Southend Airport And Parking: Everything You Need To Know

An Introduction To Southend Airport Parking

Dropping friends and family off at London Southend Airport? No need to worry about long shuttle rides - the short-stay car park is just across the road, and you can get in and out within minutes! Plus, the first 15 minutes of parking is free. All four of SEN's long-stay car parks are on site too, so you can check in with ease, knowing that your car is safe and secure at all times - they're accessible 24/7. So, no matter where you park, getting to the terminal couldn't be easier!

Guide To Southend Airport

Are you looking for a convenient flight destination not far from London? Look no further than London Southend Airport (SEN)! With its single 6,089 ft (1,856m) runway and a newly extended terminal building 295 feet longer than before, it's an ideal spot to fly in or out of Europe. Every year, over a million business and leisure passengers pass through the airport, and with more airlines and routes being added all the time, that number is expected to double in the near future. So if you're searching for an easy flight away from congested London airspace, look no further than SEN!

What Are Southend Airports Contact Details?

Address: Eastwoodbury Cres, Southend Airport, Southend-on-Sea SS2 6YF, United Kingdom. Phone: +44 1702 538500 Website: https://https://southendairport.com/

Location Of Southend Airport

Are you looking for a convenient alternative to the hustle and bustle of Central London airports? Look no further than London Southend Airport (SEN), located about 41 miles away from the city centre. SEN is serviced by popular airlines such as easyjet and Aer Lingus, with up to eight trains arriving at its purpose-built station every hour. The journey between the airport and London Liverpool Street Station is only 53 minutes, providing quick and easy access to the London Underground and National Rail services if you're coming from further afield. So why not make SEN your go-to gateway for travelling in and out of Europe?

History Of Southend Airport

At the start of World War I, a stretch of farmland in Essex was designated as an airfield by the War Office. It quickly grew under The Royal Flying Corps and Royal Navy Air Service to become a night-fighter station for defensive sorties against zeppelin raids. After closing down in 1920, it re-opened as a municipal airport in 1935, only to be requisitioned by the Air Ministry and renamed RAF Rochford during World War II. This was home to iconic aircraft such as Spitfires, Hurricanes and Blenheim Bombers - many of their pillboxes are still visible around the airport today. Following the war, Southend Airport went through a period of significant investment and expansion which saw it become London's third-busiest airport in the 60s and 70s. In recent years, it has undergone state-of-the-art renovations, earning itself a number of prestigious awards and regaining its status as a European hub.

Southend Airport Facilities

Are you heading to Europe? Well, the London Southend Airport terminal has everything you need for your trip. From tasty snacks to a full English breakfast, and from beach reads to a coat against the cold - it's all here waiting for you. Plus, many of the airlines flying out of SEN allow you to bring one bag of airport shopping onboard with your hand luggage. If you don't want to lug it around, the Shop and Collect service can keep it safe until you get back. Need anything else? Just let us know!

Southend Airport Hotel And Parking

Heading to London Southend Airport and need somewhere to stay? Don't worry - the airport has got you covered! It offers an on-site hotel a stone's throw away from check-in, with 129 standard rooms as well as executive and luxury suites available. Plus, there's even a rooftop restaurant so you can kick back and take in the views of the airport and surrounding area. If you're looking for something a bit further afield, there are plenty of hotels within 10 minutes' walking distance. Many offer discounts on airport parking when you pair your stay with a room, so make sure to look out for that! And if you don't have transport sorted, lots will pre-book a taxi for you to take you right up to check-in. Happy travels!

Top Things To Do In Southend Airport

Have Lunch With A Legend

The Lakers Bar and Restaurant at London Southend Airport pays homage to the incredible aviation innovator, Sir Freddie Laker. Throughout the 50s and 60s he worked tirelessly to make Southend a major gateway for flights to and from Europe. To celebrate his achievements, The Lakers is decorated with photographs from that time that commemorate the airport's pioneering successes during the golden age of flight. Pretty amazing, right? The Lakers Bar and Restaurant at London Southend Airport is a tribute to aviation pioneer Sir Freddie Laker. He devoted his career in the 50s and 60s to turning SEN into a major hub for flights to and from Europe. To honour his efforts, The Lakers is adorned with pictures from the era to highlight the golden age of flight. It's a fitting reminder of Sir Freddie's exemplary work!

Relax And Recharge

Are you looking for a moment of peace before your flight or just want to kick-start your holiday? The Executive Lounge at London Southend Airport is the perfect place! It's open to everyone, no matter which airline you're flying with or where you're going. The lounge has zones divided into different areas so you can catch up on work, watch TV, read the day's papers or just get some sleep. Plus, there are complimentary food and drinks available throughout the day and free high-speed WiFi with plenty of plugs to keep your devices powered up. You don't need to book in advance to use the lounge but if you want to guarantee a space away from the peak-time bustle of the terminal, you can pre-book. If you're parking at the airport, you can even combine your parking booking with your lounge reservation to save more. It's a great way to make your journey easy!

A Room With A View

Check out SEN’s on-site hotel for an amazing rooftop restaurant and bar experience! Just a minute away from the terminal building, you can enjoy a delicious drink with an amazing view of the airfield and surrounding areas - it's definitely worth taking a break from the regular airport hustle and bustle.

Unlimited Surfing

London Southend Airport has got you covered - free and unlimited WiFi throughout the whole terminal, so you can stay connected while you wait for your flight, without needing to spend a penny! Catch up on emails or watch your favourite show - all totally free. Enjoy!

Non-stop Shopping

Planning to fly out of Southend Airport? Don't forget to bring your hand luggage and a bag of airport purchases onboard! With the 'Shop and Collect' service, you can easily treat yourself during your time browsing the shops - just take it with you or leave it at the airport for safekeeping until you're ready to pick it up. Enjoy your travels!

Top Things To Do Near Southend Airport

Fish And Chips On The Beach

Planning a trip to Southend-on-Sea? You're in for a treat! Just seven minutes away from London Southend Airport, this seaside town has it all - from delicious fish and chips to the world's longest pier. Hit up the arcades for some 'tuppenny-pushers', take a stroll along the pier and relax on the beach afterwards. Don't forget to take a ride on one of the pink and yellow rollercoasters - it's the perfect way to experience some classic British nostalgia! So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and get ready to explore Southend-on-Sea!

Learn About Life Under The Sea

Heading to Southend-on-Sea? Be sure to check out the Sea Life Adventure Centre! This amazing aquarium has undergone a renovation and now boasts over 40 displays featuring sea life from all around the world. There are family discounts available throughout the year, so it's definitely worth it for an educational and entertaining day out. Don't miss it!

History In The Making

SEN Airport has been an integral part of both World Wars and a hub for commercial air traffic. Signs of its rich aviation heritage are still around; the pillboxes built to defend it during WWII are still standing, and the old terminal is still in use today. Just two minutes away from the airport's perimeter lies the former terminal building which houses and maintains executive aircraft, and also has an amazing view of the runway from its café! It's definitely a place worth visiting for a glimpse into history. So why not come by and check it out? You won't regret it.

Explore Essex’s Coastal Heritage

If you've got time to kill before your flight, why not take a taxi south for 15 minutes and explore Old Leigh? It's an idyllic little fishing town with plenty of preserved cobbled streets, cottages, and pubs serving delicious cockles and fine ale. You'll definitely feel like you're in another world, compared to being in the stuffy departures lounge. Plus, it's only a short drive away from London Southend Airport!

Medieval Market Life

Want to explore a bit of history near SEN? Head just two minutes north and you'll find yourself in the medieval market town of Rochford. From Henry VIII's old Rochford Hall to the age-old Tuesday Market Square, there's plenty of heritage to take in here. Dating back to 1247, it’s one of the oldest markets in the country! Head over to dive into history.

A Day In The City

If you have a free day before your flight or are planning on travelling to London Southend Airport, you’ll be pleased to know that you can get into Central London’s Liverpool Street Station in less than an hour with the train. When you’re there, the city centre is packed with amazing things to see and do - from the world-famous galleries at Tate Modern and The National Gallery to the unique collections at The British Museum and V&A, plus iconic landmarks like Big Ben, The Globe Theatre and the Shard. So make sure you leave yourself plenty of time to explore!

Which Terminal?

London Southend Airport's single terminal is a great way to get from England's capital to many different countries in Europe. Plus, when there's bad weather, other airports close and it can be used as a handy alternative! It also has the advantage of being located on the coast.

How To Get To Southend Airport

Car

If you're planning to drive to London Southend Airport, it's easy to get there from anywhere in the south and east of England. Just hop onto the M25 at Junction 29, or take the A12 or A13 from central London, and follow signs for Southend until you reach airport signage. The postcode SS2 6YF should get you there if you're using a sat nav! It's only 41 miles (61 kilometres) east of Central London, so it won't take too long to get here. Have a safe journey!

Bus And Coach

SEN is well-connected to the local and regional bus and coach networks, with regular services running from the airport across Essex to places like Southend, Chelmsford and Stansted. If you're coming from further away, you can connect to national rail or coach services at these locations. To get the most up-to-date information about available services, check out the airport bus and coach website.

Train

Heading to London Southend Airport? The easiest way is by train - you can expect up to eight services running between the airport and Central London at peak times, with a journey time of just 53 minutes. Plus, there's a convenient two-minute walk from the brand new station right to the terminal, sheltered by a covered walkway. If you're travelling from further afield, don't worry - London's Overground and Underground services connect to the National Rail network. So what are you waiting for? Hop on board!

Useful Tips

Give yourself plenty of time to get through check-in and security

Heading to London Southend? Make sure you plan ahead! This airport may be smaller than others in the area, but that doesn't mean it's any less busy. With passengers coming and going, it's always a good idea to check the live arrivals/departures page before heading out — and give yourself plenty of time to get there! No one wants to be late!

Lounge Around

Are you looking for a comfortable place to relax before your flight? The SEN Airport Lounge is the perfect spot! You don't need to worry about booking with a particular airline or having a specific type of ticket - all passengers can access the lounge. We recommend pre-booking if you know you'll be there, as it's usually much cheaper. You can even save a bit more money by adding your airport parking reservation to the same booking!

London Southend Airport Is Not 24 Hours

Hey, it's worth bearing in mind that London Southend Airport isn't open all night: the doors open at 4am and close 45 minutes after the last flight of the day - usually around midnight. So if you're spending the night at the airport or your flight is very early in the morning, make sure to book a room at a nearby hotel and check the transport times before you set off! That way, you won't be stuck when the airport closes.

Check The Weather Forecast

If you're flying out of another London airport and it looks like the weather won't be cooperating, it might be worth looking into how to get to and from London Southend Airport. Thanks to its location on the coast, SEN has an almost perfect record when it comes to bad weather, so it's often used as a backup plan when other airports in or around London aren't an option. So if the forecast isn't looking good, it's a good idea to check out how you can get to and from SEN just in case!

Southend Airport FAQs

Where can I find more information about my flight?

You should have received a confirmation of your flight from your airline, but if you can't find it, don't worry! The daily flight timetable at London Southend Airport has all the current info on flights coming and going. Check that out for peace of mind!

Why Should I Pre-book Parking?

If you're planning on flying out of SEN, it's definitely worth booking your parking space in advance. That way, you can save money and have peace of mind that there'll be a spot waiting for you - especially during the peak times when it can get pretty busy! Plus, you'll also get access to the airport’s executive lounge. So, why not make the most of your trip and book your parking space now? It'll save you time and money!

I’ve Lost Something At Sen - What Do I Do?

Have you lost something recently at London Southend Airport? Don't worry, we've got you covered! We keep a record of all items that are found in the terminal and on inbound flights and store them securely for up to three months. If they don't get claimed then they'll be donated to charity. You can make enquiries regarding lost property at the SEN ticket desk or fill out our online Lost Property form. Just head to our website for more info on fees and postage. Remember though, SEN is only responsible for items found in the terminal and on inbound flights. If you left something on an outgoing flight then contact your airline as soon as possible! Good luck!

Is There Anywhere For Me To Charge My Electronic Devices?

Yes, there are a few plug banks scattered throughout the airport's restaurants and cafes, as well as a charging station in the executive lounge (although you'll need to pay for access).

What Shops Are Available At The Airport?

At London Southend Airport, there's just one terminal but don't worry - the shops, bars and restaurants have all the essentials to make your journey enjoyable! So even though it may not have the range of retail you'd find at larger airports, it still has everything you need. Enjoy!

What Destinations Can I Fly To And From Southend Airport?

Flights from Southend Airport can take you to all sorts of exciting destinations, either directly or with connecting flights! Planning your next getaway has never been easier. Where will you go?