Greater Anglia (Southend Airport station) · ~52–55 min to Liverpool Street; ~43–46 min to Stratford
Where they are
One map, pinned from each airport’s published coordinates.
Category scores
Overall is the published weighted sum. A highlighted score is ahead; a tie stays plain.
Ease of use
25% · Wayfinding, security wait, and layout.
NWI8.6+0.1
SEN8.5
Comfort & amenities
20% · Seating, Wi-Fi, cleanliness, and quiet.
NWI7.2+0.2
SEN7.0
Food & retail
15% · Food and retail quality and variety.
NWI6.6+0.1
SEN6.5
Ground access
15% · Transit, taxi, and parking to the city.
NWI7.4
SEN8.5+1.1
Reliability
15% · Delays, cancellations, and weather resilience.
NWI5.6
SEN7.3+1.7
Lounges
10% · Worth-it density and access quality.
NWI6.9+0.1
SEN6.8
Best for
NWI
Norfolk travellers who want to avoid a Stansted (STN) transferPriority Pass holders connecting on KLM to AmsterdamDrivers who can use Car Park 1 drop-off within 20 minutes
SEN
easyJet leisure trips when Greater Anglia beats the slog to Stansted or LutonPriority Pass / DragonPass holders who pre-book SKYLIFE on early banksTravellers who want CT 2 L liquids rules and a short single-terminal walk
Watch out for
NWI
No on-airport rail — First PR1 or taxi to Norwich stationClassic liquids bag + laptop-out security (not CT leave-in-bag)ATC industrial action closed the field on 28 Aug 2026 — always re-check airline noticesTicketed to “Norwich” but flying from STN Stansted is a common East Anglia mix-up
SEN
Oyster/contactless PAYG ends at Shenfield — buy a National Rail ticket to Southend AirportFood and retail choice is limited; do not expect a major-hub food courtDo not confuse SEN with STN (Stansted), LCY (London City), or SOU (Southampton)
Amenities and tips
NWI
Executive Lounge (airside)First PR1 Airport Park & RideCar Park 1 drop-off £8 / 20 minutesFast Track Security £7Flour & Bean + WHSmith + World Duty FreeA2B Taxis official rank
Still classic 100 ml + clear bag — laptops come out
Pack the clear liquids bag and pull the laptop; Fast Track is a same-day £7 desk purchase (or free for listed KLM / Loganair elites).
First PR1 Park & Ride is the city shuttle — electric, up to every 14 minutes
PR1 is the default public link into Norwich — budget £3 adult day or a taxi to the station; there is no on-airport rail.
Executive Lounge is £29.99 or Priority Pass — after security
Real airside lounge with Priority Pass — worth it on long KLM or TUI waits; confirm evening opening if your check-in bank is late.
SEN
Southend Airport rail stationCT / C3 security (2 L liquids)SKYLIFE LoungeAirside water fountainWalk-to-terminal parkingFree airport Wi-Fi
Station is ~100 steps — Oyster stops at Shenfield
Covered walk to Greater Anglia; ~43–52 min to Stratford / Liverpool Street; no Oyster beyond Shenfield.
2 L liquids stay in the bag (CT / C3)
CT screening: ≤2 L liquids + electronics stay packed; Fast Track from £8.
SKYLIFE is the only lounge — airport max stay 2 h
Sole airside lounge 04:00–20:00; airport max stay 2 h; PP/DragonPass accepted.
NWI · Compact Norfolk airport north of Norwich with classic UK 100 ml security, a £29.99 / Priority Pass Executive Lounge, First PR1 electric Park & Ride into the city, and a £8 / 20-minute Car Park 1 drop-off — confirm NWI not STN, and watch ATC industrial-action notices after the Aug 2026 closures.
SEN · Compact Essex London airport with a rail station ~100 steps away, easyJet’s 2025 base, CT security that allows 2 L liquids in the bag, and a single SKYLIFE lounge — tiny compared with STN/LTN but unusually easy door-to-gate once you are on Greater Anglia.
