Southend Airport – Quick Guide, Flights & Tips
If you’re planning a trip that starts or ends at Southend Airport, you’ve come to the right spot. This little airport in Essex is easy to navigate, offers a handful of European routes and sits just a short train ride from London. Below you’ll find the most useful info to make your travel smooth.
Southend Airport (SEN) sits on the coast, about 40 miles east of central London. It’s owned by Regional Airports Ltd and handles around 1.5 million passengers a year. The airport mainly serves low‑cost carriers, so you’ll find good deals on short‑haul flights to cities like Dublin, Madrid and Alicante. If you’re looking for budget‑friendly options without the hassle of a huge hub, Southend is a solid choice.
Getting to and from Southend Airport
The easiest way to reach the terminal is the Southend Victoria Line. Trains run every 15‑20 minutes from London Liverpool Street and take about 45 minutes. Once you’re at the Southend‑Victoria station, a short shuttle bus (free for passengers) will drop you right at the terminal entrance.
If you prefer driving, the airport has a free short‑stay car park and a long‑stay lot a few minutes away. Follow signs for the A127 and look for the airport’s orange signage. For those who hate parking fees, plenty of local hotels offer “park‑and‑fly” deals where you can leave your car overnight and catch an early flight.
There are also regular bus services from Southend town centre and nearby towns like Basildon and Rayleigh. Taxis are available, but they can be pricey, especially during rush hour.
What to expect at the terminal
The terminal is compact, so you won’t spend ages walking between gates. Security lines move quickly, especially if you travel light with just a carry‑on. Keep an eye on the flight information screens – they’re easy to read and update in real time.
Food choices are limited but decent. You’ll find a coffee shop, a sandwich bar and a small sit‑down restaurant that serves British classics. Free Wi‑Fi covers the whole building, so you can stream a movie or catch up on emails while you wait.
One perk of Southend is the lack of long queues at customs and baggage claim. Because the airport handles fewer flights than larger hubs, you’ll usually be out of the building within 20‑30 minutes after landing.
Finally, if you have a lot of time before your flight, explore the nearby Southend-on-Sea. The pier is a short bus ride away, and you can grab a fish‑and‑chips meal with a sea view before heading back to the airport.
That’s the low‑down on Southend Airport. Whether you’re flying for business or a quick weekend getaway, the airport’s size, cheap flights and easy connections make it worth a look. Safe travels!
