The back story 1
In-depth stories behind the list.
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The back story
Brighton by rail: the back story
Brighton station at the top of the town, trains to London, Gatwick and along the coast, and the ferry from Newhaven to Dieppe.
11 of the best · Brighton & Hove, United Kingdom
Getting to and Around Brighton
About an hour from central London by train, about 30 minutes from Gatwick, buses to the Downs and the coast, bike share, coaches and the ferry to France.
Our 11 favourites, listed A–Z · Updated October 2026
What's onThis week in Brighton
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Insiders' picks
Three of our favourites from this list, vetted by people who know and love Brighton.
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The back story
Brighton by rail: the back story
Brighton station at the top of the town, trains to London, Gatwick and along the coast, and the ferry from Newhaven to Dieppe.
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The main station
Brighton station
The city’s main station, at the top of Queens Road, with trains to London, Gatwick and the coast.
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Buses across the city and to the Downs
Brighton & Hove Buses
The city’s main bus company, including the Coaster along the coast and buses up to the Downs.
The full list: Getting Around, A–Z
Neighbourhood
Trains 4
London, Gatwick and the coast.
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The main station
Brighton station
The city’s main station, at the top of Queens Road, with trains to London, Gatwick and the coast.
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Gatwick and Victoria
Gatwick Express
Direct trains linking Gatwick Airport with London Victoria, some of which run to and from Brighton.
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To Victoria and the coast
Southern
Trains from Brighton to London Victoria, Gatwick and along the Sussex coast.
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Through London
Thameslink
Trains from Brighton through central London to St Pancras International and beyond.
Airports 1
Gatwick and beyond.
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The nearest airport
Gatwick Airport
London Gatwick, the nearest airport to Brighton, with direct trains from Brighton station.
Around the city 4
Buses and bikes.
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Buses across the city and to the Downs
Brighton & Hove Buses
The city’s main bus company, including the Coaster along the coast and buses up to the Downs.
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Coaches to London and the airports
National Express
Coaches from Brighton to London, the airports and around the country.
By sea 1
To France.
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To France
DFDS: Newhaven to Dieppe
Ferries across the Channel from Newhaven, east of Brighton, to Dieppe in Normandy.
Explore more of Brighton
30 of the best Restaurants
11 of the best Cafés
18 of the best Bars & Pubs
13 of the best Hotels17 of the best Sights28 of the best Arts & Culture4 of the best Cinema
12 of the best Parks10 of the best Walks
14 of the best Shopping
7 of the best Health6 of the best Property5 of the best Developments5 of the best MotoringHomes & Gardens North of EnglandHomes & Gardens East of EnglandHomes & Gardens South of EnglandHomes & Gardens West of England