How to travel from Southend to Luton by train
Want to find out more about taking the train from Southend to Luton? Look no further.
You'll usually find 56 trains per day running between Southend and Luton, which usually take 2 hours 18 minutes to complete the 53 miles (86 km) journey. It can take as little as 1 hour 45 minutes on the fastest services though, if you want to get there as quickly as possible. Although there aren't any direct services on this line, it's still easy to travel to Luton by train, you'll just need to make 2 changes along the way. Greater Anglia, East Midlands Railway or Thameslink are the main rail operators on this route, all of which offer modern trains with plenty of space for luggage and comfortable seating.
Use our Journey Planner at the top of the page to search for cheap ticket prices – we'll show you how much you can save on train tickets from Southend to Luton if you book in advance. Travelling Off-Peak or using a Railcard can also help you save.
Keen to book your train tickets to Luton? No need to wait, start a search with us today! If you want to find out a bit more about the journey first, you can find our train timetable with live train times above, and tips on booking cheap tickets and our FAQs further down the page.
FAQs about the train journey from Southend to Luton
Want to know more about your journey from Southend to Luton? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
How close is Southend to Luton by train?
Is it possible to get from Southend to Luton without flying?
What is the best way to travel from Southend to Luton?
What time does the first train from Southend to Luton leave?
What time does the last train from Southend to Luton leave?
How often are trains from Southend to Luton?
Do you need to book the train from Southend to Luton in advance?
Can you buy return train tickets from Southend to Luton?
Cheap train tickets from Southend to Luton
Book in advance
Look out for Advance tickets – they usually come out up to 12 weeks before the departure date and can be cheaper than buying on the day. If you’re here a tad early, sign up for our Advance ticket alert today to get notified when your tickets are released.
Consider a Season Ticket
If you catch this train more than 3 times per week, you could save money with a Season Ticket. With annual, monthly and weekly options available, find out if a season ticket for Southend to Luton is right for you.
Use your Railcard
National Railcards offer a 1/3 off eligible train tickets in the UK and can be a great investment if you travel a few times or more in a year. Find out how you can save with a National Railcard here.
Split your tickets
Download our app to find split tickets — courtesy of SplitSave, our handy feature which 'splits' your train tickets where possible to find you a better deal. Learn more about the clever tech behind split tickets, and how to spot SplitSave discounts in our app.
For more money-saving tips on UK and European train travel, read our cheap train tickets guide.