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Trains from Preston (Lancs) to
Southend Central

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Preston (Lancs) to Southend Central by train

Planning a train journey from Preston (Lancs) to Southend Central? The trip usually takes about 4hrs 48 mins, covering approximately 210 miles (338 kilometres). With roughly 30 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 £49.50, offering an economical choice for savvy travelers.

Preston (Lancs) to Southend Central Key Stats

Arrival Station

Southend Central

Departure Station

Preston (Lancs)

Frequency

30trains
per day

Journey Time

from4hrs 3 mins

Changes

2-3no direct
trains

First Train / Last Train

05:33 / 23:27

Distance

210miles
(338 km)

3 Routes

4 Train Operators

Prices

from£49.50

Travelling from Preston (Lancs) to Southend Central by Train

Jump on a Train from Preston (Lancs) to Southend Central – It's Quicker Than You Expect!

Considering a train trip from Preston (Lancs) to Southend Central? You’re in the right place, and the journey is faster than you might think!

Typically, the trip takes about 4hrs 48 mins. If you're rushing or eager to reach Preston (Lancs), the quickest trains can get you there in just 4hrs 3 mins. With approximately 30 trains operating daily, you have plenty of options. This picturesque 210-mile (338 km) route usually requires just one change, with Abellio Greater Anglia, Avanti West Coast, West Midlands Trains, c2c 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 £49.50, 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 Preston (Lancs) and Southend Central

Curious about your trip from Preston (Lancs) 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 Preston (Lancs) and Southend Central by train?

The travel time between Preston (Lancs) and Southend Central by train varies depending on the type of train and the route, but the average journey time is 4hrs 48 mins & the fastest journey takes 4hrs 3 mins.

What's the fastest journey time between Preston (Lancs) and Southend Central by train?

The fastest journey time by train from Preston (Lancs) to Southend Central is 4hrs 3 mins.

How much does the train from Preston (Lancs) to Southend Central cost?

Train ticket prices from Preston (Lancs) to Southend Central can start from as little as £49.50 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 Preston (Lancs) and Southend Central?

The departure and arrival times for trains between Preston (Lancs) and Southend Central vary depending on the day of the week and the type of train. Generally, there are around 30 departures and arrivals throughout the day. The first departure is 05:33, and the last train of the day leaves at 23:27.

What is the difference between first class and standard class on trains between Preston (Lancs) and Southend Central?

First class tickets on trains between Preston (Lancs) 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 Preston (Lancs) and Southend Central?

Amenities on trains between Preston (Lancs) and Southend Central can include free Wi-Fi, power outlets, onboard catering, and comfortable seating.

What is the cheapest way to travel from Preston (Lancs) 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 Preston (Lancs) 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 Preston (Lancs) to Southend Central?

No, unfortunately there are no direct trains between Preston (Lancs) & Southend Central. However, there are 30 possible journeys which require a change.

What train companies run services from Preston (Lancs) to Southend Central?

Abellio Greater Anglia, Avanti West Coast, West Midlands Trains and c2c are the main train operating companies running services between Preston (Lancs) and Southend Central.

Can I bring luggage on board trains between Preston (Lancs) and Southend Central?

Yes, you can bring luggage on board trains between Preston (Lancs) and Southend Central, but there may be limits on the number of bags or the size and weight of your luggage.

When are Preston (Lancs) to Southend Central Train Times?

Check out the upcoming trains from Preston (Lancs) to Southend Central on Tuesday 10th June 2025, with our handy timetable below.

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

Tuesday 10th June
DepartsArrivesChangesVia StationsDurationOperator
12:01 Preston (Lancs)16:10 Southend Central2 changesLondon Euston
London Fenchurch Street
4 hrs 9 mins Get Tickets
12:59 Preston (Lancs)17:10 Southend Central2 changesLondon Euston
London Fenchurch Street
4 hrs 11 mins Get Tickets
13:17 Preston (Lancs)18:02 Southend Central3 changesCrewe
London Euston
London Fenchurch Street
4 hrs 45 mins Get Tickets
14:00 Preston (Lancs)18:11 Southend Central2 changesLondon Euston
London Fenchurch Street
4 hrs 11 mins Get Tickets
14:18 Preston (Lancs)19:01 Southend Central3 changesCrewe
London Euston
London Fenchurch Street
4 hrs 43 mins Get Tickets
15:00 Preston (Lancs)19:07 Southend Central2 changesLondon Euston
London Fenchurch Street
4 hrs 7 mins Get Tickets
15:18 Preston (Lancs)20:05 Southend Central3 changesCrewe
London Euston
London Fenchurch Street
4 hrs 47 mins Get Tickets
15:59 Preston (Lancs)20:16 Southend Central2 changesLondon Euston
London Fenchurch Street
4 hrs 17 mins Get Tickets
16:59 Preston (Lancs)21:10 Southend Central2 changesLondon Euston
London Fenchurch Street
4 hrs 11 mins Get Tickets
17:58 Preston (Lancs)22:28 Southend Central3 changesLondon Euston
London Liverpool Street
4 hrs 30 mins Get Tickets
19:07 Preston (Lancs)23:28 Southend Central3 changesLondon Euston
London Liverpool Street
4 hrs 21 mins Get Tickets
20:01 Preston (Lancs)00:31 Southend Central3 changesLondon Euston
London Liverpool Street
4 hrs 30 mins Get Tickets
Search all times & prices for today

What are my cheap ticket options for Preston (Lancs) 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.

Advance fares from Preston (Lancs) to Southend Central start from as little as £49.50

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 Preston (Lancs) to Southend Central start from £94.90 one way, or £135.70 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 Preston (Lancs) to Southend Central are available for £220.10 one way, or £440.20 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 Preston (Lancs) Station

Welcome to Preston (Lancs) Train Station

Whether you're setting off for a scenic trip through the UK, commuting for work, or heading to visit friends and family, Preston (Lancs) train station acts as a gateway to your journey. Situated in the vibrant heart of Lancashire, Preston station offers a comprehensive range of facilities that cater to your travel needs, making it a crucial hub for both local and long-distance travel.

The station is efficiently managed by Avanti West Coast and ensures a seamless experience for travelers, thanks to its extensive amenities and services that cater to millions of passengers each year. From ticketing to refreshments, everything is designed to make your travel as comfortable and convenient as possible.

Station Facilities & Amenities

Preston (Lancs) train station is well-equipped to handle the demands of modern travel. The ticket office is open from early morning until late at night, and with ticket machines available, it's convenient to purchase and collect your tickets, including those bought online. While smartcards aren't issued at the station, helpful staff are always available to assist you at help points, information points, and the ticket office itself.

Accessibility is a key strength of the station, with step-free access throughout, ramps for train access, and accessible ticket machines. Waiting rooms with automatic doors are located on platforms 3 and 4. Although there's no first-class lounge, seating and accessible toilets are available, providing a comfortable environment for everyone. CCTV coverage enhances the safety and security of the station premises.

For those needing to stay connected, the station provides accessible pay phones, although public Wi-Fi isn't available. Should you wish to explore local amenities or grab a quick refreshment, a selection of shops and eateries are conveniently located within the station.

Onward Travel Options

The station is a well-connected transport node that offers a variety of onward travel options. Taxis are readily accessible outside the station entrance, and a freephone service is available within the ticket office area to book them. Preston's local bus services also provide an efficient means of travel within and around the city, albeit with no Metro services available.

Should your journey require car hire, the nearest Eurocar branch is located approximately half a mile from the station. For the environmentally conscious or recreation-minded, a cycle hire is available from Leisure Lakes Bikes, offering a convenient bike shop adjacent to Platform 7. Additionally, the station allows easy pick-up and drop-off for Rail Replacement Services at the short-stay car park on Butler Street.

Popular Destinations from Preston

Preston station serves as a gateway to a plethora of bustling cities and tranquil towns across the UK. With direct routes to major cities like London Euston and Manchester Piccadilly, the station provides fast and frequent services that cater to both business and leisure travelers. Whether you're heading off to the seaside charm of Blackpool North or the cultural richness of Edinburgh, you'll find the station's connections both comprehensive and convenient.

Don't forget, journeys to closer destinations like Liverpool Lime Street or Manchester Airport can be a breeze with excellent train services. Explore more rural settings such as Blackburn or plan your next adventure to vibrant Glasgow Central. Whatever your destination, Preston's connectivity ensures you're never too far from your next adventure.

Your Ticket to Exploring

Whether you're a seasoned commuter or an enthusiastic explorer, Preston (Lancs) train station opens the door to an exciting world of travel opportunities. It stands as a testament to Lancashire's vibrant rail history while seamlessly integrating modern conveniences for today's traveler.

As each train departs, the promise of discovering new places or reconnecting with loved ones begins. Make Preston (Lancs) your starting point for countless journeys, and don't hesitate to snag your travel tickets to make the most of your trip. With a wealth of connections and a rich tapestry of destinations at your disposal, there's no better time than now to explore the wonders that lie beyond Preston's tracks.

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 Preston (Lancs)