- 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 Watford to Southend-on-Sea
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 18 Sept
Cheapest price on 18 Sept
£25
Average ticket price on 18 Sept
£25
Fastest journey on 18 Sept
2 h 8 m
Average journey duration on 18 Sept
2 h 19 m
Trains on 18 Sept
2
Distance
78 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Watford 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 Watford to Southend-on-Sea will cost around £25 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £25.
Fast trains
On Fri 18 Sept, we found 2 trains from Watford to Southend-on-Sea, including 2 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 78 km distance in an average of 2 h 19 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 8 m .
The slowest trains will take 2 h 29 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.
5:002h29Watford7:29Southend-on-Sea£251One-way0 changes
8:022h08Watford10:10Southend-on-Sea£251One-way0 changes
- 8:022h08Watford10:10Southend-on-Sea£251One-way0 changes
- 5:002h29Watford7:29Southend-on-Sea£251One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train for Watford to Southend-on-Sea
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Watford to Southend-on-Sea among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £23 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 21m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £23, while a train costs an average of £23.
Distance: 78 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|
£23 Average Price Cheapest | £16 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 21m Average total duration Fastest 1h 51m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 23m 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 Watford to Southend-on-Sea is a train with an average price of £23.
The fastest way to travel from Watford to Southend-on-Sea is by train with an average journey time of 1h 51m.
Yes, you can take a train between Watford and Southend-on-Sea.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.
Tickets start at around £23 compared to roughly £16 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-7.44. The journey takes 1h 51m versus 1h 23m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
Live departures
Watford to Southend-on-Sea train times
The table below shows live departures for Watford to Southend-on-Sea trains for tomorrow, Friday 18 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5:00 Watford | 2h29 | 7:29 Southend-on-Sea | 0 changesdirect | |
| 8:02 Watford | 2h08 | 10:10 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 Watford 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.
Fri
18 Sept
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19 Sept
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21 Sept
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24 Sept
24 Sept
Why should you book Watford to Southend-on-Sea trains with Omio?
c2c operates all trains services from Watford to Southend-on-Sea.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Watford to Southend-on-Sea.
Why book with Omio vs c2c?
- 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 Watford to Southend-on-Sea
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Watford to Southend-on-Sea run on average 20 times per day, taking around 1h 51m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £19 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 04:00, the last at 23:36. The fastest train covers the 78 km distance in 2h 8m.
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 78 km |
Average train duration 1h 51m |
Cheapest ticket price £19 |
Trains per day 20 |
Fastest train 2h 8m |
First train 4:00 |
Last train 23:36 |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Best time to book 21 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: c2c from Watford to Southend-on-Sea trainsc2c trains will get you between Watford and Southend-on-Sea from £19. 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 c2c Duration
2h 8m
Cheapest c2c Price
£25
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
Train companies: c2c from Watford to Southend-on-Sea trainsc2c trains will get you between Watford and Southend-on-Sea from £19. 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 c2c Duration
2h 8m
Cheapest c2c Price
£25
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
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: Watford to Southend-on-Sea train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Watford 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 Watford to Southend-on-Sea can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £19, while the average price tends to be around £23.
The train journey from Watford to Southend-on-Sea covers a distance of 78 km and takes approximately 2h 8m. Trains run 20 per day.
The train distance from Watford to Southend-on-Sea is 78 km.
The first train from Watford to Southend-on-Sea leaves at 4:00.
The last train from Watford to Southend-on-Sea departs at 23:36.
Trains from Watford to Southend-on-Sea run approximately 20 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Watford to Southend-on-Sea.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Watford to Southend-on-Sea.
To travel from Watford to Southend-on-Sea, you can take a train.
There is no night train service from Watford to Southend-on-Sea.
The train station in Watford that goes to Southend-on-Sea is Watford Junction (WFJ), and it arrives at Southend Central (SOC).
The cheapest way to get from Watford to Southend-on-Sea is by train, costing approximately £19.
Booking trains from Watford 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 Watford to Southend-on-Sea offers a mix of urban and rural views, with some sections showcasing the picturesque Essex countryside, though much of the route passes through suburban and industrial areas.
A day trip from Watford to Southend-on-Sea is not feasible as the journey takes 2h 8m. Trains run 12 times per day, and the distance is 78 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 Watford to Southend-on-Sea.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Watford and Southend-on-Sea
Most Watford to Southend-on-Sea trains use the Watford Junction to Southend Victoria station pair, with some services arriving at Southend Airport. Use this guide to compare Watford 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 Watford
Arrival train stations in Southend-on-Sea
Which Watford station do trains to Southend-on-Sea leave from?
Trains from Watford to Southend-on-Sea leave from Watford Junction. The station is 1 km from Watford city centre at Watford Junction station, Station Road, Watford, Hertfordshire, WD17 1EU.
Watford JunctionWatford Junction station, Station Road, Watford, Hertfordshire, WD17 1EU+44 3301235247
City-centre transport
Getting to Watford Junction from Watford city centre
TrainLondon Euston - Watford Junction, Kilburn High Road - Watford Junction, Willesden Junction Low Level - Watford Junction · 5m · £0.90 · every ~9 min
BusW20 · 5m · £2 · every ~1 min
635 · 7m · £4 · every ~2 min
322 · 20m · £2 · every ~6 min
Watford Junction train station facilities and services
Watford Junction has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Watford Junction.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are available at Watford Junction.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Watford Junction. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0800 0248 997, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Watford Junction: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Watford Junction: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Watford Junction: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible public telephones: Public telephones are accessible on platform 6, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Ticket Vending Machines are located in the Booking Hall, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Watford High StreetWatford High Street station, 182 Watford High Street, Watford, Hertfordshire, WD17 2NW+44 343 222 1234
City-centre transport
Getting to Watford High Street from Watford city centre
Bus321 · 3m · £4 · every ~10 min
306 · 6m · every ~4 min
Watford High Street train station facilities and services
Watford High Street has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Watford High Street.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Watford High Street. ATMs are available at Watford High Street.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Watford High Street.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Watford High Street: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Watford High Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Watford High Street: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Level access to ticket office from street. Single island platform, accessible from entrance by staircase only, Accessible taxis: Contact taxi operator directly, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: No, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
BusheyBushey station, Pinner Road, Watford, Greater London, WD19 4EA+44 343 222 1234
City-centre transport
Getting to Bushey from Watford city centre
Bushey is 1 km from Watford city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainWatford Junction - London Euston, Watford Junction - Willesden Junction Low Level, Watford Junction - Kilburn High Road · 2m · £0.90 · every ~9 min
Bus306, 832 · 9m · £4 · every ~4 min
602 · 11m · £2 · every ~5 min
885 · 14m
Bushey train station facilities and services
Bushey has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Bushey.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Bushey.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Bushey. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from information point, Helpline Contact: 0343 222 1234, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Bushey: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Bushey: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Bushey: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Accessibility category C. This station does not have step-free access, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible taxis: contact taxi operator directly, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: No, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Which Southend-on-Sea station do trains from Watford arrive at?
Trains from Watford to Southend-on-Sea most often arrive at Southend Victoria. Some services arrive at Southend Central, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Southend-on-Sea arrival station.
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.
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.
More options for your journey from Watford 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 Watford
Most popular train connections to Southend-on-Sea
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