- Must visit
Brighton Museum & Art Gallery
Museum inside the Royal Pavilion Estate covering Brighton’s history, fashion, art, and design in one of the city’s core heritage sites.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff to Brighton
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Oct 07
Cheapest price on Oct 07
$66
Average ticket price on Oct 07
$70
Fastest journey on Oct 07
3 h 54 m
Average journey duration on Oct 07
4 h 23 m
Trains on Oct 07
3
Distance
224 km
Cheap tickets
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 $70 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $66.
Fast trains
On Wed, Oct 07, we found 3 trains from Cardiff to Brighton, including 3 direct services.
On Wed, Oct 07 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, Oct 07 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.
6:28 AM4h37Cardiff11:05 AMBrighton$661One-way0 transfers- 8:27 AM4h38Cardiff1:05 PMBrighton$661One-way0 transfers
- 8:49 AM3h54Cardiff12:43 PMBrighton$791One-way0 transfers
- 8:49 AM3h54Cardiff12:43 PMBrighton$791One-way0 transfers
- 6:28 AM4h37Cardiff11:05 AMBrighton$661One-way0 transfers
- 8:27 AM4h38Cardiff1:05 PMBrighton$661One-way0 transfers
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cardiff to Brighton
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Cardiff to Brighton run on average 8 times per day, taking around 3h 48m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $29 (€24) but you can travel from only $17 (€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 6m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $17 (€15)
Distance 139 miles (224 km) |
Average train duration 3h 48m |
Cheapest ticket price $29 (€24) |
Trains per day 8 |
Fastest train 3h 6m |
First train 4:12 AM |
Last train 9:20 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 1 day |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $17 (€15)
Live departures
Cardiff to Brighton train times
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Brighton trains for today, Tuesday, October 6. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G15040+ Tube from London Paddington to Farringdon+ W45524 | On time 6:24 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h49 | 10:13 AM Brighton station (BTN) | 2 transfers | |
G15001+ G88588 | On time 6:28 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 4h37 | 11:05 AM Brighton station (BTN) | 1 transfer | |
| W35166+Tube from London Paddington to Farringdon+W45408 | On time 6:51 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h57 | 10:48 AM Brighton station (BTN) | 2 transfers | |
W35167+Tube from London Paddington to London Victoria+ G77311 | On time 7:23 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h34 | 10:57 AM Brighton station (BTN) | 2 transfers | |
| G15003+G88600 | On time 7:27 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 4h38 | 12:05 PM Brighton station (BTN) | 1 transfer | |
| W35169+Tube from London Paddington to Farringdon+W45525 | On time 7:49 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h54 | 11:43 AM Brighton station (BTN) | 2 transfers | |
| G15041+Tube from London Paddington to Farringdon+W45545 | On time 8:18 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h55 | 12:13 PM Brighton station (BTN) | 2 transfers | |
| W34974+G88612 | On time 8:27 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 4h38 | 1:05 PM Brighton station (BTN) | 1 transfer | |
| G15042+Tube from London Paddington to London Victoria+G77335 | On time 8:38 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h49 | 12:27 PM Brighton station (BTN) | 2 transfers | |
| W35432+Tube from London Paddington to Farringdon+W45482 | On time 9:19 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h59 | 1:18 PM Brighton station (BTN) | 2 transfers | |
| G15006+G88624 | On time 9:28 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 4h38 | 2:06 PM Brighton station (BTN) | 1 transfer | |
| G15043+Tube from London Paddington to Farringdon+W45569 | On time 9:49 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h54 | 1:43 PM Brighton station (BTN) | 2 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Why should you book Cardiff to Brighton trains with Omio?
Southern as well as Thameslink or Great Western Railway offer trains services from Cardiff to Brighton.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cardiff to Brighton.
Why book with Omio vs Southern?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Southern, but also compare tickets for the likes of Thameslink or Great Western Railway to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Brighton.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Southern with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cardiff to Brighton.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Thameslink or Great Western Railway to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Brighton.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Cardiff to Brighton.
Train companies: Great Western Railway, Southern, Thameslink from Cardiff to Brighton trainsGreat Western Railway, Southern, Thameslink trains will get you between Cardiff and Brighton from $17 (€15). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Great Western Railway
About
Great Western Railway is a train operating company in the United Kingdom. It operates services from London Paddington to the West of England, South Wales and the Cotswolds. It also operates services from London Paddington to Oxford, Reading and Bristol. It offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, air conditioning and catering services. The most popular routes for Great Western Railway are London Paddington to Bristol, Reading and Oxford.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Great Western Railway Duration
3h 6m
Cheapest Great Western Railway Price
$29 (€24)
Great Western Railway frequency
6 a day
Luggage included
Two pieces of luggage and one piece of hand luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, dedicated luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, sandwiches. First Class at-seat service on some routes
Seat reservation
Optional seat reservations available for a fee. Free in First Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone
Southern
About
Southern Rail is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates a wide range of services, from high-speed intercity trains to local commuter services. Its trains include the InterCity 125, InterCity 225, and Class 444 and 450. It also offers a variety of ticket types, such as Advance, Off-Peak, and Super Off-Peak. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. The most popular routes for Southern Rail are London to Brighton, London to Southampton, and London to Portsmouth.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Southern Duration
4h 26m
Cheapest Southern Price
$74 (€62)
Southern frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 piece of hand luggage
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage areas at the end of carriages
Cancellation Policy
According to ticket type conditions
Refund
Full refund provided
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with snacks and drinks
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for a fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require a ticket
Quiet zone
Thameslink
About
Thameslink is a train service that operates in the United Kingdom. It is operated by Govia Thameslink Railway and serves the counties of Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, London, and Surrey. The trains run from early morning until late at night, with some services running 24 hours a day. There are a variety of train types available, including Class 700 Desiro City, Class 377 Electrostar, Class 387/1 Electrostar, and Class 319/0. Ticket types include Anytime, Off-Peak, Super Off-Peak, and Advance. Onboard facilities include Wi-Fi, power sockets, and air conditioning. The most popular routes for Thameslink are London to Brighton, London to Bedford, and London to Luton.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Thameslink Duration
3h 48m
Cheapest Thameslink Price
$121 (€101)
Thameslink frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund available if service is canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service on some routes offering drinks and snacks
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating
Pets
Small pets free of charge. Dogs must be on a lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone
Complete guide to Brighton
Things to do in Brighton
Discover the best of Brighton — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Brighton trip today.
- Recommended
Preston Manor
Elegant historic house displaying decorative art, period interiors, and changing exhibitions. Strong choice for design and Regency culture.
- Recommended
Hove Museum of Creativity
Leading contemporary art gallery in the Royal Pavilion Estate, showing international artists and thought-provoking modern exhibitions.
- Must visit
The Lanes
Historic maze of narrow alleys filled with independent shops and old buildings. Essential for atmosphere, strolling, and Brighton character.
- Must visit
North Laine
Open-air shopping district known for colourful streets, murals, markets, and creative independent culture. Popular with locals and visitors alike.
- Must visit
Brighton Seafront
Wide seafront promenade ideal for walking, cycling, and sea views, linking major Brighton attractions along the coast.
Fish And Chips
Fresh local cod or haddock in crisp batter with chips. A British seaside staple strongly associated with Brighton’s beachfront food culture.
- Gluten-free
Kippers
Kippers are herring split, salted and cold-smoked. Traditionally eaten for breakfast on the south coast and valued for their rich smoky flavour.
Sussex Beef And Ale Stew
A Sussex pub classic of slow-braised beef cooked in dark ale, often with root vegetables. It reflects the county’s strong brewing and farming traditions.
Etch
Elegant fine dining destination in The Lanes serving refined tasting menus with strong local sourcing and a calm intimate atmosphere.
Fatto A Mano
Well-known independent pizzeria using wood-fired ovens and quality toppings. Casual, lively and popular for a relaxed meal near the seafront.
64 Degrees
Acclaimed modern British restaurant with tasting menus, polished service and creative seasonal cooking in central Brighton.
Pound sterling (£)
Brighton is pricier than many UK cities. Hotels, seafront dining, and attractions add up, though buses and casual eats help keep daily costs manageable.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fast food or casual takeaway.
- Mid-range
- £18-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £60+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4.50 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service may be included in restaurants; otherwise 10-12.5% is standard for good service. Round up taxi fares. Tipping in cafes is optional.
Brighton & Hove Buses
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2.00
- Day pass
- £5.50
To the city center
Brighton Railway Station -> Churchill Square, Brighton
- Distance
- 1 km
- Travel time
- 7 min
- Contactless card and mobile payments are accepted on Brighton & Hove Buses. Tap on board for adult single and saver fares.
- Brighton city centre is walkable from Brighton Railway Station in about 15 min. Use the official app for live bus times and mobile tickets.
FAQs: Trains from Cardiff to 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.
Train ticket prices from Cardiff to Brighton can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $29 (€24), while the average price is around $92 (€77).
The train from Cardiff to Brighton takes 3h 6m and runs 8 per day.
The distance by train from Cardiff to Brighton is 139 miles (224 km).
The first train from Cardiff to Brighton leaves at 4:12 AM.
The last train from Cardiff to Brighton leaves at 9:20 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Cardiff to Brighton.
There is no direct train service currently available from Cardiff to Brighton.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Cardiff to Brighton.
The train station in Cardiff that goes to Brighton is Cardiff Central (CDF), which connects to Brighton station (BTN).
The train journey from Cardiff to Brighton offers a blend of urban and rural landscapes, including views of the picturesque South Downs, charming countryside, and glimpses of the English Channel as you approach Brighton.
Yes, you can take the train from Cardiff to Brighton.
Popular day trips by train from Brighton include London, Lewes, Haywards Heath, Worthing, Burgess Hill.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
Yes, rail passes such as the BritRail Pass are valid on most trains within the United Kingdom, offering unlimited travel on participating train operators for a set period.
The currency used in the United Kingdom is the British Pound Sterling (GBP). For travelers, using a card is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially in cities and for transportation tickets, though carrying some cash can be useful for small purchases or in rural areas.
In Brighton, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like the pier, the Lanes, and busy streets. Scams involving overcharging in taxis and unlicensed cabs are reported, so it’s advisable to use licensed services or pre-book transportation. Additionally, travelers should be wary of fake charity collectors and street vendors selling counterfeit goods. Staying vigilant and securing personal belongings can help ensure a safe visit.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Cardiff to Brighton
Most Cardiff to Brighton trains use the Cardiff Central to Brighton station pair. 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.
Departure train stations in Cardiff
Arrival train stations in Brighton
Cardiff CentralCentral Square, Cardiff CF10 1EP, United Kingdom+44 3457114141
City-centre transport
Getting to Cardiff Central from Cardiff city centre
Bus24, 25, 27, 86, 62, 30, 35, 21, 136, 7, 23, 63, 64 · 3m · $2 · every ~47 min
C1 · 5m · every ~8 min
Cardiff Central 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 and drink
Food options include: Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen, Pret a Manger, Tesco Express
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are located outside of the main entrance.
Tickets and information
The ticket office is open Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30, Sat: 05:40 - 21:30, Sun: 07:30 - 21:30.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cardiff Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Cardiff Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
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.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Clayton Hotel Cardiff, Cardiff Marriott Hotel, Travelodge Cardiff Central.
Which Brighton station do trains from Cardiff arrive at?
Trains from Cardiff to Brighton arrive at Brighton. Brighton is from Brighton city centre.
BrightonBrighton Station, Queens Rd, Brighton BN1 3XP, United Kingdom+44 345 127 2920
City-centre transport
Getting to Brighton from Brighton city centre
Bus37, 52 · 4m · $1 · every ~6 min
Brighton train station facilities and services
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 and drink
Food options include: The Grand Central, The Cyclist
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Brighton. Information desks are located in the main concourse.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Brighton. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Brighton: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Brighton: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Brighton: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Jurys Inn Brighton, Ibis Brighton City Centre, My Brighton Hotel.
Most popular train connections from Cardiff
More options for your journey from Cardiff to Brighton
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Brighton and Cardiff
Most popular train connections to Brighton
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