How to get from Chelmsford to Colchester

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What is the best way to travel from Chelmsford to Colchester?

Looking for a trip? Check and compare all the available Buses and Trains to Colchester from Chelmsford. Look at different modes of transportation, search for the cheapest tickets, fastest rides and most popular stations, and see all 1 available companies to find your perfect trip!
Bus is the cheapest, while Train is the fastest way on this route
Transport type
Travel time
Cheapest price
Average price
Daily departures
Bus
0h 43m
£7
£13
10
Train
0h 31m
£11
£18
8

What is the cheapest way to reach Colchester from Chelmsford?

You can reach Colchester with just £7 by taking a Bus from National Express, but there are many more cheap offers: we have selected the best ones for you for the next few days here.

Tuesday
from £16
Wednesday
from £11
Thursday
from £7
Friday
from £12
Saturday
from £11
Sunday
from £12
Monday
from £12

    Cheapest Buses Tuesday

  • National Express
    0h 50m
    0
    05:00
    London Stansted Airport
    London Stansted Airport
    05:50
    Colchester
    East Hill House
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £16
  • National Express
    1h 0m
    0
    08:45
    London Stansted Airport
    London Stansted Airport
    09:45
    Colchester
    East Hill House
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £16
  • National Express
    0h 55m
    0
    11:15
    London Stansted Airport
    London Stansted Airport
    12:10
    Colchester
    East Hill House
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £16
  • National Express
    0h 55m
    0
    13:45
    London Stansted Airport
    London Stansted Airport
    14:40
    Colchester
    East Hill House
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £16
  • National Express
    0h 55m
    0
    15:45
    London Stansted Airport
    London Stansted Airport
    16:40
    Colchester
    East Hill House
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £16

    Cheapest Trains Wednesday

  • Greater Anglia
    0h 31m
    0
    00:28
    Chelmsford
    Hatfield Peverel Train Station
    00:59
    Colchester
    Central Station
    0
    Greater Anglia
    Economy
    from £11
  • Greater Anglia
    0h 31m
    0
    01:05
    Chelmsford
    Hatfield Peverel Train Station
    01:36
    Colchester
    Central Station
    0
    Greater Anglia
    Economy
    from £11
  • Cheapest Buses Wednesday

  • National Express
    0h 45m
    0
    00:30
    London Stansted Airport
    London Stansted Airport
    01:15
    Colchester
    East Hill House
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £16
  • National Express
    0h 50m
    0
    05:00
    London Stansted Airport
    London Stansted Airport
    05:50
    Colchester
    East Hill House
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £16
  • National Express
    1h 0m
    0
    08:45
    London Stansted Airport
    London Stansted Airport
    09:45
    Colchester
    East Hill House
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £16
  • National Express
    0h 55m
    0
    11:15
    London Stansted Airport
    London Stansted Airport
    12:10
    Colchester
    East Hill House
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £16
  • National Express
    0h 55m
    0
    13:45
    London Stansted Airport
    London Stansted Airport
    14:40
    Colchester
    East Hill House
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £16

    Cheapest Buses Thursday

  • National Express
    0h 45m
    0
    00:30
    London Stansted Airport
    London Stansted Airport
    01:15
    Colchester
    East Hill House
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £7
  • National Express
    0h 50m
    0
    05:00
    London Stansted Airport
    London Stansted Airport
    05:50
    Colchester
    East Hill House
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £7
  • National Express
    1h 0m
    0
    08:45
    London Stansted Airport
    London Stansted Airport
    09:45
    Colchester
    East Hill House
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £7
  • National Express
    0h 55m
    0
    11:15
    London Stansted Airport
    London Stansted Airport
    12:10
    Colchester
    East Hill House
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £7
  • National Express
    0h 55m
    0
    13:45
    London Stansted Airport
    London Stansted Airport
    14:40
    Colchester
    East Hill House
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £8

    Cheapest Buses Friday

  • National Express
    0h 45m
    0
    00:30
    London Stansted Airport
    London Stansted Airport
    01:15
    Colchester
    East Hill House
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £12
  • National Express
    0h 50m
    0
    05:00
    London Stansted Airport
    London Stansted Airport
    05:50
    Colchester
    East Hill House
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £12
  • National Express
    1h 0m
    0
    08:45
    London Stansted Airport
    London Stansted Airport
    09:45
    Colchester
    East Hill House
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £12
  • National Express
    0h 55m
    0
    11:15
    London Stansted Airport
    London Stansted Airport
    12:10
    Colchester
    East Hill House
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £12
  • National Express
    1h 0m
    0
    13:45
    London Stansted Airport
    London Stansted Airport
    14:45
    Colchester
    East Hill House
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £12

    Cheapest Buses Saturday

  • Greater Anglia
    0h 43m
    0
    05:55
    Chelmsford
    Hatfield Peverel Train Station
    06:38
    Colchester
    Central Station
    0
    Greater Anglia
    Economy
    £11
  • National Express
    0h 45m
    0
    00:30
    London Stansted Airport
    London Stansted Airport
    01:15
    Colchester
    East Hill House
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £12
  • National Express
    0h 50m
    0
    05:00
    London Stansted Airport
    London Stansted Airport
    05:50
    Colchester
    East Hill House
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £12
  • National Express
    0h 50m
    0
    08:45
    London Stansted Airport
    London Stansted Airport
    09:35
    Colchester
    East Hill House
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £12
  • Greater Anglia
    1h 1m
    0
    05:37
    Chelmsford
    bus station
    06:38
    Colchester
    Central Station
    0
    Greater Anglia
    Economy
    £15
  • Cheapest Trains Saturday

  • Greater Anglia
    0h 31m
    0
    00:28
    Chelmsford
    Hatfield Peverel Train Station
    00:59
    Colchester
    Central Station
    0
    Greater Anglia
    Economy
    from £11
  • Greater Anglia
    0h 31m
    0
    01:05
    Chelmsford
    Hatfield Peverel Train Station
    01:36
    Colchester
    Central Station
    0
    Greater Anglia
    Economy
    from £11
  • Greater Anglia
    1h 59m
    0
    06:36
    Chelmsford
    South Woodham Ferrers Train Station
    08:35
    Colchester
    Central Station
    0
    Greater Anglia
    Economy
    from £26
  • Greater Anglia
    1h 59m
    0
    07:36
    Chelmsford
    South Woodham Ferrers Train Station
    09:35
    Colchester
    Central Station
    0
    Greater Anglia
    Economy
    from £26
  • Greater Anglia
    1h 44m
    0
    08:21
    Chelmsford
    South Woodham Ferrers Train Station
    10:05
    Colchester
    Central Station
    0
    Greater Anglia
    Economy
    from £26

    Cheapest Buses Sunday

  • National Express
    0h 45m
    0
    00:30
    London Stansted Airport
    London Stansted Airport
    01:15
    Colchester
    East Hill House
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £12
  • National Express
    0h 50m
    0
    05:00
    London Stansted Airport
    London Stansted Airport
    05:50
    Colchester
    East Hill House
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £12
  • National Express
    0h 50m
    0
    08:45
    London Stansted Airport
    London Stansted Airport
    09:35
    Colchester
    East Hill House
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £12
  • National Express
    0h 55m
    0
    11:15
    London Stansted Airport
    London Stansted Airport
    12:10
    Colchester
    East Hill House
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £12
  • National Express
    0h 55m
    0
    13:45
    London Stansted Airport
    London Stansted Airport
    14:40
    Colchester
    East Hill House
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £12

    Cheapest Buses Monday

  • National Express
    0h 45m
    0
    00:30
    London Stansted Airport
    London Stansted Airport
    01:15
    Colchester
    East Hill House
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £12
  • National Express
    0h 50m
    0
    05:00
    London Stansted Airport
    London Stansted Airport
    05:50
    Colchester
    East Hill House
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £12
  • National Express
    1h 0m
    0
    08:45
    London Stansted Airport
    London Stansted Airport
    09:45
    Colchester
    East Hill House
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £12
  • National Express
    0h 55m
    0
    11:15
    London Stansted Airport
    London Stansted Airport
    12:10
    Colchester
    East Hill House
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £12
  • National Express
    0h 55m
    0
    13:45
    London Stansted Airport
    London Stansted Airport
    14:40
    Colchester
    East Hill House
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £12
  • Cheapest Trains Monday

  • Greater Anglia
    1h 19m
    0
    05:45
    Chelmsford
    South Woodham Ferrers Train Station
    07:04
    Colchester
    Central Station
    0
    Greater Anglia
    Economy
    from £26

What are the fastest trips from Chelmsford to Colchester?

You can get to Colchester from Chelmsford in just 0h 31m with a Train from Greater Anglia. But this is just one option, click on any of the offers below to compare it with the other available modes of transportations.

Tuesday
from 0h 50m
Wednesday
from 0h 31m
Thursday
from 0h 45m
Friday
from 0h 45m
Saturday
from 0h 31m
Sunday
from 0h 45m
Monday
from 0h 45m

    Fastest Buses Tuesday

  • National Express
    0h 50m
    0
    05:00
    London Stansted Airport
    London Stansted Airport
    05:50
    Colchester
    East Hill House
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £16
  • National Express
    0h 55m
    0
    11:15
    London Stansted Airport
    London Stansted Airport
    12:10
    Colchester
    East Hill House
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £16
  • National Express
    0h 55m
    0
    13:45
    London Stansted Airport
    London Stansted Airport
    14:40
    Colchester
    East Hill House
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £16
  • National Express
    0h 55m
    0
    15:45
    London Stansted Airport
    London Stansted Airport
    16:40
    Colchester
    East Hill House
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £16
  • National Express
    1h 0m
    0
    08:45
    London Stansted Airport
    London Stansted Airport
    09:45
    Colchester
    East Hill House
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £16

    Fastest Trains Wednesday

  • Greater Anglia
    0h 31m
    0
    00:28
    Chelmsford
    Hatfield Peverel Train Station
    00:59
    Colchester
    Central Station
    0
    Greater Anglia
    Economy
    from £11
  • Greater Anglia
    0h 31m
    0
    01:05
    Chelmsford
    Hatfield Peverel Train Station
    01:36
    Colchester
    Central Station
    0
    Greater Anglia
    Economy
    from £11
  • Fastest Buses Wednesday

  • National Express
    0h 45m
    0
    00:30
    London Stansted Airport
    London Stansted Airport
    01:15
    Colchester
    East Hill House
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £16
  • National Express
    0h 50m
    0
    05:00
    London Stansted Airport
    London Stansted Airport
    05:50
    Colchester
    East Hill House
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £16
  • National Express
    0h 55m
    0
    11:15
    London Stansted Airport
    London Stansted Airport
    12:10
    Colchester
    East Hill House
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £16
  • National Express
    0h 55m
    0
    13:45
    London Stansted Airport
    London Stansted Airport
    14:40
    Colchester
    East Hill House
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £16
  • National Express
    1h 0m
    0
    08:45
    London Stansted Airport
    London Stansted Airport
    09:45
    Colchester
    East Hill House
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £16

    Fastest Buses Thursday

  • National Express
    0h 45m
    0
    00:30
    London Stansted Airport
    London Stansted Airport
    01:15
    Colchester
    East Hill House
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £7
  • National Express
    0h 50m
    0
    05:00
    London Stansted Airport
    London Stansted Airport
    05:50
    Colchester
    East Hill House
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £7
  • National Express
    0h 55m
    0
    11:15
    London Stansted Airport
    London Stansted Airport
    12:10
    Colchester
    East Hill House
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £7
  • National Express
    0h 55m
    0
    13:45
    London Stansted Airport
    London Stansted Airport
    14:40
    Colchester
    East Hill House
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £8
  • National Express
    1h 0m
    0
    08:45
    London Stansted Airport
    London Stansted Airport
    09:45
    Colchester
    East Hill House
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £7

    Fastest Buses Friday

  • National Express
    0h 45m
    0
    00:30
    London Stansted Airport
    London Stansted Airport
    01:15
    Colchester
    East Hill House
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £12
  • National Express
    0h 50m
    0
    05:00
    London Stansted Airport
    London Stansted Airport
    05:50
    Colchester
    East Hill House
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £12
  • National Express
    0h 55m
    0
    11:15
    London Stansted Airport
    London Stansted Airport
    12:10
    Colchester
    East Hill House
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £12
  • National Express
    1h 0m
    0
    08:45
    London Stansted Airport
    London Stansted Airport
    09:45
    Colchester
    East Hill House
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £12
  • National Express
    1h 0m
    0
    13:45
    London Stansted Airport
    London Stansted Airport
    14:45
    Colchester
    East Hill House
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £12

    Fastest Trains Saturday

  • Greater Anglia
    0h 31m
    0
    00:28
    Chelmsford
    Hatfield Peverel Train Station
    00:59
    Colchester
    Central Station
    0
    Greater Anglia
    Economy
    from £11
  • Greater Anglia
    0h 31m
    0
    01:05
    Chelmsford
    Hatfield Peverel Train Station
    01:36
    Colchester
    Central Station
    0
    Greater Anglia
    Economy
    from £11
  • Greater Anglia
    1h 44m
    0
    08:21
    Chelmsford
    South Woodham Ferrers Train Station
    10:05
    Colchester
    Central Station
    0
    Greater Anglia
    Economy
    from £26
  • Greater Anglia
    1h 59m
    0
    06:36
    Chelmsford
    South Woodham Ferrers Train Station
    08:35
    Colchester
    Central Station
    0
    Greater Anglia
    Economy
    from £26
  • Greater Anglia
    1h 59m
    0
    07:36
    Chelmsford
    South Woodham Ferrers Train Station
    09:35
    Colchester
    Central Station
    0
    Greater Anglia
    Economy
    from £26
  • Fastest Buses Saturday

  • Greater Anglia
    0h 43m
    0
    05:55
    Chelmsford
    Hatfield Peverel Train Station
    06:38
    Colchester
    Central Station
    0
    Greater Anglia
    Economy
    £11
  • National Express
    0h 45m
    0
    00:30
    London Stansted Airport
    London Stansted Airport
    01:15
    Colchester
    East Hill House
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £12
  • National Express
    0h 50m
    0
    05:00
    London Stansted Airport
    London Stansted Airport
    05:50
    Colchester
    East Hill House
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £12
  • National Express
    0h 50m
    0
    08:45
    London Stansted Airport
    London Stansted Airport
    09:35
    Colchester
    East Hill House
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £12
  • Greater Anglia
    1h 1m
    0
    05:37
    Chelmsford
    bus station
    06:38
    Colchester
    Central Station
    0
    Greater Anglia
    Economy
    £15

    Fastest Buses Sunday

  • National Express
    0h 45m
    0
    00:30
    London Stansted Airport
    London Stansted Airport
    01:15
    Colchester
    East Hill House
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £12
  • National Express
    0h 50m
    0
    05:00
    London Stansted Airport
    London Stansted Airport
    05:50
    Colchester
    East Hill House
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £12
  • National Express
    0h 50m
    0
    08:45
    London Stansted Airport
    London Stansted Airport
    09:35
    Colchester
    East Hill House
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £12
  • National Express
    0h 55m
    0
    11:15
    London Stansted Airport
    London Stansted Airport
    12:10
    Colchester
    East Hill House
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £12
  • National Express
    0h 55m
    0
    13:45
    London Stansted Airport
    London Stansted Airport
    14:40
    Colchester
    East Hill House
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £12

    Fastest Buses Monday

  • National Express
    0h 45m
    0
    00:30
    London Stansted Airport
    London Stansted Airport
    01:15
    Colchester
    East Hill House
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £12
  • National Express
    0h 50m
    0
    05:00
    London Stansted Airport
    London Stansted Airport
    05:50
    Colchester
    East Hill House
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £12
  • National Express
    0h 55m
    0
    11:15
    London Stansted Airport
    London Stansted Airport
    12:10
    Colchester
    East Hill House
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £12
  • National Express
    0h 55m
    0
    13:45
    London Stansted Airport
    London Stansted Airport
    14:40
    Colchester
    East Hill House
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £12
  • National Express
    1h 0m
    0
    08:45
    London Stansted Airport
    London Stansted Airport
    09:45
    Colchester
    East Hill House
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £12
  • Fastest Trains Monday

  • Greater Anglia
    1h 19m
    0
    05:45
    Chelmsford
    South Woodham Ferrers Train Station
    07:04
    Colchester
    Central Station
    0
    Greater Anglia
    Economy
    from £26
Here you will find all operators and timetables for a Bus from Chelmsford to Colchester

What are the most popular stations in Chelmsford and Colchester?

In Chelmsford, you will usually depart from Hatfield Peverel Train Station, bus station or South Woodham Ferrers Train Station, while in Colchester you will be arriving at East Hill House, University of Essex or Coach Station, but there are many more stops to explore in both locations.

How do I decide? Some tips and tricks from our experience

Are you having trouble deciding on how to get to Colchester from Chelmsford? With 6 connections between 1 Bus and Train operators, it can be difficult to find the one ride that will make you happy. But we have some tips that can help you make the best informed decision. First of all, the best trip is always the one that meets all your needs, so make a list of all the things that you want from this journey and look for something that will satisfy all of them. Here we will go through some of the factors mostly commonly taken into consideration.

Look for the lowest price

Ticket price is usually the main concern: even if you can afford to pay more, why do it if there are cheaper options? Saving on the trip means that you can spend more on the vacation itself! Between Chelmsford and Colchester, you can pay as low as £7 with a Bus from National Express.

Travel duration

Time is also an important factor. An earlier departure may allow you to see a beautiful sunset or relax before an important event. And remember, time is money, so paying more for a shorter trip may be well worth it. For longer distances, flights are without doubt the best options, but be mindful of airport times and possible delays: a high-speed train may end up cheaper and faster! Here the quicker option is definitely the Train from Greater Anglia: you will get to Colchester in just 0h 31m.

Comfort makes all the difference

You should always take into account what your personal travelling preferences are. Is one hand luggage enough, or are you trasporting more? Would you like to have a snack during the journey? Can you relax in a busy compartment, or do you need space for yourself? Even among the same mode of transportation, different companies will offer you varying levels of comfort and amenities. The main operators connecting Chelmsford and Colchester are National Express and Greater Anglia, but be sure to check what they have to offer!

Save money with deals, and always compare

One last tip? Even if you live in Chelmsford and Colchester is your only destination, it may be wise to check the offers from and to nearby cities or, if you are flyng, nearby airports. Check the trips from Spring field or to Wivenhoe, and look at flights from Rochester Airport, and landing at London Southend Airport. Comparing different routes may allow you to find deals or promotions you were not aware of. Consider also signing up to CheckMyBus to see even more exclusive promotions!

Which companies offer a trip from Chelmsford to Colchester?

The most popular companies between Chelmsford and Colchester, are National Express and Greater Anglia. Be sure to check their seat class offers and the amenities that they provide.

Bus companies: National Express and Greater Anglia

Train companies: Greater Anglia

All you need to know when you travel from Chelmsford to Colchester

Check all information on comfort and services on all modes of transports from Chelmsford to Colchester. See which seat classes are available, and what amenities are other advantages offered by the operators on your journey.

FAQs about the trip from Chelmsford to Colchester

How can I reach Colchester from Chelmsford?

Every day, there are on average 6 connections between Bus and Train, with which you can get to Colchester from Chelmsford.

How far is Colchester from Chelmsford?

The distance between Chelmsford and Colchester is 34.3 km.

What is the most ecofriendly mode of transport between Chelmsford and Colchester?

Trains and buses are by far the greenest options, with trains surpassing buses on longer routes. Planes will always be the worst polluters, especially in shorter flights, were the emissions from the takeoff and landing are less offset by the distance. On this particular route, a bus will emit, per person, a total of 1 kgs of CO2, a train 1 kgs, a car 6 kgs, and a flight 8 kgs.

What is the cheapest mode of transport from Chelmsford to Colchester?

You can get to Colchester with just £7 by taking a Bus from National Express.

What is the fastest way to get from Chelmsford to Colchester?

While a plane is travelling fastest boarding and transfer to airport consumes a lot of time. Usually, high speed trains are better than flights if pure train travel time is below 4 hours. For this particular route, you can get to Colchester in just 0h 31m with a Train from Greater Anglia.

More routes to Chelmsford and to Colchester

Looking for more options? Here you can see the most popular routes to Chelmsford and to Colchester. Simply click on a connection, and you’ll find all the details about the route!

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