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Independent guide, not run by or connected to London Southend Airport. Not a taxi or booking site.

Facts below from londonsouthendairport.com and other official sites, checked 6–11 Oct · How we check ›

Quick answers

Where can you get a fine?
“Oversized vehicles parked in any other car park will be subject to a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN).”
What food and shops are there?
“Our airside SKYCAFÉ is open daily from 4:00 AM until the last departing flight.”
How far from the city centre?
“We’re less than 35 miles from East London, with direct connections to the A13 and the A127.”
How long can you stop?
“Drivers can stop for up to 10 minutes. There are no entry or exit barriers and no tickets required.”
When do the first and last trains and buses run?
“The first train departs Southend Airport for London Liverpool Street at 04:35.”
How do you pay the drop-off charge?
“Customers can pay by card in Premium, Budget, and Superior at either the exit barrier or Pay on Foot machine.”
Is there a smoking area?
“There is a designated smoking area outside the front of the terminal.”

Each answer links to its source below.

Also asked: airlines and destinations (below) › · parking prices (below) › · how early to arrive (its pages differ) ›

Need assistance? Booking · Blue Badge · Sunflower lanyard

Before you go to London Southend Airport

London Southend Airport departures today

London Southend Airport’s live departures board

Our planner: we build your leave time from the scheduled departure. If the flight is running late we show it, but we don’t move your leave time.

London Southend Airport · Departures page · 6 Oct 2026

Where can you fly to from London Southend Airport?

See its Airlines page.

London Southend Airport · Airlines page · 6 Oct 2026

Is it open 24 hours?

London Southend Airport’s pages give different answers on opening hours. Pages differ

Where the pages differ

Pages differLondon Southend Airport’s pages differ:

3 London Southend Airport pages · 6 Oct 2026
2 more: before you go

What’s changing, and is anything closed?

“We have changed the layout of the Superior car park in order to help avoid congestion”

London Southend Airport · Parking page · and 8 more pages · 6 Oct 2026

Can you sleep at London Southend Airport overnight?

“Please do not attempt to wait/sleep overnight at the airport.”

London Southend Airport · At the airport page · 6 Oct 2026

How to get to London Southend Airport

How far is London Southend Airport from the city centre?

“We’re less than 35 miles from East London, with direct connections to the A13 and the A127.”

  • “Central London is 41 miles away and can be reached in all manner of ways”
2 London Southend Airport pages · 6 Oct 2026

Can you get to London Southend Airport by train?

“Up to six peak trains an hour to the heart of London (Zone 1)” Pages differ

  • “Train ticket machines are available in Arrivals, just before you leave the terminal, as well as at the station.”
Where the pages differ

Pages differLondon Southend Airport’s pages differ:

5 London Southend Airport pages · 6 Oct 2026

Is there a bus to London Southend Airport?

“The X30 bus runs from Southend to Stansted Airport via London Southend Airport and Chelmsford.” Pages differ

  • “The X30 and LeighLink bus stop is on-site at London Southend – immediately opposite the terminal as you exit from Arrivals.”
Where the pages differ and more detail
  • “Bus stop is behind the Holiday Inn on Eastwoodbury Crescent.”

Pages differLondon Southend Airport’s pages differ on 2 details:

6 London Southend Airport pages · 6 Oct 2026
5 more: getting there

Is there a taxi rank at London Southend Airport?

“Taxi drop off is in Superior or Standard – advise your driver of Superior for closest drop off (fee applies).”

Pages differLondon Southend Airport’s pages differ:

London Southend Airport · Special assistance page · and 1 more page · 6 Oct 2026

Where are the car hire desks?

“Green Motion Car Rental is conveniently located inside the Arrivals Hall.”

London Southend Airport · Car hire page · 6 Oct 2026

Is there a height limit at London Southend Airport?

“If your vehicle is over 2.0 m tall or 5.0 m long, it must use the Budget car park only.”

London Southend Airport · Parking page · and 1 more page · 6 Oct 2026

When do the first and last trains and buses run?

“The first train departs Southend Airport for London Liverpool Street at 04:35.”

Greater Anglia · Southend airport to london liverpool street page · and 5 more pages · 8 Oct 2026

How do you get from London Southend Airport to another airport?

London Southend Airport’s pages give different answers on getting to other airports.

Pages differLondon Southend Airport’s pages differ:

London Southend Airport · Bus and coach page · and 4 more pages · 8 Oct 2026

Still checking: postcode

Parking at London Southend Airport

How much is parking at London Southend Airport?

“Park from 5pm to 3am for a fixed £10 in our Premium car park, ideal for evenings out in London”

  • “If you cannot produce your ticket on exit from the car park, you will be charged at the full standard rate”

Turn-up prices. No list of pre-booked prices.

More on Picking someone up at London Southend Airport: Where to pick up ›

7 London Southend Airport pages · 6–11 Oct 2026

Can you change or cancel parking at London Southend Airport?

“You can amend your booking up to 24 hours before you are due to arrive without any cost.”

London Southend Airport · Parking page · 11 Oct 2026

1 more: parking

Using the car parks at London Southend Airport

“All four of our official onsite car parks are just paces to the terminal. They’re secure and open 24 hours”

Pages differLondon Southend Airport’s pages differ:

London Southend Airport · Homepage · and 2 more pages · 6–11 Oct 2026

Dropping someone off at London Southend Airport

Where can you get a fine at London Southend Airport?

“Oversized vehicles parked in any other car park will be subject to a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN).”

More on Picking someone up at London Southend Airport: Fines ›

3 London Southend Airport pages · 6–11 Oct 2026

Where do you drop off at London Southend Airport?

London Southend Airport’s pages give different answers on where to drop off. Pages differ

Where the pages differ

Pages differLondon Southend Airport’s pages differ on 2 details:

More on Picking someone up at London Southend Airport: Where to pick up ›

6 London Southend Airport pages · 6 Oct 2026

How long can you stop at London Southend Airport drop-off?

“Drivers can stop for up to 10 minutes. There are no entry or exit barriers and no tickets required.”

3 London Southend Airport pages · 6 Oct 2026

How much is drop-off at London Southend Airport?

London Southend Airport’s prices are on our drop-off charges page.

More on Picking someone up at London Southend Airport: Pick-up charges ›

3 London Southend Airport pages · 6 Oct 2026
1 more: dropping off

How do you pay the drop-off charge at London Southend Airport?

“Customers can pay by card in Premium, Budget, and Superior at either the exit barrier or Pay on Foot machine.”

London Southend Airport · Parking page · 6 Oct 2026

Collecting someone? It works differently here ›

Check-in and bags at London Southend Airport

Can you check in online for flights from London Southend Airport?

“Most airlines will require you to check-in online.”

London Southend Airport · Check-in preparation page · 6 Oct 2026

How early should you get to London Southend Airport?

London Southend Airport’s pages give different answers on how early to arrive. Pages differ

Where the pages differ

Pages differLondon Southend Airport’s pages differ:

Our planner: we aim to have you inside the terminal before a short-haul flight, 2½ hours; before long-haul, 2½ hours (3 hours with a checked bag). Where Southend Airport's own website asks for longer than we usually allow, these use its figure. A planning figure, not a live queue; your airline’s own deadlines come first.

4 London Southend Airport pages · 6 Oct 2026

When does check-in open at London Southend Airport?

London Southend Airport’s pages give different answers on check-in times. Pages differ

Where the pages differ

Pages differLondon Southend Airport’s pages differ:

4 London Southend Airport pages · 6 Oct 2026
1 more: check-in and bags

Are there trolleys and bag wrapping at London Southend Airport?

“Baggage trolleys are available for £1/euro. They can be found in all carparks and in the baggage arrivals area.”

London Southend Airport · Facilities page · 6 Oct 2026

Security at London Southend Airport

Is there Fast Track security at London Southend Airport?

“Fast Track gives you access to a dedicated lane straight to the security checkpoint.”

4 London Southend Airport pages · 6 Oct 2026

Can you take liquids through security at London Southend Airport?

London Southend Airport’s pages give different answers on liquids rules. Pages differ

Where the pages differ

Pages differLondon Southend Airport’s pages differ on 2 details:

4 London Southend Airport pages · 6 Oct 2026
3 more: security

What time does security open at London Southend Airport?

“Open from two hours before every departure”

London Southend Airport · Security fast track page · 6 Oct 2026

What can you take through security at London Southend Airport?

“Only one cigarette lighter and/or e-cigarette allowed per person”

London Southend Airport · Security preparation page · 6 Oct 2026

What happens at security at London Southend Airport?

“To access the security screening area, you must first present your boarding pass at our boarding pass check point”

London Southend Airport · Security preparation page · and 1 more page · 6 Oct 2026

Still checking: security queue times

Inside London Southend Airport: food, shops and facilities

What food and shops are there at London Southend Airport?

“Our airside SKYCAFÉ is open daily from 4:00 AM until the last departing flight.”

  • “WHSmith opens from two hours before every flight departure.”
5 London Southend Airport pages · 6 Oct 2026

Does London Southend Airport have a lounge?

“A Premium lounge booking gives passengers access to the SKYLIFE Lounge, and includes Security Fast Track and reserved seating.” Pages differ

Where the pages differ

Pages differLondon Southend Airport’s pages differ:

  • “SKYLIFE Lounge accepts several types of lounge pass, including: DragonPass Priority Pass Lounge Key Diners Club International” Skylife lounge page · 6 Oct 2026 or “currently accepts Priority pass, Dragon pass, Diners pass, Lounge key and Lounge club, where capacity allows.” Facilities page · 6 Oct 2026
2 London Southend Airport pages · 6 Oct 2026

Is there a hotel at London Southend Airport?

London Southend Airport’s pages give different answers on hotels. Pages differ

Where the pages differ

Pages differLondon Southend Airport’s pages differ:

3 London Southend Airport pages · 6 Oct 2026
7 more: food, shops and facilities

Is there free wifi at London Southend Airport?

London Southend Airport’s pages give different answers on wifi and charging.

Pages differLondon Southend Airport’s pages differ:

London Southend Airport · Wifi page · and 2 more pages · 6 Oct 2026

Can you get cash or change money at London Southend Airport?

“Travelex, our currency exchange partner, provides ATMs throughout the terminal, serving all of our departing and arriving passengers.”

London Southend Airport · Currency exchange page · and 1 more page · 6 Oct 2026

Is there a smoking area?

“There is a designated smoking area outside the front of the terminal.”

London Southend Airport · Facilities page · 6 Oct 2026

Are there showers and water fountains at London Southend Airport?

“You’ll find a Water Cooler at the top of the escalator, directly after security.”

London Southend Airport · At the airport page · and 1 more page · 6 Oct 2026

Is there baby changing or a play area at London Southend Airport?

“Baby changing facilities are located before and after security and in baggage arrivals.”

London Southend Airport · At the airport page · 6 Oct 2026

Is there a prayer room or quiet room at London Southend Airport?

“Our quiet room provides a restful place for passengers of all faiths.”

London Southend Airport · Facilities page · 6 Oct 2026

How do you change planes at London Southend Airport?

“Connecting passengers are asked to follow the standard arrivals process and then head to check-in or departures.”

London Southend Airport · Facilities page · 6 Oct 2026

Still checking: terminal map

Special assistance and accessibility at London Southend Airport

How do you book special assistance at London Southend Airport?

Book with your airline, tour operator or agent at least 48 hours ahead.

  • “Unassisted wheelchair use can be provided via the intercom located at the Ticket Desk in the terminal near check-in”
Where the pages differ

Pages differLondon Southend Airport’s pages differ:

4 London Southend Airport pages · 6 Oct 2026

Blue Badge drop-off and parking at London Southend Airport

“There are conveniently located blue badge bays in our Superior car park (charges apply) that provide the closest option for accessing the terminal.” Pages differ

  • “There are conveniently located blue badge bays in our Superior car park (charges apply) which provides the closest option for accessing the terminal.”
Where the pages differ

Pages differLondon Southend Airport’s pages differ:

  • “Blue badge spaces available in Superior, Budget and Premium – just moments from check-in.” or “Blue badge bays are available in our Premium and Budget car parks for when you are pre-booking or simply turning up to park.” Parking page · 6 Oct 2026 or “Blue badge bays are also available in our Premium and Budget car parks.” Special assistance page · 6 Oct 2026 See also 2 more of the airport’s pages.

More on Picking someone up at London Southend Airport: Where to pick up ›

5 London Southend Airport pages · 6–11 Oct 2026
1 more: assistance

Does London Southend Airport use the Sunflower lanyard?

“Our teams are trained to recognise the Sunflower Scheme.”

London Southend Airport · At the airport page · and 1 more page · 6 Oct 2026

Contact and lost property at London Southend Airport

Where do you report lost property at London Southend Airport?

London Southend Airport’s pages give different answers on lost property. Pages differ

Where the pages differ

Pages differLondon Southend Airport’s pages differ:

2 London Southend Airport pages · 6 Oct 2026

Hand luggage and liquids at Southend: the container size, whether you still need the clear bag, and what comes out of your bag, from Southend’s own pages.

How Southend compares on drop-off charges: what every airport we cover publishes about stopping at the terminal, every charge read from the airport’s own page and dated.