How to Get to London from Southend Airport: Your Complete Guide (2026)
Looking to get to London from Southend Airport? Here’s a quick guide — from a London travel blogger.
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Located just around 40 miles east of Central London is Southend Airport. And if you’re touching down here, one of the first things you’re probably thinking is — ‘how the heck do I get into London from here?’.
Admittedly getting to London from Southend Airport can be a trek (trust me, I’ve been there), but with some smart planning, you can easily be on your way to the heart of the city in no time. Here’s a quick guide.
How to Get to London from Southend Airport
P.S. – Coming to London? Have the perfect trip planned for you with our 3,5, or 7-Day London Tourist Itineraries 🇬🇧
Easy Train Connection to Central London
The quickest and one of the only ways to journey from Southend Airport to Central London is by hopping on a train.
The purpose-built Southend Airport train station is just a stone’s throw from the terminal, offering you a smooth transition to Central London from landing via the Greater Anglia line.
From here, the Southend train will take you directly to Liverpool Street Station in a little over an hour or under if you’re on the fast train, with regular trains running every 15-30 minutes. The train also runs to Stratford in East London.
Can I use an Oyster card to take the train from Southend Airport to London?
No, you can’t use your Oyster or contactless card at Southend Airport, so you’ll need to purchase your train ticket in advance.
I suggest booking on Trainline to find the cheapest fare. Otherwise, you can book at the ticket vending machines on arrival.
Taxis, Black Cabs, and Ride-sharing at Southend Airport
If you prefer the comfort of a private ride (and don’t mind paying for it), then you may want to opt for a Black Cab or ridesharing to get you from Southend Airport to London.
You can find taxis at the taxi rank next to the terminal building or get a discount on ride-sharing apps like Bolt, Free Now, or Addison Lee if you’re a first-time user.
The Best Hotel Near Southend Airport
Hamiltons Boutique Hotel
If you have an early flight to catch or just need a night’s breather before heading into Central London, I suggest staying at the Hamiltons Boutique Hotel.
Just 12 minutes from Southend Airport (and 100 yards from the beach), they’ll have everything you need, including free parking, wifi, and breakfast.
What to Do When You Get from Southend Airport to London: Exploring the City’s Gems
Once you’ve touched down in Central London, there’s no limit to the things you can get up to.
Lucky for you I post tons of London and travel recommendations on my Instagram and Tik Tok.
But if you need a place to start you can explore some of the top attractions in London, do a unique tour in London, and explore London’s best neighbourhoods.
Once you arrive in London, get ready for a fantastic time exploring the city’s rich history, cultural diversity, and iconic landmarks. Here are some more ideas:
Buckingham Palace: Witness the Changing of the Guard and immerse yourself in British royalty. Check tickets here.
The British Museum: Discover a treasure trove of artifacts and cultural wonders from around the world. Book your free ticket here.
The Tower of London: Step back in time and explore the Tower’s fascinating history as a fortress, palace, and prison. Check tickets here.
The London Eye: Get a breathtaking view of the city from the iconic giant Ferris wheel. Check Standard Tickets and Skip-the-Line Tickets.
West End Theatres: Catch a world-class theater performance or musical in London’s famous West End. Check performances here.
Covent Garden: Stroll through this lively district, filled with street performers, boutique shops, and tasty eateries. Check out my neighbourhood guide for Covent Garden!
Notting Hill: Explore the charming streets and colorful houses of this famous neighborhood. Check out more things to do in Notting Hill.
FAQ: London Southend Airport to London
Q: How much does a ticket cost from Southend Airport to London?
A: Train tickets start from £18.50 for adults, and you can find the cheapest fares by booking on Trainline. If you have a railcard, make sure to use it too to save 1/3 off your ticket!
Q: What are the train station hours at Southend Airport?
A: The Southend train station’s regular hours are from 04:05 to 23:59.
Q: How frequent are the trains to London?
A: Trains from Southend Airport run every 15-30 minutes to Central London.
Q: When’s the best time to visit London?
A: Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November), in my opinion, for milder weather and fewer tourists.
Thanks for reading my Southend Airport to Central London Guide. If you enjoyed it, let me know on Instagram!
CHECK OUT MORE LONDON TRAVEL GUIDES:
- How to Get to Central London from Heathrow Airport
- How to Get from Gatwick Airport to Central London: A Quick Guide
- How to Get from Stansted Airport to Central London
- How to Get Around London: Your Ultimate Transport Guide
- Oyster vs Contactless: Which Should I Use?
- 10 Unique Experiences in London to Try
- Top 10 Attractions to Visit in London
- 10 Tourist Mistakes Not to Make in London
- London Neighbourhood Guides
Happy Londoning,
