London to Southend-on-Sea trains

Let’s go to the beach! For journeys from the capital to the buzzing Essex coast, choose between Greater Anglia and c2c. Here’s how they compare.

• Greater Anglia is a popular provider in the East of England, connecting London Liverpool Street with destinations like Cambridge and Norwich.
• c2c operates services between London Fenchurch Street and Shoeburyness, Essex. Known as one of the UK’s most punctual operators, this route stops at 26 stations in East London and South Essex.

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 Liverpool Street & London Fenchurch Street: Getting to the Platform

• Underground Lines: Liverpool Street is located in the north-eastern corner of the City of London, minutes away from attractions like Old Spitalfields Market, Sky Garden, and Brick Lane. Arrive on the Central, Circle, Hammersmith & City, or Metropolitan lines – and you’ll be at one of the busiest Underground stations in no time.
• Coffee and cakes: Buy bakery items from Pure, Greggs, or Pret before you board. Coffee drinkers can pick up their brew of choice from Caffe Nero, Costa Coffee, or Starbucks. Moleskine and WHSmith sell notebooks and other stationery at Liverpool Street.
• Check the board: On Greater Anglia services, doors close one minute before departure, so don’t leave it tight. In the main concourse area, there are large information boards that will show you the platform for your train to Southend.

With c2c, you’ll depart from London Fenchurch Street, a central railway station in the southeastern corner of the City of London.

• On the Tube: Fenchurch Street has no direct access via the London Underground, but is only 350 yards from Tower Hill station.
• A poet’s eye: London Fenchurch Street was described by poet John Betjeman as a “delightful hidden old terminus”.
• Getting to the platform: To enter the station, use the entrances on either Fenchurch Place, or Cooper's Row. Once inside, check information boards for the right platform; there are four in total, so finding your train shouldn’t take too long.

Onboard trains from London to Southend-on-Sea

The route across London eastwards to the coast affords passengers great views of landmarks and green land alike.

• Key Landmarks: With c2c, you’ll pass Langdon Nature Discovery Park, a stunning nature reserve in Basildon. On the Greater Anglia route, look out for The Wick Country Park.
• The View Alert: On both services, seats on the Right-Hand Side of the carriage (facing East) offer the best natural views on your way to Southend.

Arriving at Southend-on-Sea

From London to Southend-on-Sea, there are two stations at which you could disembark: Southend Central or Southend Victoria.

• Southend Central: On c2c services, arrive at Southend Central, a four-platform station situated between Westcliff and Southend East. A basic station, it nevertheless offers excellent access to the Western Esplanade and Adventure Island.
• Southend Victoria: If you travel on the Greater Anglia service from London Liverpool Street, you’ll arrive at Southend Victoria. Situated further from the coast, the station is ideal for access to nearby attractions like the Southend Central Museum & Planetarium.