- 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 trains from Chelmsford to Southend-on-Sea
Showing times and prices for 20 Aug
Cheapest price
£11
Average price
£11
Fastest journey
55 m
Average duration
55 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
28 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train 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 train tickets today for only £11.
Fast trains
Of the 2 trains that leave Chelmsford for Southend-on-Sea every day 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 28 km distance in an average of 55 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 55 m .
The slowest trains will take 55 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.
9:550h55Chelmsford10:50Southend-on-Sea£111One-way0 changes- 6:390h55Chelmsford7:34Southend-on-Sea£121One-way0 changes
- 9:550h55Chelmsford10:50Southend-on-Sea£111One-way0 changes
- 6:390h55Chelmsford7:34Southend-on-Sea£121One-way0 changes
Live departures
Chelmsford to Southend-on-Sea train times
The table below shows live departures for Chelmsford to Southend-on-Sea trains for tomorrow, Thursday 20 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6:39 Chelmsford | 0h55 | 7:34 Southend-on-Sea | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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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Why should you book Chelmsford to Southend-on-Sea trains with Omio?
Greater Anglia operates all trains services from Chelmsford to Southend-on-Sea.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Chelmsford to Southend-on-Sea.
Why book with Omio vs Greater Anglia?
- 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 Greater Anglia with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Chelmsford to Southend-on-Sea.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Chelmsford to Southend-on-Sea.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Chelmsford to Southend-on-Sea
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Chelmsford to Southend-on-Sea run on average 7 times per day, taking around 45m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £11 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 05:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 28 km distance in 53m.
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 28 km |
Average train duration 45m |
Cheapest ticket price £11 |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 53m |
First train 5:01 |
Last train 23:58 |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Mon |
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
Train companies: Greater Anglia from Chelmsford to Southend-on-Sea trainsGreater Anglia trains will get you between Chelmsford and Southend-on-Sea from £11. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Greater Anglia
About
Greater Anglia is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates a wide range of services, from commuter trains to intercity services. The commuter trains run at regular intervals throughout the day, while the intercity services run at peak times. The train types include the InterCity 125, InterCity 225, Class 90, Class 91, Class 360 and Class 379. The ticket types available are Standard, First Class and Advance. Onboard facilities include Wi-Fi, power sockets, air conditioning and refreshment trolleys. The most popular routes for Greater Anglia are London Liverpool Street to Norwich, London Liverpool Street to Cambridge and London Liverpool Street to Ipswich.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
53m
Cheapest Price
£11
Greater Anglia frequency
7 a day
Luggage included
Two items of luggage per person included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar service on intercity routes with hot and cold drinks, snacks. No service on local routes.
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for a fee. Free for First Class tickets.
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs require a ticket (£6 flat fee). Guide dogs travel free.
Quiet zone
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
- Day pass
- £6.00
To the city centre
Chalkwell -> Southend Central
- Distance
- 3 km
- Travel time
- 5 min
- Most local buses accept contactless payment, and First Bus Tap&Cap limits what you pay to the day ticket price.
- For travel across multiple bus operators, the Southend Octopus day ticket is available at £7.00 on participating services.
FAQs: Chelmsford to Southend-on-Sea train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chelmsford 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.
The cost of a train ticket from Chelmsford to Southend-on-Sea can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £11, while the average price tends to be around £11.
The train journey from Chelmsford to Southend-on-Sea covers a distance of 28 km and takes approximately 53m. Trains run 7 per day.
The train distance from Chelmsford to Southend-on-Sea is 28 km.
The first train from Chelmsford to Southend-on-Sea leaves at 5:01.
The last train from Chelmsford to Southend-on-Sea departs at 23:58.
Trains from Chelmsford to Southend-on-Sea run approximately 7 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Chelmsford to Southend-on-Sea.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Chelmsford to Southend-on-Sea.
To get from Chelmsford to Southend-on-Sea, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Chelmsford to Southend-on-Sea.
The train station in Chelmsford that goes to Southend-on-Sea is Chelmsford station (CHM), and it arrives at Southend Victoria (SOV).
The cheapest way to get from Chelmsford to Southend-on-Sea is by train, costing approximately £11.
Booking trains from Chelmsford 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 Chelmsford to Southend-on-Sea offers views of the Essex countryside, featuring rolling fields and occasional glimpses of the River Crouch, though it is not typically renowned for being particularly scenic compared to other routes.
Yes, a day trip from Chelmsford to Southend-on-Sea is feasible. The journey takes 53m and covers 28 km. Trains run frequently with 5 trips per day.
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 Chelmsford to Southend-on-Sea.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Chelmsford and Southend-on-Sea
Most Chelmsford to Southend-on-Sea trains use the Chelmsford to Southend Victoria station pair, with some services arriving at Southend Airport. Use this guide to compare Chelmsford 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 Chelmsford
Arrival train stations in Southend-on-Sea
Which Chelmsford station do trains to Southend-on-Sea leave from?
Trains from Chelmsford to Southend-on-Sea leave from Chelmsford. The station is from Chelmsford city centre at Chelmsford station, Duke Street, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 1HT.
ChelmsfordChelmsford station, Duke Street, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 1HT+44 8450507080
City-centre transport
Getting to Chelmsford from Chelmsford city centre
Location for Rail Replacement ServicesReplacement transport stop at the bus stop on Victoria Road by station entrance
Chelmsford train station facilities and services
Chelmsford has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Chelmsford.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Chelmsford. ATMs are available at Chelmsford.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Chelmsford.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Chelmsford: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Chelmsford: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Chelmsford: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible taxis: Details of nearest taxis are shown on station information poster, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Which Southend-on-Sea station do trains from Chelmsford arrive at?
Trains from Chelmsford to Southend-on-Sea most often arrive at Southend Victoria. Some services arrive at Southend Airport, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Southend-on-Sea arrival station.
Southend VictoriaSouthend Victoria station, Victoria Avenue, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, SS2 6AZ
City-centre transport
Getting to Southend Victoria from Southend-on-Sea city centre
Bus25, 7, 20, 825, 827, 21S, 28, 21, 3, 26, 20S · 3m · £3 · every ~69 min
Southend Victoria train station facilities and services
Southend Victoria has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Southend Victoria.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Southend Victoria. ATMs are available at Southend Victoria.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Southend Victoria. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0800 028 28 78, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Southend Victoria: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Southend Victoria: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Southend Victoria: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible taxis: Taxi rank at front of station, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
ChalkwellChalkwell station, The Ridgeway, Chalkwell, Essex, SS0 8PX
City-centre transport
Getting to Chalkwell from Southend-on-Sea city centre
Chalkwell is 3 km from Southend-on-Sea city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainShoeburyness - London Fenchurch Street, Shoeburyness - London Liverpool Street, Thorpe Bay - London Fenchurch Street, Southend Central - London Fenchurch Street, Shoeburyness - Barking, Southend Central - Upminster, Shoeburyness - Upminster, Southend Central - Barking · 4m · £0.90 · every ~13 min
Bus99Ot · 11m · every ~4 min
1X · 19m · £4 · every ~4 min
Chalkwell train station facilities and services
Chalkwell has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Chalkwell.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Chalkwell.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Chalkwell. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 03457 44 44 22, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Chalkwell: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Chalkwell: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Chalkwell: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Step free access is not available to either platform at this station, Accessible public telephones: No, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: No, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
PrittlewellPrittlewell station, Station Approach, Prittlewell, Essex, SS2 5BT+44 3450507080
City-centre transport
Getting to Prittlewell from Southend-on-Sea city centre
Prittlewell is 1 km from Southend-on-Sea city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainSouthend Victoria - London Liverpool Street · 2m · £0.90 · every ~6 min
Prittlewell train station facilities and services
Prittlewell has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Prittlewell.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Prittlewell.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Prittlewell.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Prittlewell: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Prittlewell: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Prittlewell: Staff help available: Yes, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible taxis: Details of nearest taxis are shown on station information poster, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
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 trains to and from Southend-on-Sea and Chelmsford
Most popular train connections to Southend-on-Sea
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