In this guide
Greater Anglia runs from the terminal to Liverpool Street in 53 minutes, from £13.40, or Stratford in 46 for the Elizabeth line. A taxi is £100 or more. Southend is 40 miles (64 km) east of London, in Essex. It has a single passenger terminal connected via a covered 2-minute walkway to Southend Airport railway station.
💡 Quick Verdict: Southend to London (2026).
- Fastest & Best Option: Greater Anglia Rail. Direct trains run every 20 minutes to Stratford (46 mins) and London Liverpool Street (52–55 mins).
- Contactless vs. Oyster: Contactless bank cards and Apple/Google Pay ARE accepted at Southend Airport station, but Oyster cards are NOT valid!
- Smart Interchange Tip: Change at Stratford for the Elizabeth line to reach Paddington, Farringdon, or Canary Wharf faster than staying on the train to Liverpool Street!
🛂 Flying in from abroad? Unless you’re British or Irish, a visa-free visit to the UK now needs an ETA approved before you travel: £20 on GOV.UK or the official UK ETA app, and you can’t get one at the airport.
Southend Transport Options Compared
Fares and travel times checked on 2 August 2026.
| Transport Option | Central London Station | Journey Time | Single Adult Fare | Best Used For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Greater Anglia Rail | Stratford Station | 46 mins | From £13.40 (Advance) | Best interchange for Elizabeth Line & Docklands |
| Greater Anglia Rail | London Liverpool Street | 53 mins | From £13.40 (Advance) | Best direct route into The City & Financial District |
| Taxi / Uber / Private Transfer | Door-to-door anywhere in London | 75–120+ mins | £100.00 – £150.00+ | Door-to-door comfort for families & heavy luggage |
Which route is best for your hotel area?
| Hotel Area or Landmark | Recommended Train Route | Why Take This Route? |
|---|---|---|
| Liverpool Street, The City, Shoreditch | Greater Anglia to Liverpool Street | Direct train in 53 mins. |
| Stratford, Olympic Park, Westfield | Greater Anglia to Stratford | Direct train in 46 mins. |
| Canary Wharf & Docklands | Greater Anglia to Stratford ➔ Elizabeth / Jubilee Line | Fast transfer avoiding Liverpool Street congestion. |
| Farringdon, Bond Street, Paddington | Greater Anglia to Stratford ➔ Elizabeth Line | Step-free cross-city Elizabeth line connection. |
| King’s Cross, Euston, Bloomsbury | Greater Anglia to Liverpool Street ➔ Underground | Short Tube connection from Liverpool Street. |
Book Airport Transfers & Experiences
Greater Anglia Station & Terminal Access
Southend Airport features a single passenger terminal.
Southend Airport terminal. Photo: Chris j wood, CC BY-SA 3.0.
- Covered Walkway: Southend Airport station is located 100 meters from the terminal doors (a 2-minute covered walk).
- Step-Free Platforms: The station and platforms are 100% step-free.
5 Common Southend transit mistakes to avoid
- Trying to use an Oyster card: Oyster cards are NOT valid at Southend Airport (contactless bank cards or train tickets are required).
- Staying on the train to Liverpool Street when going to West End: Change at Stratford for the Elizabeth line to reach Paddington or Bond Street faster.
- Confusing Southend Airport station with Southend Victoria or Southend Central: Southend Airport has its own dedicated station right next to the runway terminal!
- Switching payment devices between taps: Tapping in with a bank card and out with Apple Pay creates two incomplete journey penalties.
- Hailing unlicensed taxis: Always pre-book licensed taxis or private transfers.
Related London Transport Guides
- ✈️ Heathrow Airport to London Transport Guide
- ✈️ Gatwick Airport to London Transport Guide
- ✈️ Stansted Airport to London Transport Guide
- ✈️ Luton Airport to London Transport Guide
- 🚊 Getting Around London: Complete Transport Overview
Fares and travel times checked on 2 August 2026. Always verify live timetables with Greater Anglia.
