Introduction
London Southend Airport is an international airport that caters to various destinations throughout Europe. An expansion that took place in 2011-12, included a new, modern passenger terminal and railway station, significantly increased the airport’s capacity. As a modern, efficient, and welcoming gateway, London Southend attracts travellers who wish to bypass the congestion found at the larger airports in London.
Key carriers include easyJet, Ryanair, Wizz Air, Aer Lingus Regional, Eastern Airways, and Air Malta. Furthermore, the airport is looking to expand it’s routes in the near future.
Location
London Southend Airport is located on the outskirts of Southend-on-Sea, Essex, approximately 40 miles from central London.
Facilities and Terminals
All arrivals and departures take place in a single terminal building, with fewer crowds and minimal queues at security making it relatively straightforward and less stressful to navigate.
The airport is completely accessible for disabled travellers with facilities and services for those requiring assistance if required.
The terminal does not operate 24 hours a day; instead, it is open three hours prior to each departure and remains accessible until one hour after every arrival, including any flight delays.
Shops and Dining
The terminal building is quite modest in size when compared to the larger airports in London, but it does offer some amenities such as a small duty-free shop, a currency exchange, and a WHSmith store. Additionally, there are two cafés and The Navigator bar, which serves food every day starting at 4:00 am.
Southend Airport lounges
Airport lounges are a great way to get away from the crowds and make the most of your time at the airport – be it relaxing or working.
Accessing one of the lounges allows you to enjoy 3 hours prior to your flight’s departure in the lounge area. You can indulge in a variety of complimentary beverages, snacks, and reading materials, along with unlimited Wi-Fi, and most lounges will feature a television.
SKYLIFE Lounge
Opening times
Daily 04:00 – 20:00
- Luxury seating with runway views
- Hot, cold and alcoholic beverages
- Complimentary food
- Unlimited free Wi-Fi
SKYLIFE Lounge Premium
Includes all the facilities of the SKYLIFE Lounge plus security Fast Track and reserved seating.
Opening times
Daily 04:00 – 20:00
- Skip the queues at Security
- Reserved table
- Bubble and canapés to welcome
Lowest Cost Rates Guaranteed
As well as a super-easy booking process, you can save up to 60% off the normal price of an airport lounge pass.
Hotels
Southend-on Sea is a popular beach resort within easy reach of London. The area has a verity of accommodation to choose from including chain hotels, bed and breakfasts and apartments.
On Airport Hotels
The Holiday Inn Southend is a 4-star hotel and serves as the official accommodation for Southend Airport. It features 129 rooms, a conference and events space, as well as a restaurant and bar. Certain rooms provide excellent views of the runway. Guests can take a short walk to the terminal building, which is just minutes away.
Local Hotels
The Premier Inn Southend Airport is conveniently situated just 2 miles from the airport, with flexible rates and free overnight parking. Additionally, there are numerous hotels and bed and breakfasts nearby that serve as alternatives to the larger chain hotels.
Visit our Southend Hotels page for more information.
Hotels that offer day rooms near Southend Airport
A great alternative to airport lounges are day rooms, where hotels offer regular rooms for your use during the daytime.
Day rooms are exactly the same as purchasing a room for an overnight stay, the only difference is the check-in and check out times on the room rate. You can make full use of each hotel’s extensive facilities or you can just try to get some sleep between flights.
Hotels that offer day rooms near Stansted Airport
Holiday Inn Southend: Featuring day rooms with a fabulous restaurant and rooftop bar capturing panoramic views of the airport, guests can enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi and are just a 5-minute stroll from the terminal.
London Southend Airport Car Parking
If you plan to drive to London Southend Airport and make use of the parking options, the airport offers long-stay, mid-stay, and short-stay car parks.
The short-stay car park is directly opposite the terminal, while the mid-stay and long-stay car parks are just minutes away with no requirement for shuttle busses.
Pick up and drop off is located in the short stay car park directly opposite the terminal, be aware charges apply. You can also choose to pick up and drop off passengers in Long stay. It’s just a short 3-5 minute walk from the terminal and the first 15 minutes is free.
Short stay prices for pick up and drop off
0-5mins £7
5-30 mins £15
30-60 mins £30
Southend SACP Park and Ride
SACP offer an affordable park and ride service. Park your car at the SACP car park and use their shuttle bus to and from Southend passenger terminal. Frequent services run every 5-10 minutes, with a journey time of around 5 minutes.
The car park features 24 hour security along with CCTV and fencing.
Purple Parking
As well as SACP Purple Parking offer similar Southend Airport car parking services. Purple Parking are a large car parking company with very big operations at London’s Heathrow and Gatwick airports.
Maple Parking
A third company Maple Parking also operate services to the airport, again offering the same options as SACP and Purple Parking.
Valet or Meet ‘n’ Greet parking
Meet ‘n’ Greet is available at the airport. Simply drive to the designated areas at the terminal building. Then, you can walk straight into the passenger terminal and proceed to check-in. Your vehicle will be safely parked in a secure lot while you’re gone and brought back to the spot where you left it when you return.
Pre-book your parking
Not only will you guarantee yourself a space but you will save money whilst doing so.
Whether you’re looking for a Park and Ride car park or a good deal on Meet ‘n’ Greet parking, there’s plenty of choice – and what’s more, we’re never beaten on price.
Airport hotel & car parking packages
The Holiday Inn offers long-term parking options and is conveniently located within a short walking distance of the airport terminal.
Substantial savings can be made on Long-term parking options for overnight stays by purchasing Airport Hotel with car parking, offering substantial savings to purchasing hotel and car parking separately, on a few occasions the package has been cheaper than just buying the long term car parking!
Connectivity
Unfortunately, if you don’t have access to a private car or taxi, the train service from Liverpool Street Station to Southend is the only viable public transport option between Southend Airport and London.
Bus
Arriva provide busses from Southend Airport and Railway Station to local areas around the south coast. Bus stops can be located within walking distance of the airport terminal.
Train
London Southend Airport railway station is located directly opposite the passenger terminal, providing frequent and easy access into central London.
Southend Airport to London Liverpool Street train service
Trains from London Southend Railway Station to London Liverpool Street station via Stratford operate up to six services an hour at peak times.
Many travellers will likely wish to switch to the London Underground to finish their trip into Central London. Stratford serves as the primary hub for the underground system and is a better choice than Liverpool Street station for continuing journeys into the city.
Liverpool Street Station, situated in the center of London, is near numerous tourist spots and is recognized as a prominent hotel area. Additionally, it functions as an important railway and underground interchange.
The travel time from London Southend Airport railway station to Stratford is approximately 44 minutes, while it takes about 52 minutes to reach London Liverpool Street.
For fares and timetables applicable to your travel, use the Trainline web site where you can also order tickets for delivery to your home address.
Car Rental
If you require a car for your onward journey, Green Motion Car and Van rental offers vehicles that can be reserved at the Arrivals Hall.
London luggage storage
If you are travelling with luggage, but still want to explore London before you leave, then consider using the Luggage Hero storage solution. You can easily find locations all over London to safely store your luggage for any amount of time you need. It is cheap, secure and bookable online.