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Trip Summary
There are 5 daily trains from Brighton to Manchester. Traveling by train from Brighton to Manchester usually takes around 4 hours and 1 minute, but the fastest Gatwick Express train can make the trip in 3 hours and 56 minutes.
| Distance | 204 mi (329 km) |
| Fastest train | 3h 56m |
| Lowest price | €58.45 |
| Most frequent service | Gatwick Express |
| Train lines | 1 |
Which train should you take from Brighton to Manchester?
Gatwick Express is the one and only train line which connects Brighton to Manchester. However, there are 5 trains per day to choose from.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gatwick Express | 5 | 4h 1m | €63.54 |
The Gatwick Express is a train service that provides direct travel between Victoria station and Gatwick Airport railway station, with intermediate stops at Haywards Heath, Burgess Hill, Hassocks, and Preston Park. The trains operate on a half-hourly schedule and provide standard, non-reserved seating as well as first-class compartments. The trains also offer additional luggage storage spaces and free WiFi for passengers.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Brighton and Manchester is approximately 204 miles, or 329 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 4 hours and 1 minute, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 3 hours and 56 minutes.
Looking for ways to pass the time? Most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, which means you can stream music, browse social media or get some work done during your ride. That said, in case your train has a spotty signal, or is among the few without Wi-Fi, we also recommend downloading TV shows and movies to your mobile device in advance of your trip. That way the ride will fly by whatever the Wi-Fi situation.
Trains from Brighton to Manchester are the most crowded on Saturday. Tickets also tend to be more expensive then. If you are looking for a great deal on your train tickets or just want extra room to stretch out, consider traveling on Saturday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
The earliest train departs Brighton at 05:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 14:00. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
There are 5 scheduled trains on most days. Unfortunately, none of them are direct connections, so you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train during your journey. Don't forget to bring your carry-on luggage when you switch trains. In some instances, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Manchester to Brighton.
City Information
Brighton
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Set between the countryside and the sea, Brighton is a colourful town that attracts visitors year-round, but especially in the summer. There are breathtaking landmarks as well as fantastic beachfront properties that ensure your Brighton vacation is as exciting or relaxing as you choose.
Two of the most iconic attractions in the city are the British Airways i360 and Royal Pavilion. The Royal Pavilion palace boasts Chinese- and Indian-inspired interiors and exteriors. The British Airways i360 offers a more modern view, serving as an observation tower and showcase of gliding engineering. Inside a glass-walled pod, you can glide 450 feet high and enjoy 360-degree views of Brighton.
Visit the Brighton Palace Pier and Sea Life Brighton for some outdoor family fun. Brighton Palace Pier offers beachfront rides and many other activities and food and drinks for the entire family to enjoy. Next door, Sea Life Brighton introduces kids to sea creatures of all types, including a shark that swims in an underwater tunnel.
Brighton is packed with fab restaurants, hip bars, and cosy pubs. What's more, Brighton is a Gold Award recipient for being one of England's most sustainable food places. Some of the top places to eat are Socialite, No. 1 Bar and Bistro, The Set Restaurant, and The Great Globalls.
There is a small Brighton City Airport, but the closest major airport is London Gatwick, located in Crawley; you can take a coach or train from Gatwick to Brighton. Brighton's train service is available on Gatwick Express, Southern, or Thameslink trains. If you prefer to take a coach, hop on National Express, which runs 40 routes in the area.
Manchester
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Most recognizable for its world-famous football team, Manchester is a modern, vibrant city with a diverse range of attractions that will appeal to explorers of all kinds. Often referred to as "The Capital of the North," Manchester is also known for being the birthplace of the industrial revolution. Visitors can relive this booming era by taking a trip to the Science and Industry Museum to see how this previously small town changed the world's ideas of industry and manufacturing forever. These days, Manchester is famous for its music and art scene, with it being the birthplace of bands like The Smiths and Oasis.
Art and music-lovers may want to visit Afflecks, a vast and eclectic emporium of all things indie and grunge, to purchase records, artwork, and memorabilia, among many other things. Manchester is also home to 15 parks and gardens, with Fletcher Moss Park and Botanical Gardens among the most popular. This park provides a beautiful setting for picnics and scenic walks, perfect for when you need an escape from the bustling city.
And if you really are only here for Man U, both Old Trafford and Etihad Stadium are stops on our itinerary to visit every premier league stadium in England.
With three large train stations—Piccadilly, Oxford Road, and Victoria—Manchester is easily accessible via rail. National Express and Megabus coaches also allow access from all over the country. In addition, Manchester Airport houses three large terminals, which provide global entry to the city.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Brighton?
Main departure station: 11 Terminus Rd
There is one train station in Brighton.
All train stations in Brighton:
11 Terminus Rd
Where is the train station in Manchester?
Main arrival station: Manchester Piccadilly Station
Manchester has one train station.
Train stations in Manchester:
Manchester Piccadilly Station
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Need a return trip from Manchester to Brighton?
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