- 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.
Cheapest price
£37
Average price
£37
Fastest journey
2 h 3 m
Average duration
2 h 10 m
Trains per day
6
Distance
87 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Luton 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 Luton to Southend-on-Sea will cost around £37 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £37.
To travel from Luton to Southend-on-Sea you need to make at least 2 changes.
W32958+
Tube from Farringdon to London Fenchurch Street+
Y64092
W45524+
Tube from Farringdon to London Fenchurch Street+
Y64226
W45520+
Tube from Farringdon to London Fenchurch Street+
Y64227
W32958+
P66758+
C38130
W45520+
P76730+
C38144
W32958+
P66758+
C38130
W45520+
P76730+
C38144
W32958+
Tube from Farringdon to London Fenchurch Street+
Y64092
C10082+
P76718+
C38102
W45520+
Tube from Farringdon to London Fenchurch Street+
Y64227The table below shows live departures for Luton to Southend-on-Sea trains for tomorrow, Friday 14 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
C10082+ P76718+ C38102 | 8:01 Luton station (LUT) | 2h13 | 10:14 Southend Victoria (SOV) | 2 changes | |
W45524+ Tube from Farringdon to London Fenchurch Street+ Y64226 | 8:13 Luton station (LUT) | 2h17 | 10:30 Southend Central (SOC) | 2 changes | |
W32958+ Tube from Farringdon to London Fenchurch Street+ Y64092 | 8:27 Luton station (LUT) | 2h13 | 10:40 Southend Central (SOC) | 2 changes | |
W32958+ P66758+ C38130 | 8:27 Luton station (LUT) | 2h03 | 10:30 Southend Victoria (SOV) | 2 changes | |
W45520+ Tube from Farringdon to London Fenchurch Street+ Y64227 | 8:43 Luton station (LUT) | 2h15 | 10:58 Southend Central (SOC) | 2 changes | |
W45520+ P76730+ C38144 | 8:43 Luton station (LUT) | 2h07 | 10:50 Southend Victoria (SOV) | 2 changes | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare coach and 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.
Trains from Luton to Southend-on-Sea run on average 7 times per day, taking around 1h 47m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £21 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 00:40, the last at 23:38. The fastest train covers the 87 km distance in 2h 2m.
Distance 87 km |
Average train duration 1h 47m |
Cheapest ticket price £21 |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 2h 2m |
First train 0:40 |
Last train 23:38 |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 2 days |
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.
Museum beside Prittlewell Priory covering local archaeology, social history and natural history. A strong introduction to Southend and Essex.
Historic house museum in Priory Park with restored rooms, monastic remains and displays on local life. Good for history and architecture.
Compact museum at the end of the pier exploring the pier’s engineering, railway and seaside heritage. Worth adding to a pier visit.
Popular beachfront promenade for walking, cycling and sea views, linking the pier, gardens and classic seaside attractions.
Lively old fishing quarter with cobbled lanes, cockle sheds, pubs, small galleries and estuary views. Full of local character.
Large park with formal gardens, lake, play areas and the priory complex. A pleasant green space for walks near the centre.
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.
Briny native or rock oysters from the Thames Estuary area, traditionally eaten very fresh. They reflect the long shellfish heritage of the Essex coast.
Sweet, delicate prawns from the nearby North Sea and estuary waters, often served simply with bread and butter. A long-standing local seafood favourite.
Stylish restaurant in nearby Leigh-on-Sea focused on British seafood and seasonal cooking. Cosy, polished dining room with estuary character.
Historic seafront fish restaurant known for oysters, cockles and classic seafood. Traditional, no-frills atmosphere close to the beach.
Popular seafood restaurant and fishmonger serving fresh local catch, shellfish and grilled fish. Smart but relaxed setting near the seafront.
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.
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.
Official public transport app
Chalkwell -> Southend Central
There are no direct trains from Luton to Southend-On-Sea, but frequent connections via London. Services begin very early in the morning, with Thameslink departures to London St Pancras or Blackfriars. Underground services to London Fenchurch Street and London Liverpool Street connect to C2C or Abellio Greater Anglia departures for Southend-On-Sea. There are at least five connections an hour throughout the day, with trains continuing until just after 11:00 p.m. Most journeys take a little over 2 hours. Trains depart from Luton Central Station and arrive at Southend Central Station in the town centre, close to the beach, or Southend Victoria Station, a short walk north of the centre.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Luton 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.

Most Luton to Southend-on-Sea trains use the Luton to Southend Central station pair, with some services arriving at Southend Victoria. Use this guide to compare Luton and Southend-on-Sea train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Luton has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Car Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Luton.
Wi-Fi is available at Luton. ATMs are available at Luton.
Ticket office support is available at Luton.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Luton: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Luton: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Luton: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category B3 station: Step free access via lift to platform 5 only (some trains to Bedford/ the East Midlands) only. Steps to all other platforms. Assistance Meeting Point is the Ticket Office. This station doesn't have tactile surfaces along all platform edges. Please pay attention to where the platform surface changes from smooth to paved or contact us for assistance, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All Thameslink ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. Ticket machines are of an accessible design, however their location and the station itself may not be so please check the station access note for further details, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: Wheelchairs may only be available when the station is staffed, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Luton Airport Parkway is 1 km from Luton city centre. Public transport options include:
Luton Airport Parkway has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Car Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Luton Airport Parkway.
Wi-Fi is available at Luton Airport Parkway. ATMs are available at Luton Airport Parkway.
Ticket office support is available at Luton Airport Parkway.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Luton Airport Parkway: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Luton Airport Parkway: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Luton Airport Parkway: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category A station: This station has step-free level access to all platforms via lifts. Assistance Meeting Point is the Ticket Office, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All Thameslink ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. Ticket machines are of an accessible design, however their location and the station itself may not be so please check the station access note for further details, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: Wheelchairs may only be available when the station is staffed, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Leagrave is 4 km from Luton city centre. Public transport options include:
Leagrave has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Leagrave.
Wi-Fi is available at Leagrave.
Ticket office support is available at Leagrave.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Leagrave: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Leagrave: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Leagrave: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category B3 station. Step free access to southbound platform 1 and northbound platform 4 (via a separate entrance). No step free access to northbound platform 2 or southbound platform 3. Most services call at platforms 1 and 2. The assistance meeting point is Platform 4 next to ticket office, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All Thameslink ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. Ticket machines are of an accessible design, however their location and the station itself may not be so please check the station access note for further details, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: Wheelchairs may only be available when the station is staffed, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
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 options are available at Southend Central.
Wi-Fi is available at Southend Central. ATMs are available at Southend Central.
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.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Southend Central: Parking, WC.
Available at Southend Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
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.
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 options are available at Southend Victoria.
Wi-Fi is available at Southend Victoria. ATMs are available at Southend Victoria.
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.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Southend Victoria: Parking, WC.
Available at Southend Victoria: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
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.
Chalkwell is 3 km from Southend-on-Sea city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options are available at Chalkwell.
Wi-Fi is available at Chalkwell.
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.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Chalkwell: Parking, WC.
Available at Chalkwell: Bike Parking.
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.
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