Last Updated on 20 May 2026 by Dave King
Brighton is compact enough that you can see most of it on foot. The station is a 10-minute walk from the seafront, the Lanes and North Laine are a few minutes apart, and the whole city centre fits within a comfortable walking radius. If you want to cover more ground, hire bikes are available across the city. This guide explains how to get around Brighton without using public transport, whether you are walking, cycling or using taxis.
Table of Contents
Distances at a Glance
| From | To | Distance | Walking time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brighton Station | Seafront | 0.7 miles | 10-14 minutes |
| Brighton Station | The Lanes | 0.4 miles | 8 minutes |
| Brighton Station | Brighton Palace Pier | 0.6 miles | 12 minutes |
| Brighton Station | Royal Pavilion | 0.5 miles | 10 minutes |
| The Lanes | North Laine | 0.2 miles | 3-5 minutes |
| Brighton Palace Pier | Brighton Marina | 1.5 miles | 30 minutes |
| Brighton Palace Pier | Hove Lawns | 1.5 miles | 30 minutes |
Everything in the city centre is downhill from the station and within walking distance of everything else. You do not need any transport for the main attractions.
Walking
The city centre (the Lanes, North Laine, the Pavilion, the Pier and the seafront) is all within a 15-minute walk of the station. The route from the station down Queens Road to the seafront is straightforward and signposted.
For longer walks, the seafront promenade runs from Hove to the Marina and is flat the entire way. The Undercliff Walk from Brighton Marina to Saltdean is quieter and runs beneath the chalk cliffs. Both are good options for getting around Brighton without using public transport if you enjoy walking longer distances.
For walks further out, Stanmer Park and Devil’s Dyke are outside comfortable walking distance from the centre and would need a bike, taxi or bus to reach.
Cycling
Beryl BTN BikeShare
Brighton has a city-wide bike hire scheme run by Beryl in partnership with the council. There are over 100 hubs across the city with a fleet of 780 bikes (roughly 60% e-bikes, 40% pedal bikes).
How it works: Download the Beryl app, register with a bank card, find a nearby bike on the map, tap to unlock and ride. Return the bike to any Beryl bay when you are done.
Pricing (as of May 2026):
- E-bikes: 14p per minute on weekdays, 18p per minute on weekends
- Pedal bikes: 6p per minute on weekdays, 8p per minute on weekends
- A £1 unlock fee applies to pay-as-you-ride hires
- Riding passes are available, including 50-minute, 100-minute and 72-hour weekend options
Check the app for current prices as they can change.
Independent bike hire
For full-day rentals, family bikes, child seats or e-bikes for longer rides, independent hire shops near the seafront offer more options than the Beryl scheme. Brighton Beach Bikes is one option for family-friendly hires. Book in advance during peak season, especially for child equipment.
Cycling routes
The seafront has a mix of shared paths, segregated cycle lanes and sections on the road. Follow on-the-ground signage and be considerate around pedestrians. The stretch from Hove to the Marina is mostly flat and popular with families. Routes towards Stanmer Park and Preston Park are quieter and suit hybrid or gravel bikes.
Lights are legally required at night (front white, rear red). Helmets are not legally required for adults but are recommended. Bring a D-lock for any stops.
E-scooters
Brighton does not currently have a live public rental e-scooter scheme, but the council has approved a two-year Beryl e-scooter hire trial expected to launch in summer 2026. Privately owned e-scooters cannot legally be used on public roads, pavements or cycle lanes in the UK.
Taxis and Ride Apps
For journeys that are too far to walk or cycle, taxis and ride-hailing apps fill the gap. Licensed black cabs are available from the rank outside Brighton Station and along the seafront. Uber operates in Brighton, and local licensed taxis are also available. These are the main options for getting around Brighton without using public transport when you need a direct journey to somewhere like the Marina, Stanmer Park or Devil’s Dyke.
FAQs
Can you get around Brighton without using public transport?
Yes. The city centre is walkable and most attractions are within 15 minutes of the station on foot. Beryl hire bikes extend your range along the seafront and towards the Marina.
How much does it cost to hire a Beryl bike in Brighton?
Pedal bikes start at 6p per minute on weekdays and 8p per minute at weekends. E-bikes cost 14p per minute on weekdays and 18p per minute at weekends. A £1 unlock fee applies to pay-as-you-ride hires. Riding passes can reduce the cost for longer use. Check the Beryl app for current pricing.
Is Brighton flat enough to explore without using public transport?
The city centre and seafront are mostly flat. The station is at the top of the hill and everything is downhill from there. Walking back up to the station is the only notable incline.
Can I cycle from Brighton to the Marina?
Yes. It is about 1.5 miles from the Pier to the Marina along the seafront. It takes about 10-15 minutes by bike on a mostly flat route.
Final Thoughts
Getting around Brighton without using public transport is straightforward for anyone visiting the city centre, the Lanes, the seafront and the Marina. Everything is within walking distance and Beryl bikes fill the gap for longer seafront journeys. For anything further out, taxis and ride apps are the practical option. The city is designed for walking.
5 thoughts on “Getting Around Brighton Without Public Transport”