Last Updated on 1 June 2026 by Dave King
Gatwick Airport is about 27 miles from Brighton by road. The train takes roughly 30 to 40 minutes, coach times vary by operator, and driving takes 35 to 45 minutes depending on traffic. This guide covers each option for getting from Gatwick to Brighton, with current fares, journey times and practical details.
Fares and timetables change regularly. Check each operator’s website before travelling.
Quick Reference
| Option | Journey Time | Advance Fare From | Booked Via |
|---|---|---|---|
| Train (Thameslink / Southern / Gatwick Express) | 25 to 40 minutes | £8 single | nationalrail.co.uk or operator websites |
| Coach (National Express route 025) | From 55 minutes | £9.40 single | nationalexpress.com |
| Coach (FlixBus) | Check flixbus.co.uk | From £3.99 | flixbus.co.uk |
| Driving (A23/M23) | 35 to 45 minutes | N/A | N/A |
| Taxi | 35 to 45 minutes | Around £60 to £90 | Airport taxi ranks or pre-book |
Table of Contents
Train
Direct train services from Gatwick Airport to Brighton run under the Thameslink, Southern and Gatwick Express brands. Since 31 May 2026, GTR services have been in public ownership and are managed by DfT Operator Limited (DFTO). Services continue on the same routes.
The fastest direct trains take around 25 to 26 minutes. Most services take 35 to 40 minutes. There are over 100 direct services per day, departing roughly every 15 minutes during the daytime. Frequency reduces in the evening.
Advance single fares start from £8. Off-peak singles start from £9.90. Buy tickets from nationalrail.co.uk, the Trainline, or the operator’s own website or app. Railcards (16-25, Two Together, Senior, Family and Friends) reduce off-peak fares by a third.
Gatwick Airport station is at the South Terminal. If you arrive at the North Terminal, a free inter-terminal shuttle connects to the station.
Brighton station is on Queens Road, a 10 to 15 minute walk from the seafront. Local buses, taxis and a taxi rank are all available outside the main entrance.
Coach
National Express runs route 025 between Gatwick Airport and Brighton up to 20 times per day. Coaches depart from both the North and South terminals. Fares start from £9.40 for a single when booked in advance online, though availability at that price is limited.
Journey time starts from around 55 minutes, depending on traffic. Coaches have free Wi-Fi, power sockets and luggage space for one large suitcase plus one piece of hand luggage per passenger.
The first coach from Gatwick North Terminal departs at 01:50. The last departs at 23:50.
FlixBus also operates services on this route. Check fares and times on the FlixBus website.
Coaches are the cheapest option for getting from Gatwick to Brighton, but take longer than the train.
Driving
The A23 and M23 connect Gatwick Airport to Brighton. The distance is around 27 miles and the drive takes 35 to 45 minutes in normal traffic. Allow longer during peak hours, particularly around Crawley and the A23/A27 interchange approaching Brighton.
Parking in central Brighton is limited and expensive. Brighton station has a car park, and there are other options in the city centre. If you are being collected or dropped off at Gatwick, the airport charges a fee for using the terminal forecourts. Check Gatwick Airport’s website for current drop-off and pick-up charges.
Taxi
Licensed taxis are available from ranks outside both terminals at Gatwick Airport. A taxi from Gatwick to central Brighton costs roughly £60 to £90, depending on the time of day and traffic. Pre-booked airport transfer services may charge less than the metered taxi fare.
Taxis are the most expensive option but offer door-to-door service, which is useful if you have heavy luggage or are travelling late at night when train and coach frequency reduces.
FAQs
What is the cheapest way to get from Gatwick to Brighton?
Coach is usually the cheapest option. FlixBus fares can start from £3.99, National Express fares start from £9.40, and advance train fares start from £8.
What is the fastest way to get from Gatwick to Brighton?
The train. The fastest direct services take around 25 to 26 minutes. Most services take 35 to 40 minutes.
Can I get from Gatwick to Brighton late at night?
Yes. The last National Express coach from Gatwick North Terminal departs at 23:50. Late-night train times vary by date, so check the journey planner before travelling. Frequency reduces later in the evening. Taxis are available 24 hours.
Do I need to change trains to get from Gatwick to Brighton?
No. All three operators (Thameslink, Southern and Gatwick Express) run direct services. Check the departure board or journey planner to confirm your specific service is direct, as some trains on the line do require a change.
Where does the train arrive in Brighton?
Brighton station is on Queens Road, roughly a 10 to 15 minute walk downhill to the seafront and The Lanes. For more on getting around once you arrive, see the Brighton buses guide.
Final Thoughts
Getting from Gatwick to Brighton is straightforward. The train is the fastest and most frequent option. The coach is the cheapest. Driving is the most flexible but comes with parking costs. For most people arriving at Gatwick and heading to Brighton, the train is the simplest choice: direct, frequent and under 40 minutes for most services.
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