- Must visit
National Museum Cardiff
National museum with art, natural history and geology collections, plus Impressionist works and changing exhibitions in Cathays Park.
2,000+ travel companies
2,000+ travel companies
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
4.942K ratings
Google Play
4.6136K reviews
The cheapest and fastest trains from Southend-on-Sea to Cardiff
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 23 Sept
Cheapest price on 23 Sept
£39
Average ticket price on 23 Sept
£39
Fastest journey on 23 Sept
4 h
Average journey duration on 23 Sept
4 h
Trains on 23 Sept
1
Distance
270 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Southend-on-Sea to Cardiff is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Southend-on-Sea to Cardiff will cost around £39 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £39.
Fast trains
On Wed 23 Sept, we found 1 trains from Southend-on-Sea to Cardiff, including 1 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 270 km distance in an average of 4 h but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h .
The slowest trains will take 4 h 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.
5:084h00Southend-on-Sea9:08Cardiff£391One-way0 changes
- 5:084h00Southend-on-Sea9:08Cardiff£391One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train for Southend-on-Sea to Cardiff
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Southend-on-Sea to Cardiff among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £57 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 54m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £57, while a train costs an average of £57.
Distance: 270 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|
£57 Average Price Cheapest | £52 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 54m Average total duration Fastest 3h 24m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 55m 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 Southend-on-Sea to Cardiff is a train with an average price of £57.
The fastest way to travel from Southend-on-Sea to Cardiff is by train with an average journey time of 3h 24m.
Yes, you can take a train between Southend-on-Sea and Cardiff.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.
You'll arrive about 31m sooner (3h 24m by train vs 3h 55m by car). Tickets start at around £57 compared to roughly £52 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
Southend-on-Sea to Cardiff train times
The table below shows live departures for Southend-on-Sea to Cardiff trains for tomorrow, Wednesday 23 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5:08 Southend-on-Sea | 4h00 | 9:08 Cardiff | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Southend-on-Sea to Cardiff 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
23 Sept
23 Sept
Thu
24 Sept
24 Sept
Fri
25 Sept
25 Sept
Sat
26 Sept
26 Sept
Sun
27 Sept
27 Sept
Mon
28 Sept
28 Sept
Tue
29 Sept
29 Sept
Why should you book Southend-on-Sea to Cardiff trains with Omio?
Great Western Railway operates all trains services from Southend-on-Sea to Cardiff.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Southend-on-Sea to Cardiff.
Why book with Omio vs Great Western Railway?
- 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 Southend-on-Sea to Cardiff
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Southend-on-Sea to Cardiff run on average 4 times per day, taking around 3h 24m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £48 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 05:05, the last at 21:20. The fastest train covers the 270 km distance in 3h 1m.
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 270 km |
Average train duration 3h 24m |
Cheapest ticket price £48 |
Trains per day 4 |
Fastest train 3h 1m |
First train 5:05 |
Last train 21:20 |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 14 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 from Southend-on-Sea to Cardiff trainsGreat Western Railway trains will get you between Southend-on-Sea and Cardiff from £48. 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
3h 1m
Cheapest Great Western Railway Price
£48
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
Complete guide to Cardiff
Things to do in Cardiff
Discover the best of Cardiff — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cardiff trip today.
- Must visit
St Fagans National Museum of History
Open-air museum of Welsh life with historic buildings, crafts, gardens and rural traditions relocated to spacious grounds west of the city.
- Recommended
Museum of Cardiff
Museum in a Victorian library celebrating Cardiff’s story through interactive displays, local history and a well-presented city timeline.
- Must visit
Cardiff Arcades
Historic shopping arcades in the city centre, prized for Victorian and Edwardian architecture, independent shops and an easy walking atmosphere.
- Must visit
Bute Park
Large central parkland behind the castle, ideal for riverside walks, gardens, woodland paths and access to key civic sights.
- Must visit
Cardiff Bay
Revitalised waterfront district with public art, broad promenades, modern landmarks and easy walks around the former dock basin.
- Gluten-free
Cawl
A hearty Welsh broth of lamb or beef with leeks, potatoes and root vegetables. It is a classic national dish closely tied to Welsh home cooking.
- Vegetarian
Welsh rarebit
Traditional Welsh rarebit is toasted bread topped with a savoury cheese, ale and mustard sauce. It is a beloved pub and supper dish across Wales.
- Vegetarian
Bara brith
A sweet Welsh tea loaf made with dried fruit and mixed spice, usually sliced and spread with butter. It is a staple in cafés and homes.
Heaneys
Elegant dining room known for refined modern British cooking and polished service in central Cardiff.
Asador 44
Smart restaurant focused on local produce, seafood and modern British plates with a relaxed but polished atmosphere.
The Potted Pig
Stylish bistro and bar serving seasonal Welsh and British dishes, cocktails and brunch in a lively city-centre setting.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for a UK city. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while local transport and casual meals stay fairly manageable for most visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- £18-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £60+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4.50 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service may be included in restaurants; if not, 10-12.5% is usual for good service. Round up taxi fares. Tipping in cafés is optional, usually small change or rounding up.
Cardiff Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2.35
- Day pass
- £5.20
To the city centre
Cardiff Central -> St Mary Street, Cardiff
- Distance
- 0.6 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Cardiff Bus accepts contactless payment on board, including tap on and tap off for adult single and day tickets.
- Cardiff Central is within easy walking distance of the main city centre streets, so walking is often quickest for central destinations.
FAQs: Southend-on-Sea to Cardiff train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Southend-on-Sea to Cardiff 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 Cardiff, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Southend-on-Sea to Cardiff can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £48, while the average price tends to be around £57.
The train journey from Southend-on-Sea to Cardiff covers a distance of 270 km and takes approximately 3h 1m. Trains run 4 per day.
The train distance from Southend-on-Sea to Cardiff is 270 km.
The first train from Southend-on-Sea to Cardiff leaves at 5:05.
The last train from Southend-on-Sea to Cardiff departs at 21:20.
Trains from Southend-on-Sea to Cardiff run approximately 4 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Southend-on-Sea to Cardiff.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Southend-on-Sea to Cardiff.
To travel from Southend-on-Sea to Cardiff, you can take a train.
There is no night train service from Southend-on-Sea to Cardiff.
The train station in Southend-on-Sea that goes to Cardiff is Chalkwell (CHW), and it arrives at Cardiff Central (CDF).
The cheapest way to get from Southend-on-Sea to Cardiff is by train, costing approximately £48.
Booking trains from Southend-on-Sea to Cardiff in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Southend-on-Sea to Cardiff offers a mix of urban and rural landscapes, with scenic views of the Essex countryside, glimpses of the River Thames, and the rolling hills of South Wales, providing a diverse visual experience.
A day trip from Southend-on-Sea to Cardiff is not feasible, as the journey takes 3h 1m. Trains operate 7 times per day over a distance of 270 km.
In Cardiff, you can enjoy performances at the Millennium Centre, explore the vibrant nightlife in the city centre, take a scenic boat tour around Cardiff Bay, and have an adventurous day at Cardiff International White Water. Visit Cardiff Market for shopping and dining, discover Cardiff Castle and St Fagans National Museum of History, explore Cardiff Bay's attractions, enjoy the National Museum Cardiff's collections, and relax in Bute Park.
Two to three days are ideal to explore Cardiff's main attractions, including Cardiff Castle, the National Museum Cardiff, and the revitalised Cardiff Bay area.
Yes, you can take the train from Southend-on-Sea to Cardiff.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Southend-on-Sea and Cardiff
Most Southend-on-Sea to Cardiff trains use the Chalkwell to Cardiff Central station pair, with some services arriving at Cardiff Queen Street. Use this guide to compare Southend-on-Sea and Cardiff train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Southend-on-Sea
Arrival train stations in Cardiff
Which Southend-on-Sea station do trains to Cardiff leave from?
Trains from Southend-on-Sea to Cardiff leave from Chalkwell. The station is 3 km from Southend-on-Sea city centre at Chalkwell station, The Ridgeway, Chalkwell, Essex, SS0 8PX.
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.
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.
Cardiff CentralCentral Square, Cardiff CF10 1EP, United Kingdom+44 3457114141
City-centre transport
Getting to Cardiff Central from Cardiff city centre
Bus24, 25, 27, 86, 62, 30, 35, 21, 136, 7, 23, 63, 64 · 3m · £2 · every ~47 min
C1 · 5m · every ~8 min
Cardiff Central train station facilities and services
Cardiff Central has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Car Rental.
Food and drink
Food options include: Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen, Pret a Manger, Tesco Express
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are located outside of the main entrance.
Tickets and information
The ticket office is open Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30, Sat: 05:40 - 21:30, Sun: 07:30 - 21:30.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cardiff Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Cardiff Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff Central: There is step-free access in the whole station. There are also ramps for train access and elevators in the station.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Clayton Hotel Cardiff, Cardiff Marriott Hotel, Travelodge Cardiff Central.
Cardiff Queen StreetCardiff Queen Street station, Station Terrace, Cardiff, Cardiff, CF10 4EY
City-centre transport
Getting to Cardiff Queen Street from Cardiff city centre
Bus52, 57, 58 · 13m · £2 · every ~25 min
C1 · 21m · every ~8 min
Cardiff Queen Street train station facilities and services
Cardiff Queen Street has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, 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 Cardiff Queen Street.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Cardiff Queen Street. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 03333 211202, 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 Cardiff Queen Street: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Cardiff Queen Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff Queen Street: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machines are near the main entrance and take cash and major debit and credit cards, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Travelodge.
Most popular train connections from Southend-on-Sea
More options for your journey from Southend-on-Sea to Cardiff
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Cardiff and Southend-on-Sea
The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy
We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.
