Brighton
Getting around Brighton: public transport, passes and taxis
Most visitors should walk: central Brighton and the seafront are compact, and the pier, Lanes and i360 sit within about 25 minutes on foot. Use Brighton & Hove buses for Hove, Kemptown and the Marina, and the train for the i360-free hops to Lewes, Eastbourne or Gatwick. Taxis only for late nights or luggage.
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GuideBrighton
Key facts
- Best default
- Walk in the centre; bus for Hove, Kemptown and the Marina
- Bus farecheck
- Single about £2.80–3.20 contactless; day ticket about £5.50–6.50 (2026 estimate, check)
- Bus pass
- Brighton & Hove 'networkSAVER' day and weekly tickets; buy on the app or from the driver
- Train
- Brighton station to London Victoria about 1 h; to Gatwick about 30 min
- Taxi
- Metered hackney carriages from ranks; ride-hailing apps also operate
- Parkingcheck
- Central on-street parking is permit-only or expensive; use a multi-storey or park-and-ride (check)
- Cycling
- Seafront cycle path and city bike hire; helmets not required for adults
Quick answer
Brighton is a walking city. The station, North Laine, the Lanes, the pier and the seafront are all within roughly 30 minutes of each other on foot, and the seafront promenade is flat and easy. For anything beyond that — Hove, Kemptown, the Marina, Preston Park — take a Brighton & Hove bus. The train is the right tool for day trips along the coast and to Gatwick or London.
If you are only in town for a day or two, you can skip passes entirely and pay contactless per bus ride. If you are staying three days or more and moving around, a day or weekly bus ticket usually pays for itself.
Options at a glance
Prices are 2026 estimates and change; check the operator before you travel.
| Mode | Best for | Typical cost | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walk | Centre, Lanes, pier, seafront | Free | 10–30 min between sights |
| Brighton & Hove bus | Hove, Kemptown, Marina, Preston Park | £2.80–3.20 single; £5.50–6.50 day (check) | 10–25 min typical hop |
| Train | Lewes, Eastbourne, Gatwick, London | £4–10 local; £20–40 to London advance | 15 min to Lewes; ~1 h to London |
| Taxi / ride-hailing | Late nights, luggage, groups | £8–15 short central trip | 5–15 min |
| Bike hire | Seafront and Hove run | About £3–5 per 30 min (check) | Varies |
| Car | Day trips to the South Downs | £40–90 per day plus parking (check) | Traffic-dependent |
Detail
Buses: Brighton & Hove Buses runs most city routes, with frequent services along the seafront and through the centre. Pay the driver with contactless or a card, or use the operator's app. Exact change is not required on contactless, but cash may be. Day and weekly tickets (networkSAVER and similar) are sold on the app and sometimes by the driver — check which is available on your route.
Trains: Brighton station is the hub for the south coast. Southern and Thameslink run services to London Victoria, London Bridge, Gatwick Airport, Lewes, Eastbourne and Hastings. Advance tickets to London are much cheaper than walk-up fares, and a railcard can cut the price further. For local hops, buy at the station or on the app.
Taxis and ride-hailing: hackney carriages wait at ranks near the station and the seafront; ride-hailing apps also operate in the city. Fares are metered, and late-night surcharges are common. For groups or heavy luggage, a taxi is often simpler than a bus.
Cycling: the seafront has a shared path, and bike hire is available in the centre. Brighton is hilly away from the coast, so plan routes accordingly.
Driving: central parking is limited and expensive, and many streets are permit-only. For day trips to the South Downs or Seven Sisters, a car helps, but park on the edge of the city or use a park-and-ride where available — check current schemes.
Costs
Budget roughly £6–8 per person per day if you use buses several times, or £10–15 if you mix buses and a short train hop. A taxi across the centre is usually £8–15. Parking in a multi-storey can run £10–20 for a few hours — check the specific car park.
If you are heading to Gatwick or London, book train tickets in advance; walk-up fares are significantly higher.
Tips
- Tap the same card or phone for every bus ride so daily capping, where offered, applies.
- The seafront is flat and walkable; the North Laine and Lanes are best explored on foot.
- For Hove and Kemptown, buses are frequent and usually quicker than walking.
- Check last train times if you are returning from a day trip; coastal services thin out in the evening.
- If you are arriving by air, see the airport transfer page for the best route into the city.
FAQ
Sources
Questions people ask
What is the best way to get around Brighton?
Walk in the centre — the pier, Lanes and seafront are close together. Use Brighton & Hove buses for Hove, Kemptown and the Marina, and trains for day trips to Lewes, Eastbourne, Gatwick or London.
Is there a transit pass for Brighton?
Brighton & Hove Buses sells day and weekly tickets (networkSAVER and similar) on its app and sometimes from the driver. If you ride three or more times a day, a day ticket usually costs less than singles — check current prices.
Are taxis or ride-hailing better in Brighton?
Both work. Hackney carriages wait at ranks near the station and seafront; ride-hailing apps also operate. Taxis are easier for groups, luggage or late nights; buses are cheaper for short hops.
Do I need a car in Brighton?
No for the city — parking is limited and expensive. A car helps for day trips to the South Downs or Seven Sisters, but check park-and-ride options and parking costs first.
How do I get from Brighton to Gatwick or London?
Trains from Brighton station run to Gatwick Airport in about 30 minutes and to London in about an hour. Advance tickets are much cheaper than walk-up fares — book ahead.
Deep dive
Every source; changeable facts are marked check
Sources
- officialBrighton & Hove Buses
- officialNational Rail
- officialVisit Brighton
- secondaryWikivoyage – Brighton