- 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 Plymouth to Southend-on-Sea
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 15 Sept
Cheapest price on 15 Sept
£78
Average ticket price on 15 Sept
£78
Fastest journey on 15 Sept
4 h 58 m
Average journey duration on 15 Sept
4 h 58 m
Trains on 15 Sept
1
Distance
364 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Plymouth 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 Plymouth to Southend-on-Sea will cost around £78 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £78.
Fast trains
On Tue 15 Sept, we found 1 trains from Plymouth to Southend-on-Sea, including 1 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 364 km distance in an average of 4 h 58 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 58 m .
The slowest trains will take 4 h 58 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.
9:154h58Plymouth14:13Southend-on-Sea£781One-way0 changes
- 9:154h58Plymouth14:13Southend-on-Sea£781One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train for Plymouth to Southend-on-Sea
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Plymouth to Southend-on-Sea among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £205 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 4h 53m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £205, while a train costs an average of £205.
Distance: 364 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|
£205 Average Price Cheapest | £69 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 53m Average total duration Fastest 4h 23m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 50m 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 Plymouth to Southend-on-Sea is a train with an average price of £205.
The fastest way to travel from Plymouth to Southend-on-Sea is by train with an average journey time of 4h 23m.
Yes, you can take a train between Plymouth 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 1h 27m sooner (4h 23m by train vs 5h 50m by car). Tickets start at around £205 compared to roughly £69 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
Plymouth to Southend-on-Sea train times
The table below shows live departures for Plymouth to Southend-on-Sea trains for today, Monday 14 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
.png) | 23:56 Plymouth | 7h01 | 6:57 Southend-on-Sea | 2 changes | |
| Tuesday 15 September | |||||
| 9:15 Plymouth | 4h58 | 14:13 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 Plymouth 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.
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15 Sept
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21 Sept
Why should you book Plymouth to Southend-on-Sea trains with Omio?
Great Western Railway as well as Great Western Railway (GWR) offer trains services from Plymouth to Southend-on-Sea.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Plymouth 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 Plymouth 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 Plymouth to Southend-on-Sea
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Plymouth to Southend-on-Sea run on average 7 times per day, taking around 4h 23m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £205 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 04:54, the last at 22:04. The fastest train covers the 364 km distance in 4h 21m.
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 364 km |
Average train duration 4h 23m |
Cheapest ticket price £205 |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 4h 21m |
First train 4:54 |
Last train 22:04 |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Best time to book 21 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 Plymouth to Southend-on-Sea trainsGreat Western Railway, Great Western Railway (GWR) trains will get you between Plymouth and Southend-on-Sea from £205. 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
4h 58m
Cheapest Great Western Railway Price
£72
Great Western Railway frequency
5 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
Great Western Railway (GWR)
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Great Western Railway (GWR) Duration
4h 21m
Cheapest Great Western Railway (GWR) Price
£205
Great Western Railway (GWR) frequency
16 a day
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: Plymouth to Southend-on-Sea train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Plymouth 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 Plymouth to Southend-on-Sea can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £205, while the average price tends to be around £205.
The train journey from Plymouth to Southend-on-Sea covers a distance of 364 km and takes approximately 4h 21m. Trains run 7 per day.
The train distance from Plymouth to Southend-on-Sea is 364 km.
The first train from Plymouth to Southend-on-Sea leaves at 4:54.
The last train from Plymouth to Southend-on-Sea departs at 22:04.
Trains from Plymouth to Southend-on-Sea run approximately 7 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Plymouth to Southend-on-Sea.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Plymouth to Southend-on-Sea.
To travel from Plymouth to Southend-on-Sea, you can take a train.
There is no night train service from Plymouth to Southend-on-Sea.
The train station in Plymouth that goes to Southend-on-Sea is Plymouth station (PLY), and it arrives at Southend Airport (SIA).
The cheapest way to get from Plymouth to Southend-on-Sea is by train, costing approximately £205.
Booking trains from Plymouth 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 Plymouth to Southend-on-Sea offers a mix of scenic views, including stretches of coastline, rolling countryside, and charming towns, especially in the initial segments through Devon and Somerset.
A day trip from Plymouth to Southend-on-Sea is not feasible as the journey time is 4h 21m. Trains operate 6 times per day, covering a distance of 364 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 Plymouth to Southend-on-Sea.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Plymouth and Southend-on-Sea
Most Plymouth to Southend-on-Sea trains use the Plymouth to Southend Airport station pair, with some services arriving at Southend Victoria. Use this guide to compare Plymouth 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 Plymouth
Arrival train stations in Southend-on-Sea
Which Plymouth station do trains to Southend-on-Sea leave from?
Trains from Plymouth to Southend-on-Sea leave from Plymouth. The station is 1 km from Plymouth city centre at Plymouth station, North Road, Plymouth, Devon, PL4 6AB.
PlymouthPlymouth station, North Road, Plymouth, Devon, PL4 6AB+44 3451652030
City-centre transport
Getting to Plymouth from Plymouth city centre
Bus13, 2, 170 · 4m · £2 · every ~11 min
Plymouth train station facilities and services
Plymouth has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Plymouth.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Plymouth. ATMs are available at Plymouth.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Plymouth.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Plymouth: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Plymouth: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Plymouth: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step Free Category A Station - This station has step free access to all platforms via lifts and the station subway. Safety warning - Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge. Please take extra care when using this station, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible public telephones: Station pay phones are not accessible, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available. Please request staff assistance, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Accessible ticket machines are located at the station entrance by the ticket office, 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 Plymouth arrive at?
Trains from Plymouth to Southend-on-Sea most often arrive at Southend Airport. Some services arrive at Southend Victoria, 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.
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.
More options for your journey from Plymouth 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 Plymouth
Most popular train connections to Southend-on-Sea
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