Southend Airport is located east of London in Essex.
A smaller and quieter alternative to other London airports, with flights mainly to Europe.
How to get to Southend-on-Sea Airport
By Car
By Train
By Bus
Average travel time to SEN
Parking near Southend-on-Sea Airport
There is a small car park facing the terminal building.
Parking rates are generally lower than at other London airports.
How to get to Southend-on-Sea from SEN
By Train
By Bus
By Taxi
Need an airport transfer?
Compare taxis and shuttles on Booking.com
Car rental at Southend-on-Sea Airport
Not all car rental companies are represented: only some have a counter here.
A driver's license, passport, and credit card are sufficient for European Union citizens, who are exempt from the IDP.
Hotels near Southend-on-Sea Airport
Eastwoodbury, airport area
A minute from Southend Airport station, on the direct line to London; the centre of Southend is a few minutes away by train or bus 9.
Best for: those with a very early or late flight who prefer to stay a minute from the terminal station.
- The closest to the terminal of all the areas in this guide, reachable on foot from the station
- Panoramic restaurant with views over the airport and the Essex countryside
- Area with no evening life outside the hotel, the train or bus is needed for everything else
- The seafront and the Pier remain 15-20 minutes away by train or bus
Recommended hotels
Centre and Pier
Train from the airport to Southend Central or Southend Victoria in a few minutes; the Pier and the seafront are just steps from the stations.
Best for: the right choice for those aiming for the Pier, Adventure Island and the seafront of the centre without moving away from the station.
- 5 minutes' walk from Adventure Island and the cliff gardens
- Views over the Thames estuary and the Pier from the front-facing rooms
- Lively area on summer weekends, especially near the Pier
- Small property: few rooms, booking ahead is needed
Recommended hotels
Thorpe Bay, seafront
About 15 minutes by car or taxi from the airport (6 km); bus 9 connects the airport, the centre and Thorpe Bay.
Best for: those who want a quieter beach than the Pier, with higher-end hotels on the seafront.
- Hotels right on the seafront, overlooking Thorpe Bay's award-winning beach
- Quiet residential area, far from the traffic of the Pier
- A car, a taxi or bus 9 is needed for the centre and the Pier
- Fewer restaurants and evening venues than in central Southend
Recommended hotels
Airport services
Shopping & Duty Free
Lounges & relaxation
Connectivity & Wi-Fi
Families & Children
Terminal guide
The terminal, modest in size, handles connections predominantly to Europe.
For flights it is recommended to arrive at least 2 hours in advance, generally faster times compared to the major London terminals.
Map of Southend-on-Sea Airport
Frequently asked questions
Q. Does Southend have its own railway station?
Yes, with direct access from the terminal, convenient compared to larger airports where the connection requires more steps.
Q. How long does the train from Southend to London take?
About 55-60 minutes to Liverpool Street, with around 154 daily services on the route.
Q. Is Southend a good alternative to London's other airports?
Yes, smaller and quieter, with generally shorter waiting times, though with fewer connections than Heathrow or Gatwick.
Q. Is Southend-on-Sea a seaside destination?
Yes, the town hosting the airport is a well-known local seaside resort, with a beach and promenade.
Flight board
Real-time status of arriving and departing flights