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 November
Estimated hotel price
£71
1 night at 3-star hotel
Southend-on-Sea in November
Estimated hotel price
£71
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 Belfast and takes around 1h 15m.

Train

AccesRail is the most popular train carrier serving Southend-on-Sea, followed by Eurostar. The train journey from Southend-on-Sea to Coventry takes 1h 34m and costs around £16 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Bristol, expect to pay about £25 for a 1h 34m 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, Megabus and FlixBus. From Bristol, the bus ride to Southend-on-Sea takes 217 km and will cost you around £3. From Birmingham, the ticket costs about £6 for a journey of 217 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 Belfast and takes around 1h 15m.

Train

AccesRail is the most popular train carrier serving Southend-on-Sea, followed by Eurostar. The train journey from Southend-on-Sea to Coventry takes 1h 34m and costs around £16 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Bristol, expect to pay about £25 for a 1h 34m 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, Megabus and FlixBus. From Bristol, the bus ride to Southend-on-Sea takes 217 km and will cost you around £3. From Birmingham, the ticket costs about £6 for a journey of 217 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 (4,607 reviews)
KLM
Good (848 reviews)
SWISS
Good (929 reviews)
British Airways
Good (4,446 reviews)
Delta
Good (4,595 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (2,280 reviews)
Air France
Good (974 reviews)
Iberia
Good (1,546 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (476 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (4,928 reviews)
Emirates
Good (2,124 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (2,480 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (5,718 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (226 reviews)
Finnair
Good (879 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (833 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (1,160 reviews)
LOT
Good (681 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (911 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (835 reviews)
Show more

Where to stay in Southend-on-Sea

Average rates range from around £127 per night for a double room in a 3-star hotel to £120 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)
£139+
Hamiltons Boutique Hotel
4 stars
Excellent (9.1, Excellent reviews)
£94+
Southend Airport Bed & Breakfast
1 star
Excellent (9.1, Excellent reviews)
£49+
The Ilfracombe House Hotel - near Cliffs Pavilion
4 stars
Excellent (8.5, Excellent reviews)
£84+
Isabella Rooms
0 stars
Excellent (8.4, Excellent reviews)
£62+
Holiday Inn Southend
4 stars
Excellent (8.3, Excellent reviews)
£78+

Hiring a car in Southend-on-Sea

Hiring a car in Southend-on-Sea costs £32 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 £17.77 and £23.69. The most frequently booked car type in Southend-on-Sea is Mini (Kia Picanto or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Economy car hire (Toyota Yaris or similar) is, on average, 77% cheaper than other car hire types in the city.

Hiring a car in Southend-on-Sea costs £32 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 £17.77 and £23.69. The most frequently booked car type in Southend-on-Sea is Mini (Kia Picanto or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Economy car hire (Toyota Yaris or similar) is, on average, 77% cheaper than other car hire types in the city.