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The cheapest and fastest trains from Southend-on-Sea to Cardiff
Showing times and prices for 08 Nov
Cheapest price
£40
Average price
£40
Fastest journey
3 h 38 m
Average duration
3 h 38 m
Trains per day
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 £40 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £40.
Fast trains
Of the 1 trains that leave Southend-on-Sea for Cardiff 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 270 km distance in an average of 3 h 38 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 38 m .
The slowest trains will take 3 h 38 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.
14:313h38
Southend-on-Sea18:09Cardiff
£401One-way
0 changes
14:313h38
Southend-on-Sea18:09Cardiff
£401One-way
0 changes
Live departures
Southend-on-Sea to Cardiff train times
The table below shows live departures for Southend-on-Sea to Cardiff trains for today, Friday 7 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at 11:41
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14:11 Southend-on-Sea | 3h26 | 17:37 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.
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Journey information
Overview: Train from Southend-on-Sea to Cardiff
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Southend-on-Sea to Cardiff run on average 7 times per day, taking around 3h 22m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £40 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 04:24, the last at 21:20. The fastest train covers the 270 km distance in 3h 26m.
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 22m |
Cheapest ticket price £40 |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 3h 26m |
First train 04:24 |
Last train 21:20 |
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 Rail, Abellio Greater Anglia from Southend-on-Sea to Cardiff trainsGreat Western Rail, Abellio Greater Anglia trains will get you between Southend-on-Sea and Cardiff from £40. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Great Western Rail
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 Duration
3h 26m
Cheapest Price
£40
Great Western Rail frequency
7 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
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
3h 4m
Cheapest Price
£159
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
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.
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.
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.
The cost of a train ticket from Southend-on-Sea to Cardiff can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £40, while the average price tends to be around £58.
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.
The cheapest way to get from Southend-on-Sea to Cardiff is by train, costing approximately £40.
The train station in Southend-on-Sea that goes to Cardiff is Southend Victoria (SOV), and it arrives at Cardiff Central (CDF).
The train distance from Southend-on-Sea to Cardiff is 270 km.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Southend-on-Sea to Cardiff.
The train journey from Southend-on-Sea to Cardiff covers a distance of 270 km and takes approximately 3h 26m. Trains run 7 per day.
Yes, you can take the train from Southend-on-Sea to Cardiff.
The first train from Southend-on-Sea to Cardiff leaves at 4:24.
To travel from Southend-on-Sea to Cardiff, you can take a train.
The last train from Southend-on-Sea to Cardiff departs at 21:20.
Trains from Southend-on-Sea to Cardiff run approximately 7 times per day.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Southend-on-Sea to Cardiff.
There is no night train service from Southend-on-Sea to Cardiff.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Southend-on-Sea and Cardiff
Southend-on-Sea
Cardiff
The major train station for departures in Southend-on-Sea is Chalkwell. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Chalkwell for your trip from Southend-on-Sea to Cardiff.
Amenities at train station
Wifi
Parking
Dining
Accessibility
WC
Lost and Found Office
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Information Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:15 - 19:45 Saturday 06:40 - 16:15 Sunday 07:45 - 15:30
Distance to city center
3 kmParking
- Car Park: No
Accessibility
- 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
WC
- Toilets Location: Toilets are located on Platforms 1&2. Access to the National key toilets must be requested at the Ticket Office window.
- National key toilets: No
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
- Baby changing facilities location: Ladies toilets
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: Outside station entrance
- 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 Chalkwell
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Rail Replacement buses will call at the station entrance at stop A and B.
Amenities at train station
Wifi
ShoppingParkingDining
ATMAccessibilityWCLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike Parking
Bike RentalInformation 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
WifiParkingDining
TaxisAccessibilityWCLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:15 - 18:00 Saturday 06:30 - 15:30 Sunday 08:00 - 15:15
Distance to city center
1 kmParking
- Car Park: Station Car Park
Accessibility
- 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
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: Yes
- National key toilets location: Platform 1. This can be accessed using a radar key.
- Baby changing facilities: No
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: Outside ticket office on platform 1 and at Riviera Drive entrance
- 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 East
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Bus stops on Southchurch Road, Bus Stop A (Towards Southend and London), Bus Stop B (Towards Shoeburyness)
Amenities at train station
WifiShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWC
HotelLost 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
The major train station for arrivals in Cardiff is Cathays. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Cathays for your journey to Cardiff from Southend-on-Sea.
Amenities at train station
ParkingDiningAccessibilityHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 07:30 - 18:30 Saturday 09:30 - 15:30 Sunday Closed
Parking
- Car Park: No
Accessibility
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: No
- Step free access note: Category B3. While both platforms are step-free, there is no facility for wheelchair users, mobility scooter users or persons with reduced mobility to cross between Platform 1 and 2 due to a steep footbridge. Customers who have travelled from the Valleys and wish to access the University or the Civic Centre are advised to travel to Queen Street station, change onto a North-bound service and alight at Cathays on the return service.
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machine(s) take cash, and major debit and credit cards. The machine on the Cardiff-bound platform is only available during staffing hours. The machine on the Pontypridd-bound platform is available all the time.
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
Hotel
- Travelodge
Information Desk
- Information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 03333 211202
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Arrival screens
Public transport options for Cathays
- Onward travel information: The nearest bus stop is on Park Place
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: At the bus stops adjacent to the Cardiff University Students' Union on Park Place
Amenities at train station
ParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday 07:40 - 18:00 Sunday 10:00 - 15:30 Temporary opening hours due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Parking
- Car Park: No
Accessibility
- 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
WC
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platform 4. The National key toilets are located on the Main Concourse to the right of the Ticket Office; these toilets are operated by a radar key and are only available during staffing hours.
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: No
Hotel
- Travelodge
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: to the right of the station front
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Information Desk
- Information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 03333 211202
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens
Public transport options for Cardiff Queen Street
- Onward travel information: Limited service from stop outside station Mondays to Fridays
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: For services towards Cardiff Central use the bus stop at the front of the station. For services towards Cathays use the bus stop in front of the shop opposite the station entrance. Please ask a member of station staff if you are unsure of which stop to use.
Amenities at train station
WifiShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotel
LoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike Rental
Car Rentalinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sat: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sun: 07:30 - 21:30
Wifi
- Free Wi-Fi in the station.
Shopping
- Type of shops available: News agent and convenience store
Parking
- Car Park: Brewery Car park
Dining
- Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen
- Pret a Manger
- Tesco Express
Taxis
- Taxi: Taxi rank is on the right as you exit the main station entrance
Accessibility
- There is step-free access in the whole station. There are also ramps for train access and elevators in the station.
WC
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platforms 1 to 8. The National Key toilets are located in the East Subway near the lifts and on Platform 8; these toilets are operated by a radar key and are only available during staffing hours.
- National key toilets: Yes
- National key toilets location: The National Key/Accessible toilets are located in the East Subway near the lifts and on Platform 8; these toilets are operated by a RADAR key and are only available during staffing hours.
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
Hotel
- Clayton Hotel Cardiff
- Cardiff Marriott Hotel
- Travelodge Cardiff Central
Lounge
- Waiting rooms location: On platforms 1/2, 3/4, 6/7 and 8.
Ticket Office
- Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sat: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sun: 07:30 - 21:30
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: East end of platforms 1 and 2, 3 and 4, 6 and 7 - also at the front and rear of the station.
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transport options for Cardiff Central
- Commuter rail lines: City Line, Rhondda Line, Rhymney Line, Valley Line, South Wales Main Line
- Train lines: Transport for Wales, CrossCountry, Great Western Railway
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: At the rear car park (Penarth Road entrance)
Amenities at train station
ParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityLost and Found OfficeBike ParkingBike Rentalinformation
Distance to city center
1 kmParking
- Car Park: No
Accessibility
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: Category B2. Step free access to Platform 1 (to Cardiff) from Leckwith Road. Step free access to Platform 2 (to Radyr) Leckwith Road via a ramp with a steep gradient
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machine(s) do not accept cash. Payment is by major debit and credit cards only.
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: The bicycle stands can be found on Platform 1 (to Cardiff).
- Storage CCTV: No
Public transport options for Ninian Park
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Wait at the station entrance on Leckwith Road close to traffic lights
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
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