- 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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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Chelmsford to Southend-on-Sea
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 31 Oct
- Cheapest price on 31 Oct
- £11
- Average ticket price on 31 Oct
- £11
- Fastest journey on 31 Oct
- 2 h 3 m
- Average journey duration on 31 Oct
- 2 h 3 m
- Buses on 31 Oct
- 1
- Distance
- 28 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Chelmsford to Southend-on-Sea is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Chelmsford to Southend-on-Sea will cost around £11 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £11.
Fast coaches
On Sat 31 Oct, we found 1 buses from Chelmsford to Southend-on-Sea, including 1 direct services.
These direct buses cover the 28 km distance in an average of 2 h 3 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 h 3 m .
The slowest buses will take 2 h 3 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
7:55 2h03 Chelmsford 9:58 Southend-on-Sea £11 1 One-way 0 changes
7:55 2h03 Chelmsford 9:58 Southend-on-Sea £11 1 One-way 0 changes
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.
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 |
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
Frequently asked questions about your Chelmsford to Southend-on-Sea trip
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Chelmsford to Southend-on-Sea.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
HomeCoachesBuses in United KingdomCoach tickets to Southend-on-Sea Chelmsford to Southend-on-Sea bus
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