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Trains from Manchester to Southend

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Avanti West Coast
CrossCountry

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  1. Home
  2. Train times
  3. Manchester to Southend

Trains to Southend from Manchester

First train

03:32

Last train

00:24

Departure stationManchester
Arrival stationSouthend
Journey time

From 3h 55m

Distance

182 miles (293 km)

Frequency

201 trains per day

Changes

2 changes

Train operators

Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, East Midlands Railway, Grand Central Railway, Great Western Railway, Greater Anglia, London North Eastern Railway, London Overground, Thameslink, TransPennine Express, Transport for Wales, c2c

What are the train times from Manchester to Southend?

Check out the next trains departing from Manchester to Southend for Tuesday 13th October 2026 using our handy timetable below, including platform and live travel information. You can view the full day timetable or search for a different date here.
DepartsArrivesDuration
11:5416:144h 20m, 2 changes
12:1416:164h 2m, 2 changes
12:3416:323h 58m, 2 changes
12:5417:074h 13m, 2 changes
13:1417:254h 11m, 2 changes
13:3417:404h 6m, 2 changes
13:5417:564h 2m, 2 changes
14:1418:264h 12m, 2 changes
14:3418:374h 3m, 2 changes
14:5418:554h 1m, 2 changes

Travelling from Manchester to Southend by train

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

On average, the train journey from Manchester to Southend takes around 5 hours 34 minutes. There are normally 201 trains per day travelling from Manchester to Southend.

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

Trains on this route are operated by London North Eastern Railway, Avanti West Coast, Great Western Railway and Greater Anglia.

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 Manchester to Southend?

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

How do I travel from Manchester to Southend?

You can get from Manchester to Southend by train in 5 hours and 34 minutes on average, with the fastest journeys taking just 3 hours and 55 minutes. Check out our Journey Planner for more details.

How long does the train from Manchester to Southend take?

The average journey time by train between Manchester and Southend is 5 hours and 34 minutes, with around 201 trains per day running on this route. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.

What's the fastest journey time between Manchester and Southend by train?

The fastest journey time by train from Manchester to Southend is 3 hours and 55 minutes.

Can you take a train directly from Manchester to Southend?

No, there are no direct train services from Manchester to Southend. Travelling from Manchester to Southend by train will require a minimum of 2 changes.

How do I find cheap train tickets from Manchester 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 Manchester 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.

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