Traveling from Brighton to Gatwick Airport (about 24 miles) can be done by train, coach/bus, or taxi. Each mode has its own trade offs in speed, cost and convenience. For example, direct Thameslink trains run every 15–20 minutes and take roughly 33–37 minutes to reach Gatwick, while a National Express coach can make the trip in about 40–45 minutes for as little as £5.50. Taxis offer door to door service in 30–40 minutes, but fares are higher (typically ~£45–£70). The sections below break down each option in detail, so you can choose the best way to reach Gatwick from Brighton.
Brighton to Gatwick Airport by Train
- Frequency & Operators: Thameslink runs direct trains from Brighton station to Gatwick Airport roughly every 15–20 minutes. Gatwick Express (operated by Govia/Southern) also serves the route, offering a non-stop train about once per hour. Southern Railway runs a slower direct train (~32 min) every few hours.
- Journey Time: The Thameslink/Southern service takes about 37 minutes on average. Gatwick Express is faster (around 28–29 minutes) but less frequent. In practice trains typically reach Gatwick in 30–37 minutes.
- Cost & Tickets: Fares are roughly £10–£15 one-way. You can save money by booking off peak or online. For example, Gatwick Express tickets booked directly can be 10% cheaper, and GroupSave or off-peak tickets can reduce the price further.
- Convenience: Trains depart from Brighton main station and arrive at Gatwick Airport station (next to the South Terminal). Trains are fast and avoid road traffic. As one source notes: “Thameslink operates a train…every 20 minutes…taking 37 min” with fares ~£10–13.
Taking the train is usually the quickest public option. If you don’t have heavy luggage, it’s reliable and frequent. Just be sure to check schedules; there are dozens of trains daily, with the first shortly after midnight and the last late evening.
Brighton to Gatwick Airport by Bus/Coach
- National Express Coach (Brighton to Gatwick Coach): The National Express 025 service runs about 20 times a day. It departs from Brighton (Pool Valley Coach Station on the seafront, Preston Circus, etc.) and goes straight to Gatwick South (and North) Terminal. National Express advertises a fastest journey of ~40 minutes and fares from £5.50. In practice the trip averages about 45 minutes..
- FlixBus: An alternative coach is FlixBus, which runs hourly from Brighton to Gatwick (departing Preston Circus). This service takes about 45 minutes and fares range from £5–8. It’s often the cheapest option, though schedules are less frequent than National Express.
- Bus Schedule: According to travel planners, there are roughly 35–40 buses per day between Brighton and Gatwick, with the fastest direct coaches covering the 37 km distance in about 40–41 minutes. The first coach typically leaves Brighton around 02:50 AM, and the last around 10:45 PM.
- Pros & Cons: Coach travel is economical (from just £5.50) and includes amenities like Wi-Fi and extra luggage allowance. However, buses can be slower than trains and subject to traffic. They are a good option if you want a low-cost trip and don’t mind the fixed schedule.
Brighton to Gatwick Airport by Taxi
- Travel Time: A taxi or private car is the quickest road option, typically taking 30–40 minutes depending on traffic. This is door to door service from your home or hotel in Brighton to the airport terminal.
- Cost: Taxi fares are higher. Local companies quote prices from about £50–60 for a standard saloon car. On-demand taxi services or larger vehicles can cost up to £65–85+. Booking a minicab or private luxury cabs in advance usually fixes the fare and avoids metered rates.
- Convenience: Taxis offer maximum convenience they pick you up wherever you want and drop you at the terminal with no transfers. This is great if you have lots of luggage or tight flight times. Unlike trains or coaches, you don’t need to adhere to a timetable. For peace of mind, it’s best to pre book a transfer taxi. Many travelers use airport taxi firms (often online) to get meet and greet service and know the cost upfront.
Final Though
Trains from Brighton to Gatwick Airport are the fastest public transport (about 30–37 min), coaches are the cheapest (as low as £5.50) but a bit slower (~45 min), and taxis are the most flexible (≈30 min) but cost £50–80. Each mode suits different priorities. If you want a comfortable, stress free taxi ride, consider booking with Get In Transfer they offer reliable, fixed-price transfers from Brighton to Gatwick Airport, ensuring a door to door journey without any stress of public transport.
