- 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 Preston to Southend-on-Sea
Showing times and prices for 26 Aug
Cheapest price
£110
Average price
£110
Fastest journey
4 h 31 m
Average duration
4 h 31 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
339 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Preston 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 Preston to Southend-on-Sea will cost around £110 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £110.
Fast trains
Of the 1 trains that leave Preston for Southend-on-Sea every day 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 339 km distance in an average of 4 h 31 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 31 m .
The slowest trains will take 4 h 31 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.
9:194h31Preston13:50Southend-on-Sea£1101One-way0 changes
- 9:194h31Preston13:50Southend-on-Sea£1101One-way0 changes
Live departures
Preston to Southend-on-Sea train times
The table below shows live departures for Preston to Southend-on-Sea trains for today, Tuesday 25 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 4:15 Preston | 4h52 | 9:07 Southend-on-Sea | 3 changes | |
| 5:33 Preston | 3h42 | 9:15 Southend-on-Sea | 3 changes | |
| 6:58 Preston | 3h32 | 10:30 Southend-on-Sea | 3 changes | |
| 8:01 Preston | 3h56 | 11:57 Southend-on-Sea | 3 changes | |
| 9:00 Preston | 3h57 | 12:57 Southend-on-Sea | 3 changes | |
| 10:00 Preston | 3h57 | 13:57 Southend-on-Sea | 3 changes | |
| 11:00 Preston | 3h57 | 14:57 Southend-on-Sea | 3 changes | |
| 12:01 Preston | 3h56 | 15:57 Southend-on-Sea | 3 changes | |
| 13:00 Preston | 4h04 | 17:04 Southend-on-Sea | 3 changes | |
| 14:00 Preston | 4h08 | 18:08 Southend-on-Sea | 3 changes | |
| 15:00 Preston | 4h00 | 19:00 Southend-on-Sea | 3 changes | |
| 16:00 Preston | 4h04 | 20:04 Southend-on-Sea | 3 changes | |
| 16:59 Preston | 3h59 | 20:58 Southend-on-Sea | 3 changes | |
| 18:00 Preston | 4h30 | 22:30 Southend-on-Sea | 3 changes | |
| 19:07 Preston | 4h20 | 23:27 Southend-on-Sea | 3 changes | |
| 20:01 Preston | 4h15 | 0:16 Southend-on-Sea | 3 changes | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Preston 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
26 Aug
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Thu
27 Aug
27 Aug
Fri
28 Aug
28 Aug
Sat
29 Aug
29 Aug
Sun
30 Aug
30 Aug
Mon
31 Aug
31 Aug
Tue
01 Sept
01 Sept
Why should you book Preston to Southend-on-Sea trains with Omio?
Avanti West Coast as well as Caledonian Sleeper offer trains services from Preston to Southend-on-Sea.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Preston to Southend-on-Sea.
Why book with Omio vs Avanti West Coast?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Avanti West Coast, but also compare tickets for the likes of Caledonian Sleeper to find the best option for your trip from Preston to Southend-on-Sea.
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Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Raileurope?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Caledonian Sleeper to find the best option for your trip from Preston to Southend-on-Sea.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Preston to Southend-on-Sea
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Preston to Southend-on-Sea run on average 7 times per day, taking around 3h 31m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £104 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 04:00, the last at 21:18. The fastest train covers the 339 km distance in 3h 32m.
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 339 km |
Average train duration 3h 31m |
Cheapest ticket price £104 |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 3h 32m |
First train 4:00 |
Last train 21:18 |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jul - Sept |
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: Avanti West Coast, Caledonian Sleeper from Preston to Southend-on-Sea trainsAvanti West Coast, Caledonian Sleeper trains will get you between Preston and Southend-on-Sea from £104. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Avanti West Coast
About
Avanti West Coast is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates high-speed trains between London and major cities in the UK, including Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow and Edinburgh. The company offers a range of ticket types, including Standard, First Class and Advance tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, comfortable seating and a range of food and drinks. The most popular routes for Avanti West Coast are London to Birmingham, London to Manchester and London to Glasgow. The company operates a fleet of Pendolino and Super Voyager trains, which offer a smooth and comfortable journey.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 32m
Cheapest Price
£144
Avanti West Coast frequency
10 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
First Class: Complimentary meals and drinks. Standard Class: Onboard shop with drinks and snacks
Seat reservation
First Class: Included in ticket price. Standard Class: Optional reservation for £8-12
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance for boarding/alighting available
Pets
Small pets free in carriers. Dogs £30 per single journey. Guide dogs free
Quiet zone
Caledonian Sleeper
About
The Caledonian Sleeper is a train service operating in the United Kingdom. It offers overnight journeys between London, Scotland, the North of England and Wales. The service is operated by Serco and consists of two types of trains: the Classic Sleeper and the Lowland Sleeper. The Classic Sleeper offers comfortable sleeping berths, while the Lowland Sleeper offers reclining seats. Both trains offer onboard facilities such as Wi-Fi, power sockets, and complimentary tea and coffee.Ticket types include Standard, First Class and Solo. Standard tickets offer access to the lounge car, while First Class tickets include access to the lounge car and complimentary breakfast. Solo tickets are available for single travellers and offer access to the lounge car and a private sleeping berth. The most popular routes for the Caledonian Sleeper are London to Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness. Passengers can also travel from London to Aberdeen, Fort William and Dundee.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 45m
Cheapest Price
£104
Caledonian Sleeper frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage per person included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Dedicated luggage storage areas in each carriage and under beds in sleeping compartments
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies vary by ticket type and timing before departure
Refund
Full refund provided if service is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Complimentary breakfast for all guests. Club Car serves dinner and drinks. Room service available for sleeping car passengers
Seat reservation
Included in ticket price for sleeping car passengers. Optional seat reservations available for seated carriages
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Accessible rooms available, wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and staff assistance
Pets
Small pets allowed in sleeping compartments for a fee. Guide dogs travel free
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
- £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: Preston to Southend-on-Sea train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Preston 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 Preston to Southend-on-Sea can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £104, while the average price tends to be around £142.
The train journey from Preston to Southend-on-Sea covers a distance of 339 km and takes approximately 3h 32m. Trains run 7 per day.
The train distance from Preston to Southend-on-Sea is 339 km.
The first train from Preston to Southend-on-Sea leaves at 4:00.
The last train from Preston to Southend-on-Sea departs at 21:18.
Trains from Preston to Southend-on-Sea run approximately 7 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Preston to Southend-on-Sea.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Preston to Southend-on-Sea.
To travel from Preston to Southend-on-Sea, you can take a train.
Yes, there is a night train from Preston to Southend-on-Sea.
The train station in Preston that goes to Southend-on-Sea is Preston station (PRE), and it arrives at Southend Central (SOC).
The cheapest way to get from Preston to Southend-on-Sea is by train, costing approximately £104.
Booking trains from Preston 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 Preston to Southend-on-Sea offers a mix of urban and countryside views. Travellers can enjoy glimpses of the picturesque English countryside, passing through rolling hills and charming towns, although sections nearer to major cities may be more industrial.
A day trip from Preston to Southend-on-Sea is not feasible, as the journey duration is 3h 32m. Trains run 4 times per day over a distance of 339 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 Preston to Southend-on-Sea.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Preston and Southend-on-Sea
Most Preston to Southend-on-Sea trains use the Preston to Southend Central station pair, with some services arriving at Southend Victoria. Use this guide to compare Preston 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 Preston
Arrival train stations in Southend-on-Sea
Which Preston station do trains to Southend-on-Sea leave from?
Trains from Preston to Southend-on-Sea leave from Preston. The station is 1 km from Preston city centre at Fishergate, Preston PR1 8AP, United Kingdom.
PrestonFishergate, Preston PR1 8AP, United Kingdom+44 345 748 4950
City-centre transport
Getting to Preston from Preston city centre
Preston is 1 km from Preston city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus3, 2, 2A, 111, 111C · 13m · £8 · every ~36 min
Preston train station facilities and services
Preston has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink
Food options include: Rise, The Olive Tree Brasserie, Turtle Bay
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Preston. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Preston. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Preston: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Preston: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Preston: Elevators, ramps.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Holiday Inn Express Preston - South, Delta Hotels Preston, Macdonald Tickled Trout Hotel.
Which Southend-on-Sea station do trains from Preston arrive at?
Trains from Preston to Southend-on-Sea most often arrive at Southend Central. Some services arrive at Southend Victoria, 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.
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.
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.
Most popular train connections from Preston
More options for your journey from Preston 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 Preston
Most popular train connections to Southend-on-Sea
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