Southend Airport Parking

How to get cheap Southend Airport parking

Having been in the airport parking business a few decades, we have gathered a few tips and tricks along the way to help you find the most economical airport parking. And parking in Southend is no exception.

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Book early to save on your Southend Airport parking

Southend airport parking charges fluctuate with availability, just like most airfares. An easy way to save on costs, therefore, is to book in advance. Our own booking data for Southend airport parking shows that when you book with APH six months prior to travel, you could save up to 48 per cent, compared with making a reservation just one week ahead.

In cash terms, this translates to paying £45.60 instead of £88.00, for a week’s parking in Southend. That’s a saving of £42.40.

You can see how Southend airport parking prices shift over a period of six months on the chart below. Prices are the average price per day.

Prices are correct at time of writing and subject to change

Pick Park and Ride parking

Park & Ride car parks are generally the ones to go for if you are looking for the most economical parking in Southend. Situated off-airport, a short free shuttle bus ride from the terminal, Park & Ride car parks such as the Diamond Park and Ride offer good-value, secure parking.

There are various types of parking in Southend, as in all major airports across the UK. It is good to consider all the options before deciding which type of parking is best for you.

Here we run through all the Southend airport parking options, to help you find the best match for your requirements.

Off-airport parking: How it works

If you are looking for the most economical type of parking in Southend, then the off-airport car parks are probably for you. Easy to access and fully secure with perimeter fencing, CCTV, barrier controls and 24-hour staff, off-airport car parks such as Diamond offer great value for money.

For off-airport parking, simply follow the directions to the car park, where you leave your keys at Reception. Then grab your luggage and hop onto one of the regular shuttle bus transfers to the terminal. The journey from the Dimond car park is five minutes and transfers run every 15 minutes. While you are away, your car will be parked in a secure space and returned to Reception for you to collect at the end of your trip.

Here's a quick overview of how it works.

Best for: Passengers wanting to leave their car somewhere safe, secure and economical.

Meet and Greet parking: How it works

 

Meet & Greet parking offers the fastest way to get from the car to the check-in desk. The ultimate in convenience, you drive straight to the terminal forecourt or designated meeting point nearby, hand your keys over to your Meet & Greet operator, take your luggage and walk to check-in. Your car will be driven by a fully insured driver to a secure parking facility for the duration of your trip. Upon your arrival back into Southend, your vehicle will be brought back to the terminal for you to collect.

APH partners only with approved, tried and tested Meet & Greet parking providers, such as Diamond Meet & Greet and Southend Meet & Greet, so you can be sure your booking and your car are safe and secure for your time away.

Best for: Families with young children, travellers with bulky luggage, or those simply looking for the most convenient type of parking.

On-airport parking: How it works

On-airport parking in Southend is just as it says: car parks or parking services within the airport grounds. These are usually operated by the airport themselves.

Best for: Travellers flying at the last minute and unable to book airport parking in advance; those looking to simply park up and walk to the terminal. 

On-airport parking in Southend is currently unavailable through APH. Why not check out our great-value Park & Ride or Meet & Greet options instead:

• Diamond Park & Ride
• Southend Meet & Greet
• Diamond Meet & Greet

Use the map to find directions to our different types of Southend airport parking. Bon voyage!

History of Southend Airport

Southend Airport’s roots go back to 1914 when the site was identified as a potential landing ground. The first flight took off in 1915 in an unsuccessful attempt to intercept a German Zeppelin. During the first world war, the Royal Naval Service and Royal Flying Corps used Southend as a base.

In 1933, the airfield was purchased by Southend Council, which turned it into a municipal airport, which opened in 1935. However, the second world war halted all civilian flights and Southend was taken over by the Air Ministry and renamed RAF Rochford. Some of the 50 pillboxes that were constructed as a line of defence in the trench system remain on the site today.

The 1950s saw the airport rejuvenated with two new runways making provision for commercial flights and British Air Ferries, which ran cross-channel services. In 1964 Southend Airport starred in the James Bond film, Goldfinger, and in 1967, passenger numbers hit a record 692,686.

However, the next couple of decades were not so kind, as passenger numbers and scheduled services declined, although engineering and maintenance services kept the business just about afloat. In 1993, Southend Council decided to sell the airport to Regional Airports Ltd, who then sold it on to Esken, an infrastructure, aviation and energy firm, in 2008. This signalled a new period of growth, as Esken upgraded navigation and lighting and extended the runway. A new state-of-the-art air traffic control tower was added in 2011 and the same year saw the opening of a mainland railway station, just outside the terminal.

In 2012, a new passenger terminal building and on-site airport hotel were opened, and another runway extension was given the go-ahead to allow the airport to reach a target of two million passengers by 2020.

Southend has been voted Best Airport in London by the Which? magazine survey – six years in a row.

Terminals

Southend has one terminal serving all flights and airlines. The terminal is closed overnight and opening hours vary each day according to flight schedules. Facilities at the terminal include special assistance services, shops, bar, lounge and an on-site airport hotel.

If you are driving your own vehicle to the airport, booking airport parking in advance is recommended for the best prices and availability.

The terminal is a base for EasyJet, and destinations include Amsterdam, Faro, Malaga and Palma de Mallorca.

Check-in

There are ten check-in desks for those who have not already checked in online. Refer to the screen above the desk to find the correct one for your airline. It is recommended that you arrive at check-in no later than two hours prior to departure but please follow any specific instructions on your flight documentation. The check-in desks normally close 30 to 40 minutes prior to departure. Boarding normally commences 40 minutes prior to departure.

Make sure all your travel documentation including your passport is valid and up to date in advance of travel. Some countries require passport validity to be a minimum of six months, but all countries have different requirements. You can refer to the government's foreign travel advice as well as advice from your airline.

Once you have checked in, follow the signs to security and the departures hall. Note
there are certain items that you are not permitted to carry in your hand luggage; you can check hand luggage restrictions at home when you are packing.

There are also certain items that are not permitted in hold luggage and must be carried in your hand luggage. These include mobile phones, laptops, spare batteries, power banks, e-cigarettes and vaporisers.

Main travel connections

By car
Southend Airport lies on the outskirts of Southend, 41 miles east of central London, and is easily accessible by car from any direction.

If you are driving your own car to the airport, it is best to book airport parking in advance for best prices and availability.
 
-  From central London, take the A12 or A13 and follow the signs for Southend. Once you are near to the centre of Southend, follow the signs to the airport.

 -  From the M25, exit at Junction 29 onto the A127 and follow the signs for Southend, and then for Southend Airport.

Southend Airport post code: SS2 6YF

If you are travelling through the Dartford Tunnel you can view your payment options.

By rail
There is a fast, regular train service between London Southend Airport and London Liverpool Street. Journey time is approximately 52 minutes. To and from Stratford Station in London is approximately 44 minutes.

The railway station at Southend Airport is just 100 steps from the terminal building.

For more information on rail travel to and from Southend Airport visit trainline.com.

By bus
First Group Buses operate bus service X30 between Southend and Stansted Airport via Southend Airport and Chelmsford.

For timetables and further information visit First Bus.

Arriva Bus operate off-site bus services as follows:

   Route 7 – from the bus stop in the Rochford Road
   Landwick/Great Wakering to Rayleigh Station via Shoeburyness, Thorpe Bay, Southend Airport, Rochford and Ashingdon

   Route 8 – from the bus stop in the Rochford Road
   Landwick/Great Wakering to Rayleigh Station via Shoeburyness, Thorpe Bay, Southend Airport, Rochford and Hawkwell

   Route 9 – from the bus stop behind the Holiday Inn
   Shoeburyness to Rayleigh via Thorpe Bay and Southend Airport

For timetables and further information visit Arriva Bus.

Drop-off zones

The closest and most convenient place to drop off or pick up passengers is the Short Stay car park, which is directly opposite the terminal building. Alternatively, you can drop off for free in the Long Stay car park, providing you stay no longer than 15 minutes. The Long Stay car park is a three to five-minute walk from the terminal entrance.

Short Stay car park

• up to 10 minutes £5.00
• 10 – 30 minutes £7.00
• 30 – 60 minutes £10.00
• 1 – 3 hours £15.00
• 3 – 24 hours £35.00
• each additional 24 hours or part there for £35.00

Long Stay car park 3

• up to 15 minutes FREE
• per day or part there for £25.00
• no return within 24 hours

Blue Badge holders

The Short Stay car park has designated Blue Badge parking bays, which are conveniently located and are the closest parking or dropping-off option to the terminal. Alternatively, you can use the free 15-minute parking at the Long Stay car park 3, which is approximately 200m from the terminal.

If you need help to get from car to the terminal you need to book special assistance directly with your airline in advance of travel, so the airport special assistance team can be ready to help.

Short Stay car park charges

The Short Stay car park at Southend is directly opposite the terminal building. You can turn up and pay on the day and the charges are as follows:

Short Stay car park charges:

• up to 10 minutes £5.00
• 10 – 30 minutes £7.00
• 30 – 60 minutes £10.00
• 1 – 3 hours £15.00
• 3 – 24 hours £35.00
• each additional 24 hours or part there for £35.00

Alternatively, you can book your airport parking in advance for the best prices and availability.

Fast-track lanes

For a speedy route through to security, book Security Fast Track. From £7.00 per person you can purchase a pass that will give you access to the dedicated fast-track security lane. Just make sure you bring your booking confirmation with you to show at the entrance to the lane. Note that passes are flexible, so if your travel plans change, you can change your Security Fast Track booking.

Special assistance and disabled facilities

Special Assistance

Special assistance bookings should be made with your airline or travel agent in advance – ideally more than 14 days prior to travel, and at least 48 hours prior. Passenger requirements will be passed to the airport’s Special Assistance team, who will be able to help from point of arrival at the airport, as required. If you have not been able to book special assistance in advance, you can still request it upon arrival at the airport, but it will be subject to availability of staff and resources.

If you have booked special assistance from the car park, just use the assistance button on the entrance barrier to the car park, or at the pay-on-foot machine, to contact the assistance team. Alternatively you can contact them at the ticket desk in the entrance concourse of the terminal building; there is an intercom if the desk is unmanned.

Disabled parking

The Short Stay car park has designated Blue Badge parking bays, which are conveniently located and are the closest parking or dropping off option to the terminal. If you are being dropped off, the drop-off parking charge is £5.00 for up to 10 minutes.

If you need help to get from car to the terminal you need to book special assistance directly with your airline in advance of travel, so the airport special assistance team can be ready to help.

Alternatively, the off-airport SACP car park has designated Blue Badge bays that can be pre-booked. The parking valet service means that your car will be parked for you while you get help with your luggage and on to the transfer bus, which runs on demand.

The Long Stay car parks also have disabled parking bays. Car Park 1 is 115m from the terminal; Car Park 2 is 269m and Car Park 3 is 246m. Car Park 3 has free parking for the first 15 minutes, which allows for free drop-off.

Security

Assistance can be provided throughout the security screening process.
If you need to carry liquid medicines, inhalers or foodstuffs of more than 100ml in your hand luggage, you may need to provide a supporting prescription or doctor’s note. You must check with your airline in advance of travel.
If you need to use mobility equipment while in the security area, you will be able to pass through a gate to the side of the security arch for a manual search. Private rooms are available upon request.

Accessible toilets

Wheelchair-accessible toilets are available throughout the airport terminal building, in arrivals and departures.

Mobility equipment

If you are travelling with your own mobility aid, such as a wheelchair or scooter, you need to inform the airline at the time of booking and advise them of its specifications including make, model, weight and dimensions. This is to ensure electric mobility aids are made safe for travel.

You can remain in your own mobility equipment all the way to the departure gate. Staff will then board you onto the flight.

When flying in to Southend Airport, you will be met by assistance staff who will collect your mobility aid from the hold and help you through the arrivals process.

Guide dogs and therapy dogs

Guide dogs are welcome at Southend Airport. In fact the airport welcomes in guide dog puppies for training. If travelling with a guide dog, please check at the time of booking with your airline for any restrictions. All guide dogs must be registered with the Pets Travel Scheme.

Southend Airport partners with Essex Therapy Dogs to help nervous travellers reduce anxieties. The therapy dogs roam the airport once a week and are available for friendly strokes and furry cuddles.

Hidden disabilities

Southend Airport participates in the Blue Band Scheme. These are discreet blue wristbands that act as a subtle sign to airport staff that someone may need some extra assistance or consideration while on their journey through the airport. Blue bands can be collected from the ticket desk in the entrance concourse. If the desk is unmanned, just use the intercom button. Blue bands are also available in front of security and from the café in the departures hall.

Hearing loops are available at the ticket desk, check-in desks and boarding gates for those with hearing impairments. Mobile hearing loops are also available upon request. Visual information is available on the flight information display screens.

Southend Airport works with a number of disability organisations to continually improve their services for passengers with disabilities. These include Dementia Friends, Action on Hearing Loss and Guide Dogs for the Blind.

Business facilities

Skylife Lounge & The Pilot Café - Enjoy comfortable seating, complimentary drinks and snacks and free WiFi in the Skylife Lounge and The Pilot Café. Upgrade to Skylife Premium to include Security Fast Track and reserved seating.

• Skylife Lounge from £25.00
• Skylife Premium from £30.00

Maximum duration per visit is three hours. DragonPass, Priority Pass, Lounge Club and Diners Club International are all accepted in the Skylife Lounge.

Family facilities

Security
If you are travelling with an infant, you can carry sufficient baby milk, baby food and sterilised water for your journey, even if it exceeds 100ml. All food and drink will be machine tested.
Note that the following items must be placed in a tray to go through the x-ray machine:

• liquids under 100ml (which have been placed in a sealed clear plastic bag)
• oversized liquids including sterilised water, baby milk and baby food
• electricals including laptops and games consoles
• any bags and items from prams or buggies
• All items must be screened – including teddies and toys – so you might want to let little ones know in advance that their cuddly friends are in for a little ride through the special machine!

Pushchairs

If you are travelling with a pushchair or buggy, you can usually take it right up to the gate, just before you board your flight. However, different airlines have different restrictions so please check with them in advance. Collapsible buggies are normally permitted in addition to the parents’ luggage allowance but please check with your airline before travel. Infants may also have their own small baggage allowance.

Baby change facilities

You’ll find baby change facilities both before and after security, as well as in arrivals.

Food and drink

Once you have passed through security, The Navigator Pub & Dining offers a selection of hot and cold drinks and pub favourites, including a children’s menu.

After security - The Navigator Pub & Dining
Soft drinks, beer, wine and spirits plus a food menu
In the departures hall - Open daily from two hours before the first flight to the last flight

Smoking areas

Smoking and vaping are not permitted anywhere inside the terminal building, in accordance with the law. There is a designated smoking area outside the front of the terminal building, only available before you pass through security.

Water fountains

There is a water refill station in the departures hall.

Quiet room

A restful quiet room is provided for passengers of all faiths and denominations for prayer and contemplation. The quiet room is next to the ticket desk in the check-in area, before security.

Post box

There is a post box inside the terminal building, opposite the main entrance, next to the check-in desks.

Collection times: Monday to Friday: 16:15 - Saturday: 11:30

Duty-free shopping

Shop for your favourite brands and duty-free liquor in the World Duty Free store, which you will find in the departures hall after security. All passengers travelling to destinations outside the UK are able to purchase items exempt from excise duty.

You can also take advantage of the World Duty Free Reserve & Collect service, which is available 10 days prior to departure. You don’t need to pay for your items until you collect them at the airport. Orders must be placed at least 24 hours prior to travel.

World Duty Free is open daily from two hours before first flight to last flight.

Note that you are permitted to take one standard-sized airport shopping bag on to your flight, in addition to the hand luggage allowance permitted by your airline.
 
Other shops at Southend Airport include WHSmith, where you can purchase books, magazines, food, drinks, snacks, confectionery and travel accessories. There is also a WHSmith Well section with sun creams, medicines and baby essentials.

Mobile charging points

There are plenty of power sockets in the departures hall in the food and drinking outlets.

EV charging points

Southend Airport has no EV (electric vehicle) charging points on site. Here are some of the EV charging stations listed as closest to the airport:

Pod Point
Tesco Extra Southend - Prince Avenue, Westcliff, SS0 0JP

• 2 x 22 kW Type 2
• 2 x 7 kW Type 2

Shell Recharge
Shell Recharge Sovereign - 118 Prince Avenue, SS2 6NN

• 1 x 50 kW CHAdeMO
• 1 x 50 kW CCS
• 1 x 43.5 kW Type 2

Internet access

WiFi
The WiFi at Southend is free to use. Just select London Southend Airport Free WiFi.

Luggage trolleys

You’ll find baggage trolleys in the drop-off and pick-up zones and in all the airport car parks including the Short Stay car park adjacent to the railway station. Trolleys are operated with a £1.00- or 1-euro coin. Trolley return stations are located at check-in and all airport car parks.

Lost property

If you leave any items behind on the aircraft, you need to contact the airline directly. If you lose any items while you are in the airport, go to the ticket desk or submit a lost property enquiry form. Lost property enquiries will be responded to within 24 hours.

Help Desk

Help and information are available at the ticket desk in the check-in area.