Brighton

How to Get to Brighton

Brighton is easily accessible for international visitors. The key is knowing which transport hub to use and how to handle ticketing.

From Airport (London Gatwick - LGW) London Gatwick is the nearest major airport and the most convenient gateway to Brighton.

• Train: Take the direct Thameslink, Southern, or Gatwick Express train services from the Gatwick Airport station. Trains run frequently throughout the day.
  • Journey Time: Approximately 30–40 minutes.
  • Cost: Expect to pay between €14 and €32 (£12–£27) for a one-way ticket, depending on the time of day and how far in advance you book.
  • Tickets: Purchase tickets at the airport station using the self-service machines (select the "English" language option; they accept credit/debit cards and contactless payment). Alternatively, use the Trainline app or official operator websites to book in advance for cheaper "Advance" fares.
  • Important: You do not need to worry about "zones" for this specific journey as it is a direct intercity route.

From City Center Brighton is compact and highly walkable, but local buses are excellent for reaching further areas.

• Bus: The Brighton & Hove Bus network serves the entire city.
  • Options: Almost all city-center bus stops are well-connected. Routes like the 25 (linking the city to the University/Falmer area) or the 12/12X (coastal routes) are frequent.
  • Payment: You do not need exact change. You can pay via contactless credit/debit card, Apple Pay, or Google Wallet by tapping on the reader when you board.

By Taxi

• Cost/Time: A taxi from Gatwick Airport to Brighton city center typically takes about 35–45 minutes and costs approximately €85–€100 (£70–£85). Pre-booking a private hire vehicle is often cheaper than taking a black cab from the taxi rank.

Brighton Station is a classic terminus, meaning all tracks end here; trains arrive from the north and depart back the way they came. It features a straightforward, single-level layout with 8 platforms, numbered 1 to 8 from west to east. Because the station is compact, you will not need to worry about complex level changes or long underground tunnels. Think of it as a fan-shaped arrival point: once you step off your train, you are already on the main concourse level, and the station exit is directly ahead of you.

The platform numbering is sequential, and the layout is very consistent. Platforms 1 and 2 are primarily dedicated to West Coastway services, heading toward Hove, Worthing, and Portsmouth. Platform 3 is the most versatile, as it can accommodate trains from all three lines—the Brighton Main Line, West Coastway, and East Coastway—making it a busy spot for various departures. Platforms 4 through 8 generally serve the Brighton Main Line (including Gatwick Express and Thameslink services to London) and East Coastway routes to Lewes, Seaford, and Eastbourne.

Because there are only 8 platforms in one row, navigating the station is quite simple, even for a first-time visitor. The entire walk from the furthest platform (Platform 1 or 8) to the main station entrance takes only a few minutes, even with luggage. The station is fully accessible, with step-free level access across the entire concourse. If you have mobility needs or heavy bags, the station is designed to be easily navigated without requiring stairs or elevators to move between platforms.

The most important tip for a first-timer is to simply follow the clear signage on the main concourse once you pass through the ticket barriers. Since the station is a terminus, you cannot walk "through" to another platform; you must head toward the concourse to reach the exit or to navigate to a different platform. If you find yourself needing assistance, the main information point and the staff-assisted meeting point are located centrally on the concourse, right outside the WH Smith store. It is a functional, efficient hub that is designed to get you from your train to the seaside city center as quickly as possible.

Tips for First-Time Visitors: Brighton Station

I wish someone had told me how straightforward Brighton Station is compared to London’s massive hubs. Don’t worry, but do take note of these tips to ensure a smooth arrival.

Before You Arrive

• Download the Trainline app: It is the most reliable way to book tickets, check live platform changes, and track your journey. You can keep your digital ticket in your phone’s wallet, which makes passing through the automated ticket gates much faster.
• Buy tickets online: Avoid the station queues by purchasing your tickets in advance via the app. If you are traveling from London, remember that Brighton is outside the London Transport zones, so your Oyster card will not work for the journey.
• Check for engineering works: Especially if you are traveling on a Sunday, always check for planned rail strikes or engineering work on the National Rail website before you commit to your travel plans.

At the Station

• Facilities: You will find an M&S Simply Food inside the station, which is perfect for grabbing snacks or drinks before heading out. ATMs are available on the main concourse.
• Toilets: Public toilets are located near Platform 1. They are accessible, but it is always wise to keep a few coins handy just in case, though many major stations are moving toward card-only or free access.
• Accessibility: Brighton is a Category A station, meaning it has step-free access throughout. If you have heavy luggage, look for the larger automated gates at the ticket barrier to make your exit easier.
• Staff assistance: If you need help, the Assistance Meeting Point is conveniently located on the concourse right outside the WH Smith store.

Common Mistakes

• Don't ignore the platform signs: While the station is easy to navigate, platforms can change. Check the departure boards 20–30 minutes before your train, not hours in advance.
• Don't rely on onboard Wi-Fi: It can be very patchy or unreliable. Download your maps and tickets while you are still on the station concourse using the free station Wi-Fi.

Terminus station serving Brighton, United Kingdom. Originally constructed in 1841, the station is a Grade II* listed architectural landmark, recognized for its historic train sheds. It functions as a primary hub for the region, connecting travelers via local and regional services operated by Southern, Gatwick Express, and Thameslink. With over 15.3 million passengers annually, it remains one of the busiest railway stations in the country outside of London.

If you are a first-time visitor, you may find the station layout straightforward. It features eight platforms, all located on a single level, making it easier to navigate than larger, multi-level interchanges. While the station is significant in size, it is well-signposted with clear English-language displays throughout the concourse.

To ensure a smooth journey, allow extra time for your arrival, especially during peak hours or match days when specific queuing systems may be in place. Be aware that platform assignments can change frequently; check the digital departure boards 30 to 60 minutes before your scheduled departure to confirm your platform number. The station is fully accessible, and staff are available to assist if you feel uncertain about your connection.