Southend Airport is one of the easiest UK airports to navigate with children — it's small, simple, and the train station is built right into the terminal. But the 60 km journey to Central London requires some planning with kids.
The good news: this airport is family-friendly
SEN is tiny compared to Heathrow or Gatwick. From plane to exit is maybe 15 minutes. No long walks, no terminal trains, no confusing signage. With kids, this is a huge relief.
Getting to Southend-on-Sea with kids
If Southend is your destination, this is easy. Grab a taxi (£8-15, 5-10 minutes) or even take the train one stop. With a stroller and bags, the taxi is simplest.
Getting to London with kids — your options
| Option | Cost per adult | Time | Family-friendly? | |---|---|---|---| | Train | £15-25 | 53 min | Good, but no car seats needed | | Taxi | £80-120 | 60-90 min | Space for luggage, no child seats | | Transfer | €90-140 | 60-90 min | Best — child seats, door-to-door |
The train with kids
The train is cheap and fast, and kids travel free or cheap:
- Under 5: Free
- 5-15: Half price (or free with a Family Railcard)
The downside: Liverpool Street station in London is busy and not stroller-friendly. Navigating the tube with luggage, kids, and a stroller is stressful. If your hotel isn't near Liverpool Street, you have another journey ahead.
When a transfer makes more sense
- Multiple children under 5 who need car seats
- Heavy luggage (3+ suitcases, stroller, car seat)
- Late arrival when trains have stopped running
- Hotel in West or South London — the train drops you in East London, and crossing the city with kids is tiring
- Exhausted family after a long flight — sometimes paying more for door-to-door is the right call
Child seat situation
- Taxis at the rank: UK taxis have a child seat exemption, but it's not ideal for safety. Most black cabs have forward-facing seats, but regular taxis don't carry child seats.
- Pre-booked transfer: Request child seats when booking. Specify: infant (rear-facing, 0-13 kg), child (forward-facing, 9-18 kg), or booster (15-36 kg).
- Train: No car seats needed — kids sit in regular seats.
Practical tips
- Pack light if taking the train. Managing bags + kids + stroller through a train station and the London Underground is an exercise in patience.
- Consider a Trunki or kids' rolling bag — let them pull their own stuff.
- Bring snacks for the train. The onboard options are limited.
- If transferring to the tube at Liverpool Street, the Central and Metropolitan lines are right there. But escalators with strollers are a nightmare — look for lifts.
- Book a transfer if landing after 9 PM. The combination of tired kids + late train + tube is a recipe for meltdowns.