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Great Western Railway
c2c

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Trains to Southend East from Reading

First train

05:59

Last train

18:42

Departure stationReading
Arrival stationSouthend East
Journey time

From 2h 2m

Distance

73 miles (118 km)

Frequency

15 trains per day

Changes

1 change

Train operators

Great Western Railway, c2c

Taking the train from Reading to Southend East in 2 hours 2 minutes

Thinking about taking the train from Reading to Southend East? We've got you covered.

It usually takes around 2 hours 23 minutes to travel the 73 miles (118 km) from Reading to Southend East by train, although you can get there in as little as 2 hours 2 minutes on the fastest services. You'll normally find around 15 trains per day running on this route. You'll need to make 1 change along the way as there aren't any direct services on this line. During your journey, you'll either be travelling with Great Western Railway or c2c, as they are the main operators of services on this route.

Book train tickets from Reading to Southend East in advance instead of buying them on the day and you'll snap up the cheapest fares. We'll always highlight the cheapest prices in our Journey Planner, for example when you travel at Off-Peak times or use a Railcard.

If you're feeling ready to book, start looking for cheap train tickets with us today. Keep reading for more information on the journey to Southend East by train, or check our timetable above to view live train times.

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

Want to know more about your journey from Reading 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 travel to Southend East from Reading?

To get to Southend East from Reading, why not take the train? With 15 trains per day and an average journey time of 2 hours and 23 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 East by train?

On average, it takes around 2 hours and 23 minutes to travel from Reading to Southend East by train, although you can get there in 2 hours and 2 minutes on the fastest services. With 15 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 East?

The fastest time a train can travel the 73 miles (118 km) from Reading to Southend East is 2 hours and 2 minutes.

Are there any direct trains from Reading to Southend East?

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

How do I find cheap train tickets from Reading 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 Reading 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 Reading 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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