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Trains from Cardiff Central to Southend East

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Great Western Railway
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  1. Home
  2. Train times
  3. Cardiff Central to Southend East

Trains to Southend East from Cardiff Central

First train

05:20

Last train

22:47

Departure stationCardiff Central
Arrival stationSouthend East
Journey time

From 3h 51m

Distance

168 miles (271 km)

Frequency

33 trains per day

Changes

2 changes

Train operators

Great Western Railway, c2c

Travelling from Cardiff Central to Southend East by train

Looking to travel from Cardiff Central to Southend East by train? You've come to the right place!

On average, it takes around 4 hours 29 minutes to travel from Cardiff Central to Southend East by train, the fastest services can get you there in as little as 3 hours 51 minutes though. You'll usually find 33 trains per day running along the 168 miles (271 km) route between these two destinations. You'll need to make 2 changes during the journey to Southend East, as there currently aren't any direct services on this route. You can choose to travel with Great Western Railway or c2c to get to Southend East – both train companies offer modern comfortable services that will whisk you there in no time.

To help you get great train deals, we'll highlight the cheapest train ticket prices from Cardiff Central to Southend East in our Journey Planner. Just remember, as well as travelling Off-Peak or using a Railcard, the sooner you book your tickets, the more you'll save!

Want to book your train tickets now? Just start a search with us today. If you want to find out more about the journey, scroll up for timetables including live train times, or keep reading for FAQs and tips on how to book cheap train tickets.

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

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

How do you get to Southend East from Cardiff Central?

To travel to Southend East from Cardiff Central, you can take the train - on average, the journey takes around 4 hours and 29 minutes, though the fastest trains can take 3 hours and 51 minutes. Use our Journey Planner to get more information.

How long is the train ride from Cardiff Central to Southend East?

Trains from Cardiff Central to Southend East take an average of 4 hours and 29 minutes, although on the fastest services it can take just 3 hours and 51 minutes. You'll usually find 33 trains per day on this route, so use our Journey Planner to check specific dates as times may vary.

What is the quickest journey time between Cardiff Central and Southend East by train?

The quickest journey time between Cardiff Central and Southend East by train is 3 hours and 51 minutes.

Are there direct trains from Cardiff Central to Southend East?

No, there are no direct trains running from Cardiff Central to Southend East, you’ll usually need to make at least 2 changes during the journey.

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

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. Book in advance

Train tickets from Cardiff Central to Southend East start at § one way for a Standard Class ticket if you book in advance. UK train companies usually release Advance tickets up to 12 weeks ahead of time, and these can be cheaper than tickets bought on the day of travel.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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 East 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.

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