Trains Cardiff Central to Southend | Compare Times & Cheap Tickets

Q: How far is Southend from Cardiff Central by train?

The distance from Cardiff Central to Southend is around 167 miles (269 km). When you travel between them by train, the fastest journey time takes 3 hours and 27 minutes.

Q: Can I get from Cardiff Central to Southend without flying?

Yes, you can travel from Cardiff Central to Southend without flying. Take the train and enjoy a fast and comfortable journey. There are around 120 trains per day available on the route. The fastest train can take you there in 3 hours and 27 minutes!

Q: What is the best way to get from Cardiff Central to Southend?

The best way to get from Cardiff Central to Southend is by taking a train. Trains offer a quick, comfortable journey taking just 3 hours and 27 minutes on the quickest services, with frequent departures throughout the day.

Q: When is the first train from Cardiff Central to Southend?

The first train from Cardiff Central to Southend departs around 04:07 depending on the day and the train operator. It's always best to check the timetable on the day of travel with our Journey Planner for exact times.

Q: When is the last train from Cardiff Central to Southend?

The last train from Cardiff Central to Southend departs around 23:11 depending on the day and the train operator. It's always best to check the timetable on the day of travel with our Journey Planner for exact times.

Q: How often do trains run from Cardiff Central to Southend?

Trains from Cardiff Central to Southend run frequently throughout the day, with approximately 120 trains available per day. Check our Journey Planner to see the full timetable.

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Trains to Southend from Cardiff Central

First train	04:07
Last train	23:11
Departure station	Cardiff Central
Arrival station	Southend
Journey time	From 3h 27m
Distance	167 miles (269 km)
Frequency	120 trains per day
Changes	2 changes
Train operators	CrossCountry, Great Western Railway, Greater Anglia, Transport for Wales, c2c

Travelling from Cardiff Central to Southend by train

If you're planning to travel from Cardiff Central to Southend, we're here to help!

On average, the train journey from Cardiff Central to Southend takes around 4 hours 45 minutes. There are normally 120 trains per day travelling from Cardiff Central to Southend.

You'll have to make 2 changes on your journey to Southend, as there are no direct trains.

Great Western Railway, Greater Anglia, Transport for Wales and c2c trains operate on this route.

Save money on your train tickets by booking in advance.

Use our Journey Planner to compare ticket prices and find the cheapest fares.

What do people frequently ask about the train journey from Cardiff Central to Southend?

Want to know more about your journey from Cardiff Central to Southend? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.

How do I get from Cardiff Central to Southend?

You can travel from Cardiff Central to Southend by train in about 4 hours and 45 minutes. With around 120 trains running each day, taking the train is easy. Find out more in our Journey Planner.

How long is the train journey from Cardiff Central to Southend?

On average, the train journey from Cardiff Central to Southend takes around 4 hours and 45 minutes, with 120 trains per day. The duration may vary slightly depending on the specific train and any potential delays. Use our Journey Planner to check out more information.

What is the fastest train from Cardiff Central to Southend?

The fastest trains from Cardiff Central to Southend can cover the distance of 167 miles (269 km) in as little as 3 hours and 27 minutes.

Is there a direct train from Cardiff Central to Southend?

No, you can’t travel from Cardiff Central to Southend on a direct train, you’ll need to make at least 2 changes during the journey.

How far is Southend from Cardiff Central by train?

Can I get from Cardiff Central to Southend without flying?

What is the best way to get from Cardiff Central to Southend?

When is the first train from Cardiff Central to Southend?

When is the last train from Cardiff Central to Southend?

How often do trains run from Cardiff Central to Southend?

How far in advance can I book tickets from Cardiff Central to Southend?

Looking for a return trip from Cardiff Central to Southend?

How do I find cheap train tickets from Cardiff Central to Southend?

As most UK train companies increase their prices as the departure date approaches, our Trainline team of experts have put together these tips to help you find the cheapest tickets.

1. Sign up to Ticket Alert

If you're planning a trip more than 12 weeks ahead, sign up to our Ticket Alert to get notified when Advance tickets are released for your travel date.

2. Use a Railcard

National Railcards offer a 1/3 off eligible train tickets in the UK and can be a great investment if you travel throughout the year. Buy one with us and you'll be able to store it digitally in our app, so you'll always have it on your travels.

3. Book split tickets

Our handy feature SplitSave will 'split' your train journey into multiple tickets, which can be much cheaper than buying a single ticket. Find out more about split tickets.

4. Travel Off-Peak

If you can be flexible with your travel times, Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak tickets are usually cheaper in the UK. Generally, Off-Peak times are any time at weekends and outside of Monday to Friday morning and evening rush hours.

5. Consider a Season Ticket

Best for commuters, if you catch a train on the same route more than 3 times per week, you could save money with a Season Ticket. With annual, monthly, weekly and flexi options available, find out if a Season Ticket for Cardiff Central to Southend is right for you.

For more money-saving tips on UK and European train travel, read our cheap train tickets guide.

^§Advance adult single fare. Excludes booking fee. Prices seen by Trainline customers in the last 30 days. Availability limited.

† Average savings on advance fares booked at least one week before day of travel vs Anytime fares purchased on day of travel. Subject to availability. Excludes coach.

Trains from Cardiff Central to Southend

Trains to Southend from Cardiff Central

Travelling from Cardiff Central to Southend by train

What do people frequently ask about the train journey from Cardiff Central to Southend?

Want to know more about your journey from Cardiff Central to Southend? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.

How far is Southend from Cardiff Central by train?

Can I get from Cardiff Central to Southend without flying?

What is the best way to get from Cardiff Central to Southend?

When is the first train from Cardiff Central to Southend?

When is the last train from Cardiff Central to Southend?

How often do trains run from Cardiff Central to Southend?

How far in advance can I book tickets from Cardiff Central to Southend?

Looking for a return trip from Cardiff Central to Southend?

How do I find cheap train tickets from Cardiff Central to Southend?

As most UK train companies increase their prices as the departure date approaches, our Trainline team of experts have put together these tips to help you find the cheapest tickets.

1. Sign up to Ticket Alert

2. Use a Railcard

3. Book split tickets

4. Travel Off-Peak

5. Consider a Season Ticket

What are my ticket options for this journey?

Advance train tickets

Anytime train tickets

First Class train tickets

GroupSave train tickets

Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak train tickets

Return train tickets

Flexible train tickets

Looking for more ideas?

Trains from Cardiff Central

Trains from Southend

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Europe’s leading train and coach app

Trains from Cardiff Central to Southend

Trains to Southend from Cardiff Central

Travelling from Cardiff Central to Southend by train

What do people frequently ask about the train journey from Cardiff Central to Southend?

Want to know more about your journey from Cardiff Central to Southend? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.

How far is Southend from Cardiff Central by train?

Can I get from Cardiff Central to Southend without flying?

What is the best way to get from Cardiff Central to Southend?

When is the first train from Cardiff Central to Southend?

When is the last train from Cardiff Central to Southend?

How often do trains run from Cardiff Central to Southend?

How far in advance can I book tickets from Cardiff Central to Southend?

Looking for a return trip from Cardiff Central to Southend?

How do I find cheap train tickets from Cardiff Central to Southend?

As most UK train companies increase their prices as the departure date approaches, our Trainline team of experts have put together these tips to help you find the cheapest tickets.

1. Sign up to Ticket Alert

2. Use a Railcard

3. Book split tickets

4. Travel Off-Peak

5. Consider a Season Ticket

What are my ticket options for this journey?

Advance train tickets

Anytime train tickets

First Class train tickets

GroupSave train tickets

Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak train tickets

Return train tickets

Flexible train tickets

Looking for more ideas?

ModeOfTransportTrainModeOfTransportTrain Trains from Cardiff Central

ModeOfTransportTrainModeOfTransportTrain Trains from Southend

ModeOfTransportTrainModeOfTransportTrain More train trips to explore

ModeOfTransportTrainModeOfTransportTrain Discover similar routes

Europe’s leading train and coach app

Trains from Cardiff Central

Trains from Southend

More train trips to explore

Discover similar routes