London to Brighton train
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Trip Summary
There are 19 daily trains from London to Brighton. Traveling by train from London to Brighton usually takes around one hour and 17 minutes, but the fastest Southern train can make the trip in 54 minutes.
| Distance | 47 mi (76 km) |
| Fastest train | 0h 54m |
| Lowest price | $6.93 |
| Trains per day | 29 |
| Most frequent service | Thameslink |
| Train lines | 3 |
Train service from London to Brighton
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from London to Brighton?
In the last month, $10.40 was the average price of a train ticket from London to Brighton. This is about as inexpensive as train tickets ever get. You can expect to find tickets at that price or lower if you book your trip at least 15 days in advance. Otherwise, expect to pay around $29.59 more than that for a same-day booking.
Monthly average prices
If you are trying to decide when to travel from London to Brighton by train so you can score the best possible deal, your best bet would be to plan your trip for November. That’s when the average price for a train ticket is expected to be just $25 – the lowest of the year.
Alternatively, if you plan to travel from London to Brighton in March, expect to spend more on your train trip, as the average ticket price usually surges to $37 at that time of year. However, if you book your trip ahead of time, you have a high chance of scoring a ticket at a lower price.
Which train should you take from London to Brighton?
There are 3 train lines with service from London to Brighton. Thameslink is the most popular choice with travelers, offering scheduled service on 12 trains each day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gatwick Express | 7 | 1h 0m | $42.36 |
| Southern | 6 | 1h 8m | $24.38 |
| Thameslink | 12 | 1h 23m | $30.42 |
Gatwick Express
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.
Southern
Southern Railway is part of the British rail network serving stations predominantly between central London and the British south coast. Destinations include Brighton, Gatwick Airport, and Worthing. WiFi and accessible restrooms are available on most trains, plus the option to upgrade to a first-class ticket with extra legroom.
Thameslink
Thameslink services run 24 hours a day with trains usually every 20-30 minutes, and coverage through Kent, Surrey, and Hertfordshire, with popular service to London. Thameslink has separate first-class cars, and standard-class seating may be standing room only during peak hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to travel by train from London to Brighton during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Our train partners have implemented several different policies to keep you safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. From limiting vehicle capacity to enhancing cleaning protocols and upgrading air filters, train carriers are committed to maintaining a safe environment. For details on what each company is doing to ensure their fleet remains safe for travel, click here.
Although masks are no longer required on public transportation, we stand behind CDC guidelines that encourage passengers to wear a mask over their nose and mouth while on the train or in stations.
Please visit our COVID-19 Travel Guide for more information on all carrier policies and the latest travel advisories issued by every U.S. state, Canadian province, and European country.
How long is the train journey from London to Brighton?
When are trains the most crowded?
Trains departing from London to Brighton tend to have the most passengers on Thursday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Thursday. If you are trying to snag a cheap train tickets or just want an emptier train you'll have better luck by booking travel departing on Tuesday as the least number of people tend to travel then.
When are the first and last trains of the day?
The earliest train departs London at 4:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 2:00pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
Is there a direct train from London to Brighton?
There are 19 scheduled trains on most days. 29 of these are direct connections to Brighton. While direct trains may still make stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains at any point. If you're looking to get to your destination faster, a direct train is the convenient and time-efficient choice.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Brighton to London.
City Information
London
One of the most important cities in the world, London is where the traditional blends seamlessly with the modern. As a vibrant modern city, London has something for everyone. For visitors interested in the Royal Family as well as their history, check out Buckingham Palace. The palace is open all days in summer, but only on selected days in winter. The Tower of London, where the crown jewels are put on exhibition, is also a great spot to check out. For fans of history, you might not want to miss out on the famous British Museum, considered by many to be the best museum in all of London. The museum currently carries an impressive collection of 8 million historic objects from all around the world, making it an eye-opening destination for many.
London’s food scene reflects its multiculturalism. Here you can find restaurants serving cuisines from various countries around the world, from India to Malaysia. If you opt for a lavish dining experience, Restaurant Gordon Ramsay, run by the famous chef himself, will be a great choice. Also don’t forget to stop by at a local pub and enjoy the beer like a true Londoner.
The city’s centers of intercity rail services are King’s Cross Station and Euston Station, from which you can take a train to other places in the UK or hop on the Eurostar train to Paris and beyond. The largest coach station in the city is Victoria Coach Station, serving big local carriers like National Express. The city’s air services are fulfilled by eight airports, of which London Heathrow Airport, located west of the city, is the busiest one.
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 London?
Main departure station: London Bridge Station
Because some trains make multiple stops before leaving the city, there are 9 stops and stations in London where you can board the train.
All train stations in London:
London Bridge Station
Victoria Rail Station
West Hampstead Thameslink Station
City Thameslink
Clapham Junction
Cricklewood
Mill Hill Broadway Station
Kentish Town Station
Finsbury Park
Where is the train station in Brighton?
Main arrival station: Preston Park Station
Brighton receives travelers from London at its two active train stations.
All train stations in Brighton:
Preston Park Station
11 Terminus Rd
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