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Trains from Reading to Southend Airport

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Great Western Railway
Greater Anglia

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  1. Home
  2. Train times
  3. Reading to Southend Airport

Trains to Southend Airport from Reading

First train

02:54

Last train

02:24

Departure stationReading
Arrival stationSouthend Airport
Journey time

From 1h 51m

Distance

73 miles (117 km)

Frequency

59 trains per day

Changes

1 change

Train operators

Great Western Railway, Greater Anglia

What are the train times from Reading to Southend Airport?

Check out the next trains departing from Reading to Southend Airport for Tuesday 20th 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
13:2916:082h 39m, 1 change
13:4915:451h 56m, 2 changes
13:5916:252h 26m, 1 change
14:1216:081h 56m, 2 changes
14:2116:252h 4m, 2 changes
14:2917:042h 35m, 1 change
14:5016:451h 55m, 2 changes
14:5917:182h 19m, 1 change
15:0517:041h 59m, 2 changes
15:1917:181h 59m, 2 changes

Plan your journey from Reading to Southend Airport

Considering a trip to Southend Airport and need more information on how to take the train from Reading to Southend Airport? Start your search with us today!

Usually, the train from Reading to Southend Airport takes around 2 hours 21 minutes. Every day, there are around 59 trains running on this popular route.

There will be 1 change on your journey from Reading to Southend Airport, as there are no direct trains.

Great Western Railway and Greater Anglia trains operate on this route.

Booking tickets in advance can be cheaper than buying on the day of travel.

Use our Journey Planner to pick the dates and times you want to travel, and we’ll give you all the options.

What do people frequently ask about the train journey from Reading to Southend Airport?

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

How do you travel to Southend Airport from Reading?

To get to Southend Airport from Reading, why not take the train? With 59 trains per day and an average journey time of 2 hours and 21 minutes, taking the train is a great way to travel. See our Journey Planner for up-to-date times and prices.

How long does it take to get from Reading to Southend Airport by train?

On average, it takes around 2 hours and 21 minutes to travel from Reading to Southend Airport by train, although you can get there in 1 hour and 51 minutes on the fastest services. With 59 trains per day running on this route, journey times may vary, so check our Journey Planner for more information.

How fast can trains travel from Reading to Southend Airport?

The fastest time a train can travel the 73 miles (117 km) from Reading to Southend Airport is 1 hour and 51 minutes.

Are there any direct trains from Reading to Southend Airport?

There are no direct trains that run between Reading and Southend Airport. You’ll need to make at least 1 change along the way.

How do I find cheap train tickets from Reading to Southend Airport?

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 Airport 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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