Getting Around Brighton
Brighton is a compact, walkable city with multiple transport options for visitors. The city centre is pedestrian-friendly, and most attractions are accessible on foot or via short journeys using public transport. Key landmarks like the Clock Tower (at the junction of Dyke Road, West Street, North Street and Western Road) serve as useful navigation points for visitors.
Walking and Cycling
Brighton is highly walkable, particularly the central areas including the Lanes (bounded by North Street, West Street and East Street) and North Laine, which offer shops and attractions within easy reach of the seafront. The city has an expanding cycle network, making bicycles a practical option for getting around, though the area is hilly in places. Bike-sharing is available through BTN BikeShare, which offers pay-by-the-minute electric bike rental at stations across the city.
Rail Services
Brighton has two main railway stations. Brighton Terminus (on Junction Road) is the primary station and the most important in Sussex, serving all major rail routes. London Road station (on Shaftesbury Place) handles local trains to Newhaven via Lewes and serves the northeastern parts of Brighton, though the main station is more centrally located and easier for most visitors to use.
Rail services are operated by Southern and Thameslink under Govia Thameslink Railway. Key services include:
- Express services to London Victoria, taking approximately 51 minutes
- Regular services to London Bridge, Bedford, Cambridge, and other major destinations
- East Coastway Line services to Lewes and Hastings
- West Coastway Line services to Portsmouth Harbour, Southampton Central, and Seaford
Other local railway stations within Brighton and Hove include Preston Park, Hove, Aldrington, Portslade, Fishersgate, London Road, Moulsecoomb, and Falmer, providing additional access points across the city.
Historic Electric Railway
The Volk's Electric Railway, which opened in 1883, runs along the beach from the Palace Pier to Black Rock. It is the world's oldest operating electric railway and offers a distinctive way to travel along the seafront.
Buses
Brighton and Hove has an extensive bus network. The majority of services are operated by Brighton & Hove Buses, a subsidiary of the Go-Ahead Group. Additional services are provided by Stagecoach South (including the Coastliner 700 service along the coast), The Big Lemon (which operates environmentally friendly buses powered by waste cooking oil and batteries), and Compass Travel.
For visitors, buses offer frequent services within the city centre, with real-time information at most stops. Ticket options include single fares or all-day CitySaver passes, which provide better value for visitors planning multiple journeys. Children travel at half price, and pensioners travel free after 9 AM with appropriate identification.
Coaches
National Express operates long-distance coach services from Pool Valley coach station (near the Palace Pier), with routes to London Victoria, Gatwick Airport, Eastbourne, Southampton, Exeter, Plymouth, and various London airports. London General also operates services to Kingston-Upon-Thames and Sutton.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Brighton has numerous taxis operated by both companies and independent drivers. Hackney carriages that can be hailed on the street are painted in a distinctive white and aquamarine livery. Major taxi ranks are located at East Street in the Lanes, the Level in central Brighton, Brunswick Place in Hove, and at both main railway stations.
Getting from Gatwick Airport
Gatwick Airport is the nearest major airport to Brighton. Direct rail services connect Gatwick to Brighton, with journey times as little as 25 minutes. This is the quickest and most practical option for airport transfers by public transport.
National Express coaches also serve Gatwick, with journey times of approximately 30 minutes to Brighton. Coach services offer a competitive alternative to train travel, though trains are generally faster for city centre journeys.
Parking and Driving
Brighton is congested, particularly during peak times, and parking can be difficult to find and expensive. Car parks in the central area typically charge around £1.50 per hour. On-street parking near the seafront (Madeira Drive and Marine Parade) is very limited and charges vary by season.
As an alternative to driving into the city centre, visitors can use Park and Ride services or park at rail stations in surrounding towns such as Worthing, Hassocks, or Lewes, then travel into Brighton by train.
Certain days of the year—including Brighton Festival, Pride week, the Brighton Marathon, and major cycling events—result in road closures in the city centre, making driving inadvisable.
Planning Your Journey
Brighton and Hove Council provides a journey planner to help visitors plan trips using local public transport. For most visitors, a combination of walking, buses, and trains will provide the most practical and cost-effective way to explore the city.