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Brighton to Gatwick Airport train ticket prices
£10.00
On Fri 07 Aug
Brighton to Gatwick Airport train timetable
From Brighton to Gatwick Airport, take the fastest train in 28m, typically 37m. Daily, 97 trains depart from Brighton, with the first at 00:02 and the last at 23:24. Check real-time updates for train times, delays, and cancellations. TrainPal saves you time, effort, and money.
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
04:12 Brighton | 28m, Direct | 04:40 Gatwick Airport | Thameslink | Find tickets |
05:08 Brighton | 37m, Direct | 05:45 Gatwick Airport | Thameslink | Find tickets |
05:23 Brighton | 35m, Direct | 05:58 Gatwick Airport | Southern | Find tickets |
05:28 Brighton | 37m, Direct | 06:05 Gatwick Airport | Thameslink | Find tickets |
05:39 Brighton | 30m, Direct | 06:09 Gatwick Airport | Gatwick Express | Find tickets |
Brighton to Gatwick Airport train tickets and times
Plan your journey from Brighton to Gatwick Airport with ease. Explore the first and last train times, departure and arrival stations, distance, journey time, and price options to make the most of your trip.
Thameslink vs Gatwick Express: Which should you choose?
Whether you're after the fastest journey or the best value fare, take a look at our comparison below to find the right operator for this short hop north from Brighton to Gatwick Airport.
Train operators | Avg. duration | Departure station | Best for | Feature services |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Thameslink | 31m | Most frequent departures & best value fares | Free Wi-Fi, most services throughout the day | |
Gatwick Express | 30m | Brighton | Dedicated express service | Airport-focused express, free Wi-Fi, plug sockets |
- Thameslink: With advance fares from £11.50, and trains running throughout the day, Thameslink is the most frequent service on the route. At 30-40 minutes, the journey is only a little longer than the Gatwick Express, making it a great value option.
- Gatwick Express: A dedicated airport express train completing the journey in around 30 minutes, with advance fares from £13.70, Gatwick Express offers a marginally faster and slightly more premium service than Thameslink.
Train travel from Brighton to Gatwick Airport
The approximately 25-mile journey from Brighton to Gatwick Airport heads north through the Sussex countryside and the High Weald before arriving directly into the South Terminal. To make sure your journey starts smoothly at either end, here are a few platform shortcuts and station tips to help you find your way around.
Brighton: Getting to the Platform
Its grand Victorian trainshed is one of the most recognisable railway buildings on the south coast. Brighton station sits on Queens Road, just a short walk away from the seafront. Taxis are available from the rear of the station, and a bus station in front provides services to the town centre, Hove and the surrounding area.
- The Platform Tip: Services to Gatwick Airport depart from platforms 3 to 6, which handle most northbound departures, but do check the departure boards before heading down, as platform allocations can vary by operator and service.
- Pre-Departure: The concourse has a good range of cafés, food shops and retail outlets for anything you might need before boarding, with food stalls and vans often setting up near the main entrance. The ticket office is staffed and there are also ticket machines available throughout the station if you need to purchase or collect your ticket before travelling.
Onboard trains from Brighton to Gatwick Airport
The journey might only be around 30 minutes, but the route north from Brighton passes through some varied countryside as you travel through Sussex before arriving directly beneath the terminal.
- The View Alert: Sit on the left-hand side heading north for the best views of the South Downs and the Sussex hills as the train climbs away from Brighton.
- Key Landmarks: The route passes through the edge of the High Weald, with the wooded hills and farmland of the Sussex interior visible as the train heads north through Haywards Heath.
Arriving at Gatwick Airport
Located right next to the South Terminal, Gatwick Airport station sees you arrive directly into the airport complex, with lifts and escalators connecting platforms with the terminal concourse above.
- The South Terminal: Exits from the station lead straight into the South Terminal building, with check-in, security and the departure halls all within easy reach once inside.
- The North Terminal: Passengers flying from the North Terminal should follow signs for the free inter-terminal shuttle, which departs from the South Terminal every few minutes and reaches the North Terminal in around two minutes.
- Onward Travel: For journeys away from the airport, buses and coaches depart from outside the South Terminal, with taxis also available nearby for shorter trips across Sussex and Surrey.
Brighton to Gatwick Airport train travel guide
The train journey from Brighton to Gatwick Airport combines efficiency with pleasure, featuring beautiful scenery and comfort. With frequent departures from Brighton, you can get to Gatwick Airport in just 28m, making it an ideal and convenient choice for travelling between them.
Planning and booking
How much does it cost for a train from Brighton to Gatwick Airport?
The average fare from Brighton to Gatwick Airport is approximately £10.00, but the final price fluctuates. The actual cost depends on your travel dates, how far in advance you book, and your ticket's flexibility. To see the current price for your journey, please search with your specific dates.
How do I find the best train route from Brighton to Gatwick Airport?
What is the fastest train from Brighton to Gatwick Airport?
The fastest train journey time from Brighton to Gatwick Airport is 28m. Direct trains can save significant time by avoiding transfers. Always check if a direct route is available for your journey. Moreover, when searching for trains, consider the total travel time. Some routes with fewer stops or more efficient schedules might be faster.
Are there direct trains from Brighton to Gatwick Airport?
No, you will need to transfer when travelling from Brighton to Gatwick Airport. TrainPal Train Journey Planner will assist you in finding the best train route. Enter the origin or destination places and other relevant details, then click "Search" to find the most suitable route.
Is it worth taking a train from Brighton to Gatwick Airport?
Yes, choosing the train offers an excellent blend of comfort, speed, and convenience. It's a more relaxing and sustainable option than driving, allowing you to bypass traffic and parking hassles. While coaches might have lower fares, the train provides a superior travel experience with more space and a more flexible timetable. Its key advantage is arriving directly in the city centre, making it one of the most efficient ways to reach your destination.
How far in advance can I book my train ticket?
You can book UK train tickets as far as 12 weeks ahead of your travel date. This is the key period when train operators release their cheapest Advance tickets. Therefore, to ensure you get the best possible fare, we recommend purchasing your tickets as soon as they become available.
Check timetables and during the journey
How do I find Brighton to Gatwick Airport train timetables?
While Brighton to Gatwick Airport trains are usually on time, delays or disruptions may occur due to weather, strikes, and other factors. Finding a train timetable for your trip from Brighton to Gatwick Airport is easy with Train Journey Planner. Simply enter your departure and arrival stations to get a detailed schedule of available trains. Input your travel details to discover the best routes, connections, and train times.
How early should I arrive for a train in the UK?
Typically, you should plan to arrive at the station 15-20 minutes before your train is scheduled to depart. However, the size of the station and your familiarity with it can affect this timing. For larger or less familiar stations, leaving home earlier can help reduce stress and ensure a more relaxed journey.
Do Brighton to Gatwick Airport trains offer Wi-Fi and other facilities?
Yes, most trains on the route from Brighton to Gatwick Airport are equipped with Wi-Fi. Passengers can also enjoy complimentary food, drinks, and power sockets for a more comfortable journey. Please note that the availability of these services can vary depending on the train company
How do I transfer between train stations in the UK?
Transferring between train stations in the UK can be effortless with some planning. If your travel requires a transfer, review your ticket and journey details for specific transfer instructions. Major stations typically feature clear signage and helpful staff. Additionally, TrainPal Train Journey Planner offers comprehensive transfer details.
What is the difference between Standard and First Class?
While Standard Class offers a good travel experience, First Class provides an upgrade in comfort and service. This typically includes enhanced amenities like complimentary food and drinks, though the specific offerings depend on the train operator.
Other things you might be interested
Are there discounts for students or seniors on UK train tickets?
Can UK train tickets be refunded or changed?
How do I check train delays and cancellations in the UK?
Use TrainPal for quick access to live updates and notifications. If your phone allows messages from us, you'll receive instant notifications about train cancellations directly on your screen.
Which train companies operate the Brighton to Gatwick Airport route?
The train from Brighton to Gatwick Airport is operated by Thameslink. To see which operator runs a specific service, the easiest way to identify it is to use the search bar on this page. The name of the train company will be clearly displayed next to each journey option in the search results.
Essential onboard rules and facilities
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Luggage
Your free luggage allowance includes up to three items per passenger, covering standard bags like suitcases, backpacks, and other similarly-sized items.
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Bicycle
Bike reservations are mandatory and free for most train journeys, but space is limited. Standard bicycles and folding bikes are generally allowed. Some operators also permit tandems and e-bikes. Please note that e-scooters, motorcycles, tricycles, and bicycle trailers are not permitted. We strongly recommend checking the specific cycle policy on your train operator's website before you travel.
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Children
Children under 5 usually travel free. Children aged 5–15 get 50% off, and 16-year-olds can use the 16-17 Saver Railcard for 50% off.
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Pets
You are welcome to bring up to 2 pets with you at no extra cost. Dogs must be kept on a lead and other animals in a suitable carrier. Please note that for the comfort of all passengers, pets are not allowed on seats or in restaurant carriages.
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Passenger assistance
For passengers with disabilities or additional needs, all train operators provide dedicated assistance. It is essential to book this service in advance to guarantee its availability.
How to buy cheap Brighton to Gatwick Airport train tickets
Cheaper train tickets for less busy times. Combine with Advance fares for the best deals.
Compensation and refunds
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* Prices are dynamic and subject to change. Ticket prices vary based on time of day, route, and class. This pricing does not apply to discounted Split tickets and Railcards.
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