- Mr Plane Guy
- Apr 16
- 6 min read
Updated: May 17
London Southend Airport Easier to Fly Out of London Thanks to easyJet's New Base
By Travel Expert and airport lounge champagne tester Mr Plane Guy
If you’re anything like me, the idea of battling crowds at Heathrow or Gatwick makes you break out in a sweat. But here’s the good news: London Southend Airport (SEN) is stepping up in a big way and with easyJet’s new base now officially open, it’s becoming one of the most convenient and underrated ways to jet off from the capital.
Let’s dive into why this lesser-known airport is suddenly a hot topic, what routes are now available, and why it might be your next go-to airport in London.
Why London Southend Airport Deserves a Spot on Your Radar
Tucked 66 kilometres east of central London, London Southend Airport is a small but mighty travel hub. Once one of the busiest airports in the UK during the 1960s and '70s, Southend has seen a resurgence thanks to major investments, a modern terminal (built in 2012), and now, the arrival of a big player in budget travel easyJet.
Don’t let the size fool you, this airport packs a punch when it comes to efficiency, charm, and accessibility.
How to Get to Southend Airport from London
By Train: One of the best things about Southend Airport is the seamless rail connection. You can hop on a train from London Liverpool Street, and in about 52 minutes, you’ll be dropped off right outside the terminal at the airport’s own station. Trains run frequently, and the journey offers a refreshing escape from the city bustle.
Note: the station is outside the Oyster/contactless zone, so you’ll need to buy a separate ticket. Expect to pay around £20.90 one way.
By Car: Driving? The airport is easily accessible via the A127 or A13 and well-signposted. It takes about 1 hour 15 minutes from central London, depending on traffic. Drop-off, pick-up, and long-term parking options are all simple and well organised.
How Far Is It From London? About 40 miles (66 km) from central London closer than it feels, especially with that direct train link.
Southend Airport Departures & Where You Can Fly
With easyJet now basing three Airbus A320 neo aircraft at Southend, the route list is growing fast. These are fuel-efficient, modern aircraft that will be flying to an exciting mix of
city breaks and beach destinations.
New and existing routes include:
Tenerife
Marrakech
Antalya
Reus
Almeria
Pisa
Dalaman
Enfidha
Gran Canaria
Malta
Plus year-round favourites like Alicante, Malaga, Palma, Faro, Amsterdam, Geneva, and Paris
And that’s just the start. EasyJet has confirmed 13 new routes in the last 12 months, and it’s not slowing down.
Flying with easyJet? Check out....
Car Parking at Southend Airport
You won’t be hunting for space or battling shuttle buses here. Southend has a range of parking options, from budget-friendly long-stay to premium short-stay directly opposite the terminal.
Check out Purple Parking for amazing car parking deals at London Southend Airport and other airports OBVS.
Booking in advance gets you the best deal, and prices are surprisingly affordable compared to other London airports. Think £30-40 for a weekend if you book early.
Staying the Night? Southend Airport Hotels
If you’ve got an early flight or just want to make your trip extra chilled, there are a few solid hotel options within a short walk or drive:
Holiday Inn Southend – Right next to the terminal, with a rooftop bar and restaurant.
Premier Inn Southend Airport – Budget-friendly and just a short taxi ride away.
Roslin Beach Hotel – A bit further, but ideal if you want a seaside stay before or after your trip.
WOW
EasyJet’s 10th UK Base: Why It’s a Big Deal for Southend
In April 2024, easyJet officially opened its 10th UK base at London Southend Airport, marking a turning point for the airport and the local area. The new base has:
Created 140 new jobs for pilots and cabin crew
Brought three A320 neo aircraft to Southend
Helped easyJet operate its biggest ever UK summer schedule, with more than 33 million seats available (that’s 500,000 more than last year)
Opened 44 new routes, with eight million people living within an hour of the airport
The base is also enabling winter growth, with routes like Barcelona, Lanzarote, and Salzburg added to the line-up. Nine summer routes are now extended into the winter schedule, making Southend a year-round option.
"EasyJet’s 10th base at London Southend Airport marks a significant milestone for both the airport and the local community," said Jude Winstanley, CEO of Southend Airport. “This is our biggest summer in six years.”
What’s the Airport Experience Like?
Honestly? A dream compared to the chaos of larger London airports.
Check-in & Security: Lines are short, staff are friendly (most live locally), and everything runs smoothly. There are even “repacking” booths at security so you can reorganise your bags without the stress of someone breathing down your neck.
Food & Drink: The Navigator pub is the airport’s pride—think wood-fired pizzas, burgers with names like “Southender” and “Cockney,” and a solid cocktail list. Or grab a coffee at Sky Cafe or a snack from WH Smith.
Lounge: For £28, you can access the SKYLIFE Lounge, a quiet space to relax before boarding.
SKYLIFE Lounge @ The Pilot Café, London Southend
Tucked just off The Pilot Café, the SKYLIFE Lounge offers a calm and comfy spot to relax before your flight. With smart casual vibes, free entry for kids under 2, and a 3-hour max stay, it’s perfect for unwinding. You’ll find it airside on the ground floor just head to The Pilot Café counter and look left. Opening hours vary by day, so be sure to check ahead before you go!
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Art & Culture Touches: Yes, really. Check out the pop-art mural of King Charles by Southend artist Karl Sims, and the moving "Connecting Threads" textile exhibit honoring garment workers in Bangladesh.
Is Southend Worth Flying From?
Absolutely. With easyJet’s expanded route list, a breezy airport experience, and convenient transport options, London Southend Airport is officially on my list of favorite ways to escape the city.
If you live in East London, Essex, or even parts of Kent, it might just be the easiest, quickest way to get airborne. And with new routes launching and more passengers discovering the hidden gem that is SEN Airport, now’s a great time to give it a try.
Thinking of flying from London Southend? Let me know your questions below, or share your experiences, especially if you’ve already tried one of the new easyJet routes!
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Hello, I’m Paul a professional jet-setter and all-around plane travel pro. After 15 years working in and around planes, I became a flight delay expert at a London Airport and mastered plane travel hacks, a PLANE flight expert with BIG travel plans but small carry-on.
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