- 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 Leicester to Southend-on-Sea
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 10 Oct
Cheapest price on 10 Oct
£38
Average ticket price on 10 Oct
£38
Fastest journey on 10 Oct
2 h 50 m
Average journey duration on 10 Oct
2 h 50 m
Trains on 10 Oct
1
Distance
176 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Leicester 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 Leicester to Southend-on-Sea will cost around £38 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £38.
Fast trains
On Sat 10 Oct, we found 1 trains from Leicester to Southend-on-Sea, including 1 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 176 km distance in an average of 2 h 50 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 50 m .
The slowest trains will take 2 h 50 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.
17:042h50Leicester19:54Southend-on-Sea£381One-way0 changes
- 17:042h50Leicester19:54Southend-on-Sea£381One-way0 changes
Journey information
Overview: Train from Leicester to Southend-on-Sea
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Leicester to Southend-on-Sea run on average 5 times per day, taking around 2h 27m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £75 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 04:00, the last at 22:15. The fastest train covers the 176 km distance in 2h 16m.
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 176 km |
Average train duration 2h 27m |
Cheapest ticket price £75 |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 2h 16m |
First train 4:00 |
Last train 22:15 |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Best time to book 7 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
Live departures
Leicester to Southend-on-Sea train times
The table below shows live departures for Leicester to Southend-on-Sea trains for today, Friday 9 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9:30 Leicester | 2h58 | 12:28 Southend-on-Sea | 0 changesdirect | |
| 16:04 Leicester | 2h48 | 18:52 Southend-on-Sea | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Why should you book Leicester to Southend-on-Sea trains with Omio?
East Midlands Railway operates all trains services from Leicester to Southend-on-Sea.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Leicester to Southend-on-Sea.
Why book with Omio vs East Midlands 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.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare East Midlands Railway with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Leicester to Southend-on-Sea.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Rome2rio?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Leicester to Southend-on-Sea.
Train companies: East Midlands Railway from Leicester to Southend-on-Sea trainsEast Midlands Railway trains will get you between Leicester and Southend-on-Sea from £75. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
East Midlands Railway
About
East Midlands Trains is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates services from London to the East Midlands, Yorkshire, and the North West. East Midlands Trains operates a fleet of Class 158, Class 156, Class 170, Class 222 and Class 180 diesel multiple units, as well as Class 222 Meridian electric multiple units. East Midlands Trains also offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. The most popular routes for East Midlands Trains are London to Nottingham, Sheffield, and Leeds.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average East Midlands Railway Duration
2h 16m
Cheapest East Midlands Railway Price
£75
East Midlands Railway frequency
6 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 piece of hand luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the 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
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for a fee. Free for Advance ticket holders
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs must be on lead and require a ticket (£6 for day ticket)
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.
Best day trips from Southend-on-Sea by train
The most popular day trips by train from Southend-on-Sea are London, Canterbury, Stratford, Colchester and Chelmsford. Find out what you can do in these day trip destinations and how to book your train from Southend-on-Sea on Omio.
Day trip from Southend-on-Sea to London by train
Why visit London for the day?
London blends royal history with modern city life, known for its museums, theatre and global food scene. Along the Thames, grand landmarks sit beside diverse neighbourhoods shaped by finance, fashion and contemporary culture.
How to get from Southend-on-Sea to London by train?
There are 11 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 58 km distance in 47m.
Day trip from Southend-on-Sea to Canterbury by train
Why visit Canterbury for the day?
Canterbury is best known for its cathedral, medieval streets and long role in English religious history. Its compact centre mixes historic buildings with a lively student atmosphere, independent shops and riverside walks.
How to get from Southend-on-Sea to Canterbury by train?
The earliest train runs at 05:18, the last at 23:06. The fastest train covers the 38 km distance in 1h 36m.
Day trip from Southend-on-Sea to Stratford by train
Why visit Stratford for the day?
Stratford-upon-Avon is best known as Shakespeare’s birthplace, with a historic centre of Tudor buildings and riverside theatre. It feels like a traditional English market town, shaped by literary heritage, calm walks along the Avon and a steady cultural atmosphere.
How to get from Southend-on-Sea to Stratford by train?
There are 11 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 50 km distance in 45m.
Day trip from Southend-on-Sea to Colchester by train
Why visit Colchester for the day?
Colchester is an Essex city known as Britain’s oldest recorded town, with Roman roots and a prominent castle. Its historic core, modern cultural venues and easy-going atmosphere make it well suited to a relaxed visit.
How to get from Southend-on-Sea to Colchester by train?
The earliest train runs at 04:01, the last at 23:07. The fastest train covers the 41 km distance in 1h 1m.
Day trip from Southend-on-Sea to Chelmsford by train
Why visit Chelmsford for the day?
Chelmsford is Essex’s county city, known for its cathedral and its links to Guglielmo Marconi. A compact centre, riverside parks and a relaxed modern feel give it an easy balance of history and everyday city life.
How to get from Southend-on-Sea to Chelmsford by train?
The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 28 km distance in 42m.
FAQs: Leicester to Southend-on-Sea train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Leicester 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 Leicester to Southend-on-Sea can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £75, while the average price tends to be around £106.
The train journey from Leicester to Southend-on-Sea covers a distance of 176 km and takes approximately 2h 16m. Trains run 5 per day.
The train distance from Leicester to Southend-on-Sea is 176 km.
The first train from Leicester to Southend-on-Sea leaves at 4:00.
The last train from Leicester to Southend-on-Sea departs at 22:15.
Trains from Leicester to Southend-on-Sea run approximately 5 times per day.
Yes, there is a high-speed train service from Leicester to Southend-on-Sea.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Leicester to Southend-on-Sea.
There is no night train service from Leicester to Southend-on-Sea.
The train station in Leicester that goes to Southend-on-Sea is Leicester station (LEI), and it arrives at Southend Central (SOC).
Booking trains from Leicester 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 Leicester to Southend-on-Sea offers a mix of urban and rural scenery. Departing from Leicester, passengers can enjoy views of the rolling countryside in Leicestershire and Essex, interspersed with glimpses of charming villages and towns. As the train approaches Southend-on-Sea, the landscape transforms to coastal views, providing a varied and pleasant visual experience.
Yes, you can take the train from Leicester to Southend-on-Sea.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Leicester and Southend-on-Sea
Most Leicester to Southend-on-Sea trains use the Leicester to Southend Central station pair, with some services arriving at Chalkwell. Use this guide to compare Leicester 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 Leicester
Arrival train stations in Southend-on-Sea
Which Leicester station do trains to Southend-on-Sea leave from?
Trains from Leicester to Southend-on-Sea leave from Leicester. The station is 1 km from Leicester city centre at Leicester station, London Road, Leicester, Leicestershire, LE2 0QB.
LeicesterLeicester station, London Road, Leicester, Leicestershire, LE2 0QB+44 8457125678
City-centre transport
Getting to Leicester from Leicester city centre
BusX7 · 4m · £2 · every ~3 min
16 · 7m · every ~6 min
Hop · 11m · £2 · every ~14 min
Leicester train station facilities and services
Leicester has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Leicester.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Leicester. ATMs are available at Leicester.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Leicester. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 08000 11 33 23, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Leicester: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Leicester: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Leicester: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category A access station. There is step free access to the main entrance and lifts to all platforms. Customers with wheelchairs who require assistance on graduated slopes should press the ticket gate 'assistance' button located at the bottom of the stairs near the self service ticket machines. To ensure availability of staff to assist, it is imperative that customers book assistance in advance. This station has tactile paving at the edge of all platforms and at the bottom of all staircases, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this 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: Yes.
Which Southend-on-Sea station do trains from Leicester arrive at?
Trains from Leicester to Southend-on-Sea most often arrive at Southend Central. Some services arrive at Chalkwell, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Southend-on-Sea arrival station.
Southend CentralSouthend Central station, Clifftown Road, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, SS1 1AB+44 8450507080
City-centre transport
Getting to Southend Central from Southend-on-Sea city centre
Location for Rail Replacement ServicesBus stops on Clifftown Road near The Last Public House
Southend Central train station facilities and services
Southend Central has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Southend Central.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Southend Central. ATMs are available at Southend Central.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Southend Central. 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 Southend Central: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Southend Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Southend Central: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
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 · £0.89 · 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 Leicester
More options for your journey from Leicester 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 Leicester
Most popular train connections to Southend-on-Sea
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