- Recommended
Command of the Oceans
Major naval museum site with galleries, historic ships and interactive exhibits. A top choice for understanding Chatham’s maritime story.
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Brighton to Gillingham among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £18 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 27m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £18, while a train costs an average of £53.
Distance: 79 km
| Coach | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£18 Average Price Cheapest | £53 Average Price | £16 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 8m Average total duration 5h 38m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 27m Average total duration Fastest 1h 57m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 27m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Brighton to Gillingham:
A coach is £35 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Brighton to Gillingham costing on average £53.
Other travel options to Gillingham take longer:
Coach takes on average 5h 38m.
Tickets start at around £18 compared to roughly £16 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-2.67. The journey takes 5h 38m versus 1h 27m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
Compare train and coach 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.
Buses from Brighton to Gillingham run on average 5 times per day, taking around 5h 38m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £18 if you book in advance.
The earliest coach runs at 04:40, the last at 19:40. The fastest coach covers the 79 km distance in 5h 38m.
Distance 79 km |
Average bus duration 5h 38m |
Cheapest ticket price £18 |
Buses per day 5 |
Fastest bus 5h 38m |
First bus 4:40 |
Last bus 19:40 |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Discover the best of Gillingham — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Gillingham trip today.
Major naval museum site with galleries, historic ships and interactive exhibits. A top choice for understanding Chatham’s maritime story.
Museum dedicated to the Royal Engineers, with medals, machinery and campaigns explained through well-presented displays near Brompton Barracks.
Compact local museum inside the dockyard exploring the Age of Sail, shipbuilding and dockyard workers. Good for a focused heritage visit.
Large heritage park with open grassland, military earthworks and broad views. Popular for walks, events and understanding Medway’s historic landscape.
Waterside country park with estuary views, birdlife and easy paths. A relaxing local favourite for walking, cycling and nature watching.
Linear riverside walking and cycling route connecting dockyard and country park areas. Good for seeing the Medway waterfront at an easy pace.
Fresh oysters from the nearby Swale and Medway estuary, long linked to Kent’s coast. Briny, mineral and a classic local seafood treat.
A rich pie of beef, kidney and oyster, historically associated with Medway and wider Kent. It reflects the area’s mix of farming and estuary produce.
Slow-cooked Kent lamb, often served as roast or braised dishes. Local sheep farming makes lamb a traditional choice across north Kent.
Well-liked Nepalese and Indian venue serving momos, curries and grilled dishes in a friendly local setting.
Popular Turkish restaurant serving grilled meats, meze and flatbreads in a lively, modern setting.
Established Indian restaurant known for classic curries, tandoori dishes and a relaxed dine-in atmosphere.
Moderate for South East England. Hotels can be cheaper than London, but dining and rail fares are still fairly high for many visitors.
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is not included. Round up for taxis; cafés usually do not expect tips.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Brighton to Gillingham by coach. 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 coach, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Gillingham, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Brighton to Gillingham buses use the Brighton, Preston Circus to Gillingham, Hempstead Valley Shopping Centre station pair. Use this guide to compare Brighton and Gillingham bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Brighton, Preston Circus has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Brighton, Preston Circus. ATMs are available at Brighton, Preston Circus.
Ticket office support is available at Brighton, Preston Circus.
Available at Brighton, Preston Circus: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Brighton, Preston Circus: Buses with accessibility features serve this stop.
Brighton, Patcham is 4 km from Brighton city centre. Public transport options include:
Brighton, Patcham has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Brighton, Patcham. ATMs are available at Brighton, Patcham.
Ticket office support is available at Brighton, Patcham.
Available at Brighton, Patcham: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Brighton, Patcham: Accessible for wheelchairs with assistance.
Gillingham, Hempstead Valley Shopping Centre is 5 km from Gillingham city centre. Public transport options include:
Gillingham, Hempstead Valley Shopping Centre has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Multiple restaurants in the shopping centre.
Wi-Fi is available at Gillingham, Hempstead Valley Shopping Centre. ATMs are several ATMs inside the shopping centre.
Ticket office support is available at Gillingham, Hempstead Valley Shopping Centre.
Available at Gillingham, Hempstead Valley Shopping Centre: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Gillingham, Hempstead Valley Shopping Centre: The area is wheelchair accessible.
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