Help! Colchester station to Zoo by public transport?

[Saffagette]

I'm taking two DS to Colchester Zoo tomorrow, by train from London because DS1 is train obsessed and DS2 hates the car. I can't work out how to easily get from the main station (not Colchester Town) to the zoo by bus. Google is confusing me! Also can I pay bus fare for all 3 of us using one contactless card? DS are 4 and 8.

Please can anyone local help with detailed directions! And any pitfalls to avoid in heading back, mustn't miss our 5pm return train and worry about town rush hour traffic etc...

TiA

I don’t know what bus but the good news is that all fares in Essex on any bus are just .£2 at the moment.

Looks like the 92 is your best bet. No need to change. Takes 40 minutes.

https://www.colchester-zoo.com/plan-your-visit/getting-here/

......

Be aware that traffic is really bad in Colchester at rush hour so allow plenty of time

A taxi is 10 mins, might be easier

MN is amazing thanks everyone. I've only just clocked Colchester North is the mainline station,those detailed directions are spot on, although a 10 min taxi ride is tempting - thanks!

Roadworks around Colchester at the moment are hideous (live there). I would just get the taxi to be honest.

We go to the zoo often and honestly you would be better to get a taxi than faff about with buses.