- 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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Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Chelmsford to Southend-on-Sea
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Chelmsford to Southend-on-Sea among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £11 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 1h 15m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £11, while a train costs an average of £11.
Distance: 28 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|
£11 Average Price Cheapest | £6 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 15m Average total duration Fastest 45m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 39m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
 Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Chelmsford to Southend-on-Sea is a train with an average price of £11.
The fastest way to travel from Chelmsford to Southend-on-Sea is by train with an average journey time of 45m.
Other travel options to Southend-on-Sea take longer:
Coach takes on average 1h 3m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Chelmsford and Southend-on-Sea including taking a train and coach.
Compare prices and tickets Chelmsford to Southend-on-Sea by train or coach
Compare train and coach prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
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Journey information
Overview: Bus from Chelmsford to Southend-on-Sea
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Take a bus from Chelmsford to Southend-on-Sea and enjoy the approximately 28 km long journey. Find schedules and pricing options for a convenient and affordable trip.
The earliest coach runs at 06:00, the last at 23:05. The fastest coach covers the 28 km distance in 49m.
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 £11
Distance 28 km |
Average bus duration 1h 3m |
Buses per day 6 |
Fastest bus 49m |
First bus 6:00 |
Last bus 23:05 |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 3 days |
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 £11
Bus providers: First Essex from Chelmsford to Southend-on-SeaYou can travel by bus between Chelmsford to Southend-on-Sea with First Essex for as low as £11. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
First Essex
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average First Essex Duration
49m
First Essex frequency
25 a day
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.
Travel Essex
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £3
- Day pass
- £3
To the city centre
Chichester Road, Southend-on-Sea -> Southend Travel Centre, Southend-on-Sea
- Distance
- 0.2 km
- Travel time
- 5 min
- Most local buses in Southend accept contactless payment. The council’s bus passenger charter says cash and contactless should be available.
- Chichester Road is by the main Travel Centre in the city centre. It is a practical interchange for local buses and nearby rail stations.
FAQs: Chelmsford to Southend-on-Sea coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chelmsford 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 average journey time by coach from Chelmsford to Southend-on-Sea is 49m to travel the 28 km long route. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest coach from Chelmsford to Southend-on-Sea leaves at 6:00. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Chelmsford to Southend-on-Sea leaves at 23:05.
There are 6 coaches a day from Chelmsford to Southend-on-Sea which require at least one change with First Essex. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.
When taking a coach from Chelmsford to Southend-on-Sea, you can count on First Essex for the best way to get you to Southend-on-Sea. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Chelmsford and Southend-on-Sea and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
A day trip to Southend-on-Sea from Chelmsford is worth doing with a journey time of 49m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Chelmsford to Southend-on-Sea is March.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Chelmsford and Southend-on-Sea including taking a train and coach.
No, the coach from Chelmsford to Southend-on-Sea has no accessibility options.
No, there are no bathrooms on board the coach from Chelmsford to Southend-on-Sea.
No, bikes are not allowed on board the coach from Chelmsford 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 Chelmsford to Southend-on-Sea.
No, luggage for the coach from Chelmsford to Southend-on-Sea needs to be booked in addition.
No, there are no additional luggage options for the coach from Chelmsford to Southend-on-Sea.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Chelmsford to Southend-on-Sea.
No, there are no USB plugs on board the coach from Chelmsford to Southend-on-Sea.
No, there is no WiFi on board the coach from Chelmsford to Southend-on-Sea.
More options for your journey from Chelmsford 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 Chelmsford
Most popular bus connections
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