| Main train stations | Brighton station |
| Train companies | Southern, Gatwick Express, Thameslink |
| Main attractions | Brighton Beach, Brighton Pier, The Lanes |
Heading for a sunny day at Brighton Beach? Or visiting this much-loved seaside destination for the weekend? Trains to Brighton take just over an hour from London, so you’ll be enjoying fish and chips on the pier, sunbathing on the famous pebbled beach or wandering around the Lanes in no time.
We’re here to be your one-stop-shop for cheap train tickets, times and info about how to get to Brighton (and the beach) by train. If you want to get straight to booking, start a search for times and tickets above, or keep reading to find out more about trains to Brighton.
How to buy cheap train tickets to Brighton
There are a few ways you can save money on train travel this summer. Some of our top tips for booking cheap train tickets to Brighton include:
Travel Off-Peak
Tickets are usually cheaper to Brighton if you travel during Off-Peak hours. This is normally outside of rush hours during Monday to Friday, and anytime during the weekend. We’ll highlight whether a journey is during Off-Peak train times as your search for tickets.
Book in advance
Train tickets to Brighton normally go on sale around 12 weeks in advance, usually at their cheapest price (although tickets from London are always a set price). If Advance train tickets aren’t on sale yet, why not sign up to our Ticket Alert tool, and we’ll email you as soon as you can buy tickets for your chosen date.
Save up to 1/3 with a Railcard
Railcards can save you to 1/3 on the price of eligible train tickets to Brighton. Costing just £30 for one year, it doesn’t take long to make your money back either. Find out if you qualify for one and buy a Railcard online with us today.
Save up to 34% with GroupSave
If you’re heading to Brighton with three to nine of your favourite pals, we’ll let you know if you qualify for GroupSave when you search. This discount allows groups that are travelling together to save up to 34% on rail fares.
Split your train tickets
Splitting your journey into several sections and buying tickets for each part can sometimes be cheaper than buying a single ticket on longer journeys. Our ticket-splitting app feature, SplitSave, does the hard part for you.
Cheap return tickets to Brighton
If you’re just heading to Brighton for the day and looking for a cheap return ticket, we’ve done the hard work for you and will highlight the cheapest return option for you during your search. If you’re travelling during the weekend for example, a Super Off-Peak Day Return may be your cheapest option. On weekdays, Off-Peak Returns are cheaper and available after 09:30.
Why not check out our train deals and discounts guide to discover the latest offers from train companies you can book with us.
Travelling from London to Brighton (and the beach)
There are plenty of direct trains from London to Brighton every day, and lots of services on the weekend, too.
Which London stations go to Brighton?
There are two main stations in London that trains to Brighton start from – London Victoria and London Blackfriars – however you can also hop on a train to Brighton from London St Pancras, Farringdon, London Bridge and East Croydon.
The quickest way to get from London to Brighton by train is on a Gatwick Express train from Victoria, as it only takes an hour. The slower but slightly cheaper option is a Thameslink service from Blackfriars, which usually takes 1h 15m and offers delightful scenery throughout the journey. Free WiFi is available on Thameslink and Gatwick Express trains.
Getting from the train station to Brighton beach
Once you arrive into Brighton, it’s super easy to get to the beach from the station. The main station exit takes you onto Queens Road – head straight down towards the sea and keep and walking til you reach the beach, it’s around an 11-minute walk.
Popular train journeys to Brighton
Travelling by train is the fastest, easiest and greenest way to get to Brighton from the other UK destinations. Southern and Thameslink services frequently run between London and Brighton, with a journey time of approximately one hour. Have a look at our table below for more information about the most popular routes to Brighton, or start your search for a different station in our Journey Planner at the top of the page.
| Route | Fastest journey | Train operator |
|---|---|---|
| London to Brighton | 52m | Gatwick Express, Thameslink, Southern |
| Bedford to Brighton | 2h 22m | Thameslink |
| Cambridge to Brighton | 2h 25m | Thameslink |
| Bath to Brighton | 3h 17m | Great Western Railway |
| Gatwick Airport to Brighton | 1h 22m | Gatwick Express, Thameslink, Southern |
Visiting Brighton
Brighton is one of the best places to visit for a long weekend break. Approximately eight million tourists visit Brighton each year. A large number of these will head straight for Brighton Pier, arguably the town’s best-known landmark, in the summer. Classic fairground rides including bumper cars and a helter-skelter are situated at the end of the pier, as well as a games arcade for family fun on rainy and sunny days.
Sea Life Brighton is another tourist favourite. Devised by the same engineer who built the city’s now-defunct West Pier, the aquarium first opened to the public in August of 1872. Today the aquarium brings ocean enthusiasts young and old face to face with sharks and stingrays and a variety of other marine life.
Architecture lovers will be enchanted by the Royal Pavilion. Commissioned by Prince George, the Pavilion was built in the early 19th century and sold to the town of Brighton in 1850. Nowadays, visitors are able to truly appreciate the building’s Regency design and Indian inspired architecture. The Pavilion also holds a number of exhibitions and events throughout the year.
Before you head home, visit Brighton’s famous Lanes shopping area. These winding streets are a haven of independent shops and quirky boutiques, making it the perfect spot to source a unique memento of your trip.
The best time to visit Brighton is undoubtedly in the summer months, but if you're planning on staying a few nights, this is often the most expensive time of year for accommodation. Fortunately, many of the train ticket prices to Brighton from the major towns and cities don't fluctuate with demand (and the rising summer temperatures) - this usually just depends on the time of day you travel.
Frequently asked questions
What's the main train station in Brighton?
The main train station in Brighton is Brighton station. It's located in the city, not far from the beach and The Lanes.
Which train companies run trains to Brighton?
There are a number of trains companies in the UK that operate trains to Brighton, including Thameslink, Southern and the Gatwick Express.
How can I get cheap train tickets to Brighton?
It’s easy to grab yourself cheap train tickets to Brighton. We’d recommend using a Railcard, buying your ticket in advance or travelling during Off-Peak hours if you can. Read our cheap train tickets guide to find out more.
How do I get to Brighton beach by train?
It only takes 11 minutes to walk from Brighton station to the beach. Simply head out of the station and walk down Queens Road to the very end, where you'll see the beach right in front of you.
Are trains running to Brighton?
Trains run frequently almost every day to Brighton, although there may be less services during the weekends and bank holidays. Check our live train times for up-to-date information on trains to Brighton.
Can I use my Railcard to save up to 1/3 on my trip to Brighton?
Yes, there are several types of Railcards you can use to save up to 1/3 on your trip to Brighton, these include:
- Network Railcard (London & South East Travel Zone)
- Two-Together Railcard (Great for couples and friends who always travel together)
- 16-17 Saver (You can save up to 50% with this one)
- 16-25 Railcard (Ideal for students)
- 26-30 Railcard (Also known as the Millennial Railcard)
- Senior Railcard (For those aged 60 and over)
- Family & Friends Railcard (Great for families of up to 4 adults with up to 4 kids)
- Disabled Persons Railcard (If travelling with another adult they can save too)
Having a Railcard means you can use it whenever you want outside of Peak times for a whole year too.