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Outbound fromLondon to Brighton by train
It takes an average of 1h 25m to travel from London to Brighton by train, over a distance of around 47 miles (75 km). There are normally 350 trains per day travelling from London to Brighton and tickets for this journey start from £8 when you book in advance.
Travelling from London to Brighton by train
If you’re planning a sunny day out or weekend away in Brighton and want to travel by train, we’re here to help!
Usually, the train from London to Brighton takes 1 hour and 22 minutes but can take just 58 minutes on the fastest services. On this route, services are operated by Southern, Thameslink and Gatwick Express. All three train companies offer free WiFi on most of their trains – just look out for the blue WiFi sign on the door of your carriage.
Whether you’re heading for a day out at Brighton beach (featured as one of our best beaches to reach by train from London) or shopping in The Lanes, use our Journey Planner at the top of the page to book trains to Brighton and search for cheap ticket prices – we’ll show you how much you can save on your train tickets if you travel Off-Peak or use a Railcard.
Ready to book? Start a search for cheap train tickets from London to Brighton in our Journey Planner at the top of the page, or keep reading for more information on:
- Train operators from London to Brighton
- Southern train classes
- Thameslink train classes
- Gatwick Express train classes
- Services on board trains from London to Brighton
- Travelling to the train station in London
- Everything you need to know about train stations in London
- Arriving at Brighton station from London
- Using public transport in Brighton
- Things to see and do in Brighton
- Where to travel next after Brighton
- Review: London to Brighton by train in under an hour.
FAQs about the train journey from 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.
Is there a direct train from London to Brighton?
How far is Brighton from London by train?
Can I get from London to Brighton without flying?
What is the best way to get from London to Brighton?
When is the first train from London to Brighton?
When is the last train from London to Brighton?
How often do trains run from London to Brighton?
How far in advance can I book tickets from London to Brighton?
Looking for a return trip from London to Brighton?
Cheap train tickets from London to Brighton
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.
Train operators from London to Brighton
When travelling from London to Brighton, you can travel with Southern, Thameslink or Gatwick Express – continue reading to learn more about each operator.
Southern
Providing excellent transport links in and out of London, Southern covers journeys from the south coast to London Victoria, Waterloo, Charing Cross, London Bridge and back again. Whether you're travelling for work, leisure or a bit of both, Southern Railway offers a convenient way to travel.
Thameslink
Thameslink run services between Bedford and Brighton, passing through London and Luton Airport. During peak train times, Thameslink operate eight services from Bedford every hour, giving you the convenience of commuting to London and further afield if need be.
Gatwick Express
Gatwick Express does more than get you to the airport and back. After its main leg from London to Gatwick by train, the Gatwick Express route map includes stops at Haywards Heath, Burgess Hill, Hassocks and the seaside town of Brighton – a popular weekend and day trip location.
Southern train classes from London to Brighton
On Southern trains, you can choose between Standard Class and First Class.
Standard Class
In Standard Class, you’ll benefit from family-sized tables, luggage storage and free WiFi on most services.
| Family-sized tables | ✔ |
|---|---|
| Luggage storage | ✔ |
| Free WiFi on most services | ✔ |
First Class
In Southern’s First Class, you’ll enjoy the amenities of Standard Class, plus extra space.
| Family-sized tables | ✔ |
|---|---|
| Luggage storage | ✔ |
| Free WiFi on most services | ✔ |
| More spacious seating | ✔ |
Thameslink train classes from London to Brighton
When booking your Thameslink ticket from London to Brighton, you can choose between Standard Class and First Class.
Standard Class
Thameslink’s Standard Class is the ideal choice for travellers looking for low-budget fuss-free travel. On board, you will enjoy:
| Family-sized tables | ✔ |
|---|---|
| Luggage storage | ✔ |
| Free WiFi on most services | ✔ |
First Class
If you fancy treating yourself, upgrade to Thameslink’s First Class and enjoy:
| More comfortable seating | ✔ |
|---|---|
| Quieter carriage | ✔ |
Gatwick Express train classes from London to Brighton
On Gatwick Express trains, you can travel in Standard Class or First Class.
Standard Class
When travelling in Standard Class, you can take advantage of family-sized tables and generous luggage storage.
| Family-sized tables | ✔ |
|---|---|
| Luggage storage | ✔ |
| Plug sockets | ✔ |
| Free WiFi | ✔ |
First Class
If you prefer to travel in style, upgrade to First Class and enjoy:
| More comfortable seating | ✔ |
|---|---|
| Quieter carriage | ✔ |
Services on board trains from London to Brighton
Learn more about the services offered on board trains from London to Brighton.
Luggage
Food and drink
Entertainment
Travel with Children
Bikes
Pets
Special assistance
Travelling to the train station in London
When travelling from London to Brighton, you can depart from several London stations, depending on which operator you’re travelling with.
How to get to London Victoria station
How to get to London Bridge station
How to get to other London stations
Everything you need to know about London Victoria and London Bridge
While you wait for your train to Brighton, there are plenty of things to keep you occupied at London Victoria and London Bridge.
London Victoria station
London Bridge station
Arriving at Brighton station from London
No matter which train operator you decide to travel with, you’ll arrive at Brighton train station, just north of the city centre.
The main train station in Brighton is simply called “Brighton”, but there are actually five stations here: Preston Park, London Road, Moulsecoomb, Falmer and Brighton.
Once you’ve stepped off the train, you simply need to scan your ticket at the barriers and you’re free to start exploring. You can walk to Brighton town centre from Brighton train station in a matter of minutes. If the Royal Pavilion, Old Steine, or Brighton Museum & Art Gallery are on your itinerary, you’re looking at a 15-minute stroll.
If you’re in Brighton to visit the beach, you can walk there from Brighton train station via Queens Road/West Street in around 12 minutes.
Using public transport in Brighton
Want to find out more about how to navigate Brighton’s public transport system? We’ve got you covered!
Brighton is a relatively small city, so everywhere is easy to reach on foot. Plus, you’ll pass some iconic spots as you walk. However, if you want to reach somewhere quickly, Brighton boasts a useful public transport system to help you navigate the city.
Taking the bus in Brighton
After walking, the bus is the best way to get around the city. Brighton has multiple bus companies that operate in the heart of the city, but the most prominent are Brighton & Hove Buses and Stagecoach South. Both companies use the same bus stops, but the bus numbers vary, and each company has its own ticket. Using the bus network, you can get from Brighton city centre to different areas of the city including Hove, Kemptown and Preston Park.
Taking the train in Brighton
If you want to get to certain parts of the city quickly and efficiently, you could take the train! As previously mentioned, Brighton has five train stations all served by Southern: Brighton, Preston Park, London Road, Moulsecoomb and Falmer.
If you’re hoping to travel slightly further afield, you can also take the train to other parts of the Brighton and Hove region including Fishersgate, Portslade, Aldrington, and Hove.
Top five things to do in Brighton
If you’re planning a trip to Brighton, but unsure where to visit first, here are some ideas for things to see and do in Brighton during your stay:
1. Brighton Beach
Despite the pebbles, Brighton is home to one of the best beaches in the UK. Along the seafront, you’ll find ice-cream shops, bustling beach bars and surprisingly, a swimming pool. You can spend a whole day by Brighton Beach, enjoying the sunshine and eating fish and chips. Just beware of the seagulls!
2. Brighton Pavillion
Built by King George IV during the Regency Era, Brighton Pavillion is one of the most visually striking buildings in the UK. The Pavillion’s architect, John Nash, was inspired by Indo-Islamic architecture, like that of the Taj Mahal.
3. Brighton i360
Situated on Brighton seafront, the i360 is one of Brighton’s newer attractions, opening in 2016. With an impressive observation deck at over 150 metres high, the i360 offers spectacular panoramic views over Brighton, across the South Downs and over the English Channel.
4. Brighton Palace Pier
Opened in 1899, the Brighton Palace Pier is a Grade-II listed structure, stretching out into the sea. Head to the iconic pier and enjoy arcade games, rollercoasters and of course – fish and chips!
5. The Lanes
Comprised of narrow alleys and avenues, the Lanes are teeming with independent shops, trendy restaurants and traditional pubs. Head to the North Laines to experience the most atmospheric area of Brighton.
Where to travel next after Brighton
If you enjoyed your time in Brighton and want to explore more of the UK, you can easily reach nearby towns and cities by train. To inspire your next trip, here are some of the most popular train journeys from Brighton:
