · NX737 · NX71704:45PM8h30
Manchester, Coach Station01:15AMColchester, East Hill / High Street
€611One-way
2 transfers
NX540 · NX737 · NX71705:40AM9h00
Manchester, Coach Station02:40PMColchester, East Hill / High Street
€661One-way
2 transfers
NX540 · NXA8 · NX71707:30AM9h10
Manchester, Coach Station04:40PMColchester, East Hill / High Street
€481One-way
2 transfers
NX421 · NX777 · NX71702:45AM9h25
Manchester, Coach Station12:10PMColchester, East Hill / High Street
€831One-way
2 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, 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 prices starting from €37. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 6m. 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 €37, and a flight costs an average of €69.
Distance: 276 km
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Train | Flight |
|---|---|---|
€61 Average price Cheapest | €106 Average price | €144 Average price |
8h 30m Average total duration 8h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 40m Average total duration 4h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 6m Average total duration Fastest 1h 6m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.3 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.8 - 1.6kg CO2 emissions |
Most popular bus company |  Most popular train company |  Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Manchester to Colchester bus times
The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Colchester buses for today, Friday, March 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at 12:59 PM
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NX540 · NX737 · NX717 | Delayed 3:45 PM 5:15 AMManchester, Coach Station | 9h30 | 2:45 PM Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 2 transfers | |
| NX540 · NXA8 · NX717 | Delayed 3:45 PM 6:15 AMManchester, Coach Station | 10h35 | 4:50 PM Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 2 transfers | |
| NX540 · NXA8 · NX717 | Delayed 3:45 PM 6:15 AMManchester, Coach Station | 10h35 | 4:50 PM Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 2 transfers | |
| NX540 · NXA8 · NX717 | Delayed 3:45 PM 9:30 AMManchester, Coach Station | 9h35 | 7:05 PM Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 2 transfers | |
| NX540 · NX737 · NX717 | Delayed 3:45 PM 1:30 PMManchester, Coach Station | 8h20 | 9:50 PM Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 2 transfers | |
| NX540 · NX737 · NX717 | On time 3:45 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 9h30 | 1:15 AM Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 2 transfers | |
| NX540 · NXA8 · NX717 | On time 7:15 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 10h35 | 5:50 AM Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 2 transfers | |
| NX540 · NXA6 · NX717 | On time 7:15 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 10h35 | 5:50 AM Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 2 transfers | |
| NX424 · NX777 · NX717 | On time 11:55 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 9h40 | 9:35 AM Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 2 transfers | |
| Saturday, March 21 | |||||
| NX421 · NX777 · NX717 | On time 2:45 AM Manchester, Coach Station | 9h25 | 12:10 PM Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 2 transfers | |
| NX540 · NX737 · NX717 | Delayed 6:35 AM 5:40 AMManchester, Coach Station | 9h00 | 2:40 PM Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 2 transfers | |
| NX540 · NXA8 · NX717 | On time 7:30 AM Manchester, Coach Station | 9h10 | 4:40 PM Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 2 transfers | |
| NX540 · NXA8 · NX717 | On time 9:30 AM Manchester, Coach Station | 9h35 | 7:05 PM Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 2 transfers | |
| NX540 · NXA8 · NX717 | On time 9:30 AM Manchester, Coach Station | 9h35 | 7:05 PM Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 2 transfers | |
| NX540 · NX737 · NX717 | On time 1:30 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 8h20 | 9:50 PM Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 2 transfers | |
| NX540 · NX737 · NX717 | On time 4:45 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 8h30 | 1:15 AM Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 2 transfers | |
| NX540 · NXA8 · NX717 | On time 7:15 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 10h35 | 5:50 AM Colchester, East Hill / High Street | 2 transfers | |
| NX540 · NXA6 · NX717 | On time 7:15 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 10h35 | 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 Manchester to Colchester by train, bus, or flight
Compare train, bus, 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.
Sat
Mar 21
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Mon
Mar 23
Mar 23
Tue
Mar 24
Mar 24
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Mar 25
Mar 25
Thu
Mar 26
Mar 26
Fri
Mar 27
Mar 27
Why should you book Manchester to Colchester buses with Omio?
National Express operates all buses 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 National Express?
- 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 National Express with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Manchester to Colchester.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Manchester to Colchester.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Manchester to Colchester
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Manchester to Colchester run on average 10 times per day, taking around 8h 0m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €37 if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 00:05, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 276 km distance in 8h 20m.
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 276 km |
Average bus duration 8h 0m |
Cheapest ticket price €37 |
Buses per day 10 |
Fastest bus 8h 20m |
First bus 00:05 |
Last bus 23:55 |
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 Manchester to ColchesterYou can travel by bus between Manchester to Colchester with National Express for as low as €37. 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
8h 20m
Cheapest Price
€37
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.
FAQs: Bus from Manchester to Colchester
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester 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.
Cheap coach tickets from Manchester to Colchester can start from as little as €37 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Manchester to Colchester is €61; 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 Manchester to Colchester is 8h 20m to travel the 276 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 Manchester to Colchester leaves at 12:05 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Manchester to Colchester leaves at 11:55 PM.
There are 10 coaches a day from Manchester 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 Manchester 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 Manchester and Colchester and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
A trip to Colchester from Manchester is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 8h 20m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Manchester to Colchester is July.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Manchester and Colchester including taking a train, bus, and flight.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Manchester to Colchester for coach company National Express.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Manchester to Colchester:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Manchester 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 Manchester to Colchester.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Manchester 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 Manchester to Colchester:
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Manchester to Colchester.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Manchester to Colchester with the following coach company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Manchester to Colchester with the following coach company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Manchester to Colchester with the following coach company: National Express.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Manchester to Colchester
Manchester
Colchester
The major bus station for departures in Manchester is Manchester, Coach Station. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Manchester, Coach Station for your trip from Manchester to Colchester.
Manchester, Coach Station
Amenities at bus station
WifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Officeinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 06:00-22:00
Car connection
Chorlton StreetWifi
- Free Wi-Fi
Dining
- Café at the Station (in the station)
- Fast Food Express (in the station).
Taxis
- Available outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
- Ramps, assistance
WC
- Available in the station.
Public transit options for Manchester, Coach Station
- Bus: 50, 192, 201, 203, 205, 219, 255, 256 Train: Manchester Piccadilly Metro: Piccadilly Gardens
Manchester, Airport
Amenities at bus station
WifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCShowerTicket Officeinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 00:00-23:59
Distance to city center
2 kmCar connection
Terminal Road NorthWifi
- Free Wi-Fi
Dining
- Burger King (in the station)
- Giraffe (in the station).
Taxis
- Available outside the terminal, with several companies offering services.
Accessibility
- Elevators, ramps, assistance
WC
- Available in the station.
Public transit options for Manchester, Airport
- Bus: 43, 103 Train: Manchester Airport
The major bus station for arrivals in Colchester is Colchester, East Hill / High Street. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Colchester, East Hill / High Street for your trip to Colchester from Manchester.
Colchester, East Hill / High Street
information
Most popular bus connections 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 buses to and from Colchester and Manchester
Most popular bus connections to Colchester
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