Great Western Railway
Greater Anglia
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Each fare is the lowest adult economy ticket fare found by our customers on Trainline. Fares booked further in advance than the dates displayed may be cheaper. Prices are updated daily, subject to change and indicative of price last update. Limited availability. Discount cards and coach journeys excluded, prices exclusive of booking fee.
Trains to Southend Central from Reading
It takes an average of 2h 43m to travel from Reading to Southend Central by train, over a distance of around 73 miles (117 km). There are normally 139 trains per day travelling from Reading to Southend Central and tickets for this journey start from £27.50 when you book in advance.
| First train | 02:54 | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 02:14 | |
| Departure station | Reading | |
| Arrival station | Southend Central | |
| Journey time | From 1h 56m | |
| Distance | 73 miles (117 km) | |
| Frequency | 139 trains per day | |
| Changes | 1 change | |
| Price | From £27.50 | |
| Train operators | Great Western Railway, Greater Anglia, London Overground, South Western Railway, c2c |
Travelling from Reading to Southend Central by train
If you're planning to travel from Reading to Southend Central, we're here to help!
On average, the train journey from Reading to Southend Central takes around 2 hours 43 minutes. There are normally 139 trains per day travelling from Reading to Southend Central.
You'll have to make 1 change on your journey to Southend Central, as there are no direct trains.
Trains on this route are operated by Great Western Railway, Greater Anglia, South Western Railway and c2c.
Ticket prices start from £27.50 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 Reading to Southend Central?
Want to know more about your journey from Reading to Southend Central? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
Are there any direct trains from Reading to Southend Central?
How far is the train ride from Reading to Southend Central?
Can I take a flight-free trip from Reading to Southend Central?
What is the best way to travel to Southend Central from Reading?
What time does the first train run from Reading to Southend Central?
How late does the train from Reading to Southend Central run?
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When do tickets from Reading to Southend Central go on sale?
Planning a round trip from Reading to Southend Central?
How do I find cheap train tickets from Reading to Southend Central?
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 Reading to Southend Central start at £27.50§ 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 Reading to Southend Central 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.