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Cambridge to Brighton train ticket prices
£22.73
On Tue 8
Cambridge to Brighton train timetable
From Cambridge to Brighton, take the fastest train in 2h 27m, typically 2h 27m. Daily, 21 trains depart from Cambridge, with the first at 04:51 and the last at 14:51. Check real-time updates for train times, delays, and cancellations. TrainPal saves you time, effort, and money.
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
20:51 Cambridge | 2h 27m, Direct | 23:18 Brighton | Thameslink | Find tickets |
22:12 Cambridge | 3h 4m, 2 change | 01:16 Brighton | Great Northern | Find tickets |
22:51 Cambridge | 3h 37m, 2 change | 02:28 Brighton | Thameslink | Find tickets |
23:12 Cambridge | 3h 16m, 2 change | 02:28 Brighton | Great Northern | Find tickets |
23:51 Cambridge | 5h 42m, 3 change | 05:33 Brighton | Great Northern | Find tickets |
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.
Thameslink: Cambridge to Brighton trains
Departing from Cambridge
Main stops
Arriving at Brighton Station
Thameslink train classes
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.
Why book Cambridge to Brighton 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 Cambridge to Brighton start from just £22.73 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 on the Cambridge to Brighton route) in a single search, so you always see the cheapest option regardless of which company operates the train.
Cambridge to Brighton train travel guide
The train journey from Cambridge to Brighton combines efficiency with pleasure, featuring beautiful scenery and comfort. With frequent departures from Cambridge, you can get to Brighton in just 2h 27m, making it an ideal and convenient choice for travelling between them.

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 £22.73, 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?
What is the fastest train from Cambridge to Brighton?
The fastest train journey time from Cambridge to Brighton is 2h 27m. 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 Cambridge to Brighton?
No, you will need to transfer when travelling from Cambridge to Brighton. 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 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?
Cambridge to Brighton trains are generally punctual, but delays or cancellations can occur due to weather, strikes, and other factors. After purchasing a ticket, use TrainPal to track live train updates. Before buying a ticket, our Train Journey Planner provides all necessary booking information. Simply enter your departure and arrival stations, click 'Search,' and view routes labelled 'Cheapest' or 'Fastest,' with all details displayed.
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 Cambridge to Brighton trains offer Wi-Fi and other facilities?
Yes, most trains on the route from Cambridge to Brighton 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 Cambridge to Brighton route?
The Cambridge to Brighton 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
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.
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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 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.
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Pets
Bring up to 2 pets free; keep dogs on a lead or in a carrier. No animals 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 Cambridge to Brighton 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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