Southend-on-Sea to/from London: Best Travel Options & Guide
Are you planning a trip between Southend-on-Sea to/from London? Whether you’re commuting for work, heading to the coast for a relaxing day, or planning a weekend getaway, choosing the right travel option can save you time and money. This guide will walk you through the fastest, cheapest, and most comfortable ways to travel, including trains, buses, driving, and private hire services.
📍 Distance & Travel Time: Southend-on-Sea to/from London
Distance: 42 miles (67 km)
Travel Time: 45 minutes – 2 hours, depending on the mode of transport
Main Route: A13 or A127 (for driving)
Train Routes: Greater Anglia & c2c services
🚆 Best Ways to Travel Between Southend-on-Sea & London
| Travel Option | Comfort | Time | Flexibility | Cost | Pros | Cons |
| 🚆 Train (Greater Anglia, c2c) | High | 45m – 1h | ❌ Fixed Schedule | 💰 £10-£30 | ✔ Fast & direct | ❌ Peak-time crowding |
| 🚌 Bus (National Express, Arriva) | Medium | 1h 30m – 2h | ❌ Fixed Schedule | 💰 £5-£15 | ✔ Cheapest option | ❌ Slower than train |
| 🚗 Self-Drive (Car, Rental) | Medium | 1h – 1h 30m | ✔ Flexible | 💰 £10-£25 (fuel, tolls, parking) | ✔ Freedom & privacy | ❌ Parking costs in London |
| 🚘 ⭐ Chauffeur Service (Luxury Car) | ⭐ High | 1h – 1h 30m | ✔ Fully Flexible | 💰 Premium | ✔ Door-to-door service | ❌ Expensive |
💡 Verdict: Trains are the fastest and most reliable, while buses offer the cheapest option. Chauffeur services provide luxury and convenience.
🚘 Book a chauffeur for your Southend-on-Sea to London trip today!
🚆 Train: Fastest Way to Travel from Southend-on-Sea to London
Available Train Services:
c2c Trains – Runs from Southend Central to London Fenchurch Street
Greater Anglia Trains – Runs from Southend Victoria to London Liverpool Street
⏳ Train Travel Time:
Fastest Journey: 45 minutes (c2c)
Average Journey: 50 minutes – 1 hour
💰 Ticket Prices:
- Advance booking: From £10
- Standard fare: £20-£30
- First-class tickets: £40+ (extra comfort, free WiFi, refreshments)
Where to Board?
Southend Central (c2c) or Southend Victoria (Greater Anglia)
Where to Arrive?
London Fenchurch Street (c2c) or London Liverpool Street (Greater Anglia)
Best for: Commuters, business travelers, and day-trippers looking for speed.
🚌 Bus: Cheapest Travel Option
Available Bus Services:
National Express – Direct coach service from Southend Travel Centre to London Victoria
Arriva Buses – Regional bus services connecting to London
⏳ Bus Travel Time:
🚌 1h 30m – 2h, depending on traffic and stops
💰 Ticket Prices:
- Advance fare: From £5
- Standard fare: £10-£15
Best for: Budget travelers, students, and those with flexible schedules.
🚘 Chauffeur Service: Luxury & Convenience
For a comfortable, premium experience, a chauffeur-driven car is the most convenient way to travel. Ideal for business executives, VIPs, and special occasions, chauffeur services offer:
Door-to-door service – No hassle of train stations or bus stops
Luxury vehicles – Mercedes S-Class, Range Rover, Rolls-Royce
No luggage worries – Chauffeurs handle your bags
Flexible departure times – Travel at your convenience
Fixed pricing – No hidden costs or surge pricing
🚗 Average Travel Time: 1h – 1h 30m
💰 Cost: Varies based on the vehicle and service level
Book a Chauffeur Now: Click Here
🚗 Driving from Southend-on-Sea to London
Best Route:
- A13 – More direct but can be congested during peak hours
- A127 – Slightly longer but often less traffic
Traffic Delays: Peak hours (7–10 AM, 4–7 PM) can add 30+ minutes
Parking in London: Expect to pay £10-£40 per day
🚘 Recommended Parking Areas in London:
- Q-Park Leicester Square – Secure parking near West End attractions
- NCP London Victoria – Ideal for visitors arriving by car
- JustPark app – Find affordable spots in central locations
Best for: Travelers who prefer flexibility and comfort.
🏖️ Top Attractions in Southend-on-Sea
Southend Pier – The longest pleasure pier in the world.
Adventure Island – A fun amusement park for families.
Sea Life Adventure – An interactive aquarium experience.
Priory Park – A beautiful green space with a historic priory.
Southend Cliff Gardens – Scenic views of the Thames Estuary.
🏨 Best Hotels in Southend-on-Sea
Roslin Beach Hotel – Luxury stay with a beachfront view.
Seven Hotel – Modern and stylish boutique hotel.
Holiday Inn Southend – Great for business and leisure.
Premier Inn Southend Central – Affordable and convenient.
The Ilfracombe House Hotel – Family-run with a cozy atmosphere.
🍽️ Best Restaurants in Southend-on-Sea
Padrino – Authentic Italian dishes with sea views.
Legend Deli – Great for casual brunch and street food.
The Royal Hotel – Elegant dining with a historic touch.
The Pipe of Port – Cozy wine bar with excellent British food.
Ocean Beach Café – Beachfront seafood and café classics.
🚀 Conclusion: Best Way to Travel Between Southend-on-Sea & London
Fastest Travel: Train (c2c – 45 minutes)
Most Budget-Friendly: Bus (£5–£15, 1h 30m – 2h)
Most Flexible & Comfortable: Self-drive (1h – 1h 30m)
Best for Luxury & Convenience: Chauffeur service (Premium experience)
Whether you’re traveling for work, leisure, or a weekend trip, choosing the right travel method ensures a smooth and comfortable journey.
📌 Need a stress-free, comfortable ride?
❓ FAQ: Southend-on-Sea to/from London Travel
What is the fastest way to travel from Southend-on-Sea to London?
The c2c train takes just 45 minutes.
How much does a train ticket cost?
Prices start at £10 (advance fares) and go up to £30 (standard fares).
