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Trip Summary
8 trains operate daily from Cardiff to Brighton. The train trip from Cardiff to Brighton is usually about 4 hours and 46 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Great Western Railway + Connections train can get you there in as little as 4 hours and 6 minutes.
| Distance | 140 mi (225 km) |
| Fastest train | 4h 6m |
| Lowest price | $32.58 |
| Most frequent service | Great Western Railway + Connections |
| Train lines | 1 |
Which train should you take from Cardiff to Brighton?
Great Western Railway + Connections is the one and only train line which connects Cardiff to Brighton. However, there are 8 trains per day to choose from.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Great Western Railway + Connections | 8 | 4h 46m | $51.70 |
Great Western Railway + Connections train tickets from Cardiff to Brighton start from $33, and on average cost . Daily there are 8 Great Western Railway + Connections schedules to Brighton. Great Western Railway + Connections in Cardiff leaves from Cardiff Central . And in Brighton trains arrive at Brighton Station .
From Cardiff to Brighton train travel on Great Western Railway + Connections takes 4 hours and 46 minutes. If you are looking to get to Brighton faster, Great Western Railway + Connections offers more express schedule options with a travel time of 4 hours and 6 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Cardiff and Brighton is approximately 140 miles, or 225 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 4 hours and 46 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 4 hours and 6 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.
On a weekly basis, the greatest number of passengers tend to travel by trains from Cardiff to Brighton on Saturday. Tickets for Saturday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Saturday. Saturday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.
The earliest train departs Cardiff at 6:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 9:00pm. 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 8 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 Brighton to Cardiff.
City Information
Cardiff
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Cardiff is the capital of Wales, as well as its largest city. Although the city was initially founded as a Roman fort, Cardiff has glided effortlessly into the 21st century, offering tourists a diverse mix of old and new.
Looking to explore the city's history? Cardiff Castle at the heart of the city makes for an exciting day out, where visitors can learn about the fascinating 2,000 years of history that the castle represents.
If the castle gets you in the mood to explore more history, the St Fagans National Museum of History will surely satisfy your historical appetite. As one of Europe's leading open-air museums, the museum offers historical attractions that detail history back to the Celtic era.
For those seeking a more modern experience, Cardiff boasts a fantastic selection of shops and cafes, with Cardiff Central Market as the top choice for retail therapy.
Cardiff has excellent transport links, making it an easy place to visit no matter where you're coming from. Cardiff Airport provides access for visitors traveling from off the island, while high-speed rail services make access to and from London simple. Cardiff Central Station also offers direct routes from Bristol, Bath, Manchester, Nottingham, as well as other main cities and towns.
Brighton
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Set between the countryside and the sea, Brighton is a colorful 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 cozy 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 bus or train from Gatwick to Brighton. Brighton's train service is available on Gatwick Express, Southern, or Thameslink trains. If you prefer to take the bus, hop on National Express, which runs 40 routes in the area.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Cardiff?
Image credit: Hugh Llewelyn
Link to image attributionMain departure station: Cardiff Central
Cardiff Central Station is the largest and busiest rail terminal in Wales and one of two primary train stations in Cardiff. A registered historic building, it first opened in 1850 but is known for its art deco concourse and north entrance, both added in the 1930s. Most facilities are in the main concourse, including ATMs, food outlets, and a newsagent. Transport for Wales operates services to south, central, and north Wales, while Cross Country runs hourly services to Gloucester, Birmingham, and Derby. Great Western operates the route to London Paddington via Bristol Parkway.
All train stations in Cardiff:
Cardiff Central
Where is the train station in Brighton?
Image credit: Paul Wilkinson
Link to image attributionMain arrival station: Brighton Station
Brighton Railway Station is the southern terminus of several of Southern Railway's lines and the Thameslink route from Bedford. Great Western Railway and Gatwick Express also operate trains that stop in Brighton. The original station was built in 1840 but has since been expanded several times to accommodate the current eight platforms. The vast station includes several retail shops, dining options, and a travel information office. Outside the station, travelers will find several bus stops, a taxi stand, and an expansive cycle hub to accommodate bicycle storage and repair.
All train stations in Brighton:
Brighton Station
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