How to get to and from London-Southend airport (SEN): bus, train, taxi and transfers

Ground transportation options

Public transportation, licensed taxis and ride-hailing apps, private transfers and car rental at London-Southend airport (SEN), 58 km from London. See also the airport guide for general information.

Bus

The X30 service from First Bus (Tel +44 345 646 0707) runs from next to the Holiday Inn hotel to Southend Victoria Circus, Eastwood, Rayleigh, Chelmsford, Barnston, Great Dunmow and Stansted Airport between 4:15 am and 0:27 am. Journey time is around 90 minutes and tickets cost £2.00.

Line 9 from Arriva (Tel +44 344 800 4411) departs from behind the Holiday Inn to Victoria station in 15 min., stopping at Rayleigh, Eastwood, Prittlewell, Thorpe Bay and Shoeburyness. Buses 7 and 8 go to Southend town centre and Rayleigh, via Rochford, Hockley, Prittlewell, Victoria and North Shoebury. Tickets cost £2.00.

Train

From opposite the terminal, there are Greater Anglia services (Tel +44 345 600 7245) to Liverpool Street (52 min. journey time) and Stratford (43 min.) stations, where it is possible to board different underground lines. Trains operate up to 6 times per hour between 4:33 am and 11:59 pm. Tickets cost £19.00 and intermediate stops include Rochford, Hockley, Rayleigh, Southminster, Althorne, Wickford, Shenfield and Romford.

Taxi

Vehicles from Andrews Taxis (Tel +44 170 220 0200) are available in front of the terminal, next to the Arrivals area exit. Travel time to central London is around 1 hour, costing £100.00-130.00.

Further information

Book ahead

Private transfer from SEN Rent a car at SEN

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Tips for getting to and from SEN

Going to the airport

Leave earlier than you think you need to: London-Southend airport is 58 km from London. Allow for rush-hour traffic, strikes or events, and check the local news before you go.
On public transportation, check the schedule (weekends and holidays usually have fewer services), whether you need to change lines and how to pay: transit card, contactless or cash.
If you booked a shared shuttle, keep the company's phone number at hand in case the pickup is late.
Returning a rental car? Follow the signs to the rental car return area. If you drive your own car, check parking at SEN.

Leaving the airport

After baggage claim and customs, follow the ground transportation signs. The arrivals page has a step-by-step guide.
Arriving late at night? Not every bus or train runs 24 hours: check the last departure in advance. Ride-hailing apps usually pick up at a designated zone, not at the curb.
With a private transfer, the driver usually waits in the arrivals hall with a sign with your name.
Renting a car? Booking ahead gives you better rates; see car rental at SEN.
Staying near the airport? See hotels and overnight stay or hotels near SEN.

Content written by German Giudici

Creator of the Aeropuertos del Mundo website network since 2007.

Getting to and from London-Southend airport