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Manchester, Greater Manchester to Colchester, Essex from $54: 9 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Manchester, United Kingdom
to
Colchester, United Kingdom

How to Get from Manchester to Colchester: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

1Map provides directions to cities, towns, landmarks, attractions, and addresses worldwide, offering thousands of multi-modal routes to easily get you from point A to point B.

$54 by busBest price
277 kmDistance
3h 15m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Manchester to Colchester with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.

Company
various
Train
Average Duration
3h  15m
Estimated price
$112-257
Recommended
Company
Megabus UK, National Express, TerraVision UK
Bus
Average Duration
8h  18m
Estimated price
$54-69
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 277 km
Duration: 3h 15m

See more options

Pricing table
Company
various
Plane
Average Duration
6h  8m
Estimated price
$54-274
Company
various
Plane
Average Duration
6h  32m
Estimated price
$63-295
Company
N/A
Drive
Average Duration
3h  58m
Estimated price
$70-110
Company
various
Plane
Average Duration
6h  17m
Estimated price
$79-327
Company
various
Train
Average Duration
5h  57m
Estimated price
$90-135
Company
various
Plane
Average Duration
4h  8m
Estimated price
$90-297
Company
various
Plane
Average Duration
5h  40m
Estimated price
$159-533

Compare prices for your selected dates

TypeMo 10/03Tu 11/03We 12/03Th 13/03Fr 14/03Sa 15/03Su 16/03
Train $99 $122 $98 $125 $130 $127 $131
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Traveling From Manchester to Colchester

Your journey from Manchester, known for its vibrant urban energy and rich industrial history, to Colchester, with its charming historical sites and serene countryside, offers a captivating contrast in experiences.

Best Neighbourhoods in Colchester

Colchester features diverse neighborhoods, each with its own charm and highlights.

Old Town
• Rich in history with ancient Roman sites.
• Quaint streets filled with local shops and cafes.
Castle Quarter
• Home to Colchester Castle and museum.
• Vibrant arts scene with galleries and events.
Lexden
• Attractive residential area with scenic parks.
• Close to excellent schools and amenities.

Best Times To Visit Colchester's Attractions

Timing your visits can enhance your experience at Colchester's attractions.

Colchester Castle
Visit early weekday mornings to explore without the weekend crowds.
High Street
Go during mid-afternoon on weekdays for a leisurely shopping experience.
Hollytrees Museum
Opt for late afternoons to enjoy a quieter atmosphere and personal attention.

Colchester Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Colchester experiences a temperate maritime climate, with mild winters and warm summers, making spring and early autumn the best times to visit for pleasant weather. Rain can occur throughout the year, so being prepared for changes in weather can significantly enhance your travel experience.

Dining Recommendation in Colchester

Try the locally sourced fish and chips at The Greyhound, where you’ll enjoy a cozy atmosphere that contrasts with Manchester's bustling culinary scene. The emphasis on fresh ingredients and traditional preparation creates a dining experience that celebrates the region's flavors in a relaxed setting.

Manchester - Colchester operators

Explore transport companies operating between Manchester and Colchester, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.

Train
Contact phone
00 44 345 528 0253
Website
https://www.avantiwestcoast.co.uk/

Train from Manchester Piccadilly to London Euston

Average Duration
2h 6m
Estimated price
$85-220
Contact phone
null
Website
https://www.greateranglia.co.uk/

Train from London Liverpool Street to Colchester

Average Duration
46m
Estimated price
$23-35

Train from Peterborough to Colchester

Average Duration
1h 58m
Estimated price
$35-55

Train from Stratford (London) to Colchester

Average Duration
39m
Estimated price
$22-35
Contact phone
03457 125 678
Website
https://www.eastmidlandsrailway.co.uk/

Train from Manchester Piccadilly to Peterborough

Average Duration
2h 59m
Estimated price
$55-85

Train from Manchester Piccadilly to Liverpool South Parkway

Average Duration
39m
Estimated price
$11-27

Train from Luton to London St Pancras Intl

Average Duration
26m
Estimated price
$12-27
Contact phone
+44 345 600 1671
Website
https://www.tpexpress.co.uk/

Train from Manchester Piccadilly to Liverpool South Parkway

Average Duration
42m
Estimated price
$13-35
Plane Show flights
Contact phone
null
Website
https://www.britishairways.com

Plane from Manchester Airport to London Heathrow Airport

Average Duration
1h 5m
Estimated price
$55-330
Contact phone
null
Website
https://www.easyjet.com

Plane from Manchester to London Stansted

Average Duration
4h 47m
Estimated price
$90-340
Bus
Contact phone
null
Website
https://uk.megabus.com

Bus from Manchester Shudehill Interchange to London Finchley Road

Average Duration
4h 35m
Estimated price
$20-29
Contact phone
null
Website
https://www.terravision.eu

Bus from Finchley Road to London Stansted Airport

Average Duration
1h 28m
Estimated price
$16-16
Contact phone
08717 81 81 81
Website
https://www.nationalexpress.com/en

Bus from London Stansted Airport to Colchester East Hill/High Street

Average Duration
1h
Estimated price
$17-25

Manchester to Colchester: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between Manchester and Colchester offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.

🚗 The scenic road trip from Manchester to Colchester covers a distance of 355.7 km, offering a mix of countryside views and urban landscapes along the way. 💰 The cost of this journey by car ranges from £55 to £87, providing a budget-friendly travel option for those looking to explore the English countryside. 🌳 With an average driving time of approximately 3 hours and 58 minutes, this road trip allows you to enjoy the journey at your own pace while discovering the charm of both cities.
Average price
£54 - £85
🚆 Traveling from Manchester to Colchester by train involves a journey with transfers at Euston station and London Liverpool Street, taking approximately 3 hours and 15 minutes. 🚆 Route options vary with different durations and number of transfers, such as a 5-hour trip with 3 transfers via Cambridge and Ipswich or a 5.5-hour journey with 2 transfers through Leeds and Peterborough. 🚆 Prices for trains between Manchester and Colchester range from £88 to £203, offering travelers a choice of routes and transfer points for their convenience and preferences.
Departure Point
Manchester Piccadilly station
Arrival Point
Colchester station
🛫 Flying from Manchester to Colchester involves taking a quick 1-hour direct flight from Manchester Airport to London Heathrow Airport with British Airways. ✈️ Once you land at London Heathrow Airport, the total travel time to reach Colchester by plane is approximately 6 hours and 8 minutes. 🌍 The prices for flights between Colchester and Manchester typically range from £43 to £216, offering flexibility for travelers with different budgets.
Departure Point
Manchester Airport
Arrival Point
London Heathrow Airport
Useful tips for plane travellers
• While your flight from Manchester to London Heathrow is direct and takes about 1 hour, don't forget that once you land at Heathrow, you’ll need to factor in additional travel time to reach Colchester, which can take up to 2 hours by train or taxi.
• Upon arrival at Heathrow, familiarize yourself with Terminal 2, as this is where most flights from Manchester land; you can take the Heathrow Express or the Piccadilly Line to central London if you're considering a train to Colchester from there.
• Taxi fares from Heathrow to Colchester can range between £100 and £130, so consider booking in advance through apps like Uber or checking with the local taxi services for a fixed rate; alternatively, trains to Colchester can be less expensive and take approximately 1.5 hours.
🌆 The journey from Manchester to Colchester by bus takes approximately 8 hours and 18 minutes. You'll pass through Finchley Road and London Stansted Airport during the trip. 💰 Depending on the service and time of booking, bus tickets between Manchester and Colchester can cost anywhere from £43 to £55.
Departure Point
Manchester Shudehill Interchange station
Arrival Point
Colchester East Hill/High Street station

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Manchester to Colchester.

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The distance between Manchester and Colchester is approximately 276.8 km by road. Traveling by train, the typical travel time is around 3 hours and 26 minutes. If you choose to fly from Manchester to London Stansted and then take a bus, it takes about 6 hours and 26 minutes. Driving by car takes slightly less time, around 3 hours and 58 minutes. However, taking a bus from Manchester to Colchester can be a longer journey, averaging at about 7 hours and 55 minutes.
The most cost-effective and time-efficient transportation option for traveling from Manchester to Colchester is by train. It takes 3 hours and 26 minutes to reach Colchester from Manchester by train, and the cost ranges from £80 to £199. Another option is to take a bus, which takes longer at 7 hours and 55 minutes, but is more affordable, costing between £44 and £68.
The prices for traveling from Manchester to Colchester by train range from £86 to £197. Alternatively, taking a bus from Colchester to Manchester can cost between £45 and £65.
To get from Manchester to Colchester without using public transportation, you can drive using your own car. The distance between the two cities is approximately 355.7 km, and it takes about 3 hours and 58 minutes to drive there. The prices for the journey by car vary, ranging from £56 to £88.
To travel from Manchester to Colchester without a car, the best option is to take a train. The journey takes approximately 3 hours and 26 minutes and the ticket prices range from £80 to £199.
Yes, there is a direct link between Manchester and Colchester, but it requires a combination of trains and transfers. The journey takes around 3 hours and 26 minutes, with trains departing from Manchester Piccadilly and arriving at Colchester via Euston Station and London Liverpool Street. Alternatively, there is no direct bus between the two cities, but the journey can be made by taking a bus from Manchester to London Stansted Airport and then transferring to another bus to Colchester. This option takes approximately 7 hours and 55 minutes.
The flight between Manchester and Colchester typically takes around 1 hour. The average cost for a one-way ticket is approximately £50-£100, depending on the airline and time of booking. Once you arrive at London Heathrow Airport, the best way to reach Colchester is by taking a train from the airport to Colchester North station, which takes around 1 hour and 10 minutes.
There are a variety of options for accommodations near Colchester. With over 636 hotels available, visitors can choose from a range of prices starting at £31.

Trips from Manchester