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London to Brighton by train

It takes an average of 1h 24m to travel from London to Brighton by train, over a distance of around 47 miles (75 km). There are normally 370 trains per day traveling from London to Brighton and tickets for this journey start from $9.35 when you book in advance.

First train

03:10

Last train

01:48

Departure station

London

Arrival station

Brighton

Journey time

From 58m

Distance

47 miles (75 km)

Frequency

370 trains per day

Changes

Direct trains available

Price

From $9.35

Train operators

Gatwick Express, Thameslink, Southern

Traveling from London to Brighton by train in less than an hour

Considering a trip to the seaside and need more information on how to take the train from London to Brighton? You’ve come to the right place! 

On average, the journey from London to Brighton by train takes around 1 hour and 21 minutes but can be as quick as 58m on the fastest services. As there are around 369 direct services from London to Brighton each day, you can sit back and relax, as you don’t need to worry about making any changes.  

On this popular route, you’ll jump on a train at either London Victoria or London Bridge station, operated by either Southern, Thameslink or Gatwick Express. No matter which service you find yourself on, you’ll enjoy onboard amenities including free WiFi and comfortable seating. In less than an hour, you’ll cover the 47 miles between these two cities and arrive at Brighton station. For more information, check out our guide to Brighton train station.

Once you’ve exited the station, you’re just a short walk from the city’s most popular spots. Make your way to Brighton’s famous pebble beach, the traditional English pier and the Royal Pavilion - an iconic royal palace built in 1787 as a seaside retreat for Prince Regent and future king – George IV.  

If you're an avid soccer fan (or should that be 'footie fan'?), you can follow the football and your favorite teams during your vacation in the UK, including in Brighton.

If you want to save money on your train tickets, try traveling Off-Peak, as tickets are generally cheaper during quieter times on weekdays and weekends. If you want to save even more money, keep an eye out for Advance tickets, they are usually released 12 weeks before the departure date and are generally cheaper than buying tickets on the day.  

Keen to get going? Start your search for cheap train tickets from London to Brighton in our Journey Planner at the top of the page. If you’d like to know more about the journey first, keep reading for train timetables, tips on how to find cheaper train fares and FAQs including first and last train times.

FAQs for London to Brighton

Want to know more about your journey from London to Brighton? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.

How long does the train from London to Brighton take?

The average journey time by train between London and Brighton is 1 hour and 24 minutes, with around 370 trains per day. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.

What's the fastest journey time between London and Brighton by train?

The fastest journey time by train from London to Brighton is 58 minutes.

How much does the train from London to Brighton cost?

Train tickets from London to Brighton can start from as little as $9.35 when you book in advance and are usually more expensive when purchased on the day. Prices can also vary depending the time of day, route and class you book.

Is there a direct train from London to Brighton?

Yes, it is possible to travel from London to Brighton without having to change trains. There are 370 direct trains from London to Brighton each day. Though there may be fewer direct services available depending on your exact departure date.

What time does the first train from London to Brighton leave?

The first train from London to Brighton leaves at 03:10. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.

What time does the last train from London to Brighton leave?

The last train from London to Brighton leaves at 01:48. Trains that depart in the early morning hours or very late evening may be sleeper services, time and services may also vary during weekends and holidays.

What's the distance between London and Brighton by train?

Trains travelling from London to Brighton cover a distance of around 47 miles (75 km) during the journey.

Looking for more information?

If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Brighton to London.

Cheap train tickets from London to Brighton

Train tickets from London to Brighton start at $9.35 one way for a Standard Class ticket if you book in advance. As most UK train companies increase their prices as the departure date approaches, we’ll help you find the cheapest tickets.

Book in advance

Look out for Advance tickets – they usually come out up to 12 weeks before the departure date and can be cheaper than buying on the day. If you’re here a tad early, sign up for our Advance ticket alert today to get notified when your tickets are released.

Consider a Season Ticket

If you catch this train more than 3 times per week, you could save money with a Season Ticket. With annual, monthly and weekly options available, find out if a season ticket for London to Brighton is right for you.

Use your Railcard

National Railcards offer a 1/3 off eligible train tickets in the UK and can be a great investment if you travel a few times or more in a year. Find out how you can save with a National Railcard here.

Split your tickets

Download our app to find split tickets — courtesy of SplitSave, our handy feature which 'splits' your train tickets where possible to find you a better deal. Learn more about the clever tech behind split tickets, and how to spot SplitSave discounts in our app.

For more money-saving tips on UK and European train travel, read our cheap train tickets guide.

Advance adult single fare. Excludes booking fee. Prices seen by Trainline customers in the last 30 days. Availability limited.

What are my ticket options for this journey?

If you're like us, you've probably seen the sheer number of ticket types available in the UK and wondered "Why are there so many?!" To help, we've put together a handy guide to the main UK ticket types, simply tap the one you’re interested in to find out more.

Tips and tricks from our Trainline team blog

We love helping our customers find inspiration for their next train journey. We also believe about taking those journeys and sharing our experiences with you, so you can sit back, relax and get the most out of your trip.

London to Brighton by train in under an hour

Getting to London Bridge station

Our train to Brighton departed from London Bridge, a central London railway terminus that has recently undergone a total transformation. The new spacious street-level concourse is the largest in the UK and allows passengers to access all the 15 platforms from just one place. What I really love about this station is how bright it is, with natural light coming from the roofs and illuminating the concourse below.  

We took the tube to reach the station – it’s on the Jubilee and Northern Lines, so it’s super easy to get there.

Boarding the train

For our peace of mind, we bought our digital tickets with Trainline so we didn’t have to queue at the station to buy or collect our train tickets. We boarded a Thameslink train a few minutes before it was due to depart. As Brighton is a very popular destination for Londoners and tourists alike, there was a queue at the entrance of the platform where railway staff checked tickets, but it didn’t take us too long to get on board.

The journey

Thameslink trains are very modern, they have onboard information displays which show exactly where you are in your journey, so you can sit back, relax, and watch the world go by. Free WiFi is also available on most trains – just look out for the blue WiFi logo on the door as you board.

We sat in two forward-facing seats in Standard Class. Before we knew it, we were in Brighton – the journey lasted less than an hour! Brighton station is only minutes away from the town centre and the beach, so you can have your fish and chips straight at the pebble beach, what’s not to like?

Paola, a Trainline employee, chose to share their experience of the journey between London and Brighton.


* Based on European average monthly visitors to Trainline’s app and website from 1.1.2023 to 10.31.2023 vs other independent retailers.

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