- Recommended
Southend Central Museum and Planetarium
Museum beside Prittlewell Priory covering local archaeology, social history and natural history. A strong introduction to Southend and Essex.
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Journey information
Overview: Bus from Cardiff to Southend-on-Sea
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Take a bus from Cardiff to Southend-on-Sea and enjoy the approximately 270 km long journey. Find schedules and pricing options for a convenient and affordable trip.
The earliest coach runs at 08:04, the last at 18:49.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from £52
Distance 270 km |
First bus 8:04 |
Last bus 18:49 |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from £52
Complete guide to Southend-on-Sea
Things to do in Southend-on-Sea
Discover the best of Southend-on-Sea — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Southend-on-Sea trip today.
- Recommended
Prittlewell Priory
Historic house museum in Priory Park with restored rooms, monastic remains and displays on local life. Good for history and architecture.
Southend Pier Museum
Compact museum at the end of the pier exploring the pier’s engineering, railway and seaside heritage. Worth adding to a pier visit.
- Must visit
Southend Seafront
Popular beachfront promenade for walking, cycling and sea views, linking the pier, gardens and classic seaside attractions.
- Recommended
Old Leigh
Lively old fishing quarter with cobbled lanes, cockle sheds, pubs, small galleries and estuary views. Full of local character.
- Recommended
Priory Park
Large park with formal gardens, lake, play areas and the priory complex. A pleasant green space for walks near the centre.
Fish and chips
Freshly landed fish, usually cod or haddock, in batter with chips. A classic Essex seaside meal tied to Southend’s long pier and beachfront chippies.
- Gluten-free
Essex oysters
Briny native or rock oysters from the Thames Estuary area, traditionally eaten very fresh. They reflect the long shellfish heritage of the Essex coast.
Potted shrimps or local prawns
Sweet, delicate prawns from the nearby North Sea and estuary waters, often served simply with bread and butter. A long-standing local seafood favourite.
Food
Stylish restaurant in nearby Leigh-on-Sea focused on British seafood and seasonal cooking. Cosy, polished dining room with estuary character.
Osborne Bros
Historic seafront fish restaurant known for oysters, cockles and classic seafood. Traditional, no-frills atmosphere close to the beach.
The Peterboat
Popular seafood restaurant and fishmonger serving fresh local catch, shellfish and grilled fish. Smart but relaxed setting near the seafront.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for a UK seaside city. Dining and hotels cost less than London, but peak summer stays and seafront areas raise prices. Local buses and trains are standard UK-priced.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-12 for fast food or a basic meal.
- Mid-range
- £18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £50+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is modest. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is usual if service is not included. Round up taxi fares. Cafés and pubs do not require tips, but small change is appreciated.
First Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2.30
- Day pass
- £6.00
To the city centre
Chichester Road, Southend-on-Sea -> Southend Travel Centre, Southend-on-Sea
- Distance
- 0.6 km
- Travel time
- 8 min
- First Bus accepts contactless payment, Apple Pay and Google Pay on Essex buses. Tap&Cap automatically caps fares at the Southend day or week ticket price.
- Southend Travel Centre is the main central bus hub. The First Bus app usually offers the widest ticket range and mobile tickets.
Best day trips from Southend-on-Sea by bus
The most popular day trips by bus from Southend-on-Sea are London, Canterbury and Maidstone. Find out what you can do in these day trip destinations and how to book your bus from Southend-on-Sea on Omio.
Day trip from Southend-on-Sea to London by bus
Why visit London for the day?
London blends royal history with modern city life, known for its museums, theatre and global food scene. Along the Thames, grand landmarks sit beside diverse neighbourhoods shaped by finance, fashion and contemporary culture.
How to get from Southend-on-Sea to London by bus?
The earliest coach runs at 00:02, the last at 23:56.
Day trip from Southend-on-Sea to Canterbury by bus
Why visit Canterbury for the day?
Canterbury is best known for its cathedral, medieval streets and long role in English religious history. Its compact centre mixes historic buildings with a lively student atmosphere, independent shops and riverside walks.
How to get from Southend-on-Sea to Canterbury by bus?
The earliest coach runs at 05:23, the last at 20:53.
Day trip from Southend-on-Sea to Maidstone by bus
Why visit Maidstone for the day?
Maidstone, the county town of Kent, sits on the River Medway and is known for nearby Leeds Castle and its market-town roots. The centre combines shops, museums and parks with a practical, lived-in feel.
How to get from Southend-on-Sea to Maidstone by bus?
The earliest coach runs at 01:27, the last at 01:50.
FAQs: Cardiff to Southend-on-Sea coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Southend-on-Sea by coach. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest coach, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Southend-on-Sea, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The earliest coach from Cardiff to Southend-on-Sea leaves at 8:04. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Cardiff to Southend-on-Sea leaves at 18:49.
Yes, you can take a train between Cardiff and Southend-on-Sea.
No, the coach from Cardiff to Southend-on-Sea has no accessibility options.
No, there are no bathrooms on board the coach from Cardiff to Southend-on-Sea.
No, bikes are not allowed on board the coach from Cardiff to Southend-on-Sea.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the coach from Cardiff to Southend-on-Sea.
No, luggage for the coach from Cardiff to Southend-on-Sea needs to be booked in addition.
No, there are no additional luggage options for the coach from Cardiff to Southend-on-Sea.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Cardiff to Southend-on-Sea.
No, there are no USB plugs on board the coach from Cardiff to Southend-on-Sea.
No, there is no WiFi on board the coach from Cardiff to Southend-on-Sea.
Most popular bus connections from Cardiff
More options for your journey from Cardiff to Southend-on-Sea
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Southend-on-Sea and Cardiff
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