- Must visit
Southend Central Museum
Southend's main local history museum, covering archaeology, natural history, and social heritage in a central Victorian building.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from London to Southend-on-Sea
Showing times and prices for Aug 03
Cheapest price
$20
Average price
$20
Fastest journey
2 h 28 m
Average duration
2 h 28 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
58 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from London to Southend-on-Sea is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from London to Southend-on-Sea will cost around $20 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $20.
Fast buses
Of the 1 buses that leave London for Southend-on-Sea on Mon, Aug 03, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Aug 03 the direct buses cover the 58 km distance in an average of 2 h 28 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 h 28 m .
On Mon, Aug 03 the slowest buses will take 2 h 28 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
12:50 AM2h28London3:18 AMSouthend-on-Sea$201One-way0 transfers
- 12:50 AM2h28London3:18 AMSouthend-on-Sea$201One-way0 transfers
Journey information
Overview: Bus from London to Southend-on-Sea
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from London to Southend-on-Sea run on average 4 times per day, taking around 1h 45m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $20 (€16) but you can travel from only $8 (€7) by train.
The earliest bus runs at 00:04, the last at 23:58. The fastest bus covers the 36 miles (58 km) distance in 2h 28m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from $8 (€7)
Distance 36 miles (58 km) |
Average bus duration 1h 45m |
Cheapest ticket price $20 (€16) |
Buses per day 4 |
Fastest bus 2h 28m |
First bus 12:04 AM |
Last bus 11:58 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 35 days |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from $8 (€7)
London to Southend-on-Sea Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greater Anglia | Departure Time 12:50AM | Arrival Time 03:33AM | Duration 2h43 | Departure days Mon, Sun | Cheapest price $20 |
Live departures
London to Southend-on-Sea bus times
The table below shows live departures for London to Southend-on-Sea buses for tomorrow, Monday, August 3. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12:50 AM London | 2h28 | 3:18 AM Southend-on-Sea | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Complete guide to Southend-on-Sea
Things to do in Southend-on-Sea
Discover the best of Southend-on-Sea — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Southend-on-Sea trip today.
- Must visit
Prittlewell Priory Museum
Historic priory museum with period rooms, monastic remains, and gardens, offering one of the area's richest heritage experiences.
- Recommended
Southend Pier Museum
Specialist museum exploring Southend's famous pier, seaside holidays, and coastal life through engaging local displays.
- Must visit
Southend Seafront
Long sandy beach and promenade area popular for walks, sea views, amusements, and classic Southend seaside atmosphere.
- Must visit
Old Leigh
Historic fishing quarter with cobbled lanes, cockle sheds, and estuary views, full of local character and maritime heritage.
- Recommended
Chalkwell Park
Large clifftop park with gardens, sports space, and open views over the Thames estuary, ideal for relaxed coastal walks.
- Gluten-free
Cockles
Fresh cockles harvested from the Thames estuary, long linked with Southend's seafront stalls and seafood trade. Usually served with vinegar and pepper.
- Gluten-free
Whelks
Whelks are sea snails traditionally sold at Essex fish stalls. In Southend they are a classic seaside snack, eaten cold with salt, vinegar, and pepper.
- Gluten-free
Jellied Eels
Jellied eels are a historic Thames estuary dish. Chopped eels are cooked in spiced stock that sets into jelly, a traditional East End and Essex specialty.
Roslin Beach Hotel Restaurant
Fine dining restaurant with modern British cooking and polished service. Well regarded for tasting menus and a refined special-occasion atmosphere.
West's Seafood Restaurant
Classic seafront fish and chip restaurant known for fresh seafood, generous portions, and a traditional Southend seaside atmosphere.
The Fishermen's Wharf
Long-established seafood restaurant focusing on local fish and shellfish. Smart but relaxed setting near the seafront with strong local reputation.
British pound sterling (£)
Moderate for a UK seaside city. Hotels can rise in summer, but casual dining and local transit are usually cheaper than London. Attractions and seafront snacks can add up.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- £18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £50+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4.50 for a coffee.
Tipping culture
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is not included. Round up for taxis. Cafes usually do not expect tips, but small change is appreciated.
Arriva UK Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2.00
- Day pass
- £4.80
To the city center
Chichester Road, Southend-on-Sea -> Southend Central, Southend-on-Sea
- Distance
- 2 km
- Travel time
- 12 min
- Contactless payment is accepted on local Arriva buses, so you can tap a bank card or mobile wallet when boarding.
- Check operator zones and ticket types before travel, as Southend services may be run by different bus companies with separate fares.
FAQs: Bus from London to Southend-on-Sea
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from London to Southend-on-Sea by bus. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Southend-on-Sea, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap bus tickets from London to Southend-on-Sea can start from as little as $20 (€16) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for London to Southend-on-Sea is $20 (€16) ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by bus from London to Southend-on-Sea is 2h 28m to travel the 36 miles (58 km) long journey. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest bus from London to Southend-on-Sea leaves at 12:04 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from London to Southend-on-Sea leaves at 11:58 PM.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between London and Southend-on-Sea including taking a train and bus.
No, there are no bathrooms on board the bus from London to Southend-on-Sea.
No, the bus from London to Southend-on-Sea has no accessibility options.
No, bikes are not allowed on board the bus from London to Southend-on-Sea.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
No, there is no food available to purchase on board the bus from London to Southend-on-Sea.
No, luggage for the bus from London to Southend-on-Sea needs to be booked in addition.
No, there are no additional luggage options for the bus from London to Southend-on-Sea.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from London to Southend-on-Sea.
No, there are no USB plugs on board the bus from London to Southend-on-Sea.
No, there is no WiFi on board the bus from London to Southend-on-Sea.
The currency used in the United Kingdom is the British Pound Sterling (GBP). For travelers, using a card is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially in cities and for transportation tickets, though carrying some cash can be useful for small purchases or in rural areas.
In Southend-on-Sea, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like the seafront and amusement parks. Common scams include overcharging in taxis that are not licensed and distraction techniques used by street vendors or performers. Staying alert in busy tourist spots and using official transportation services can help ensure safety.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
More options for your journey from London to Southend-on-Sea
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Southend-on-Sea and London
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