Reading to Brighton Trains From £16.80*

Using a combination of Great Western Railway (GWR) and ThamesLink, you can travel from Reading to Brighton in around 2 hours and 19 minutes. The journey covers 56 miles and, while it requires a change along the way, connections are simple and the route runs smoothly, getting you to the Sussex coast without any hassle.

After leaving Reading, the train winds through the countryside of Berkshire and Surrey before reaching Gatwick Airport, where you’ll switch to a direct ThamesLink service towards Brighton. The last stretch of the journey is especially scenic, with glimpses of the South Downs rolling past the window before you pull into the seaside city.

Both GWR and ThamesLink are known for their comfortable, reliable services, making this a stress-free trip from Berkshire to the coast. Whether you’re heading down for a day at the beach, a weekend away or to catch up with friends, this route offers a convenient and enjoyable way to reach Brighton.

Departing from Reading

Reading station is located in the town centre on Station Hill, just a short walk from Broad Street and The Oracle shopping centre. The station is easily accessible on foot, by buses that stop directly outside or by car, and there’s a large car park nearby. Forbury Gardens, a Victorian park perfect for a break, the Museum of English Rural Life and the Reading Abbey ruins are all close by.

As one of the busiest railway stations outside of London, Reading offers a wide range of direct services. You can leave Reading and head to various destinations including London Paddington, Oxford, Bristol, Cardiff and the South West with Great Western Railway. ThamesLink also provides trains onwards from London to Gatwick Airport, Brighton and Bedford. If you’re heading to Basingstoke or London Waterloo, South Western Railway is likely to have a service that works for you.

Main stops

Between Reading and Gatwick Airport, the Great Western Railway service stops at various places. This includes Wokingham, Blackwater, North Camp, Guildford, Shalford (Surrey), Chilworth, Gomshall, Dorking Deepdene, Reigate and Redhill, before arriving at Gatwick Airport.

From there, ThamesLink takes you to Brighton, stopping at Three Bridges, Balcombe, Haywards Heath, Wilvesfield, Burgess Hill, Hassocks and Preston Park along the way.

Arriving at Brighton

When you arrive in Brighton, you’ll arrive at the main train station in the area, right in the heart of the beautiful seaside city. The station is located on Queens Road, which is a simple 10 minute walk downhill to the famous seafront and Brighton Pier, making it perfectly placed for exploring the city on foot.

Brighton is part of several major routes, with frequent services to London Victoria, London Bridge, and London Blackfriars via ThamesLink and Southern. Great Western Railway also links Brighton with Reading, while other connections include services to Gatwick Airport, Eastbourne, Portsmouth and Southampton. This makes Brighton a key station for commuters, daytrippers and holidaymakers.

As you step out of the station, you’ll find yourself within easy reach of many of Brighton’s top attractions. The Lanes and North Laine are a short walk away, offering quirky shops, independent cafés and colourful street art. The Royal Pavilion, with its striking architecture, is just a 15 minute walk away. Brighton seafront and pier - which boast arcades, fairground rides and pebble beaches - can’t be missed, and are also only a short walk from the station.

Great Western Railway and ThamesLink train classes

• Standard Class: When travelling from Reading to Brighton, the majority of people choose Standard Class, which is available on both GWR and ThamesLink trains. On GWR services, you can expect spacious seating, free wifi, power sockets and luggage racks. ThamesLink provides a similar service. Booking in advance can ensure you buy cheap train tickets, and using a railcard can reduce your fare by up to a third. This makes Standard Class both a practical and cost-effective way to journey to Brighton.
• First Class: If you’re craving extra comfort for your journey from Reading to Brighton, consider travelling in First Class. Reading to Brighton First Class provides wider, reclining seats, additional legroom, and a quieter carriage. If you’re travelling during the week, you can also enjoy complimentary snacks and drinks on GWR, alongside fast wifi and charging points. ThamesLink First Class isn’t always available, but on services where it is, you can expect a calmer environment and more spacious seating.

Great Western Railway and ThamesLink train travel advice

Knowing what to expect from a Great Western Railway and ThamesLink service makes your journey simpler, smoother and free of stress.

• Luggage - Both GWR and ThamesLink allow you to bring up to three items of luggage at no extra cost. There are specific places to store your luggage on both services.
• Bicycles - You can take bikes on both GWR and ThamesLink services, but spaces aren’t guaranteed without a booking, especially on busy services. GWR requires reservations for full sized bikes due to limited space.
• Children - Children under 5 travel for free on both train networks, and those aged between 5 and 15 can buy tickets with half price fares. If you have a Family & Friends Railcard, you can save even more money when travelling as a group.
• Pets - You can bring up to two pets free of charge on both GWR and ThamesLink services.
• Passenger Assist - Both operators support passengers with accessibility needs. Support can be pre-booked or arranged on the day of travel with both GWR and ThamesLink.