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Cambridge to Brighton train ticket prices

Travelling from Cambridge to Brighton by train? Find fares from as low as £10.00. 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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Cambridge to Brighton train timetable

Travelling from Cambridge to Brighton, the fastest train takes 2h 30m with an average travel time of 2h 53m. 32 trains are running daily, with the first departing at 06:31 and the last at 23:42. Stay updated with live train status, times, delays, and cancellations on TrainPal.

Departs		Arrives	Operator
20:13 Cambridge	2h 47m, 1 change	23:00 Brighton	Great Northern	Find tickets
20:51 Cambridge	2h 27m, Direct	23:18 Brighton	Thameslink	Find tickets
21:12 Cambridge	2h 45m, 1 change	23:57 Brighton	Great Northern	Find tickets
21:51 Cambridge	2h 31m, Direct	00:22 Brighton	Thameslink	Find tickets
22:12 Cambridge	3h 4m, 1 change	01:16 Brighton	Great Northern	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 £10.00

Departure station

Cambridge

Arrival station

Brighton

Distance

95 miles (153km)

Journey time

2h 30m

First train

06:31

Last train

23:42

Frequency

Train operators

Elizabeth line, Great Northern, Greater Anglia

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 £10.00 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

Taking the train from Cambridge to Brighton is both efficient and enjoyable, offering scenic views and comfort. With frequent departures from Cambridge, you can arrive at Brighton in just 2h 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 Cambridge to Brighton?

The average fare from Cambridge to Brighton is approximately £10.00, 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 Cambridge to Brighton?

Utilise the TrainPal app or website to its fullest potential. Our Train Journey Planner is a top-notch online tool for planning your trips. Just enter your departure and arrival cities or stations. Then, review timetables and schedules, compare prices, consider direct routes, and check for food supplies or other amenities. Find 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 30m . 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, there are no direct trains from Cambridge to Brighton. 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 Cambridge to Brighton?

Yes, the train is always an excellent choice that balances convenience, comfort, and efficiency. It's more environmentally friendly and relaxing than driving, as you avoid traffic and parking. While coaches may be cheaper, the train provides superior comfort, more space, and greater scheduling flexibility. With the added benefit of arriving directly in the city centre, it's a very convenient way to travel.

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

How do I find Cambridge to Brighton train timetables?

Cambridge to Brighton 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?

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?

Standard Class ensures a comfortable journey. For an upgraded experience, First Class provides superior comfort and additional amenities, such as complimentary refreshments, though the exact services vary by 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, the refund and exchange policies for train tickets vary depending on the type of ticket purchased. Advance Tickets are usually non-refundable but can sometimes be exchanged for a fee. Anytime Train Tickets and Off-Peak train tickets offer more generous refund and exchange options. Always check the terms and conditions of your ticket or visit UK train ticket types for specific details.

How do I check train delays and cancellations in the UK?

Checking train delays and cancellations in the UK is simple. Utilise the TrainPal mobile app for real-time information. We offer live updates, including live train status and notifications of any train strikes.

Which train companies operate the Cambridge to Brighton route?

The train from Cambridge to Brighton is operated by Elizabeth line. To see which operator runs a specific service, the easiest way to identify it is to use the search bar on this page. The name of the train company will be clearly displayed next to each journey option in the search results.

Essential onboard rules and facilities

Luggage
You can bring up to three pieces of luggage for free, including satchels, backpacks, suitcases, and similar items.
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.
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
You are welcome to bring up to 2 pets with you at no extra cost. Dogs must be kept on a lead and other animals in a suitable carrier. Please note that for the comfort of all passengers, pets are not allowed on seats or in restaurant carriages.
Passenger assistance
For passengers with disabilities or additional needs, all train operators provide dedicated assistance. It is essential to book this service in advance to guarantee its 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?

To change your journey or request a refund, please visit our dedicated ticket refunds and changes page for step-by-step instructions.

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 £10.00*

Find the lowest fares: Book Advance tickets & travel off-peak