Travel · By rail
Brighton by rail: London, Gatwick and the Sussex coast
Brighton is by the sea and about an hour from central London. Here is how to use its railway, with times from the National Rail journey planner, checked on 26 October 2026, given as “about”.
Updated October 2026
To London in about an hour
Southern runs direct to London Victoria, and Thameslink through London Bridge, Blackfriars, Farringdon and St Pancras International, for the Eurostar. On the way, the line crosses the Ouse Valley Viaduct near Balcombe.
The ULTIMATE London City Guide
Along the coast
East Coastway trains run to Lewes and Eastbourne; West Coastway trains to Hove, Shoreham, Worthing and Chichester. Most Arundel journeys change on the way: check the timetable.
Lewes & Glyndebourne Eastbourne & the Seven Sisters Arundel & Amberley Chichester
Tickets
Buy tickets on the train companies’ own sites and apps (Southern, Thameslink) or at the station; check times on nationalrail.co.uk.
The great train journeys
See ULTIMATE Rail Journeys for the great railway journeys of Britain and the world.
Questions and answers
How long is the train from Brighton to London?
About an hour direct to London Victoria or London Bridge (National Rail, checked on 26 October 2026).
Is there a direct train from Brighton to St Pancras?
Yes: Thameslink, about 1 hour 15.
How do I get to Lewes?
By direct train, about 15 minutes.
Times from the National Rail journey planner for a weekday in November 2026; they vary by time of day. Always check before you travel.