- 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 Luton to Southend-on-Sea
Showing times and prices for 09 Aug
Cheapest price
£0.00
Average price
£-0.01
Fastest journey
4 h
Average duration
4 h 6 m
Buses per day
2
Distance
87 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Luton to Southend-on-Sea is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
Fast coaches
To travel from Luton to Southend-on-Sea you need to make at least 2 changes.
18:354h12Luton22:47Southend-on-SeaFind prices2 changes- 20:454h00Luton0:45Southend-on-SeaFind prices2 changes
- 20:454h00Luton0:45Southend-on-SeaFind prices2 changes
- 18:354h12Luton22:47Southend-on-SeaFind prices2 changes
Live departures
Luton to Southend-on-Sea bus times
The table below shows live departures for Luton to Southend-on-Sea coaches for today, Saturday 8 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8:15 Luton | 4h08 | 12:23 Southend-on-Sea | 2 changes | |
| 10:25 Luton | 4h04 | 14:29 Southend-on-Sea | 2 changes | |
| 13:35 Luton | 4h45 | 18:20 Southend-on-Sea | 2 changes | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Luton to Southend-on-Sea by coach or train
Compare coach and train 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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09 Aug
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Why should you book Luton to Southend-on-Sea coaches with Omio?
National Express operates all coaches services from Luton to Southend-on-Sea.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Luton to Southend-on-Sea.
Why book with Omio vs National Express?
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare National Express with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Luton to Southend-on-Sea.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Luton to Southend-on-Sea.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Luton to Southend-on-Sea
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Take a bus from Luton to Southend-on-Sea and enjoy the approximately 87 km long journey. Find schedules and pricing options for a convenient and affordable trip.
The earliest coach runs at 04:31, the last at 20:16. The fastest coach covers the 87 km distance in 4h 0m.
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 £21
Distance 87 km |
Average bus duration 4h 57m |
Buses per day 5 |
Fastest bus 4h 0m |
First bus 4:31 |
Last bus 20:16 |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Mon |
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 £21
Bus providers: National Express from Luton to Southend-on-SeaYou can travel by bus between Luton to Southend-on-Sea with National Express for as low as £21. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
National Express
About
National Express is the UK’s leading long-distance coach company, operating over 550 services per day and serving more than 900 destinations nationwide. It also runs frequent services to major UK airports — including Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, and Bristol — 24 hours a day. All National Express coaches are air-conditioned and offer free Wi-Fi and onboard entertainment. Most vehicles are equipped with seat belts and power outlets at every seat, allowing you to charge your phone or laptop during your journey. Ticket options include Restricted Fare, Standard Fare, and Fully Flexible Fare, with the latter providing maximum flexibility for cancellations or changes.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 0m
National Express frequency
5 a day
Luggage included
Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Additional luggage
10€ per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a refund minus a cancellation fee. Changes can be up to 24 hours before departure for a fee.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Accessible toilets.
Bikes
Folding Bikes are allowed; non-folding bikes are not allowed.
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.
Buses from Luton to Southend-on-Sea
There is a choice of two buses from Luton to Southend-on-Sea. One service runs from Luton Airport and involves a change of bus at Stansted Airport. The other route leaves from Luton Bus Station and involves a change of bus at London Victoria. Both journeys are managed by National Express and take a total of around 5 hours, leaving at approximately 4:00 p.m. The final destination arrives at Chichester Road in Southend which is a short walk to both the shops in the centre of town and the pier at the seafront.
FAQs: Luton to Southend-on-Sea coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Luton 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 Luton to Southend-on-Sea is 4h 0m to travel the 87 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 Luton to Southend-on-Sea leaves at 4:31. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Luton to Southend-on-Sea leaves at 20:16.
There are 5 coaches a day from Luton to Southend-on-Sea which require at least one change with National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.
When taking a coach from Luton to Southend-on-Sea, you can count on National Express for the best way to get you to Southend-on-Sea. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Luton and Southend-on-Sea and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
A trip to Southend-on-Sea from Luton is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 4h 0m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Luton and Southend-on-Sea including taking a coach and train.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Luton to Southend-on-Sea:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Luton to Southend-on-Sea for coach company National Express.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the coach with coach company National Express.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Luton to Southend-on-Sea depends on the coach companies:
- National Express
- You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a refund minus a cancellation fee. Changes can be up to 24 hours before departure for a fee.
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.
No, there is no food available to purchase on board the coach from Luton to Southend-on-Sea.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Luton to Southend-on-Sea:
- National Express
- Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a coach ticket from Luton to Southend-on-Sea:
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Luton to Southend-on-Sea.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Luton to Southend-on-Sea with the following coach company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Luton to Southend-on-Sea with the following coach company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Luton to Southend-on-Sea with the following coach company: National Express.
More options for your journey from Luton 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 Luton
Most popular bus connections
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