Great Western Railway
Greater Anglia
What are the train times from Reading to Southend?
Get from Reading to Southend in as little as 2 hours on the fastest trains, so you can make the most of your time.
The average train journey from Reading to Southend takes around 2 hours 41 minutes. There are around 241 trains that operate on this route daily.
As there are no direct trains between Reading and Southend, you'll need to make 1 change.
Trains on this route are operated by Great Western Railway, Greater Anglia and c2c.
Booking in advance often results in cheaper ticket prices.
With our Journey Planner, you can check live train times, compare prices and check routes.
What do people frequently ask about the train journey from Reading to Southend?
Want to know more about your journey from Reading to Southend? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
How close is Reading to Southend by train?
Is it possible to get from Reading to Southend without flying?
What is the best way to travel from Reading to Southend?
What time does the first train from Reading to Southend leave?
What time does the last train from Reading to Southend leave?
How often are trains from Reading to Southend?
Do you need to book the train from Reading to Southend in advance?
Can you buy return train tickets from Reading to Southend?
How do I find cheap train tickets from Reading 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 Reading 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.