No booking fees on the app
Best Price Promise
Delay Repay
24/7 customer support
Brighton to Gatwick Airport train ticket prices
£8.00
On Fri 19 Jun
Brighton to Gatwick Airport train timetable
From Brighton to Gatwick Airport, take the fastest train in 30m, typically 37m. Daily, 141 trains depart from Brighton, with the first at 00:02 and the last at 23:23. Check real-time updates for train times, delays, and cancellations. TrainPal saves you time, effort, and money.
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
21:09 Brighton | 30m, Direct | 21:39 Gatwick Airport | Gatwick Express | Find tickets |
21:13 Brighton | 41m, 1 change | 21:54 Gatwick Airport | Southern | Find tickets |
21:14 Brighton | 31m, Direct | 21:45 Gatwick Airport | Thameslink | Find tickets |
21:28 Brighton | 37m, Direct | 22:05 Gatwick Airport | Thameslink | Find tickets |
21:39 Brighton | 30m, Direct | 22:09 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
Taking the train from Brighton to Gatwick Airport is both efficient and enjoyable, offering scenic views and comfort. With frequent departures from Brighton, you can arrive at Gatwick Airport in just 30m, making it a quick and convenient option for travelling between these two places.
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 £8.00, 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 30m. 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, there are no direct trains from Brighton to Gatwick Airport. However, you can still find the best train options using the TrainPal Train Journey Planner. Simply enter your departure and arrival stations to see all available train services and plan your trip
Is it worth taking a train from Brighton to Gatwick Airport?
Yes, the train is a highly practical choice. Compared to driving, it is more eco-friendly and avoids the stress of traffic and parking. Compared to coaches, it offers more comfort, space, and scheduling flexibility. Furthermore, its ability to drop you off in the heart of the city makes it an exceptionally convenient option for most journeys.
How far in advance can I book my train ticket?
To get the best price on UK train tickets, it is essential to book as early as you can. Train operators generally release their cheapest Advance tickets up to 12 weeks ahead of the travel date, making early booking the most effective way to secure a lower fare.
Check timetables and during the journey
How do I find Brighton to Gatwick Airport train timetables?
Brighton to Gatwick Airport trains are generally punctual, but delays or disruptions can happen due to weather, strikes, and other factors. With Train Journey Planner, finding a train timetable for your trip is simple. Enter your departure and arrival stations to view a detailed schedule of available trains. Provide your travel details to find the best routes, connections, and train times.
How early should I arrive for a train in the UK?
Usually, you need to arrive at a station at least 15-20 minutes ahead of time. However, consider the station's size and your familiarity with it. If the station is large and you are not familiar with it, leaving home as early as possible is the best choice. This can reduce your stress and ensure a relaxing 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?
First Class offers an updated experience with more comfort and amenities, such as complimentary food and drinks. The exact services offered depend on the specific 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?
Get easy and quick access to live updates and notifications via the TrainPal app. If your phone is enabled to receive messages from us, you'll receive notifications about train cancellations on your screen as soon as you pick up your phone
Which train companies operate the Brighton to Gatwick Airport route?
The Brighton to Gatwick Airport route is operated by Thameslink. For any journey, the easiest way to find the operator is to search for your route on this page. The operator's name will appear next to each travel option in the results.
Essential onboard rules and facilities
-
Luggage
Each passenger is permitted to bring up to 3 pieces of luggage at no extra cost. This can include a combination of items such as suitcases, backpacks, and satchels.
-
Bicycle
You must make a free reservation to bring a bike on most trains, but space is limited. Standard and folding bikes are generally accepted, and some operators also permit tandems and e-bikes. However, e-scooters, motorcycles, tricycles, and bicycle trailers are prohibited. We strongly advise checking the train operator's specific cycle policy on their website before travelling.
-
Children
Children under 5 typically travel for free. A 50% discount applies to children aged 5 to 15. Additionally, those aged 16 and 17 are eligible for a 50% discount with a 16-17 Saver Railcard.
-
Pets
Bring up to 2 pets free; keep dogs on a lead or in a carrier. No animals on seats or in restaurant carriages.
-
Passenger assistance
All operators offer assistance services for passengers with disabilities or additional needs. This should be booked in advance to guarantee 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
Your plans have changed?
Your train was disrupted?
More train routes
* 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.
New user welcome pack