The Brighton to London train route is one of the busiest commuter and leisure lines in southern England. With fast, frequent services into multiple London terminals, it’s the most convenient way to travel between the coast and the capital for work, shopping, events, and day trips.
1. Journey Overview
- Fastest journey: ~52 minutes
- Typical journey time: 55–70 minutes
- Distance: ~51 miles (82 km)
- Direct trains: Yes — very frequent
- Frequency: Up to 6–8 trains per hour across operators
- Main operators: Thameslink, Southern, Gatwick Express (limited)
2. Major Stations
Brighton Station
Located in the city centre with easy access to buses, shops and the seafront. Facilities include cafés, ticket offices and cycle parking.
London Terminals
Brighton trains operate into multiple London stations:
- London Victoria – Fastest Southern services
- London Bridge – Thameslink services with connections across the city
- London St Pancras International – Thameslink northbound extensions
For onward travel to northern destinations, see the London to Manchester train guide, or for Scotland, the London to Edinburgh train guide.
3. Route Highlights
The Brighton Main Line passes through key stations including:
- Gatwick Airport
- Haywards Heath
- Three Bridges
- East Croydon
Trains are extremely frequent and popular for both commuting and leisure travel.
4. Onboard Experience
- Wi-Fi available on most trains
- Power sockets on selected newer units
- Air-conditioned carriages on Thameslink and many Southern services
- Fast luggage storage options for airport travellers
5. Best Time to Travel
- Peak (very busy): Weekday mornings and late afternoons
- Off-peak: Cheaper and significantly quieter
- Weekends: Popular for leisure travel, especially summer
6. Ticket Tips
- Off-Peak Day Return tickets are excellent value for most travellers
- Railcards provide up to 33% off fares
- Gatwick Express offers non-stop premium services between Brighton and the airport
- Thameslink often has lower fares outside peak periods
- Consider contactless or Oyster for travel within London zones after arrival
7. Connections & Extensions
You can easily continue your journey beyond London:
- To reach the Midlands, see the London to Birmingham train guide.
- For travel to the northwest, consult the London to Manchester train guide.
- To head towards the south coast or Kent, transfer via London Bridge or Victoria.
8. Why Choose the Train?
- Fastest and easiest Brighton–London travel method
- Multiple London terminals offering excellent city connections
- Frequent departures all day long
- Ideal for commuters, shoppers, event-goers and day trips
Part of our Train Routes in the UK series.