London Blackfriars to Brighton Trains From £17.85*

You can travel from London to Brighton in about 1 hour 10 minutes thanks to Thameslink's regular service from London Blackfriars.

This is a popular route among commuters, day-trippers, holidaymakers and international visitors to Britain. That's because trains from London Blackfriars to Brighton connect the capital's financial district with the Sussex seaside, Gatwick Airport and major commuter towns like Croydon and Haywards Heath.

Trains are comfortable thanks to Thameslink's signature onboard service, including free Wi-Fi on select departures and assistance for passengers with reduced mobility. The operator is part of Govia, which also runs Great Northern, Southern and the Gatwick Express.

Departing from London Blackfriars

Blackfriars straddles both sides of the River Thames in the heart of the City of London. This busy station is connected to Circle and District Lines of the London Underground and multiple bus routes, making it easy to reach other parts of the capital. It also lies within walking distance of popular attractions like St Paul's Cathedral and the Tate Modern.

Thameslink manages Blackfriars and also operates most of the services to and from the station. Many destinations are major commuter towns and cities, with trains arriving from places like Bedford, Cambridge, Sutton and Sevenoaks. There are also trains to Gatwick Airport.

Main stops

London Blackfriars to Brighton train stops include London Bridge, East Croydon, Gatwick Airport and Haywards Heath. Stops can vary, so be sure to double-check before booking your tickets.

Arriving at Brighton

Brighton station is in the centre of town, making it a convenient starting point for your day trip or mini break. The historic Clock Tower and the lively North Laine district are just steps away, while The Royal Pavilion, Brighton Palace Pier and the beach are all approximately a 15-minute walk from the platforms.

As the terminus for the Brighton Main Line, trains arrive from London Victoria and Clapham Junction (as well as from London Bridge and Blackfriars). There are also departures along the East Coastway Line towards popular seaside towns like Eastbourne and Hastings, while major cities like Southampton and Portsmouth are reachable via the West Coastway Line.

Thameslink train classes

There are two main classes on Thameslink.

• Standard Class: Passengers enjoy comfortable seats arranged in pairs or groups of 4, with luggage racks and Wi-Fi on board select trains. Seat reservations are not available.
• First Class: Thameslink's premium service promises a quieter and less-crowded carriage, making it ideal for passengers wishing to work or relax. Seating is typically more spacious, too. Just keep in mind that First Class isn't available on all Thameslink trains.

Thameslink train travel advice

Here's all the essential information you need for planning your London to Brighton trip:

• Luggage: There's no strict limit to the luggage you can bring onboard, just make sure your bags don't obstruct the doors or get in other people's way.
• Bicycles: Ordinary bikes are not allowed on trains travelling to London between 07:00 and 10:00, nor those travelling from London between 16:00 and 19:00. This applies on Mondays–Fridays, except public holidays. Outside of these times, you can board with a bike as long as there's space.
• Children: On most journeys, children under 5 travel free, and ages 5–15 get 50% off. 16 and 17-year-olds can use the 16-17 Saver railcard for 50% off. 
• Pets: Up to 2 pets can travel with their human on trains, but they can't take up a seat. They must be on a lead or in a container at all times.
• Passenger Assistance: You can book assistance in advance, and all trains have ramps and wheelchair space.