- Must visit
Brighton Museum & Art Gallery
Major city museum in the Royal Pavilion Estate with art, fashion, local history, and design collections.
Cheapest price
$68
Average price
$72
Fastest journey
3 h 54 m
Average duration
4 h 23 m
Trains per day
3
Distance
224 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cardiff to Brighton is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Brighton will cost around $72 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $68.
Of the 3 trains that leave Cardiff for Brighton on Wed, Jul 08, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Jul 08 the direct trains cover the 224 km distance in an average of 4 h 23 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 54 m .
On Wed, Jul 08 the slowest trains will take 4 h 38 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.






Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Brighton among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $18. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 53m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $18, and a train costs an average of $29.
Distance: 139 miles (224 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$73 Average price | $28 Average price Cheapest | $64 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 23m Average total duration Fastest 3h 53m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 8m Average total duration 5h 38m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 35m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.6kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Cardiff to Brighton:
A bus is $45 (€37) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cardiff to Brighton costing on average $73 (€60).
Other travel options to Brighton take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 38m.
Tickets start at around $73 (€60) compared to roughly $64 (€52) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-9.09 (€-7.46). The journey takes 3h 53m versus 3h 35m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Brighton trains for today, Tuesday, July 7. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 8:27 AM Cardiff | 4h38 | 1:05 PM Brighton | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 10:30 AM Cardiff | 4h35 | 3:05 PM Brighton | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 11:50 AM Cardiff | 3h53 | 3:43 PM Brighton | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 1:30 PM Cardiff | 4h35 | 6:05 PM Brighton | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Wednesday, July 8 | |||||
![]() | 6:28 AM Cardiff | 4h37 | 11:05 AM Brighton | 0 transfersDirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and bus prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Trains from Cardiff to Brighton run on average 7 times per day, taking around 3h 53m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $29 (€24) but you can travel from only $18 (€15) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 04:12, the last at 21:20. The fastest train covers the 139 miles (224 km) distance in 3h 39m.
Distance 139 miles (224 km) |
Average train duration 3h 53m |
Cheapest ticket price $29 (€24) |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 3h 39m |
First train 4:12 AM |
Last train 9:20 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 77 days |
Discover the best of Brighton — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Brighton trip today.
Major city museum in the Royal Pavilion Estate with art, fashion, local history, and design collections.
Family-friendly museum in a Victorian villa, known for toys, film exhibits, craft, and local design displays.
Compact natural history museum with Victorian displays, bird collections, fossils, and educational exhibits.
Historic maze of narrow alleyways filled with independent shops and distinctive character, central to Brighton's identity.
Creative shopping and street-art district known for colourful facades, indie culture, and lively local atmosphere.
Classic promenade area for walking, sea views, and easy access to major sights such as the pier and i360.
Fresh white fish in crisp batter with chips, a classic British seaside meal strongly associated with Brighton’s seafront.
A traditional Sussex dish of smoked haddock baked in a creamy sauce, often with cheese; a regional comfort food from the surrounding county.
A hard boiled striped sugar sweet sold in sticks, famous as a nostalgic Brighton seaside treat.
Respected gastropub near Hove serving modern British cooking with quality ingredients in a relaxed upscale room.
Established steak and seafood restaurant known for charcoal grilling, smart interiors, and strong local produce.
Well-known seafood and oyster venue in The Lanes, popular for shellfish platters and a lively yet polished setting.
Prices are high by UK standards, especially for hotels and dining in central seafront areas, though pubs, cafés, and takeaway spots can still be reasonable.
Service charge may be added in restaurants; if not, tip 10-12.5% for good service. Round up in taxis. Small tips are optional in cafés, bars, hotels, and for delivery.
Official public transport app
Brighton Railway Station, Brighton -> Brighton City Centre, Brighton
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Brighton by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Brighton, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Cardiff to Brighton trains use the Cardiff Central to Brighton station pair, with some services arriving at Hove. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Brighton train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Cardiff Central has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Car Rental.
Food options include: Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen, Pret a Manger, Tesco Express
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are located outside of the main entrance.
The ticket office is open Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30, Sat: 05:40 - 21:30, Sun: 07:30 - 21:30.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Cardiff Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Cardiff Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff Central: There is step-free access in the whole station. There are also ramps for train access and elevators in the station.
Nearby hotels include Clayton Hotel Cardiff, Cardiff Marriott Hotel, Travelodge Cardiff Central.
Cathays has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Cathays.
Ticket office support is available at Cathays. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 03333 211202, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Arrival screens.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Cathays: Parking.
Available at Cathays: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cathays: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Category B3. While both platforms are step-free, there is no facility for wheelchair users, mobility scooter users or persons with reduced mobility to cross between Platform 1 and 2 due to a steep footbridge. Customers who have travelled from the Valleys and wish to access the University or the Civic Centre are advised to travel to Queen Street station, change onto a North-bound service and alight at Cathays on the return service, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machine(s) take cash, and major debit and credit cards. The machine on the Cardiff-bound platform is only available during staffing hours. The machine on the Pontypridd-bound platform is available all the time, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Nearby hotels include Travelodge.
Cardiff Queen Street has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Cardiff Queen Street.
Ticket office support is available at Cardiff Queen Street. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 03333 211202, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Cardiff Queen Street: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Cardiff Queen Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff Queen Street: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machines are near the main entrance and take cash and major debit and credit cards, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Nearby hotels include Travelodge.
Brighton has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: The Grand Central, The Cyclist
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Brighton. Information desks are located in the main concourse.
Luggage storage is available at Brighton. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Brighton: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Brighton: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Brighton: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Jurys Inn Brighton, Ibis Brighton City Centre, My Brighton Hotel.
Hove is 2 km from Brighton city centre. Public transport options include:
Hove has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Bike Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Hove.
Ticket office support is available at Hove.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Hove: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Hove: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Hove: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category A station: This station has step-free level access to all platforms. Assistance Meeting Point is the Ticket Office. This station doesn't have tactile surfaces along all platform edges. Please pay attention to where the platform surface changes from smooth to paved or contact us for assistance, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All Southern ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. Ticket machines are of an accessible design, however their location and the station itself may not be so please check the station access note for further details, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: Wheelchairs may only be available when the station is staffed, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Preston Park is 2 km from Brighton city centre. Public transport options include:
Preston Park has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Bike Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Preston Park.
Ticket office support is available at Preston Park.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Preston Park: Parking, WC.
Available at Preston Park: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Preston Park: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: This is a Category C station: This station does not have step-free access. Assistance Meeting Point is outside the ticket office on platforms 1 and 2, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All Southern ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. Ticket machines are of an accessible design, however their location and the station itself may not be so please check the station access note for further details, Accessible toilets: No, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
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