Brighton is so close to London that you can wake up with the sun, take a swim, and still be back in the capital for afternoon tea. Here’s what you need to know about Brighton’s main train station and how to get from Brighton station to the beach.
Image Credit: Getty Images, oversnap. Image Location: Brighton, UK
From Big Ben to Brighton train station to the beach
One of the best day trips from London is a visit to Brighton.
How far is Brighton from London by train?
The train from Victoria station to Brighton is direct and takes one hour. You can also travel from the London Bridge train station to Brighton train station in approximately one hour with zero changes.
What is the main train station in Brighton?
The main train station in Brighton is called “Brighton”. The good news is that if you were to accidentally purchase a ticket to a train station in Brighton and Hove that’s not “Brighton”, you won’t be far from the main station.
How many train stations are there in Brighton?
Brighton has five train stations: Preston Park, Brighton, London Road, Moulsecoomb, and Falmer. In the wider Brighton and Hove region, in which the city of Brighton is located, there are another four: Fishersgate, Portslade, Aldrington, and Hove.
How far is Brighton train station from town center?
You can walk to Brighton town center from Brighton train station in a matter of minutes. If the Royal Pavilion, Old Steine, or Brighton Museum & Art Gallery are your destinations, you’re looking at a 15-minute stroll.
How far is Brighton train station from the beach?
Because Brighton Beach is a straight shot from Brighton train station via Queens Road/West Street, you can go from the station to the shore in 12 minutes. Apply a little sunblock on this half-mile walk and you’ll be ready for an afternoon at one of the best beach trips from London.
Does Brighton train station have lockers?
Sadly, no, there are no luggage lockers at Brighton train station. There is one luggage storage facility east of the station on Trafalgar Street, but it’s not associated with the station.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Oscar Wong. Image Location: Brighton Train Station, Brighton, UK
What’s inside Brighton UK train station
Brighton train station is one of the busiest in England, so color us surprised every time we venture to Britain’s South Coast to find only eight platforms and a handful of stores. Perhaps we shouldn’t be surprised: with the beach only footsteps away, most rail-riders make a beeline there.
That said, you won’t be left without what you want and need, and then some. From Lebanese to pizza, coffee to liquor, and grocery to quick-grab items, the food and drink at Brighton train station will quiet any rumbly tummy. The shops range from newsstands and stationery to health and beauty, so you shouldn’t leave empty-handed when it comes to the necessities.
We’re kids at heart so we really get a kick out of the Brighton Toy and Model Museum located in the Victorian cellars beneath the concourse. It’s a small but special collection of exhibits that really underlines the creative history of Brighton.
Image Credit and Location: Leonardo Hotel, Brighton, UK
Hotels near Brighton train station
Brighton is a seaside getaway, so there are plenty of ways to save, spend, and stretch your sand dollar. The hotels within earshot of the Brighton train station are:
- Leonardo Hotel: A four-star stay with an all-day coffee bar to ensure you’re perked up before you hit the platform.
- Staybridge Suites: Another four-star hotel near Brighton train station that has fully equipped kitchens should you wish to make more than tea in your suite.
- Ibis Brighton City: A three-star hotel that’ll save you some coin, perfect for spending at the restaurant and bar on-site.
Planning a longer stay? We’d suggest clacking your sandals down to the shoreline to YHA Brighton Hostel, Queens Hotel, or The Grand give you beachside bliss on any budget.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Westend61. Image Location: Brighton, UK
From Brooklyn to Brighton by train
Go from the Big Apple to the Big Smoke and see both Brighton Beaches with ease by train.
Brighton UK train station serves the Gatwick Express line, a direct train running to London Gatwick Airport. Arrive from across the pond, take the train to the seaside, and walk from Brighton train station to the beach in no time.
Download the Trainline app and purchase your tickets before you even hit the terminal at JFK.
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, abbesses. Image Location: Brighton Train Station, Brighton, UK