Brighton to Gatwick Airport Trains From £5.85*

Relax before you fly with a regular, direct train from Brighton to Gatwick Airport in just around 30 minutes – it’s a fast, stress-free way to start your journey.

Enjoy a relaxing ride from Brighton to Gatwick Airport with Thameslink Express as your train glides past the rolling hills of the South Downs, through historic villages and leafy Sussex towns. 

With fast, frequent services, Thameslink connects major destinations both north and south of London, including Brighton, Horsham, Rochester, Cambridge, Peterborough, Bedford and more.

Departing from Brighton

Located in the heart of Brighton, Brighton station serves as the southern terminus of the Brighton Main Line and is easily reachable on foot, by bus or by taxi.

With frequent northbound services operated by Southern, Thameslink and the Gatwick Express, Brighton station offers regular trains to both London Victoria and London Bridge, as well as Gatwick Airport, Bedford, Cambridge, Eastbourne, Southampton, Portsmouth, Chichester and Seaford.

Managed by Southern, Brighton station features accessible ticket machines and step‑free access, as well as shops and refreshment outlets – perfect for any last-minute purchases ahead of your Brighton to Gatwick Airport train journey.

Main stops

Depending on the route and operator, your Brighton to Gatwick Airport train will call at key stations such as Preston Park, Hassocks, Burgess Hill, Wivelsfield, Haywards Heath, Balcombe and Three Bridges.

Arriving at Gatwick Airport

Located in West Sussex, around 30 miles south of central London, Gatwick Airport station sits directly beneath the South Terminal and is easily accessible from the North Terminal via a free shuttle.

The station is served by Gatwick Express, Southern, Thameslink, and Great Western Railway, with direct trains to London Victoria, London Bridge, Brighton, Cambridge, Bedford, Reading and Portsmouth – with up to 14 departures per hour to the capital. 

Managed by Gatwick Express, the station features step-free access, accessible ticket machines and facilities such as left luggage, accessible toilets and luggage assistance. There is no staffed ticket office, but tickets can be collected at ticket machines and paid for with contactless cards, ensuring a smooth and stress-free onward journey.

From Gatwick Airport station, it’s just a short ride to local highlights such as Crawley, Hever Castle, and the scenic South Downs.

Thameslink train classes 

• Standard Class: Thameslink trains feature comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi and power sockets on many routes, so you can stay connected and fully charged ahead of your flight.
• First Class: Travel from Brighton to Gatwick Airport First Class with Thameslink and enjoy a more relaxed, more comfortable experience. Enjoy quieter carriages, extra space, and a stress-free start to your trip.

Thameslink train travel advice

Everything you need for a smooth and comfortable journey from Brighton to Gatwick Airport is right here, including guidance on travelling with luggage, bikes, children and pets, as well as accessibility support.

• Luggage: Two larger bags not exceeding 90 x 70 x 30 centimetres and an item of hand luggage are permitted on board. Be sure to stow all luggage in overhead racks and designated baggage areas to avoid blocking doors or aisles.
• Bicycles: You can bring standard bikes onboard Thameslink services for free, but space is limited, so bike storage may be restricted during busy periods. There are further restrictions on trains passing through central London during peak times on weekdays (07:00–10:00 and 16:00–19:00). Folding bikes are welcome on all Thameslink services.
• Children: Kids under 5 can travel free of charge, while children aged 5-15 are eligible for fares at just £2 on selected Thameslink routes. Families travelling together can enjoy extra savings with a Family & Friends railcard, while 16-17-year-olds can also benefit from half-price fares with a 16-17 Saver railcard.
• Pets: Passengers can bring up to two pets on board free of charge. Dogs must be kept on a lead or in a secure carrier, and all pets should be kept on the floor and not on seats.
• Passenger Assist: If you need support with boarding, finding your way around the station, or carrying luggage, you can book Passenger Assist online at least 12 hours in advance or speak to staff at the station on the day of travel.

Begin your trip the right way with direct, regular trains from Brighton to Gatwick Airport in just around 30 minutes, for a calm, stress-free start to your travels.

Sit back and unwind before the airport rush with a smooth ride from Brighton to Gatwick Airport, as your Southern train passes through the rolling hills of Sussex and the South Downs.

From Brighton, Southern offers direct services to London Victoria and London Bridge, connecting passengers to destinations all across South London, Sussex, Surrey, Kent and Hampshire, including key destinations such as Eastbourne, Portsmouth and Gatwick Airport.

Southern train classes 

• Standard Class: Travel in comfort with Southern, where many services include free Wi-Fi and power sockets, helping you to stay connected and fully charged throughout your journey.
• First Class: Travel from Brighton to Gatwick Airport first class and enjoy a little extra comfort and a more relaxed start ahead of your trip.

Southern train travel advice

Prepare for your Brighton to Gatwick Airport train with this easy-to-follow guide – with useful information on luggage, bikes, children, pets, and accessibility.

• Luggage: Passengers may carry up to three items of luggage on board. Larger items such as suitcases and rucksacks should be stowed overhead and in dedicated luggage racks to avoid blocking aisles or doors.
• Bicycles: Standard bikes can be brought on board free of charge, but aren’t allowed on weekdays through central London on peak-time trains (07:00–10:00 and 16:00–19:00). Please note that space is limited, so bike access may be restricted during busy periods. Folding bikes and scooters are welcome on all services.
• Children: Kids under the age of five can travel for free, while children between 5-15 can enjoy £2 fares on select Southern routes when travelling with at least one adult. Families can access even greater savings with a Family & Friends railcard, while 16-17-year-olds are eligible for 50% off standard fares with a 16-17 Saver railcard.
• Pets: Passengers may bring up to two pets on board free of charge. Dogs must be kept on a lead or in a secure carrier at all times, and all pets must remain off the seats.
• Passenger Assist: Disabled or older passengers can request support up to two hours before their journey via the national Passenger Assist scheme. You can book in advance while purchasing your ticket or via the app. Otherwise, just speak to a member of staff when you arrive at the station.

Start your journey in style with regular direct trains from Brighton to Gatwick Airport in just about 30 minutes – perfect for a relaxed, stress-free start to your international travel.

Take the stress out of airport travel with a smooth, scenic ride from Brighton to Gatwick Airport on board the Gatwick Express, passing through the gentle hills of the South Downs and the peaceful Sussex countryside.

Running between Brighton and London Victoria, Gatwick Express offers direct, non-stop services for a fast, hassle-free journey to or from Gatwick Airport.

Gatwick Express train classes 

• Standard Class: With free Wi-Fi and power sockets available on many Gatwick Express services, you can stay connected and fully charged ahead of your onward journey.
• First Class: Travel Brighton to Gatwick Airport First Class, and relax in quieter carriages with added comfort for a stylish start to your trip.

Gatwick Express train travel advice

Get set for your Brighton to Gatwick Airport train journey with this handy guide, covering everything you need to know before you go – from luggage and bikes to travelling with children, pets, and accessibility support.

• Luggage: Passengers may bring up to three suitcases, holdalls or rucksacks on board Gatwick Airport train services. Please use overhead racks and designated storage areas to avoid blocking aisles or doors.
• Bicycles: You can travel with bikes for free on Gatwick Express train services except during peak times through central London on weekdays. Space is limited, so bike storage may be restricted during busy times. Folding bikes are welcome on all services, as long as they remain folded for the whole journey.
• Children: Kids under 5 travel free, and children 5-15 save up to 50% on most tickets. Up to four kids travel for £2 each Off-Peak with an adult ticket. Families can enjoy extra savings with a Family & Friends railcard, and older teens can be eligible for half-price fares with a 16-17 Saver railcard.
• Pets: Passengers can bring up to two pets on board free of charge. Dogs must be kept on a lead or transported in a secure carrier, and all pets should stay on the floor, not on seats.
• Passenger Assist: If you need a helping hand with your journey, Gatwick Express offers Passenger Assist to assist with boarding, navigating the station and carrying luggage. Book online at least 12 hours in advance, or speak to station staff on the day.

*Information is subject to change. Please check the latest train timetable before your trip.assist