Cardiff to Southend-on-Sea train with Great Western Railway

Sat 11 Jul
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Great Western Railway
Great Western Railway (GWR)
Avanti West Coast
Regionale
West Midlands Trains
2,000+ travel companies
Great Western Railway
Great Western Railway (GWR)
Avanti West Coast
Regionale
West Midlands Trains
2,000+ travel companies
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Compare prices and tickets Cardiff 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.

Sat
11 Jul
Sun
12 Jul
Mon
13 Jul
Tue
14 Jul
Wed
15 Jul
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16 Jul
Fri
17 Jul

Why should you book Cardiff to Southend-on-Sea trains with Omio?

Great Western Railway as well as Great Western Railway (GWR) offer trains services from Cardiff to Southend-on-Sea.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cardiff to Southend-on-Sea.

Why book with Omio vs Great Western Railway?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Great Western Railway, but also compare tickets for the likes of Great Western Railway (GWR) to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Southend-on-Sea.
  • 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.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Cardiff to Southend-on-Sea

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Cardiff to Southend-on-Sea run on average 6 times per day, taking around 3h 11m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £54 if you book in advance.

The earliest train runs at 04:24, the last at 21:20. The fastest train covers the 270 km distance in 3h 32m.

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
Distance
270 km
Average train duration
3h 11m
Cheapest ticket price
£54
Trains per day
6
Fastest train
3h 32m
First train
4:24
Last train
21:20
Cheapest Month
Nov
Cheapest Day
Mon
High Season
Jul - Sept
Low Season
Oct - Dec
Busiest Day
Wed
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

Train companies: Great Western Railway, Great Western Railway (GWR) from Cardiff to Southend-on-Sea trainsGreat Western Railway, Great Western Railway (GWR) trains will get you between Cardiff and Southend-on-Sea from £54. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Great Western Railway

About
Great Western Railway is a train operating company in the United Kingdom. It operates services from London Paddington to the West of England, South Wales and the Cotswolds. It also operates services from London Paddington to Oxford, Reading and Bristol. It offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, air conditioning and catering services. The most popular routes for Great Western Railway are London Paddington to Bristol, Reading and Oxford.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 32m
Cheapest Price
£54
Luggage included
Two pieces of luggage and one piece of hand luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, dedicated luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, sandwiches. First Class at-seat service on some routes
Seat reservation
Optional seat reservations available for a fee. Free in First Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone

Great Western Railway (GWR)

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 7m
Cheapest Price
£150
Great Western Railway (GWR) frequency
16 a day

FAQs: Cardiff to Southend-on-Sea train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Southend-on-Sea by train. 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 train, 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.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Cardiff to Southend-on-Sea can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £54, while the average price tends to be around £66.
The train journey from Cardiff to Southend-on-Sea covers a distance of 270 km and takes approximately 3h 32m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train distance from Cardiff to Southend-on-Sea is 270 km.
The first train from Cardiff to Southend-on-Sea leaves at 4:24.
The last train from Cardiff to Southend-on-Sea departs at 21:20.
Trains from Cardiff to Southend-on-Sea run approximately 6 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Cardiff to Southend-on-Sea.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Cardiff to Southend-on-Sea.
To travel from Cardiff to Southend-on-Sea, you can take a train.
There is no night train service from Cardiff to Southend-on-Sea.
The train station in Cardiff that goes to Southend-on-Sea is Cardiff Central (CDF), and it arrives at Southend Airport (SIA).
The cheapest way to get from Cardiff to Southend-on-Sea is by train, costing approximately £54.
Booking trains from Cardiff to Southend-on-Sea in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Cardiff to Southend-on-Sea offers a mix of urban and countryside views. Travellers will pass through the scenic landscapes of the Severn Estuary and the rolling hills of the South Wales countryside before moving through the historic cityscapes of London. While not consistently scenic, certain sections provide picturesque views.
A day trip from Cardiff to Southend-on-Sea is not feasible as the journey takes 3h 32m each way. There are 6 train connections per day and the distance is 270 km.
For a fulfilling experience in Southend-on-Sea, two to three days are ideal to explore its main attractions, including the longest pleasure pier in the world, Adventure Island amusement park, and the beautiful coastline.
Yes, you can take the train from Cardiff to Southend-on-Sea.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Cardiff and Southend-on-Sea

Most Cardiff to Southend-on-Sea trains use the Cardiff Central to Southend Airport station pair, with some services arriving at Southend Victoria. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Southend-on-Sea train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Cardiff
Arrival train stations in Southend-on-Sea
Cardiff CentralCentral Square, Cardiff CF10 1EP, United Kingdom+44 3457114141WifiShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar Rental
City-centre transport

Getting to Cardiff Central from Cardiff city centre

Bus24, 25, 27, 86, 62, 30, 35, 21, 136, 7, 23, 63, 64 · 3m · £2 · every ~47 min
C1 · 5m · every ~8 min

Cardiff Central train station facilities and services

Cardiff Central has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Car Rental.

Food and drink

Food options include: Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen, Pret a Manger, Tesco Express

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are located outside of the main entrance.

Tickets and information

The ticket office is open Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30, Sat: 05:40 - 21:30, Sun: 07:30 - 21:30.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Cardiff Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Cardiff Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff Central: There is step-free access in the whole station. There are also ramps for train access and elevators in the station.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Clayton Hotel Cardiff, Cardiff Marriott Hotel, Travelodge Cardiff Central.

CathaysCathays station, Plas-y-Parc, Cardiff, Cardiff, CF10 3LUParkingDiningAccessibilityHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Cathays from Cardiff city centre

TrainCardiff Central - Merthyr Tydfil, Cardiff Central - Treherbert, Cardiff Central - Pontypridd, Aberdare - Merthyr Tydfil, Cardiff Central - Radyr, Radyr - Radyr · 6m · £0.89 · every ~8 min
BusC1 · 16m · every ~8 min

Cathays train station facilities and services

Cathays has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Cathays.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Cathays. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 03333 211202, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Arrival screens.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Cathays: Parking.

Bike and car services

Available at Cathays: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Cathays: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Category B3. While both platforms are step-free, there is no facility for wheelchair users, mobility scooter users or persons with reduced mobility to cross between Platform 1 and 2 due to a steep footbridge. Customers who have travelled from the Valleys and wish to access the University or the Civic Centre are advised to travel to Queen Street station, change onto a North-bound service and alight at Cathays on the return service, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machine(s) take cash, and major debit and credit cards. The machine on the Cardiff-bound platform is only available during staffing hours. The machine on the Pontypridd-bound platform is available all the time, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Travelodge.

Ninian ParkNinian Park station, Leckwith Road, Ninian Park, Cardiff, CF11 8AHParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityLost and Found OfficeBike ParkingBike Rental
City-centre transport

Getting to Ninian Park from Cardiff city centre

Ninian Park is 1 km from Cardiff city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainCardiff Central - Milford Haven, Cardiff Central - Carmarthen, Cardiff Central - Aberdare, Merthyr Tydfil - Aberdare, Cardiff Central - Pembroke Dock, Cardiff Central - Radyr, Radyr - Radyr · 3m · £0.89 · every ~4 min
Bus4, 611, 95 · 5m · £2 · every ~9 min

Ninian Park train station facilities and services

Ninian Park has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Ninian Park.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Ninian Park: Parking, Taxis.

Bike and car services

Available at Ninian Park: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Ninian Park: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category B2. Step free access to Platform 1 (to Cardiff) from Leckwith Road. Step free access to Platform 2 (to Radyr) Leckwith Road via a ramp with a steep gradient, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machine(s) do not accept cash. Payment is by major debit and credit cards only, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.

More options for your journey from Cardiff to Southend-on-Sea

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

HomeTrainsTrain Times to Southend-on-Sea Cardiff to Southend-on-Sea train

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