- 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
£28
Average price
£35
Fastest journey
3 h 29 m
Average duration
3 h 33 m
Trains per day
6
Distance
150 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth to Southend-on-Sea will cost around £35 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £28.
To travel from Portsmouth to Southend-on-Sea you need to make at least 2 changes.
L79599+
P76770+
Tube from London Waterloo to Stratford (London)
L79619+
C04696+
Tube from London Waterloo to Stratford (London)
L79581+
P01143+
Tube from London Waterloo to Stratford (London)
L79611+
Tube from London Waterloo to Stratford (London)+
P76782
L79592+
Tube from London Waterloo to Stratford (London)+
P76763
L79573+
Tube from London Waterloo to Stratford (London)+
P76749
L79592+
Tube from London Waterloo to Stratford (London)+
P76763
L79611+
Tube from London Waterloo to Stratford (London)+
P76782
L79619+
C04696+
Tube from London Waterloo to Stratford (London)
L79599+
P76770+
Tube from London Waterloo to Stratford (London)The table below shows live departures for Portsmouth to Southend-on-Sea trains for today, Tuesday 25 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
L79611+ Tube from London Waterloo to West Ham+ F38202 | On time 10:19 Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 3h16 | 13:35 Southend Central (SOC) | 2 changes | |
L79619+ Tube from London Waterloo to West Ham+ F38200 | On time 10:37 Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 3h27 | 14:04 Southend Central (SOC) | 2 changes | |
| Wednesday 26 August | |||||
L79573+ Tube from London Waterloo to Stratford (London)+ P76749 | 8:21 Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 3h29 | 11:50 Southend Victoria (SOV) | 2 changes | |
L79581+ P01143+ Tube from London Waterloo to Stratford (London) | 8:37 Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 3h53 | 12:30 Southend Victoria (SOV) | 2 changes | |
L79592+ P76763+ Tube from London Waterloo to Stratford (London) | 9:19 Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 3h31 | 12:50 Southend Victoria (SOV) | 2 changes | |
L79599+ Tube from London Waterloo to Stratford (London)+ P76770 | 9:37 Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 3h37 | 13:14 Southend Victoria (SOV) | 2 changes | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Take a train from Portsmouth to Southend-on-Sea and enjoy the approximately 150 km long journey. Find schedules and pricing options for a convenient and affordable trip.
The earliest train runs at 04:27, the last at 21:50.
Distance 150 km |
Average train duration 2h 35m |
Trains per day 9 |
First train 4:27 |
Last train 21:50 |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Best time to book 21 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
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth to Southend-on-Sea trains use the Portsmouth & Southsea to Southend Airport station pair, with some services arriving at Southend Central. Use this guide to compare Portsmouth and Southend-on-Sea train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Portsmouth & Southsea has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Portsmouth & Southsea.
Wi-Fi is available at Portsmouth & Southsea. ATMs are available at Portsmouth & Southsea.
Ticket office support is available at Portsmouth & Southsea.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Portsmouth & Southsea: Parking, WC.
Available at Portsmouth & Southsea: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Portsmouth & Southsea: 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. Please be aware that some platforms at this station have no or only partial tactile paving on the platform edge, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All South Western Railway ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. All machines are accessible, however the station may not be so please check the station access note for further details, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Fratton is 1 km from Portsmouth city centre. Public transport options include:
Fratton has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Fratton.
Wi-Fi is available at Fratton.
Ticket office support is available at Fratton. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point, Helpline Contact: 0800 5282100.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Fratton: Parking, WC.
Available at Fratton: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Fratton: 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, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All South Western Railway ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. All machines are accessible, however the station may not be so please check the station access note for further details, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Portsmouth Harbour is 1 km from Portsmouth city centre. Public transport options include:
Portsmouth Harbour has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Car Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Portsmouth Harbour.
Wi-Fi is available at Portsmouth Harbour. ATMs are available at Portsmouth Harbour.
Ticket office support is available at Portsmouth Harbour.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Portsmouth Harbour: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Portsmouth Harbour: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Portsmouth Harbour: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step-free category B Station - Steps or 20m ramp (approx. 1:11 gradient) to main entrance, or steps to side entrance. 32m ramp (gradient up to 1:8) from Wightlink IoW ferry terminal. Level access to all platforms. Stepped footbridge between platforms is also available. Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All South Western Railway ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. All machines are accessible, however the station may not be so please check the station access note for further details, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
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 East is 1 km from Southend-on-Sea city centre. Public transport options include:
Southend East has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Southend East.
Wi-Fi is available at Southend East.
Ticket office support is available at Southend East. 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 East: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Southend East: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Southend East: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Step free access is only available from Ambleside Drive to platform 1 (London bound), 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: 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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