London to Hastings Trains From €12.13*

For a direct journey from London to Hastings, choose between Southeastern and Southern. Both operators offer a convenient connection to this popular Sussex coastal town. The main distinction is that Southeastern is the fastest direct train, and Southern is the best for First Class.

• Southeastern operates routes between around 180 stations in Kent and Sussex, connecting the capital to cities and towns across the South East. It is fully Standard Class, but boasts the fastest direct train to Hastings.
• Southern runs popular routes between London Victoria and destinations across East and West Sussex, Hampshire, Kent and Surrey. It also operates First Class service, with luxurious, spacious seating and a premium onboard experience.

On your direct train from London to Hastings, travel better with the help of our local station secrets. From getting a coffee in the capital to finding your way out in Sussex, here’s everything you need to know.

London Bridge and London Victoria: Getting to the Platform

For your trip to Hastings, your departure station will vary depending on the route you choose. On the fastest direct train to Hastings, you’ll travel with Southeastern, starting from London Bridge.

• Central location: Situated in the Borough of Southwark, between London Bridge and Tower Bridge, London Bridge Station is served by the Northern and Jubilee lines of the London Underground. Use the Tube for rapid access from all across the capital.
• Which entrance?: If you’re approaching from the Thames, use the Tooley Street entrance. On the south side, enter via St Thomas Street.
• Grab a bite: Food options within the station include Greggs, Pizza Pilgrims, and LEON. On your way in, stop at Redwood pub beside The Shard.

• Which cafe?: For premium coffee, stop by Hermanos Colombian Coffee Roasters on your way into the station. Once inside, visit Costa Coffee to buy your brew, or head to Wetherspoons for pub meals and drinks. For bottled drinks, chocolate, crisps, and sandwiches, try WHSmith.
• Platform 18: London Victoria is a busy station with 19 platforms. Your journey south can begin from various platforms, depending on timetables and availability; however, Southern services will typically leave from higher numbers. Arrive in plenty of time to find your train!

Onboard trains from London to Hastings

Whichever route you take, you’ll enjoy scenic views on your route south, starting with iconic views of the capital, whether from London Bridge or London Victoria. These are our favourite views for each route.

• Key Landmarks: On the East Coastway Line (operated by Southern), you’ll head further west, calling at Eastbourne, before finishing your journey east to Hastings. Look out for Pevensey Castle, near Westham. Alternatively, on the efficient Hastings line (Southeastern), you’ll pass through Kent towns like Royal Tunbridge Wells, before arriving on the south coast at St Leonards on Sea.
• The View Alert: Choose a seat on the Right-Hand Side of the carriage (facing South) for sea views with both operators.

Arriving at Hastings

Hastings Beach awaits! When you step off the train at Hastings Station, you’ll be only a few minutes from the quaint pebble beach, as well as attractions like Hastings Castle and the True CRIME Museum.

• Newly refurbished: A basic station, managed by Southeastern, Hastings has few facilities for arriving passengers, except for its outstanding beach access! There is step-free access from all four platforms, and a Tourist Information Centre in the Station Plaza campus at Hastings College, next to the station.
• Onward Travel: Buses from Hastings Station are operated by Stagecoach, which runs routes to local hotspots like St Leonards and nearby attractions like Camber Castle in Winchelsea.