London Liverpool Street to Southend Central Trains From £6.00*

Getting from London Liverpool Street to Southend Central by train is simple, direct and takes just 1 hour and 17 minutes with Greater Anglia. It’s an easy swap from the bustle of the city to the fresh sea air of the Essex coast, with plenty of trains running throughout the day.

Once you leave London behind, the scenery quickly opens up. You’ll glide through leafy suburbs, charming Essex villages and stretches of open farmland, before the train eases into Southend and the first hints of the seaside come into view. It’s a journey that feels as relaxing as the destination itself.

Greater Anglia runs regular services on this route, making it a reliable choice whether you’re off for a day at the beach, catching up with friends, or heading to Southend for work. Comfortable and convenient, it’s a straightforward way to reach one of Essex’s best-loved coastal towns.

Departing from London Liverpool Street

If you're heading to Southend Central, your journey from London will start at Liverpool Street. The station is easily accessible by the London Underground, as well as buses and taxis. London Liverpool Street is served by several train operators, including c2c, Greater Anglia and London Overground, offering services to destinations across East London, Essex and the wider East of England.

Main stops

When you travel on a Greater Anglia service from London Liverpool Street to Southend Central, you will first travel to Southend Victoria. This involves stopping at Stratford London, Romford, Shenfield, Billericay, Wickford, Rayleigh, Hockley, Rochford and Southend Airport. You will then walk from Southend Victoria to Southend Central.

If you opt for the c2c service, you’ll start by walking from London Liverpool Street to London Fenchurch Street. From there, you’ll stop at Limehouse, West Ham, Barking, Upminster, Laindon, Basildon, Benfleet, Leigh-on-Sea, Chalkwell and Westcliff, before arriving at Southend Central.

Arriving at Southend Central

The station is located in the centre of the town and a quick walk from the seafront, shops, restaurants and other popular local attractions, including the pier, amusements and beach.

c2c is the train operator that serves Southend Central, with regular direct trains to London Liverpool Street and connections to Essex and East London. The station also provides onward travel options to Southend Victoria, which is served by Greater Anglia.

Greater Anglia train classes

• Standard Class: If you’re planning a trip from London to Southend and you want to buy cheap train tickets, Greater Anglia’s Standard Class service is likely to be just what you’re looking for. You can travel from London Liverpool Street to Southend Central in a convenient and cost-effective way, taking you directly from the big city to the Essex coast. Standard Class is the most popular option for passengers looking for affordable fares, and using a railcard can further reduce the cost of your ticket by up to a third.
• First Class: If you’re looking for extra comfort and space, travelling London Liverpool Street to Southend Central First Class could be ideal. This option offers wider seats, more legroom and spacious tables. First Class provides a quieter and more relaxing environment, ideal for working or simply enjoying the ride to Southend.

Greater Anglia train travel advice

Prepare for your London to Southend train trip by checking out everything Greater Anglia has to offer.

• Luggage - You can bring up to two large bags and one smaller item on board Greater Anglia trains at no additional cost. Luggage racks and overhead shelves are provided.
• Bicycles - Most Greater Anglia trains allow bikes on board for free, and no advance booking is required. However, full-sized bikes are restricted during peak times on services heading into London, so it’s best to check if you’re travelling back to the city.
• Children - Kids under 5 travel for free with Greater Anglia, and children aged 5 to 15 are eligible for half price fares. There’s also a Kids for £2 offer that lets one adult travel with up to four children for just £2 return each on many off-peak services.
• Pets - You can travel with two small pets free of charge, as long as they don’t occupy a seat. Additional pets can join you for a small fee.
• Passenger Assist - Greater Anglia provides a range of support for passengers with mobility, visual or hearing needs, including ramps, assistance boarding and priority seating.

Travel with c2c from London Liverpool Street to Southend Central in 1 hour and 6 minutes.

The journey combines efficiency with enjoyable scenery, providing a comfortable and reliable service for work commuters and daytrippers alike.

c2c train classes

• Standard Class: All c2c services between London Liverpool Street and Southend Central offer Standard Class seating, providing a simple and reliable travel experience. Trains feature comfortable seating and tables, making your journey a stress-free one. Standard Class is ideal for passengers looking to buy cheap train tickets, especially if you book in advance. You can use a valid railcard on c2c services between London and Southend which reduces the cost of your ticket even further.
• First Class: c2c doesn’t provide London Liverpool Street to Southend Central First Class services. All passengers travel in Standard Class.

c2c train travel advice

Get ready for your London to Southend train trip by understanding what c2c journeys include:

• Luggage - You are welcome to bring luggage on board c2c trains, with storage available at the end of carriages and overhead racks for smaller items.
• Bicycles - You can take your bike, including e-bikes, on c2c services free of charge, as long as you’re travelling with a valid ticket. Spaces are limited and subject to availability.
• Children - Kids can travel for just £2 return on off-peak c2c services during weekends and school holidays, as long as they are accompanied by a paying adult. Children aged four and under travel completely free.
• Pets - Up to two dogs or small domestic pets can travel free of charge, as long as there’s room for them on the train.
• Passenger Assist - If you need extra help during your journey, c2c offers assistance services. Assistance can be booked via the online form on the c2c website, or you can contact the team by phone or email to arrange support.