Southend-on-Sea to Reading train with Greater Anglia

Fri, May 29
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Greater Anglia
c2c
South Western Railway
Great Western Railway
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
Greater Anglia
c2c
South Western Railway
Great Western Railway
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
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Travel Information

Compare train for Southend-on-Sea to Reading

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Southend-on-Sea to Reading among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $40. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 4m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $40, and a train costs an average of $40.

Distance: 72 miles (117 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Driving

$50

Average price

Cheapest

$31

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

2h 34m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 4m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

2h 6m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

Greater Anglia

Most popular train company

Your own car or car rental

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from Southend-on-Sea to Reading is a train with an average price of $50 (€40).
The fastest way to travel from Southend-on-Sea to Reading is by train with an average journey time of 2h 4m.
Yes, you can take a train between Southend-on-Sea and Reading.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Southend-on-Sea to Reading among Omio's users.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.

You'll arrive about 2m sooner (2h 4m by train vs 2h 6m by car). Tickets start at around $50 (€40) compared to roughly $31 (€25) in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.

Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.

Live departures

Southend-on-Sea to Reading train times

The table below shows live departures for Southend-on-Sea to Reading trains for today, Thursday, May 28. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Greater Anglia7:30 AM Southend-on-Sea
2h08
9:38 AM Reading0 transfersDirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Southend-on-Sea to Reading by train

Compare train prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.

Fri
May 29
Sat
May 30
Sun
May 31
Mon
Jun 01
Tue
Jun 02
Wed
Jun 03
Thu
Jun 04

Why should you book Southend-on-Sea to Reading trains with Omio?

Greater Anglia as well as c2c, South Western Railway, Great Western Railway and more offer trains services from Southend-on-Sea to Reading.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Southend-on-Sea to Reading.

Why book with Omio vs Greater Anglia?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Greater Anglia, but also compare tickets for the likes of c2c, South Western Railway or Great Western Railway to find the best option for your trip from Southend-on-Sea to Reading.
  • Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of c2c, South Western Railway or Great Western Railway to find the best option for your trip from Southend-on-Sea to Reading.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Southend-on-Sea to Reading

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Southend-on-Sea to Reading run on average 8 times per day, taking around 2h 4m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $40 (€33) if you book in advance.

The earliest train runs at 01:15, the last at 23:14. The fastest train covers the 72 miles (117 km) distance in 2h 7m.

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
Distance
72 miles (117 km)
Average train duration
2h 4m
Cheapest ticket price
$40 (€33)
Trains per day
8
Fastest train
2h 7m
First train
1:15 AM
Last train
11:14 PM
Cheapest Month
Apr
Cheapest Day
Sat
High Season
Apr - Jun
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Best time to book
28 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

Train companies: Greater Anglia, c2c, South Western Railway, Great Western Railway from Southend-on-Sea to Reading trainsGreater Anglia, c2c, South Western Railway, Great Western Railway trains will get you between Southend-on-Sea and Reading from $40 (€33). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Greater Anglia

About
Greater Anglia is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates a wide range of services, from commuter trains to intercity services. The commuter trains run at regular intervals throughout the day, while the intercity services run at peak times. The train types include the InterCity 125, InterCity 225, Class 90, Class 91, Class 360 and Class 379. The ticket types available are Standard, First Class and Advance. Onboard facilities include Wi-Fi, power sockets, air conditioning and refreshment trolleys. The most popular routes for Greater Anglia are London Liverpool Street to Norwich, London Liverpool Street to Cambridge and London Liverpool Street to Ipswich.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 7m
Cheapest Price
$40 (€33)
Greater Anglia frequency
32 a day
Luggage included
Two items of luggage per person included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar service on intercity routes with hot and cold drinks, snacks. No service on local routes.
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for a fee. Free for First Class tickets.
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs require a ticket (£6 flat fee). Guide dogs travel free.
Quiet zone

c2c

About
c2c is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates services from London Fenchurch Street to destinations in East London and Essex, including Southend, Basildon, and Grays. c2c offers a range of train types, including the Class 357 Electrostar, Class 312 Electrostar, and Class 315 Electrostar. These trains are modern and comfortable, with air conditioning, power sockets, and free Wi-Fi. c2c also offers a range of ticket types, including Anytime, Off-Peak, and Advance tickets. Onboard facilities include a café bar, toilets, and luggage storage. The most popular routes for c2c are London Fenchurch Street to Southend Central, London Fenchurch Street to Basildon, and London Fenchurch Street to Grays.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 18m
Cheapest Price
$61 (€49)
c2c frequency
18 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of hand luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated luggage areas between seats
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation possible according to ticket type conditions
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled trains
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Bar/bistro service available on most trains offering snacks, drinks, and light meals
Seat reservation
Seat reservations mandatory and included in ticket price for high-speed trains, optional for regional trains
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and assistance available for passengers with reduced mobility
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require paid ticket and muzzle, service animals free
Quiet zone

South Western Railway

About
South Western Railway is a train operating company in the United Kingdom, providing services in the south and south-west of England. It operates a variety of train types, including high-speed trains, local stopping services, and suburban commuter trains. It also offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Off-Peak, and Super Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. The most popular routes for South Western Railway include London Waterloo to Portsmouth Harbour, London Waterloo to Weymouth, and London Waterloo to Bournemouth.
Luggage & cancellation policy
South Western Railway frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated luggage areas at end of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund depends on ticket type and timing of cancellation
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled by operator
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar service with hot and cold drinks, snacks, sandwiches
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for a fee, free for some ticket types
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free, dogs must be on lead
Quiet zone

Great Western Railway

About
Great Western Railway is a train operating company in the United Kingdom. It operates services from London Paddington to the West of England, South Wales and the Cotswolds. It also operates services from London Paddington to Oxford, Reading and Bristol. It offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, air conditioning and catering services. The most popular routes for Great Western Railway are London Paddington to Bristol, Reading and Oxford.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Great Western Railway frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
Two pieces of luggage and one piece of hand luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, dedicated luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, sandwiches. First Class at-seat service on some routes
Seat reservation
Optional seat reservations available for a fee. Free in First Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone

FAQs: Trains from Southend-on-Sea to Reading

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Southend-on-Sea to Reading 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 Reading, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Train ticket prices from Southend-on-Sea to Reading can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $40 (€33), while the average price is around $50 (€40).
The train from Southend-on-Sea to Reading takes 2h 7m and runs 8 per day.
The first train from Southend-on-Sea to Reading leaves at 1:15 AM.
The distance by train from Southend-on-Sea to Reading is 72 miles (117 km).
The last train from Southend-on-Sea to Reading leaves at 11:14 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Southend-on-Sea to Reading.
There is no direct train service currently available from Southend-on-Sea to Reading.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Southend-on-Sea to Reading.
The train station in Southend-on-Sea that goes to Reading is Southend Airport (SIA), which connects to Reading station (RDG).
The cheapest way to get from Southend-on-Sea to Reading is by train, with a cost of around $40 (€33).
The train journey from Southend-on-Sea to Reading offers a mix of urban and suburban landscapes, with sections passing through the picturesque countryside of Essex and Berkshire, though it is not typically highlighted for its scenic views.
A day trip from Southend-on-Sea to Reading is not feasible as the journey takes 2h 7m, which exceeds the 120-minute limit. However, there are 8 trips available per day by train. The distance between the two locations is 72 miles (117 km).
Two to three days are typically sufficient to explore the main attractions and experience the cultural highlights of Reading.
Yes, you can take the train from Southend-on-Sea to Reading.
Since neither Southend-on-Sea nor Reading are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United Kingdom and United Kingdom. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
Popular day trips by train from Reading include London, Oxford, Bracknell, Slough, Maidenhead.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Southend-on-Sea to Reading among Omio's users.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
Yes, rail passes such as the BritRail Pass are valid on most trains within the United Kingdom, offering unlimited travel on participating train operators for a set period.
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 Reading, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing and petty theft, especially in crowded areas and on public transportation. Common scams include overcharging by taxis and unofficial tour guides. Staying vigilant in busy spots and using licensed services helps 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.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Southend-on-Sea to Reading

Southend-on-Sea
Reading
The major train station for departures in Southend-on-Sea is Southend Victoria. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Southend Victoria for your trip from Southend-on-Sea to Reading.
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday - Friday 06:00 - 09:4515:00 - 18:45 Saturday 06:00 - 09:4515:00 - 18:45 Sunday 07:00 - 10:4516:00 - 19:45
Shopping
Shopping
  • Type of shops available: Mini supermarket Passport Photo Booth
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: Station Car Park
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • 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
WC
WC
  • Toilets Location: The toilets are located near Platform 1. The National key toilets are located near Platform 1; these toilets are operated by a radar key. The National key toilets are only all toilets including accessible (radar key) toilets are located alongside platform 1
  • National key toilets: Yes
  • Baby changing facilities: Yes
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: Yes
  • Storage location: Beside station building in secure compound
  • Storage CCTV: Yes
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office
  • Helpline Contact: 0800 028 28 78
  • Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens
Public transit options for Southend Victoria
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Replacement transport stop on station forecourt
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:45 - 18:45 Saturday 06:30 - 21:00 Sunday 07:30 - 19:00
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: Station Car Park
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Staff help available: Yes
  • Step free access coverage: Yes
  • Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
  • Accessible toilets: Yes
  • Ramp for train access: Yes
  • Wheelchairs available: No
  • Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes
WC
WC
  • Toilets Location: The toilets are located on the Platforms 3 & 4 Concourse. The National key toilets are located on the Platforms 3/4 Concourse; these toilets are operated by a RADAR key.
  • National key toilets: Yes
  • National key toilets location: Platforms 3/4 concourse. This can be accessed using a radar key.
  • Baby changing facilities: Yes
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: Yes
  • Storage location: Outside platforms 1/2 & on platform 3/4 concourse
  • Storage CCTV: Yes
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office
  • Helpline Contact: 03457 44 44 22
  • Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements
Public transit options for Southend Central
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Bus stops on Clifftown Road near The Last Public House
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
ParkingParking
DiningDining
AccessibilityAccessibility
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday - Friday 06:00 - 13:00 Saturday 06:00 - 13:00 Sunday Closed No train service on Sundays
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: Station Car Park
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Staff help available: 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
  • Ramp for train access: Yes
  • Wheelchairs available: No
  • Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: No
  • Storage location: Within forecourt
  • Storage CCTV: No
Public transit options for Prittlewell
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Replacement transport stop at the junction of East Street and Station Approach

Most popular train connections from Southend-on-Sea

More options for your journey from Southend-on-Sea to Reading

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