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Brighton to Gatwick Airport train ticket prices
£8.00
On Fri 04 Sep
Brighton to Gatwick Airport train timetable
Travelling from Brighton to Gatwick Airport, the fastest train takes 28m with an average travel time of 37m. 114 trains are running daily, with the first departing at 00:02 and the last at 23:23. Stay updated with live train status, times, delays, and cancellations on TrainPal.
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
06:58 Brighton | 37m, Direct | 07:35 Gatwick Airport | Thameslink | Find tickets |
07:09 Brighton | 30m, Direct | 07:39 Gatwick Airport | Gatwick Express | Find tickets |
07:13 Brighton | 41m, 1 change | 07:54 Gatwick Airport | Southern | Find tickets |
07:14 Brighton | 31m, Direct | 07:45 Gatwick Airport | Thameslink | Find tickets |
07:28 Brighton | 37m, Direct | 08:05 Gatwick Airport | Thameslink | 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.
Why book Brighton to Gatwick Airport trains with TrainPal?
Why book with TrainPal vs Trainline?
Unlike Trainline, TrainPal charges no booking fees on any route. On top of that, TrainPal's Split Ticket feature automatically divides your journey into multiple ticket segments, saving up to 50% compared to buying a single through ticket. Train fares from Brighton to Gatwick Airport start from just £8.00 on TrainPal.
Is TrainPal cheaper than buying direct?
TrainPal is often cheaper than buying direct. We don't charge any booking fees, and our Split Ticketing technology searches for the lowest fare combination across your entire journey—something train operator websites don't offer. Plus, we compare prices across multiple operators (e.g., Thameslink, Gatwick Express, Southern on the Brighton to Gatwick Airport route) in a single search, so you always see the cheapest option regardless of which company operates the train.
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 28m, 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?
Ticket prices from Brighton to Gatwick Airport average around £8.00, but vary based on travel dates and ticket flexibility. To see the exact fare for your trip, please perform a search with your preferred dates.
What is the best way to travel from Brighton to Gatwick Airport by train?
What is the fastest train from Brighton to Gatwick Airport?
The quickest train journey from Brighton to Gatwick Airport takes 28m . Utilise our Train Journey Planner to locate direct trains, minimise transfers, and compare travel times across various routes. Discover the most efficient way to travel with fewer stops for a smooth and seamless journey.
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?
Typically, you can book UK train tickets up to 12 weeks ahead of your travel date. This is when the cheapest Advance tickets are usually released by train operators. To secure the best price, we strongly recommend booking as early as possible.
Check timetables and during the journey
Are Brighton to Gatwick Airport trains punctual, and how can I check real-time information?
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?
Check our Train Journey Planner, which provides detailed information about transfers to ensure your journey is uninterrupted, saving you time and effort, and allowing you to get a full rest for travelling.
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?
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 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
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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
A free reservation is required for bikes on most journeys due to limited space. While standard bicycles and folding bikes are widely permitted, some operators have provisions for e-bikes and tandems. Please note that e-scooters, motorcycles, tricycles, and bike trailers are not allowed. As policies vary, it is essential to consult your specific train operator's website for their definitive cycle rules before you travel.
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Children
Discounts are available for young travellers based on age: Travellers under 5 usually travel free, children aged 5–15 get a 50% discount, and 16 to 17-year-olds can use a 16-17 Saver Railcard to get 50% off.
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Pets
Each passenger can travel with up to 2 pets for free. Throughout the journey, dogs must be on a lead, and any other pets must remain in their carrier. Animals are not permitted on seats or in restaurant carriages.
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Passenger assistance
Passengers with disabilities or additional needs can arrange assistance with their train operator, if required. To ensure support is available for your journey, this service should be booked in advance.
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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