Gatwick Airport to Brighton Trains From £8.00*

Thameslink trains take around 35 minutes to travel from Gatwick Airport to Brighton, although some services may take up to 50 minutes. The route goes along the Brighton Main Line through the Sussex countryside, passing Horley, Three Bridges and Haywards Heath on your way to the coast. Departures are frequent throughout the day.

This operator runs cross-London services from Bedford to Brighton, stopping at central stations like St Pancras and London Bridge.

Departing from Gatwick Airport

Getting to Gatwick Airport's station after you land couldn't be easier. From the South Terminal, it's just a 2-minute walk following the signs, while from the North Terminal, a free shuttle runs every few minutes.

You can catch trains to London Victoria, London Bridge, Brighton, Portsmouth, Southampton and Reading. Southern, Thameslink and Gatwick Express are the main train companies, and Great Western Railway also stops here as part of its services heading west.

Main stops

Thameslink trains usually stop at Three Bridges, Balcombe, Haywards Heath, Wivelsfield, Burgess Hill, Hassocks, Preston Park and Brighton.

Arriving at Brighton

Brighton station is the end of the line for trains from London, but you can catch onward services along the coast. There are departures east to Lewes, Eastbourne and Hastings, or west to Hove, Worthing and Portsmouth. Southern operates most of these services and all have room for luggage.

If your final destination is Brighton, getting around is easy. The station is conveniently located on Queens Road, just a short walk from the famous Lanes shopping area and not far from the beach and Brighton Pier.

If you've just landed with lots of bags - there's a taxi rank outside, plus buses to all parts of the city. The Number 7 bus takes you straight to the Marina, while the Number 1 goes along the seafront to Hove.

Thameslink train classes

• First Class: Is located at the very front of the train and provides a quieter, more peaceful journey with spacious seats. There are tables, plus power sockets and Wi-Fi for getting online after the flight.
• Standard Class: Features comfy seating throughout the train with priority seats available for those who need them. You'll find tables, power sockets and Wi-Fi access as standard.

Thameslink train travel advice

Here are some tips for travelling on both Thameslink and Gatwick Express trains to Brighton. Both are part of the Govia group, so they have the same policies.

• Bicycles: You can travel with bikes on off-peak trains as long as there's space. No reservations are required. Bikes are not permitted on trains that arrive in London, Brighton or Kensington Olympia between 07:00 and 10:00.
• Luggage: You can bring up to 3 items per person, with a maximum weight of 23kg each (as with most airlines). Make sure you store them in luggage racks or overhead shelves, out of other passengers' way.
• Children: Kids under 5 travel free, and 5–15 year olds get 50% off. If you want to buy cheap train tickets, a Family & Friends Railcard saves adults a third (and even more for children) when travelling off-peak.
• Pets: Your furry friends travel free - up to 2 per passenger. They need to stay on the floor (not on seats) and must be on a lead or in a carrier at all times.
• Passenger Assistance: All three operators offer assistance if you need help getting on or off trains. Book at least 2 hours ahead through the National Rail website or by calling the operator directly.

You can hop on the Gatwick Express to travel from Gatwick Airport to Brighton in as little as 26 minutes. There are around 2 departures per hour throughout the day from 05:46 to 23:31.

Gatwick Express - as the name suggests - runs fast services between Victoria, Gatwick and Brighton. They're known for their super quick journey and luggage-friendly trains. The route is designed to serve passengers with flights arriving to or departing from the airport.

Main stops

Gatwick Express stops at Haywards Heath between Gatwick Airport and Brighton.

Gatwick Express train classes

• First Class: Gives you 2+2 seating with more space than Standard, plus reading lamps above every seat. You'll find extra tables throughout the carriage, power sockets for charging your devices, and free Wi-Fi.
• Standard Class: Has the same 2+2 seating layout with under-seat storage. There are plugs throughout the trains, free Wi-Fi, accessible toilets and baby changing facilities. You'll find luggage racks in every carriage, too.

Gatwick Express train travel advice

• Bicycles: If there's room available, passengers can travel with bikes on off-peak services for free. You don't need to book ahead. Blackout periods for bikes are on services reaching London, Brighton or Kensington Olympia from 07:00 to 10:00.
• Luggage: Bags must be stored where they don't obstruct aisles or doors. Use the overhead storage or luggage areas.
• Children: Under 5s ride for free, while those aged 5–15 pay half price. 16 and 17 year olds also get 50% off if they have a Saver Railcard.
• Pets: You can bring 2 animals onboard without paying extra. Keep them on the floor rather than seats, and they'll need to be on a lead or in a carrier throughout the journey.
• Passenger Assistance: With up to 2 hours' notice via the Passenger Assistance app or website, you can book help with things like getting on or off the train and reserve a wheelchair space.