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Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Preston to Southend-on-Sea among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £109 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 4h 0m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £109, while a flight costs an average of £377.
Distance: 339 km
Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£109 Average Price Cheapest | £377 Average Price | £68 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 18m Average total duration 3h 48m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 0m Average total duration Fastest 2h 0m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 4h 33m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
 Most popular train company |  Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Preston to Southend-on-Sea:
A train is £269 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Preston to Southend-on-Sea costing on average £377.
Other travel options to Southend-on-Sea take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 18m.
You'll arrive about 45m sooner (3h 48m by train vs 4h 33m by car). Tickets start at around £109 compared to roughly £68 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.
How to get to Southend-on-Sea from Preston by train, bus, flight or ferry.
The best way to travel from Preston to Southend-on-Sea is by taking a train because it’s the best combination of price and speed.
Find all the dates and times for this journey by train, bus, flight, and ferry .
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.
The most popular day trips by train from Southend-on-Sea are London, Canterbury, Stratford, Maidstone and Colchester. Find out what you can do in these day trip destinations and how to book your train from Southend-on-Sea on Omio.
London blends royal history with modern city life, known for its museums, theatre and global food scene. Along the Thames, grand landmarks sit beside diverse neighbourhoods shaped by finance, fashion and contemporary culture.
Canterbury is best known for its cathedral, medieval streets and long role in English religious history. Its compact centre mixes historic buildings with a lively student atmosphere, independent shops and riverside walks.
Stratford-upon-Avon is best known as Shakespeare’s birthplace, with a historic centre of Tudor buildings and riverside theatre. It feels like a traditional English market town, shaped by literary heritage, calm walks along the Avon and a steady cultural atmosphere.
Maidstone, the county town of Kent, sits on the River Medway and is known for nearby Leeds Castle and its market-town roots. The centre combines shops, museums and parks with a practical, lived-in feel.
Colchester is an Essex city known as Britain’s oldest recorded town, with Roman roots and a prominent castle. Its historic core, modern cultural venues and easy-going atmosphere make it well suited to a relaxed visit.
Travel to Southend-on-Sea easily. Whether you want fast, cheap or something entirely different, our travel experts have collected everything you need to know so you can find the best option from Preston to Southend-on-Sea.
This is compared to other travel options from Preston to Southend-on-Sea:
A train is £269 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Preston to Southend-on-Sea costing on average £377.
Other travel options to Southend-on-Sea take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 18m.
However, we recommend checking specific travel dates for your route between Preston and Southend-on-Sea as scheduled services by train can vary by season or day of the week.
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