A Scenic Bus Journey: London To Brighton

There are several ways to travel from London to Brighton, including by train, bus, rideshare, or car. The fastest way to get from London to Brighton is by train, which takes around 1 hour 15 minutes and costs $22-$70. The cheapest way to get from London to Brighton is by rideshare, which costs $5-$14 and takes around 1 hour 35 minutes. The bus journey from London to Brighton takes on average 2 hours 55 minutes, with the fastest journey taking 2 hours 35 minutes.

Average bus duration

The average bus duration from London to Brighton is around 2 hours and 55 minutes. However, the duration can vary depending on factors such as traffic and the time of day. The fastest bus service can arrive in as little as 1 hour and 48 minutes, while some journeys can take up to 3 hours and 40 minutes.

There are multiple bus companies that service this route, including National Express, which offers tickets starting at £9. The first bus from London to Brighton typically departs around 1:30 am, and the last bus departs at 11:59 pm.

The distance between London and Brighton is approximately 47 to 54 miles, and the journey by bus offers a cost-effective way to travel between the two cities.

Bus prices

The bus is a great option for budget travellers looking to get from London to Brighton. The average National Express ticket costs around $7.50, but tickets can be as cheap as $6 if you book in advance for a weekday. Tickets can be purchased on the National Express website, with fares starting at £9. You can also buy tickets on board from the driver or from a local ticket agent in some areas. Contactless payments are also available on all buses.

The National Express coach departs from London Victoria Coach Station, which is served by the Victoria Line, the District Line, and the Circle Line. The coach station is also accessible via the nearby Victoria Rail Station, just 300 metres away.

The journey from London to Brighton by bus takes a minimum of two hours and 11 minutes, but can sometimes take up to three hours and 40 minutes.

For those looking for unlimited bus travel around the Brighton & Hove area, the Brighton & Hove PlusBus ticket is a great option. This ticket can be purchased with your train ticket and is accepted on all Brighton & Hove Night Buses until 04:30.

Students and apprentices can also take advantage of discounts, with up to a 33% discount on bus travel with a valid Student ID card.

Bus timetable

Overview

The bus is a great option for those looking to travel between London and Brighton without a car. National Express provides up to 15 services per day, with fares starting at just £9. The average journey time is 2 hours and 55 minutes, but the fastest service will get you there in only 2 hours and 35 minutes.

Departure Points

Buses depart from London Victoria Coach Station, which is conveniently located just 300 metres from the tube network and is served by the Victoria Line, the District Line, and the Circle Line. A bus stop is also located directly outside the coach station, providing easy connections to the city centre.

Arrival Points

Arriving in Brighton, you will be greeted by spectacular sea views as the coach station is located right on the seafront. From here, you can easily explore the city by bus or taxi, with a dedicated taxi rank nearby.

Timetable

The first coach of the day leaves London Victoria Coach Station at 2:00 am, arriving in Brighton at 4:35 am. The last departure is at 11:59 pm, reaching Brighton at 2:35 am the next day. There are up to 15 services per day, with buses running approximately every 1-2 hours.

Sample Journey Times

• Depart London 1:30 am, arrive in Brighton at 4:35 am (3 hours 5 minutes)
• Depart London 2:00 am, arrive in Brighton at 4:35 am (2 hours 35 minutes)
• Depart London 1:00 pm, arrive in Brighton at 4:20 pm (3 hours 20 minutes)
• Depart London 2:00 pm, arrive in Brighton at 4:25 pm (2 hours 28 minutes)
• Depart London 3:00 pm, arrive in Brighton at 5:25 pm (2 hours 25 minutes)
• Depart London 11:59 pm, arrive in Brighton at 2:35 am (2 hours 36 minutes)

Bus companies

The bus from London to Brighton is served by two companies: National Express and Southern.

National Express is the leading bus company in the UK, offering many destinations across the country. National Express coaches depart from London Victoria Coach Station, which is located just 300 metres from the tube network and is served by the Victoria Line, the District Line, and the Circle Line. The average ticket price with National Express is around £17, but you can find tickets for as little as £9 if you book in advance. The first coach leaves at 2:00 am, and the last coach departs at 11:59 pm. The journey takes between 2 hours 5 minutes and 3 hours 40 minutes, depending on traffic.

Southern also offers 14 services a day from London to Brighton, with tickets starting at £11. The average journey time with Southern is 1 hour and 5 minutes.

Both companies provide regular direct services, with Southern offering 13 direct coaches per day and National Express offering 8 direct services during the week and 10 on Saturdays and Sundays.

London to Brighton by train

The fastest way to travel from London to Brighton is by train, which takes around 1 hour. Trains depart from major stations such as London Victoria, London Blackfriars, Gatwick, and St. Pancras, with services running every 15 minutes or less throughout the day. Tickets for the train start at around $30, but you can find cheaper tickets if you book in advance.

The journey from London to Brighton by train offers delightful scenery, and free WiFi is available on Thameslink and Gatwick Express trains.

Upon arriving in Brighton, it's easy to get to the beach from the station. Simply exit onto Queens Road and walk straight down towards the sea for about 11 minutes until you reach the beach.

If you're looking for cheaper train tickets, consider the following options:

• Travel during Off-Peak hours, typically outside of rush hours during weekdays, and anytime during the weekend.
• Book your tickets in advance (around 12 weeks) to take advantage of lower prices.
• Use a Railcard to save up to 1/3 on eligible train tickets.
• Take advantage of GroupSave discounts if you're travelling with a group of 3 to 9 people.
• Split your train tickets and book different segments of the journey separately, which can sometimes be cheaper than a single ticket.

So, whether you're planning a day trip to enjoy Brighton's famous pier, pebbled beaches, quirky shops, or vibrant LGBTQ+ scene, travelling by train from London is a convenient and efficient option.

Frequently asked questions