- Must visit
Southend Central Museum
Southend's main local history museum, covering archaeology, natural history, and social heritage in a central Victorian building.
Cheapest price on Oct 20
€13
Average ticket price on Oct 20
€14
Fastest journey on Oct 20
49 m
Average journey duration on Oct 20
52 m
Trains on Oct 20
6
Distance
28 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Chelmsford 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 Chelmsford to Southend-on-Sea will cost around €14 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €13.
It's difficult to get from Chelmsford to Southend-on-Sea without transferring at least once.
P66035 · P66758
P66971 · P76730
P66957 · P66743
P66962 · P76710
C04685 · P76718
P66533 · P66741
P66035 · P66758
C04685 · P76718
P66962 · P76710
P66957 · P66743Trains from Chelmsford to Southend-on-Sea run on average 7 times per day, taking around 46m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €12 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 05:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 17 miles (28 km) distance in 44m.
Distance 17 miles (28 km) |
Average train duration 46m |
Cheapest ticket price €12 |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 44m |
First train 5:01 AM |
Last train 11:58 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 3 days |
The table below shows live departures for Chelmsford to Southend-on-Sea trains for tomorrow, Tuesday, October 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
P66533 · P66741 | 8:25 AM Chelmsford station (CHM) | 0h49 | 9:14 AM Southend Victoria (SOV) | 1 transfer | |
P66957 · P66743 | 8:34 AM Chelmsford station (CHM) | 1h00 | 9:34 AM Southend Victoria (SOV) | 1 transfer | |
P66962 · P76710 | 9:02 AM Chelmsford station (CHM) | 0h52 | 9:54 AM Southend Victoria (SOV) | 1 transfer | |
C04685 · P76718 | 9:24 AM Chelmsford station (CHM) | 0h51 | 10:15 AM Southend Victoria (SOV) | 1 transfer | |
P66035 · P66758 | 9:42 AM Chelmsford station (CHM) | 0h50 | 10:32 AM Southend Victoria (SOV) | 1 transfer | |
P66971 · P76730 | 9:55 AM Chelmsford station (CHM) | 1h00 | 10:55 AM Southend Victoria (SOV) | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Southend's main local history museum, covering archaeology, natural history, and social heritage in a central Victorian building.
Historic priory museum with period rooms, monastic remains, and gardens, offering one of the area's richest heritage experiences.
Specialist museum exploring Southend's famous pier, seaside holidays, and coastal life through engaging local displays.
Long sandy beach and promenade area popular for walks, sea views, amusements, and classic Southend seaside atmosphere.
Historic fishing quarter with cobbled lanes, cockle sheds, and estuary views, full of local character and maritime heritage.
Large clifftop park with gardens, sports space, and open views over the Thames estuary, ideal for relaxed coastal walks.
Fresh cockles harvested from the Thames estuary, long linked with Southend's seafront stalls and seafood trade. Usually served with vinegar and pepper.
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.
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.
Fine dining restaurant with modern British cooking and polished service. Well regarded for tasting menus and a refined special-occasion atmosphere.
Classic seafront fish and chip restaurant known for fresh seafood, generous portions, and a traditional Southend seaside atmosphere.
Long-established seafood restaurant focusing on local fish and shellfish. Smart but relaxed setting near the seafront with strong local reputation.
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.
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.
Official public transport app
Chalkwell -> Southend Central, Southend-on-Sea
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chelmsford to Southend-on-Sea by train. 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 train, 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.

Most Chelmsford to Southend-on-Sea trains use the Chelmsford to Chalkwell station pair, with some services arriving at Southend Victoria. Use this guide to compare Chelmsford and Southend-on-Sea train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Chelmsford has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Chelmsford.
Wi-Fi is available at Chelmsford. ATMs are available at Chelmsford.
Ticket office support is available at Chelmsford.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Chelmsford: Parking, WC.
Available at Chelmsford: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Chelmsford: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible taxis: Details of nearest taxis are shown on station information poster, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Chalkwell is 3 km from Southend-on-Sea city centre. Public transport options include:
Chalkwell has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Chalkwell.
Wi-Fi is available at Chalkwell.
Ticket office support is available at Chalkwell. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 03457 44 44 22, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Chalkwell: Parking, WC.
Available at Chalkwell: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Chalkwell: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Step free access is not available to either platform at this station, Accessible public telephones: No, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: No, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Southend Victoria has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Southend Victoria.
Wi-Fi is available at Southend Victoria. ATMs are available at Southend Victoria.
Ticket office support is available at Southend Victoria. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0800 028 28 78, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Southend Victoria: Parking, WC.
Available at Southend Victoria: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Southend Victoria: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible taxis: Taxi rank at front of station, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
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