Southend-on-Sea travel guide

Southend-on-Sea Tourism | Southend-on-Sea Guide

You're Going to Love Southend-on-Sea

With a population of 163 377, Southend-on-Sea is a must-see destination in England, United Kingdom. It is one of the most popular cities to visit in the country. Consider staying at least one whole day in Southend-on-Sea to see all of its attractions.

Where to Eat in Southend-on-Sea

If you’re looking for affordable options, The Roslin Beach Hotel Restaurant (10-12 Thorpe Esplanade) and Monti - Southend (513 Southchurch Road) are great picks.

When to visit Southend-on-Sea

Southend-on-Sea in December
Estimated hotel price
£70
1 night at 3-star hotel
Southend-on-Sea in December
Estimated hotel price
£70
1 night at 3-star hotel

How to Get to Southend-on-Sea

Plane

When flying to Southend-on-Sea, you’ll arrive at London Southend (SEN), which is located 4 km from the city centre. The shortest domestic flight to Southend-on-Sea departs from Edinburgh and takes around 1h 20m.

Train

AccesRail is the most popular train carrier serving Southend-on-Sea, followed by Eurostar. The train journey from Southend-on-Sea to Oxford takes 0h 52m and costs around £16 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Cambridge, expect to pay about £31 for a 1h 06m trip. Located 3 km from the city centre, Southend-on-Sea is the busiest station in Southend-on-Sea. Another popular train station is Southend-on-Sea East, located 1.3 km from the centre.

Car

Another option to get to Southend-on-Sea is to pick up a car hire from London, which is about 58 km from Southend-on-Sea. You’ll find branches of GREEN MOTION and DRIVALIA , among others, in London.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Southend-on-Sea, including National Express, FlixBus and Megabus. From Southampton, the bus ride to Southend-on-Sea takes 153 km and will cost you around £6. From Cambridge, the ticket costs about £5 for a journey of 201 km. The most popular bus station is Southend-on-Sea Westcliff-on-Sea, located 1.6 km from the city centre of Southend-on-Sea. Southend-on-Sea Leigh Elms is also a commonly used station, and is 4 km from the city centre.

Plane

When flying to Southend-on-Sea, you’ll arrive at London Southend (SEN), which is located 4 km from the city centre. The shortest domestic flight to Southend-on-Sea departs from Edinburgh and takes around 1h 20m.

Train

AccesRail is the most popular train carrier serving Southend-on-Sea, followed by Eurostar. The train journey from Southend-on-Sea to Oxford takes 0h 52m and costs around £16 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Cambridge, expect to pay about £31 for a 1h 06m trip. Located 3 km from the city centre, Southend-on-Sea is the busiest station in Southend-on-Sea. Another popular train station is Southend-on-Sea East, located 1.3 km from the centre.

Car

Another option to get to Southend-on-Sea is to pick up a car hire from London, which is about 58 km from Southend-on-Sea. You’ll find branches of GREEN MOTION and DRIVALIA , among others, in London.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Southend-on-Sea, including National Express, FlixBus and Megabus. From Southampton, the bus ride to Southend-on-Sea takes 153 km and will cost you around £6. From Cambridge, the ticket costs about £5 for a journey of 201 km. The most popular bus station is Southend-on-Sea Westcliff-on-Sea, located 1.6 km from the city centre of Southend-on-Sea. Southend-on-Sea Leigh Elms is also a commonly used station, and is 4 km from the city centre.

Airports near Southend-on-Sea

Airlines serving Southend-on-Sea

Lufthansa
Good (4,699 reviews)
KLM
Good (847 reviews)
SWISS
Good (955 reviews)
British Airways
Good (4,592 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (2,261 reviews)
Delta
Good (4,586 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (490 reviews)
Iberia
Good (1,600 reviews)
Air France
Good (980 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (2,111 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (2,432 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (4,965 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (5,962 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (227 reviews)
Finnair
Good (856 reviews)
LOT
Good (677 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (820 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (925 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (1,166 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (834 reviews)
Show more

Where to stay in Southend-on-Sea

Average rates range from around £131 per night for a double room in a 3-star hotel to £124 and up for a 5-star experience.

Where to stay in popular areas of Southend-on-Sea

Most booked hotels in Southend-on-Sea

Roslin Beach Hotel
4 stars
Excellent (9.2, Excellent reviews)
£158+
Southend Airport Bed & Breakfast
1 star
Excellent (9.1, Excellent reviews)
£55+
The Ilfracombe House Hotel - near Cliffs Pavilion
4 stars
Excellent (8.5, Excellent reviews)
£82+
Holiday Inn Southend
4 stars
Excellent (8.4, Excellent reviews)
£80+
Isabella Rooms
0 stars
Excellent (8.4, Excellent reviews)
£52+
Seven Hotel
4 stars
Excellent (8.2, Excellent reviews)
£97+

Hiring a car in Southend-on-Sea

Hiring a car in Southend-on-Sea costs £39 per day, on average.

Expect to pay £1.49 per litre in Southend-on-Sea (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your car hire, filling up the tank will cost between £17.80 and £23.73.

Hiring a car in Southend-on-Sea costs £39 per day, on average.

Expect to pay £1.49 per litre in Southend-on-Sea (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your car hire, filling up the tank will cost between £17.80 and £23.73.