Brighton airport to city centre: trains, buses, taxis and costs

Brighton sits on the Brighton Main Line, so the train is the default from Gatwick and from London. Coaches are cheaper but slower and drop you near the seafront rather than at the station. Taxis are the fallback for late arrivals.

Every time and fare below is a 2026 estimate to check, not a quote: they move with the time of day, how far ahead you book and traffic.

Gatwick Airport station serves the terminals, with a shuttle link between them (check). Southern and Thameslink run direct services to Brighton through the day; the journey is roughly 30 minutes (check). Buy at the station machines or contactless where accepted; advance tickets are cheaper on longer runs from London.

From Heathrow, take the Piccadilly line or Elizabeth line into London and change at Victoria or Farringdon for a Brighton train, or go via Reading and Clapham Junction. Allow 2–2.5 hours door to door (check). From Southampton, services usually change at Barnham or Clapham Junction (check).

Brighton station is at the top of the city centre, a downhill walk to the seafront and pier area, or a few minutes by local bus or taxi (check).

National Express and Megabus run coaches from Heathrow and central London to Brighton, usually stopping near the seafront rather than at the station (check). They are the cheapest option and can be booked in advance, but motorway traffic makes journey times unpredictable, especially on summer weekends.

Local buses run between the Gatwick area and Brighton, but they are slow and not aimed at airport arrivals; the train is almost always better (check).

A metered taxi or pre-booked private hire from Gatwick to Brighton takes 40–60 minutes outside peak traffic and costs roughly £60–90 (check). Late at night, when trains thin out, this is the practical choice. From Heathrow the fare is much higher and the train usually wins.

Ride-hailing apps operate in Brighton, but airport pickups have rules about where drivers can wait; follow the signs in the terminal (check). Always agree the price or confirm the meter before setting off.

The train from Gatwick is the cheapest sensible option; a taxi costs several times more. From Heathrow, the coach undercuts the train but adds time. Budget for a local bus or a short taxi once you reach Brighton station if you have luggage.

If you land at Gatwick, do not book a taxi in advance unless you arrive after the last convenient train; the station is at the airport and trains are frequent (check).

Travelling with heavy bags? The walk from Brighton station down to the seafront is downhill but cobbled in places; a short bus or taxi ride is worth it (check).

Check the day's timetable before a late flight: Sunday and late-evening services are less frequent.

Contactless bank cards work on many UK trains, but not all routes to Brighton; buy a paper or digital ticket if unsure (check).