- 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 Cheltenham to Southend-on-Sea
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 23 Sept
Cheapest price on 23 Sept
£44
Average ticket price on 23 Sept
£44
Fastest journey on 23 Sept
3 h 47 m
Average journey duration on 23 Sept
3 h 47 m
Trains on 23 Sept
1
Distance
197 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cheltenham 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 Cheltenham to Southend-on-Sea will cost around £44 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £44.
Fast trains
On Wed 23 Sept, we found 1 trains from Cheltenham to Southend-on-Sea, including 1 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 197 km distance in an average of 3 h 47 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 47 m .
The slowest trains will take 3 h 47 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.
11:033h47Cheltenham14:50Southend-on-Sea£441One-way0 changes
- 11:033h47Cheltenham14:50Southend-on-Sea£441One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train for Cheltenham to Southend-on-Sea
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cheltenham to Southend-on-Sea among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £61 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 37m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £61, while a train costs an average of £61.
Distance: 197 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|
£61 Average Price Cheapest | £38 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 37m Average total duration Fastest 3h 7m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 15m 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 Cheltenham to Southend-on-Sea is a train with an average price of £61.
The fastest way to travel from Cheltenham to Southend-on-Sea is by train with an average journey time of 3h 7m.
Yes, you can take a train between Cheltenham and Southend-on-Sea.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.
You'll arrive about 8m sooner (3h 7m by train vs 3h 15m by car). Tickets start at around £61 compared to roughly £38 in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
Live departures
Cheltenham to Southend-on-Sea train times
The table below shows live departures for Cheltenham to Southend-on-Sea trains for tomorrow, Wednesday 23 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11:03 Cheltenham | 3h47 | 14:50 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 Cheltenham 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.
Wed
23 Sept
23 Sept
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24 Sept
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26 Sept
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29 Sept
29 Sept
Why should you book Cheltenham to Southend-on-Sea trains with Omio?
Great Western Railway operates all trains services from Cheltenham to Southend-on-Sea.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cheltenham to Southend-on-Sea.
Why book with Omio vs Great Western Railway?
- 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 Cheltenham to Southend-on-Sea
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Cheltenham to Southend-on-Sea run on average 3 times per day, taking around 3h 7m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £61 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 04:30, the last at 21:02. The fastest train covers the 197 km distance in 3h 7m.
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 197 km |
Average train duration 3h 7m |
Cheapest ticket price £61 |
Trains per day 3 |
Fastest train 3h 7m |
First train 4:30 |
Last train 21:02 |
Cheapest Month Sept |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
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 from Cheltenham to Southend-on-Sea trainsGreat Western Railway trains will get you between Cheltenham and Southend-on-Sea from £61. 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 Great Western Railway Duration
3h 7m
Cheapest Great Western Railway Price
£61
Great Western Railway frequency
3 a day
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
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
- £3.00
- Day pass
- £6.00
To the city centre
Chalkwell -> Southend Travel Centre
- Distance
- 4 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Contactless Tap&Cap works on First Bus services in Southend-on-Sea and caps fares automatically at the day ticket price.
- Southend bus single fares are generally covered by the £3 fare cap until the end of March 2027.
FAQs: Cheltenham to Southend-on-Sea train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cheltenham 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 Cheltenham to Southend-on-Sea can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £61, while the average price tends to be around £61.
The train journey from Cheltenham to Southend-on-Sea covers a distance of 197 km and takes approximately 3h 7m. Trains run 3 per day.
The train distance from Cheltenham to Southend-on-Sea is 197 km.
The first train from Cheltenham to Southend-on-Sea leaves at 4:30.
The last train from Cheltenham to Southend-on-Sea departs at 21:02.
Trains from Cheltenham to Southend-on-Sea run approximately 3 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Cheltenham to Southend-on-Sea.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Cheltenham to Southend-on-Sea.
To travel from Cheltenham to Southend-on-Sea, you can take a train.
There is no night train service from Cheltenham to Southend-on-Sea.
The train station in Cheltenham that goes to Southend-on-Sea is Cheltenham Spa (CNM), and it arrives at Chalkwell (CHW).
The cheapest way to get from Cheltenham to Southend-on-Sea is by train, costing approximately £61.
Booking trains from Cheltenham 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 Cheltenham to Southend-on-Sea offers a mix of urban and rural sceneries. Travellers can enjoy views of the Cotswolds' rolling hills and picturesque countryside before transitioning to the urban landscapes near London and the Thames Estuary.
A day trip from Cheltenham to Southend-on-Sea is not feasible as the travel duration is 3h 7m. However, there are 3 trains per day covering a distance of 197 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 Cheltenham to Southend-on-Sea.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cheltenham and Southend-on-Sea
Most Cheltenham to Southend-on-Sea trains use the Cheltenham Spa to Chalkwell station pair, with some services arriving at Southend Victoria. Use this guide to compare Cheltenham 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 Cheltenham
Arrival train stations in Southend-on-Sea
Which Cheltenham station do trains to Southend-on-Sea leave from?
Trains from Cheltenham to Southend-on-Sea leave from Cheltenham Spa. The station is 1 km from Cheltenham city centre at Cheltenham Spa Railway Station, Queens Road, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL51 8NP, United Kingdom.
Cheltenham SpaCheltenham Spa Railway Station, Queens Road, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL51 8NP, United Kingdom+44 345 165 2030
City-centre transport
Getting to Cheltenham Spa from Cheltenham city centre
Cheltenham Spa is 1 km from Cheltenham city centre. Public transport options include:
BusD, E, G · 7m · £4 · every ~25 min
M1 · 8m
Cheltenham Spa train station facilities and services
Cheltenham Spa has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink
Food options include: The Railway Inn, The Coconut Tree
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Cheltenham Spa. Information desks are located near the main entrance.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Cheltenham Spa. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cheltenham Spa: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Cheltenham Spa: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Cheltenham Spa: Elevators, ramps.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Queens Hotel Cheltenham, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cheltenham, Hotel du Vin & Bistro Cheltenham.
Which Southend-on-Sea station do trains from Cheltenham arrive at?
Trains from Cheltenham to Southend-on-Sea most often arrive at Chalkwell. Some services arrive at Southend Victoria, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Southend-on-Sea arrival station.
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.
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.
Most popular train connections from Cheltenham
More options for your journey from Cheltenham 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 Cheltenham
Most popular train connections to Southend-on-Sea
HomeTrainsTrains in United KingdomTrain Times to Southend-on-Sea Cheltenham to Southend-on-Sea train
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