Bus travel discounts in and around Colchester
First UoE bus pass
The First UoE bus pass is a discounted annual season ticket offered by First Buses Essex to both students and staff for travel within the Colchester area, including to the University's Colchester campus. The UoE bus pass provides a full year's worth of unlimited bus travel in the Colchester area, within the zone you choose.
Zone 1
Zone 1 includes Colchester and the local area, stretching from Tollgate Sainsbury's on the west side of the city to Wivenhoe on the east side. See map below.
Zone 2
Zone 2 reaches out to also include Clacton and Marks Tey. See map below.
All Essex
All Essex allows users unlimited travel on every registered First Essex Buses within the administrative boundary of Essex County Council. It is also valid for journeys into neighbouring authorities, providing the journey starts or finishes in Essex and no change of bus is made outside of Essex, during ticket validity.
These tickets can only be purchased via the First Essex Bus Travel Shop in Queen Street, Colchester. Call them to arrange a postal purchase on 01206 363840. You will need your student or staff ID card and a passport sized photo.
How to buy the UoE Bus Pass
1. Download the First Bus app.
2. Sign up and create an account.
3. Click on mTickets and select your area as Colchester.
4. Choose the Student Travel category.
5. Pick the ticket suitable for you (see zone options below).
Alternatively, you can purchase a bus pass from the Students' Union Reception on Square 3 at our Colchester campus.
UniCard season ticket
UniCard is a heavily discounted annual season ticket offered by First Essex Buses for travel within the Colchester area, including to the University's Colchester Campus. The UniCard provides a full year's worth of unlimited bus travel in the Colchester area within the zone you choose.
How to buy the UniCard
The UniCard is available to purchase from the Students' Union reception located on Square 3.
Harwich Express with Panther
For travel between Harwich and the University on the X15 service (Harwich – Uni Express).
- Daily return: £6.40
- Week: £27
- Month: £88
