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Trains from London Waterloo East to
Southend Central

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London Waterloo East to Southend Central by train

Planning a train journey from London Waterloo East to Southend Central? The trip usually takes about 2hrs 27 mins, covering approximately 35 miles (56 kilometres). With roughly 43 trains operating daily, you have plenty of options to suit your schedule. Booking your tickets ahead of time can snag you fares as low as £10.10, offering an economical choice for savvy travelers.

London Waterloo East to Southend Central Key Stats

Arrival Station

Southend Central

Departure Station

London Waterloo East

Frequency

43trains
per day

Journey Time

from1hrs 52 mins

Changes

3-4no direct
trains

First Train / Last Train

00:53 / 00:03

Distance

35miles
(56 km)

4 Routes

4 Train Operators

Prices

from£10.10

Travelling from London Waterloo East to Southend Central by Train

Jump on a Train from London Waterloo East to Southend Central – It's Quicker Than You Expect!

Considering a train trip from London Waterloo East to Southend Central? You’re in the right place, and the journey is faster than you might think!

Typically, the trip takes about 2hrs 27 mins. If you're rushing or eager to reach London Waterloo East, the quickest trains can get you there in just 1hrs 52 mins. With approximately 43 trains operating daily, you have plenty of options. This picturesque 35-mile (56 km) route usually requires just one change, with Thameslink, Southeastern, c2c, Abellio Greater Anglia providing comfortable seating and ample luggage space – because being cramped isn't anyone's idea of fun!

The best news? By booking early, you can find tickets starting at just £10.10, a significant saving compared to last-minute purchases. To save even more, consider traveling during Off-Peak hours or using a Railcard to keep your expenses down.

Ready to grab those low-cost tickets? Use our Journey Planner to find the latest discounts and keep your budget happy. Explore more travel tips below or check our timetable for current train schedules. All aboard to Southend Central!

Journey Details

Frequently asked questions about journeys between London Waterloo East and Southend Central

Curious about your trip from London Waterloo East to Southend Central? We've put together answers to the most commonly asked questions from our customers to make planning your journey easier.

How long does it take to travel between London Waterloo East and Southend Central by train?

The travel time between London Waterloo East and Southend Central by train varies depending on the type of train and the route, but the average journey time is 2hrs 27 mins & the fastest journey takes 1hrs 52 mins.

What's the fastest journey time between London Waterloo East and Southend Central by train?

The fastest journey time by train from London Waterloo East to Southend Central is 1hrs 52 mins.

How much does the train from London Waterloo East to Southend Central cost?

Train ticket prices from London Waterloo East to Southend Central can start from as little as £10.10 when you book in advance. The cost of tickets can vary depending on the time of day, route and class you book and are usually more expensive if you book on the day.

What are the departure and arrival times for trains between London Waterloo East and Southend Central?

The departure and arrival times for trains between London Waterloo East and Southend Central vary depending on the day of the week and the type of train. Generally, there are around 43 departures and arrivals throughout the day. The first departure is 00:53, and the last train of the day leaves at 00:03.

What is the difference between first class and standard class on trains between London Waterloo East and Southend Central?

First class tickets on trains between London Waterloo East and Southend Central typically offer more space, complimentary food and drink, and other amenities compared to standard class.

What amenities are available on trains between London Waterloo East and Southend Central?

Amenities on trains between London Waterloo East and Southend Central can include free Wi-Fi, power outlets, onboard catering, and comfortable seating.

What is the cheapest way to travel from London Waterloo East to Southend Central by train?

By booking your tickets on traintickets.com! There are many ways to save on the cost of train travel between London Waterloo East and Southend Central. On traintickets.com, we do all the work for you to find the cheapest way possible to get to Southend Central, and can save you up to 90%! Simply search for your journey, and be assured we have found you the best possible price.

Is it possible to take a direct train from London Waterloo East to Southend Central?

No, unfortunately there are no direct trains between London Waterloo East & Southend Central. However, there are 43 possible journeys which require a change.

What train companies run services from London Waterloo East to Southend Central?

Thameslink, Southeastern, c2c and Abellio Greater Anglia are the main train operating companies running services between London Waterloo East and Southend Central.

Can I bring luggage on board trains between London Waterloo East and Southend Central?

Yes, you can bring luggage on board trains between London Waterloo East and Southend Central, but there may be limits on the number of bags or the size and weight of your luggage.

When are London Waterloo East to Southend Central Train Times?

Check out the upcoming trains from London Waterloo East to Southend Central on Wednesday 30th April 2025, with our handy timetable below.

Alternatively, you can view the full day's schedule or search for a different date here!

Wednesday 30th April
DepartsArrivesChangesVia StationsDurationOperator
07:07 London Waterloo East08:49 Southend Central3 changesLondon Bridge
London Blackfriars
London Fenchurch Street
1 hrs 42 mins Get Tickets
07:12 London Waterloo East08:58 Southend Central3 changesLondon Bridge
London Blackfriars
London Fenchurch Street
1 hrs 46 mins Get Tickets
07:21 London Waterloo East09:08 Southend Central3 changesLondon Bridge
London Blackfriars
London Fenchurch Street
1 hrs 47 mins Get Tickets
07:23 London Waterloo East09:15 Southend Central3 changesLondon Bridge
London Blackfriars
London Fenchurch Street
1 hrs 52 mins Get Tickets
07:37 London Waterloo East09:23 Southend Central3 changesLondon Bridge
London Blackfriars
London Fenchurch Street
1 hrs 46 mins Get Tickets
07:56 London Waterloo East09:41 Southend Central3 changesLondon Bridge
London Blackfriars
London Fenchurch Street
1 hrs 45 mins Get Tickets
08:04 London Waterloo East09:54 Southend Central3 changesLondon Bridge
London Blackfriars
London Fenchurch Street
1 hrs 50 mins Get Tickets
08:25 London Waterloo East10:10 Southend Central3 changesLondon Bridge
London Blackfriars
London Fenchurch Street
1 hrs 45 mins Get Tickets
08:41 London Waterloo East10:30 Southend Central3 changesLondon Bridge
London Blackfriars
London Fenchurch Street
1 hrs 49 mins Get Tickets
08:52 London Waterloo East10:40 Southend Central3 changesLondon Bridge
London Blackfriars
London Fenchurch Street
1 hrs 48 mins Get Tickets
09:12 London Waterloo East10:58 Southend Central3 changesLondon Bridge
London Blackfriars
London Fenchurch Street
1 hrs 46 mins Get Tickets
09:21 London Waterloo East11:10 Southend Central3 changesLondon Bridge
London Blackfriars
London Fenchurch Street
1 hrs 49 mins Get Tickets
Search all times & prices for today

What are my cheap ticket options for London Waterloo East to Southend Central journeys?

From booking in Advance, to our FairSplits, here are our tips for you to find the best price

Advance Tickets

A single ticket for one journey leaving at a specific date and time.

The rule is: the sooner you book the cheaper they are. Usually the cheapest, but least flexible.

Off-Peak & Super Off-Peak Tickets

Offering greater flexibility than Advances, Off-Peak tickets offer travel during less busy times of day trading off more flexibility in the Off-Peak windows but for still discounted fares.

Off Peak fares from London Waterloo East to Southend Central start from £10.10 one way, or £20.20 return

Anytime Tickets

Anytime tickets are fully flexible allowing travel at any time of the day. Brilliant if you don’t want the pressure of clock watching, returning when you want

Anytime fares from London Waterloo East to Southend Central are available for £11.90 one way, or £23.80 return

With our FairSplit technology, you can save up to 90% on the cost of train travel.

Split ticketing means that instead of purchasing one rail ticket for your journey we automatically find and help you book two or more tickets instead, covering exactly the same journey. We call it our FairSplit.

Travelling in a group? We can save you even more!

Unlike other split ticketing sites, you can enter multiple railcards in a single search on traintickets.com. We will find you the best price using all possible combinations of your railcards in conjunction with our split ticketing technology & GroupSave.

When you do a search on traintickets.com we check all the cheapest prices automatically

Everything you need to know about London Waterloo East Station

Exploring London Waterloo East Train Station: A Convenient Gateway to Discover the City

Looking to explore the vibrant city of London and beyond? London Waterloo East train station is your perfect starting point. Conveniently situated, the station serves as a vital link, connecting you to numerous destinations within London and across the UK. Let’s dive into the details of what London Waterloo East has to offer and why it's an ideal choice for your travel plans.

Facilities and Amenities at London Waterloo East

Though London Waterloo East is a bustling hub, it provides essential amenities to ensure a smooth experience for travelers. While it lacks a traditional ticket office, fear not—ticket machines are readily available for both purchase and collection of pre-booked tickets. Accessibility is thoughtfully catered for, with accessible ticket machines and step-free access via lifts from Waterloo Main station. Need assistance? Help points are clearly marked, and staff are on hand to lend a helping hand when needed.

For those traveling with youngsters or seeking some comfort, the station hosts heated waiting rooms and accessible toilets with baby-changing facilities. CCTV surveillance is in place to ensure a secure environment throughout your journey. Hungry or in need of caffeine fix? Grab a snack or a hot drink from the coffee shops and vending machines on site—no worries about missing the news as newspapers are available too!

Onward Travel: Connecting You Further

Transportation links play a crucial role in making your journey seamless. London Waterloo East does not disappoint with its comprehensive connections to other parts of the city. The bus alighting point on Sandell Street ensures easy access to local transit and rail replacement services. If you're planning an onward journey by train, numerous exciting routes can spark your travel imagination.

Popular Routes: Embark on an Adventure

Dreaming of exploring iconic locations within and around London? London Waterloo East provides access to some fantastic destinations. Whether you're commuting or planning a day trip to explore new locales, this station links you to areas such as London Bridge, London Charing Cross, and Hither Green. With easy routes to places like East Croydon or Tonbridge, your adventures are just a train ride away.

Why Choose London Waterloo East?

As a commuter or an explorer, stepping through the doors of London Waterloo East gives you the flexibility and freedom to travel with ease. Whether it’s the convenience of arriving at London Bridge or the cultural allure of reaching London Charing Cross, this station offers it all. Its facilities cater to your needs, including accessibility and necessary travel support.

Embark on Your Journey Today!

Booking your ticket is the first step to countless experiences waiting at your fingertips. With easy access to online ticket collection, friendly staff to assist, and comprehensive travel links, London Waterloo East is not just a station—it's the beginning of your next adventure. Time to pack your bags, hop on board, and embrace the journey!

Everything you need to know about Southend Central Station

Discover Southend Central Train Station

Welcome to Southend Central, a bustling train station serving the vibrant seaside town of Southend-on-Sea, Essex. From the scenic beachside views to the charming town center, Southend Central is your gateway to not only a refreshing day at the beach but also convenient journeys across the UK. This station is an essential hub for locals and visitors alike, offering a blend of modern amenities and traditional charm.

Facilities and Amenities

At Southend Central, purchasing tickets is a breeze with a ticket office open Monday through Sunday and accessible ticket machines available for those on the move. Smartcard validators are on site, though smartcards aren't issued at the station, ensuring ease of access for all travelers. For any questions or concerns, the staff at the ticket office is ready to assist during broad hours throughout the week.

Accessibility is taken seriously at Southend Central. There are induction loops for the hard of hearing, ramps for train access, and CCTV for safety. While there is no waiting room, seating areas are dotted around the station. Accessible toilets are available on Platforms 3 and 4, along with baby-changing facilities.

Travel Connections

Southend Central is well-connected with varied onward travel options. If your journey requires a bus, catch the rail replacement services at Clifftown Road near The Last Public House. For air travel, Southend Airport is just a train ride away from nearby Southend Victoria station. While accessible taxis are not directly available at the station, you can find taxis in the nearby town centre, ensuring a smooth transition from rail to road.

Popular Destinations

Looking for inspiration on where to travel from Southend Central? Journey to the heart of the capital with a train from Southend Central to London Fenchurch Street. Explore nearby towns such as Benfleet, or head towards Barking for more urban adventures. If the sea breeze calls, the short train trip to Westcliff offers another perspective of the lovely coastline.

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For the Practical Traveler

Whether you’re a commuter or a casual traveler, Southend Central has your basic needs covered with shops, refreshment facilities, and ATM machines conveniently located. With a National Car Parks Ltd-operated car park that's open 24/7, travelers can park with peace of mind, although space for disabled parking is limited. Plus, bicycle storage facilities encourage eco-friendly travel.

Plan Your Journey

Southend Central station is more than just a stopping point; it’s your launchpad to explore the best of Southend-on-Sea and beyond. With excellent rail connectivity, extensive facilities, and customer-friendly services, Southend Central makes your journey smooth and enjoyable. Whether you’re visiting for leisure or travel regularly to the capital, you'll find everything you need with a smile.

Ready to plan your trip? Purchase your tickets today and start your adventure from Southend Central, where convenience meets exploration.

Looking for more inspiration?

Popular places to travel by train from London Waterloo East