London to Southend Central Trains From £6.00*

For journeys from the capital to the Essex coast, travel direct from London Fenchurch Street to Southend Central. Your route east will be operated by c2c.

What’s the coverage of c2c?

How is the travel experience with c2c?

Travel in comfort from London to Southend Central, with air-conditioned trains, and essential amenities such as toilets, priority seating, and onboard Wi-Fi.

What features does c2c offer?

Head to the Quiet Zone if you’re looking to travel in peace and quiet. One in every four c2c carriages are marked as quiet zone areas, where passengers are asked to put their devices on silent, avoid phone calls, and keep conversations to a minimum.

Can animals travel with c2c?

Yes! Each passenger may take up to two dogs or other small domestic animals on the train from London to Southend at no extra cost.

Do I need a ticket to board a c2c train?

You must buy a valid ticket before you travel with c2c. Charges for travelling without a valid ticket are £100 plus the price of the full single fare. Anyone who does not have a valid fare for their journey from London to Southend Central may also be reported for prosecution.

Southend-on-Sea is a vibrant coastal city in Essex, England, known for its long pier, beautiful beaches, and rich history as a seaside resort.

London Fenchurch Street: Getting to the Platform

Described by poet John Betjeman as a “delightful hidden old terminus”, London Fenchurch Street is a central railway station in the southeastern corner of the City of London, just north of the Thames.

• Tower Hill: Reach London Fenchurch Street using the London Underground, arriving at Tower Hill station only a few hundred metres away for the fastest access.
• Big chains: To enter the station, use entrances on either Fenchurch Place, or Cooper's Row, depending on whether you are approaching from north or south. Inside Fenchurch Street, find Burger King and Costa Coffee; just outside, you can stop for a drink at traditional pub The Crutched Friar.
• Two or four: Check information boards to find the right platform for your journey. Typically, services to Southend Central will depart from platforms 2 or 4.

Onboard trains from London to Southend-on-Sea

Your journey east from London will take you past 

• Key Landmarks: Look out for Langdon Nature Discovery Park, a stunning nature reserve in Basildon. Later in the journey, you’ll pass Hadleigh Castle, a 13th-century bastion, refortified by Edward III in the Hundred Years War.
• The View Alert: Choose a seat on the Right-Hand Side of the carriage (facing East) for the best coastal views on the approach into Southend.

Arriving at Southend Central

Southend Central is perfect for quick beach access, onward buses, and plenty of places to eat within a few minutes’ walk.

• Getting out: This four-platform station is easy to exit onto Clifftown Street. If you’re in need of refreshments, you’ll find Cosy Coffee and Sandwich Bar, Sababa falafel restaurant, and various other eateries right ahead.
• Open-top bus: Southend has buses operated by Arriva, First, and Stephensons, offering a comprehensive network of routes around Essex and into surrounding villages. In summer, don’t miss the seasonal open top bus service, which runs along the city's stunning seafront.
• Race to the sea!: From Southend Central, walk to the Western Esplanade in just a few minutes. If you want to explore the city’s seaside attractions, Adventure Island, and Southend Pier Museum are within easy reach by foot too.