- 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 for Reading to Southend-on-Sea
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Reading to Southend-on-Sea among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £30 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 15m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £30, while a train costs an average of £30.
Distance: 117 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|
£30 Average Price Cheapest | £23 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 15m Average total duration Fastest 1h 45m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 5m 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 Reading to Southend-on-Sea is a train with an average price of £30.
The fastest way to travel from Reading to Southend-on-Sea is by train with an average journey time of 1h 45m.
Yes, you can take a train between Reading and Southend-on-Sea.
Compare prices and tickets Reading to Southend-on-Sea by train
Compare 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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Journey information
Overview: Bus from Reading to Southend-on-Sea
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Take a bus from Reading to Southend-on-Sea and enjoy the approximately 117 km long journey. Find schedules and pricing options for a convenient and affordable trip.
The earliest coach runs at 06:42, the last at 09:28.
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 £30
Distance 117 km |
First bus 6:42 |
Last bus 9:28 |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
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 £30
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: Reading to Southend-on-Sea coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Reading 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 Reading to Southend-on-Sea leaves at 6:42. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Reading to Southend-on-Sea leaves at 9:28.
Yes, you can take a train between Reading and Southend-on-Sea.
No, the coach from Reading to Southend-on-Sea has no accessibility options.
No, there are no bathrooms on board the coach from Reading to Southend-on-Sea.
No, bikes are not allowed on board the coach from Reading 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 Reading to Southend-on-Sea.
No, luggage for the coach from Reading to Southend-on-Sea needs to be booked in addition.
No, there are no additional luggage options for the coach from Reading to Southend-on-Sea.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Reading to Southend-on-Sea.
No, there are no USB plugs on board the coach from Reading to Southend-on-Sea.
No, there is no WiFi on board the coach from Reading to Southend-on-Sea.
Most popular bus connections from Reading
More options for your journey from Reading 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 Reading
Most popular bus connections
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