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Cambridge to Brighton train ticket prices

Travelling from Cambridge to Brighton by train? Find fares from as low as £20.00. Benefit from Advance tickets, Off-Peak train tickets, and Railcards for extra savings. Enjoy the most cost-effective and pleasant journey with TrainPal. For more tips on saving money, visit our UK cheap train ticket guide.

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Mon03 Aug

Cambridge to Brighton train timetable

The journey from Cambridge to Brighton on the fastest train in 2h 27m, usually 2h 27m. Each day, 31 trains leave from Cambridge, starting at 05:21 and ending at 20:51. Get real-time updates on train schedules, delays, and cancellations. Save time, effort, and money with TrainPal.

Departs		Arrives	Operator
07:21 Cambridge	2h 27m, Direct	09:48 Brighton	Thameslink	Find tickets
07:51 Cambridge	2h 27m, Direct	10:18 Brighton	Thameslink	Find tickets
08:21 Cambridge	2h 27m, Direct	10:48 Brighton	Thameslink	Find tickets
08:51 Cambridge	2h 27m, Direct	11:18 Brighton	Thameslink	Find tickets
09:21 Cambridge	2h 27m, Direct	11:48 Brighton	Thameslink	Find tickets

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Cambridge to Brighton train tickets and times

Plan your journey from Cambridge to Brighton 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.

Price

From £20.00

Departure station

Cambridge

Arrival station

Brighton

Distance

95 miles (153km)

Journey time

2h 27m

First train

05:21

Last train

20:51

Frequency

Train operators

Great Northern, Thameslink, Gatwick Express

Thameslink: Cambridge to Brighton trains

By Daniel Clark | Updated May 20, 2026

Travel from Cambridge to Brighton for an unforgettable beach experience on fast direct routes. Get all the way to the south coast on Thameslink services in approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes without needing to change trains. The beach never felt so close and so affordable, with prices starting from just £20.00 when you buy cheap train tickets with TrainPal.

Whether you’re an early riser, taking the first train of the day at 04:54, or are travelling on the last train at 23:53, Thameslink offers a regular timetable from Cambridge to Brighton. Access one of the most popular seaside destinations in the south of England more easily when you choose days out to the beach by train.

A popular provider of services in and around London, Thameslink connects London St Pancras, Blackfriars, East Croydon, London Bridge, Peterborough, Cambridge, Brighton, and Bedford.

Departing from Cambridge

Start your journey from Cambridge, a major transport hub in the East of England. Conveniently located to the southeast of the iconic city, Cambridge is one of the busiest stations outside London. To enjoy the best beach day trips by train from Cambridge, head to Brighton, a top destination for passengers wanting to enjoy some sea, sand, and sun.

To begin your journey, take local buses from around the city to Cambridge, whether you’re coming from the city centre or further afield. There is also a taxi rank directly outside the main entrance. Finally, Cambridge is a cycling city and if you are arriving by bike, you’ll find a large cycle park outside the station.

The station has everything you need for a comfortable pre-departure experience, with a covered waiting room, comfortable seating areas, accessible toilets, refreshment counters, vending machines, water fountain, ticket machines, and Help Points.

From Cambridge, travel to Birmingham, Leicester, Norwich, Ely, and multiple London stations, including Liverpool Street, Kings Cross, and St Pancras International. The station’s main operators include CrossCountry, Greater Anglia, Thameslink, and Great Northern.

Main stops

From Cambridge to Brighton with Thameslink, you may call at some or all of Royston, Ashwell & Morden, Baldock, Letchworth Garden City, Hitchin, Stevenage, Finsbury Park, London St Pancras International, Farringdon, City Thameslink, London Blackfriars, London Bridge, East Croydon, Gatwick Airport, Three Bridges, Haywards Heath, and Burgess Hill. Exact stops may vary depending on timetables and dates.

Arriving at Brighton Station

Brighton is one of the best choices for a day out by train from Cambridge, with direct routes to the beach with Thameslink.

When you get off the train at Brighton Station, you’ll be only a short walk to the coast, where you’ll have access to watersports galore, and a classic British old-school pier. In the city centre of Brighton and Hove, East Sussex, visit a range of independent shops and eat in quirky cafes.

Getting around Brighton is easy by foot, bike, or on one of several local buses that can take you directly to the seaside. Before you begin your day out in Brighton, passengers can buy snacks and drinks from counters, while the station has all the typical accessibility features you would expect, such as accessible toilets, tactile pavings, Help Points, and an Induction loop.

From Brighton, board trains to London Victoria, Clapham Junction, London Bridge, London Blackfriars, Eastbourne, Hastings, Southampton, Portsmouth, and Cambridge on services run by Southern, Gatwick Express, and Thameslink.

Thameslink train classes

Thameslink runs Standard Class tickets only on services from Cambridge to Brighton, though travelling with the operator guarantees passengers a comfortable journey. Sit back and relax on long trains that allow passengers to spread out in spacious seating in a 2X2 layout.

Thameslink train travel advice

Children: Taking the whole family on days out by train to the beach costs less with free tickets for under 5s, and half-price fares for children aged 5 to 15.
Pets: Four-legged friends travel free from Cambridge to Brighton with Thameslink, perfect if you’re heading to the best dog-friendly beaches. Remember to keep dogs on leads at all times.
Bicycles: Carry your bike onto Thameslink trains at off-peak hours. Check the exact conditions with the operator before you travel.
Luggage: Bring up to three items of luggage per person, giving you plenty of freedom to pack all the beach gear you need. Make use of ample luggage space to store items in racks or under seats.
Passenger Assistance: For help boarding the train, navigating Cambridge or Brighton stations, or something else, book help in advance through the Passenger Assist website or app.

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

Cambridge to Brighton train travel guide

Travelling by train from Cambridge to Brighton is efficient and offers a scenic and comfortable experience. With frequent departures from Cambridge, you can reach Brighton in just 2h 27m, making it one of the fastest and most convenient ways to travel between these two places.

Planning and booking

How much does it cost for a train from Cambridge to Brighton?

The average ticket fare from Cambridge to Brighton is about £20.00, but prices are dynamic. The final cost depends on when you book, when you travel, and ticket flexibility. To find the exact cost for your journey, please search with your travel dates.

How do I find the best train route from Cambridge to Brighton?

Make full use of the TrainPal app or website. Our Train Journey Planner is an excellent online planning tool. Simply fill in the cities or stations you depart from and arrive at. Then check timetables and schedules, compare prices, consider direct routes, and see if there are food supplies or other amenities you need. You can get the best train route from Cambridge to Brighton.

What is the fastest train from Cambridge to Brighton?

The quickest train journey from Cambridge to Brighton takes 2h 27m . 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 Cambridge to Brighton?

No, unfortunately, you need to transfer from Cambridge to Brighton. Still, the TrainPal Train Journey Planner helps you find the best train. Just input your origin or destination places, then click "Search" to see the suitable route.

Is it worth taking a train from Cambridge to Brighton?

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 Cambridge to Brighton train timetables?

While Cambridge to Brighton 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 Cambridge to Brighton 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?

It’s recommended to reach the train station 15-20 minutes before your train is set to leave. This gives you sufficient time to locate your platform, particularly in larger stations. Arriving early is also beneficial if you need to collect tickets or find your way around an unfamiliar station, helping to minimise any potential stress.

Do Cambridge to Brighton trains offer Wi-Fi and other facilities?

Yes, most trains on the Cambridge to Brighton route offer amenities like Wi-Fi, food services, and various seating options. Additional facilities may include power sockets, accessibility features, and luggage storage. Check the specific amenities offered by the train operator when booking, as these can vary.

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?

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?

Yes, in the UK, students and seniors can benefit from various discount options. The 16-25 Railcard offers students up to 1/3 off most train tickets. Similarly, those aged 60 and above can use the Senior Railcard to enjoy similar savings. Both Railcards can be purchased online or at train stations and are valid for one year, providing great value for frequent travellers

Can UK train tickets be refunded or changed?

In the UK, refund and change policies for train tickets vary by type. Advance Tickets are generally non-refundable but may be changeable for a fee. Flexible tickets, like Anytime Train Tickets and Off-Peak train tickets, offer more options for refunds and changes. Review the specific terms and conditions of your ticket or refer to UK train ticket types for precise details.

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 Cambridge to Brighton route?

The route from Cambridge to Brighton is operated by Great Northern. To find the operator for any other journey, perform a search for your route on this page; the operator's name will be listed with each travel option.

Essential onboard rules and facilities

Luggage
Your free luggage allowance includes up to three items per passenger, covering standard bags like suitcases, backpacks, and other similarly-sized items.
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.
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
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.
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 Cambridge to Brighton train tickets

Explore more money-saving tips for your train journeys. Start saving today and enjoy affordable train travel with TrainPal.

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Compensation and refunds

Your plans have changed?

For step-by-step guidance on amending your journey or applying for a refund, please access our dedicated ticket refunds and changes page.

Your train was disrupted?

For information on claiming Delay Repay compensation due to a delayed, cancelled, or strike-affected service, consult our delays and disruptions page or our UK rail strike page. These pages also provide live service updates.

More train routes

Trains from Cambridge	Trains from Brighton
Cambridge to Peterborough	Brighton to Southampton
Cambridge to London Kings Cross	Brighton to East Croydon
Cambridge to Stansted	Brighton to London Bridge
Cambridge to Birmingham New Street	Brighton to Gatwick Airport
Cambridge to London St. Pancras International	Brighton to Clapham Junction

* 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.

Cambridge to Brighton Trains From £20.00*

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