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The cheapest and fastest trains from Reading to Southend-on-Sea
Showing times and prices for 30 Nov
Cheapest price
£31
Average price
£31
Fastest journey
2 h 21 m
Average duration
2 h 21 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
117 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Reading 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 Reading to Southend-on-Sea will cost around £31 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £31.
Fast trains
Of the 1 trains that leave Reading 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 117 km distance in an average of 2 h 21 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 21 m .
The slowest trains will take 2 h 21 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.
07:232h21
Reading09:44Southend-on-Sea
£311One-way
0 changes
07:232h21
Reading09:44Southend-on-Sea
£311One-way
0 changes
Live departures
Reading to Southend-on-Sea train times
The table below shows live departures for Reading to Southend-on-Sea trains for tomorrow, Sunday 30 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at 23:44
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 07:23 Reading | 2h21 | 09:44 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 Reading 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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Journey information
Overview: Train from Reading to Southend-on-Sea
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Reading to Southend-on-Sea run on average 5 times per day, taking around 1h 51m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £31 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 01:15, the last at 23:36. The fastest train covers the 117 km distance in 1h 59m.
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 117 km |
Average train duration 1h 51m |
Cheapest ticket price £31 |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 1h 59m |
First train 01:15 |
Last train 23:36 |
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: c2c, Abellio Greater Anglia, Tfl Rail, first_great_western from Reading to Southend-on-Sea trainsc2c, Abellio Greater Anglia, Tfl Rail, first_great_western trains will get you between Reading and Southend-on-Sea from £31. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
c2c
About
c2c is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates services from London Fenchurch Street to destinations in East London and Essex, including Southend, Basildon, and Grays. c2c offers a range of train types, including the Class 357 Electrostar, Class 312 Electrostar, and Class 315 Electrostar. These trains are modern and comfortable, with air conditioning, power sockets, and free Wi-Fi. c2c also offers a range of ticket types, including Anytime, Off-Peak, and Advance tickets. Onboard facilities include a café bar, toilets, and luggage storage. The most popular routes for c2c are London Fenchurch Street to Southend Central, London Fenchurch Street to Basildon, and London Fenchurch Street to Grays.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 22m
Cheapest Price
£52
c2c frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of hand luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated luggage areas between seats
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation possible according to ticket type conditions
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled trains
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Bar/bistro service available on most trains offering snacks, drinks, and light meals
Seat reservation
Seat reservations mandatory and included in ticket price for high-speed trains, optional for regional trains
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and assistance available for passengers with reduced mobility
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require paid ticket and muzzle, service animals free
Quiet zone
Abellio Greater Anglia
About
Greater Anglia is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates a wide range of services, from commuter trains to intercity services. The commuter trains run at regular intervals throughout the day, while the intercity services run at peak times. The train types include the InterCity 125, InterCity 225, Class 90, Class 91, Class 360 and Class 379. The ticket types available are Standard, First Class and Advance. Onboard facilities include Wi-Fi, power sockets, air conditioning and refreshment trolleys. The most popular routes for Greater Anglia are London Liverpool Street to Norwich, London Liverpool Street to Cambridge and London Liverpool Street to Ipswich.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 24m
Cheapest Price
£55
Abellio Greater Anglia frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
Two items of luggage per person included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar service on intercity routes with hot and cold drinks, snacks. No service on local routes.
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for a fee. Free for First Class tickets.
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs require a ticket (£6 flat fee). Guide dogs travel free.
Quiet zone
Tfl Rail
About
Tfl Rail is a railway service operated by Transport for London in the United Kingdom. It operates on the Great Western Main Line and the Heathrow branch of the London Underground. The service runs from Paddington in London to Reading, Maidenhead, Slough, and Heathrow Airport. It also serves the towns of Taplow, Burnham, Twyford, and Hayes & Harlington. All trains are air-conditioned and feature onboard Wi-Fi, power sockets, and digital information screens. Tfl Rail offers a range of ticket types, including single and return tickets, season tickets, and Oyster cards. Oyster cards are the most popular ticket type, allowing passengers to pay for their journey with a single card. The most popular routes for Tfl Rail are Paddington to Reading, Paddington to Maidenhead, and Paddington to Heathrow Airport. These routes offer frequent services and provide passengers with a convenient way to travel between London and the surrounding areas.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 21m
Cheapest Price
£31
Tfl Rail frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
Standard luggage allowance included with ticket
Luggage storage
Dedicated luggage storage areas in carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refunds available through TfL website or customer service
Refund
Full refund available for service cancellations
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
No dedicated dining car. Passengers can bring their own food and drinks
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Step-free access at most stations, wheelchair spaces on trains, priority seating
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be leashed. Guide dogs welcome
Quiet zone
first_great_western
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 41m
Cheapest Price
£65
first_great_western frequency
50 a day
FAQs: Reading to Southend-on-Sea train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Reading 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.
A day trip from Reading to Southend-on-Sea may not be feasible as the journey takes 1h 59m, and the distance is 117 km. However, trains run 5 times per day.
The train journey from Reading to Southend-on-Sea passes through a variety of landscapes, including the Thames Valley and parts of the Essex countryside, offering views of rolling hills and rural scenery.
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.
The cost of a train ticket from Reading to Southend-on-Sea can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £31, while the average price tends to be around £46.
The cheapest way to get from Reading to Southend-on-Sea is by train, costing approximately £31.
The train distance from Reading to Southend-on-Sea is 117 km.
To travel from Reading to Southend-on-Sea, you can take a train.
The last train from Reading to Southend-on-Sea departs at 23:36.
There is no night train service from Reading to Southend-on-Sea.
Booking trains from Reading 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 Reading to Southend-on-Sea covers a distance of 117 km and takes approximately 1h 59m. Trains run 5 per day.
The train station in Reading that goes to Southend-on-Sea is Reading station (RDG), and it arrives at Southend Victoria (SOV).
The first train from Reading to Southend-on-Sea leaves at 1:15.
Trains from Reading to Southend-on-Sea run approximately 5 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Reading to Southend-on-Sea.
Yes, you can take the train from Reading to Southend-on-Sea.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Reading to Southend-on-Sea.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Reading and Southend-on-Sea
Reading
Southend-on-Sea
The major train station for departures in Reading is Reading. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Reading for your trip from Reading to Southend-on-Sea.
Amenities at train station
Shopping
Parking
Dining
ATM
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Lounge
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Bike Rental
Car Rentalinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:15 - 22:45 Saturday 05:30 - 22:45 Sunday 07:15 - 22:45 Please note: Reservations and tickets requiring reservations are sold at the following times only: Mon - Sat 08:00 - 20:00 and Sun 09:00 - 20:00
Parking
- Car Park: Multi Storey Car Park
Accessibility
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: platforms can be reached via lift and bridge, ticket office is step free.
- Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station
- Accessible public telephones: Accessible low-level Pay Phone is available at the station main concourse. Please request staff assistance if you need to.
- Accessible taxis: Accessible taxi are available at the station entrance. please request staff assistance if you need to.
- 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 and at the car park.
- Accessible toilets: Yes
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: Yes
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes
WC
- Toilets Location: Toilets are located on Station Platforms and in The Brunel Arcade building
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: Front of station, underground short stay car park and long stay car park.
- Storage CCTV: No
Public transport options for Reading
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: At the North side of the station
The major train station for arrivals in Southend-on-Sea is Prittlewell. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Prittlewell for your journey to Southend-on-Sea from Reading.
Amenities at train station
WifiParkingDiningAccessibility
Lost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike Rentalinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 06:00 - 13:00 Saturday 06:00 - 13:00 Sunday Closed No train service on Sundays
Distance to city center
1 kmParking
- Car Park: Station Car Park
Accessibility
- Staff help available: Yes
- Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided
- Accessible taxis: Details of nearest taxis are shown on station information poster
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: Within forecourt
- Storage CCTV: No
Public transport options for Prittlewell
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Replacement transport stop at the junction of East Street and Station Approach
Amenities at train station
WifiShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike Rental
Information Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:45 - 18:45 Saturday 06:30 - 21:00 Sunday 07:30 - 19:00
Parking
- Car Park: Station Car Park
Accessibility
- 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
WC
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on the Platforms 3 & 4 Concourse. The National key toilets are located on the Platforms 3/4 Concourse; these toilets are operated by a RADAR key.
- National key toilets: Yes
- National key toilets location: Platforms 3/4 concourse. This can be accessed using a radar key.
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: Outside platforms 1/2 & on platform 3/4 concourse
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Information Desk
- Information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 03457 44 44 22
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements
Public transport options for Southend Central
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Bus stops on Clifftown Road near The Last Public House
Amenities at train station
WifiShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 06:00 - 09:4515:00 - 18:45 Saturday 06:00 - 09:4515:00 - 18:45 Sunday 07:00 - 10:4516:00 - 19:45
Shopping
- Type of shops available: Mini supermarket Passport Photo Booth
Parking
- Car Park: Station Car Park
Accessibility
- 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
WC
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located near Platform 1. The National key toilets are located near Platform 1; these toilets are operated by a radar key. The National key toilets are only all toilets including accessible (radar key) toilets are located alongside platform 1
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: Beside station building in secure compound
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Information Desk
- Information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 0800 028 28 78
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens
Public transport options for Southend Victoria
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Replacement transport stop on station forecourt
Amenities at train station
WifiParkingDiningAccessibilityWCLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:30 - 17:15 Saturday 07:00 - 15:45 Sunday 08:00 - 15:45
Distance to city center
3 kmParking
- Car Park: Station Car Park
Accessibility
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: There are no lifts at the station, but step free access is available to both platforms from street level
- 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
WC
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platform 1. The National key toilets are located on Platform 1; these toilets are operated by a RADAR key.
- National key toilets: No
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
- Baby changing facilities location: Female toilets,Male toilets
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Information Desk
- Information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 03457 44 44 22
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements
Public transport options for Thorpe Bay
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Bus stops at the front of the station on Acacia Drive
Most popular train connections from Reading
More options for your journey from Reading 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 Reading
Most popular train connections to Southend-on-Sea
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