First Class
- Free Wi-Fi
- Power plugs
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Southend-on-Sea to Ilford among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £14 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 1h 23m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £14, while a train costs an average of £14.
Distance: 44 km
Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|
£14 Average Price Cheapest | £9 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 23m Average total duration Fastest 53m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 1m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Other travel options to Ilford take longer:
Coach takes on average 2h 2m.
You'll arrive about 8m sooner (53m by train vs 1h 1m by car). Tickets start at around £14 compared to roughly £9 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.
Direct services run with Greater Anglia, c2c.
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.
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.
Trains from Southend-on-Sea to Ilford run on average 5 times per day, taking around 53m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £14 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 00:08, the last at 23:43. The fastest train covers the 44 km distance in 1h 17m.
Distance 44 km |
Average train duration 53m |
Cheapest ticket price £14 |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 1h 17m |
First train 0:08 |
Last train 23:43 |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 21 days |
Compare Greater Anglia classes and the amenities included in each one.
Discover the best of Ilford — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Ilford trip today.
Elegant historic house with period rooms and exhibitions, offering a clear introduction to Redbridge history and domestic life.
Local museum and gallery with changing displays on Redbridge people, places and culture, set within the Central Library complex.
Community gallery space presenting contemporary exhibitions and creative projects, useful for a quick look at local artistic activity.
Formal gardens, lakes and open lawns around a historic mansion, ideal for strolling, seasonal colour and a relaxed break in Ilford.
Busy central shopping street and civic area that captures everyday Ilford, with markets, transport links and varied local businesses.
Woodland and open parkland on Ilford's northern edge, popular for longer walks, wildlife and a quieter side of the borough.
A classic East End pie filled with minced beef, often served with mash and parsley liquor. A long-standing London comfort food popular across east London.
Jellied eel pieces set in a savoury stock. It is one of London’s most traditional working-class dishes, closely tied to the historic East End.
A smoked white fish fillet, usually haddock, dyed golden and eaten hot or cold. It has long been a staple breakfast and supper dish in London.
Long-established Turkish ocakbasi known for grilled meats, fresh breads and lively casual dining on Ilford Lane.
Smart Indian restaurant focused on Punjabi and north Indian dishes, with a polished dining room suited to groups and dinners.
Busy South Indian vegetarian restaurant serving dosas, idli and thali in a simple, family-friendly setting.
Moderate for Greater London. Dining and hotels cost more than many UK towns, but Ilford is often cheaper than central London, with good-value transport and casual food options.
Restaurants may add a service charge; if not, 10-12.5% is common for good service. Taxi fares can be rounded up. Tipping in cafés is optional, usually just small change.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Southend-on-Sea to Ilford 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 Ilford, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Southend-on-Sea to Ilford trains use the Chalkwell to Seven Kings station pair, with some services arriving at Ilford. Use this guide to compare Southend-on-Sea and Ilford train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
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.
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.
Seven Kings is 1 km from Ilford city centre. Public transport options include:
Seven Kings has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Seven Kings.
Wi-Fi is available at Seven Kings.
Ticket office support is available at Seven Kings. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0343 222 1234, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Seven Kings: Parking.
Available at Seven Kings: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Seven Kings: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Accessibility Category A. This station has step-free access to all platforms Staff ramp assistance is always available. Accessible seating is available on platforms 3&4, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Accessible ticket machines are located within the stations ticket hall, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: Staff are available to assist from the first to last train, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Ilford has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Ilford.
Ticket office support is available at Ilford. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0343 222 1234, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Ilford: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Ilford: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Ilford: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Accessibility Category C. This station does not have step-free access. Staff ramp assistance is always available. Accessible seating is available on platforms 3&4, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Accessible ticket machines are located At the York Mews station entrance At the Ilford Hill temporary station entrance At the Ilford south station entrance, Accessible toilets: No, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: Staff are available to assist from the first to last train, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
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