London Southend Airport
SENA compact airport east of London with a direct train link to Liverpool Street, serving a growing range of European routes.
London Southend Airport (SEN) is a small airport located in Southend-on-Sea, Essex, around 40 miles east of central London. It handles around 1 million passengers a year and operates a single compact terminal. The airport has its own railway station with direct services to London Liverpool Street, making it one of the most convenient airports to reach by train. Ryanair is the main carrier, serving a range of European destinations.
The Terminal
Southend operates a single compact terminal that is one of the quickest to navigate of any London airport. Check-in, security, and departures are all on one level. The airside area has a small but functional selection of shops and restaurants.
Departures
Check-in desks and bag-drop are on the ground floor. Online check-in is available with most carriers. Security and the airside departure lounge are on the same level, with a small selection of shops and a café.
Arrivals
Arrivals are on the ground floor. Baggage reclaim is quick due to the airport's small size. The railway station is directly adjacent to the terminal.
Airlines serving this airport
Getting to Southend Airport
Southend Airport has its own railway station with direct services to London Liverpool Street, making it one of the easiest London airports to reach by train.
Train to Liverpool Street
Greater Anglia operates direct services from Southend Airport station to London Liverpool Street in around 55 minutes. The station is directly adjacent to the terminal — one of the most convenient airport rail connections in the UK. Trains run frequently throughout the day.
55 min to Liverpool Street · Frequent · From ~£10 advance
Driving & Drop-off
Southend Airport is accessed via the A127 and A13. Drop-off charges apply at the terminal. A free set-down area is available on the approach road.
A127 from London · A13 from east · Drop-off charges apply
Parking at Southend Airport
Southend offers short stay and long stay parking. Pre-booking is recommended for the best prices.
Short Stay
Car park directly adjacent to the terminal. Ideal for quick drop-offs and pick-ups. The most expensive option per day.
Long Stay
A short walk or shuttle from the terminal. Significantly cheaper for trips of more than a day. Pre-book well in advance online.
Meet & Greet
Drive to the terminal, hand your keys to a valet, and collect your car on return. Available at Southend for added convenience.
Facilities & Lounges
Southend's terminal is small but has the essentials covered for a comfortable departure.
Airport Lounges
A small lounge is available airside. Check the airport website for current lounge access options.
Dining & Bars
Airside dining includes a café and bar with a selection of hot food, snacks, and drinks. The selection is proportionate to the airport's size.
Shopping
A small duty free shop and WHSmith are available airside. A compact but functional retail offer.
Families & Accessibility
Baby changing facilities are available. Assisted travel services can be arranged in advance through the airport or your airline.
Tips for Travelling Through Southend
The direct train to Liverpool Street is Southend Airport's biggest advantage over other London airports. The station is right next to the terminal — no bus transfer needed. Book in advance online for the best fares.
Security at Southend is quick and queues are rarely long. Allow at least 90 minutes before departure to be comfortable.
Southend is one of the smallest London airports. The compact size means everything is close together — a genuine advantage if you dislike the sprawl of larger airports.
Pre-book parking as far in advance as possible. Book through the official London Southend Airport website for the best rates.
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