- Recommended
Brighton Museum & Art Gallery
Contemporary art gallery in the Royal Pavilion Garden, showing major exhibitions in a restored historic building.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff to Brighton
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 06 Oct
Cheapest price on 06 Oct
£35
Average ticket price on 06 Oct
£50
Fastest journey on 06 Oct
3 h 53 m
Average journey duration on 06 Oct
4 h 21 m
Trains on 06 Oct
7
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 travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Brighton will cost around £50 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £35.
Fast trains
On Tue 06 Oct, we found 7 trains from Cardiff to Brighton, including 7 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 224 km distance in an average of 4 h 21 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 53 m .
The slowest trains will take 4 h 37 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.
7:274h38Cardiff12:05Brighton£351One-way0 changes- 5:074h06Cardiff9:13Brighton£411One-way0 changes
- 6:284h37Cardiff11:05Brighton£501One-way0 changes
- 8:274h38Cardiff13:05Brighton£501One-way0 changes
- 10:304h35Cardiff15:05Brighton£551One-way0 changes
- 11:503h53Cardiff15:43Brighton£631One-way0 changes
- 5:074h06Cardiff9:13Brighton£411One-way0 changes
- 13:304h35Cardiff18:05Brighton£561One-way0 changes
- 10:304h35Cardiff15:05Brighton£551One-way0 changes
- 6:284h37Cardiff11:05Brighton£501One-way0 changes
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 £22 but you can travel from only £13 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 04:12, the last at 21:20. The fastest train covers the 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
Coach from £13
Distance 224 km |
Average train duration 3h 48m |
Cheapest ticket price £22 |
Trains per day 8 |
Fastest train 3h 6m |
First train 4:12 |
Last train 21:20 |
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
Coach from £13
Live departures
Cardiff to Brighton train times
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Brighton trains for today, Monday 5 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G15041+ Tube from London Paddington to Farringdon+ W45545 | On time 8:18 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h55 | 12:13 Brighton station (BTN) | 2 changes | |
W34974+ G88612 | On time 8:27 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 4h38 | 13:05 Brighton station (BTN) | 1 change | |
G15042+Tube from London Paddington to London Victoria+ G77335 | On time 8:38 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h49 | 12:27 Brighton station (BTN) | 2 changes | |
| W35432+Tube from London Paddington to Farringdon+W45482 | On time 9:19 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h59 | 13:18 Brighton station (BTN) | 2 changes | |
| G15006+G88624 | On time 9:28 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 4h38 | 14:06 Brighton station (BTN) | 1 change | |
| G15043+Tube from London Paddington to Farringdon+W45569 | On time 9:49 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h54 | 13:43 Brighton station (BTN) | 2 changes | |
| Tuesday 6 October | |||||
| 5:07 Cardiff | 4h06 | 9:13 Brighton | 0 changesdirect | |
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 £13. 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
£22
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
£56
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
£90
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
Brighton Museum & Art Gallery
Museum inside the Royal Pavilion Estate covering local history, fashion, decorative art and changing exhibitions.
Centre for Contemporary Arts Brighton
Seafront gallery dedicated to photography and contemporary visual culture, with changing exhibitions and events.
- Must visit
The Lanes
Narrow historic lanes filled with independent shops and characterful passages, ideal for a classic Brighton wander.
- Must visit
North Laine
Bohemian shopping district known for street art, vintage stores, market atmosphere and a strong local feel.
- Recommended
Preston Park
Large central green space with formal gardens, open lawns, playgrounds and easy access from the station and seafront.
- Gluten-free
Sussex Smokies
Fresh herring traditionally smoked over oak, a Sussex speciality long linked to the old fishing trade around Brighton and nearby coastal towns.
Fish And Chips
Classic British fish and chips made with fresh local catch and chips by the seaside; a staple meal closely tied to Brighton’s coastal identity.
Brighton Sausages
A long-standing Brighton favourite: dry-cured pork sausages, usually grilled or fried, known locally through the city’s famous sausage makers.
Burnt Orange
Elegant restaurant serving seasonal British tasting menus in a refined but welcoming setting close to the seafront.
The Chilli Pickle
Lively modern Indian restaurant in The Lanes, known for creative small plates, bold flavours and a stylish atmosphere.
The Salt Room
Well-known seafood restaurant serving fish, oysters and classic British dishes in a polished room near the city centre.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for a UK seaside city. Hotels and dining are pricier than many British towns, but buses, casual eats and supermarket options help keep daily costs manageable.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fast food or a simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- £20-35 per person for a meal.
- Fine dining
- £60+ per person for upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- £3-4.50 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service may be included in restaurants; if not, 10-12.5% is common for good service. Taxi fares are often rounded up. Tipping in cafés is optional.
Brighton & Hove Buses app
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £3
- Day pass
- £6.30
To the city centre
Brighton Station -> North Street, Brighton
- Distance
- 1 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Use Tap-on-Tap-Off with a contactless card, Apple Pay or Google Pay to get the best on-bus fare automatically.
- Brighton Station is within walking distance of central Brighton; many city centre buses are about 10 min away on foot from the station stops.
Train from Cardiff to Brighton: Journey Details
The train from Cardiff to Brighton is operated by First Great Western and Southern Trains, with a journey time of between four and five hours depending on whether connections are made in London or Southampton Central. Trains run from around 5:00 a.m. until just before 7:00 p.m., with two to three trains per hour. Later trains involve an overnight journey and there is a reduced service on Sundays.
Taking the Train from Cardiff
Cardiff Central is the busiest station in Wales. It is located in the heart of the city, close to Cardiff Bay. Regional trains operate into Cardiff from the Vale of Glamorgan and West Wales. Buses arrive at Cardiff Central Bus Station, opposite the Railway Station. Local buses are operated by Cardiff Bus and ECT, with regular services from all parts of Cardiff city centre and suburbs. Taxis are available at the station.
Getting into Brighton by Train
Brighton is a lively and attractive seaside town, with one of the few remaining Victorian piers in the country. Visitor attractions include the Brighton Pavilion with its exotic domes, the old shopping Lanes, Sea World Aquarium and the Brighton Eye, located at the entrance to the Palace Pier. Brighton Railway Station is a few minutes bus ride from the historic centre of Brighton, the Esplanade and beaches. It is a busy hub, which serves central London, Gatwick and Luton airports and towns along the South Coast. Frequent local bus services around the town are operated by the Brighton and Hove Bus and Coach Company. During university terms, the Big Lemon Bus Company also operates a frequent and economical service on weekdays. Brighton has a weekend night bus service and there is a secure bicycle garage and taxi ranks at the station.
FAQs: Cardiff to Brighton train
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.
The cost of a train ticket from Cardiff to Brighton can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £22, while the average price tends to be around £69.
The train journey from Cardiff to Brighton covers a distance of 224 km and takes approximately 3h 6m. Trains run 8 per day.
The train distance from Cardiff to Brighton is 224 km.
The first train from Cardiff to Brighton leaves at 4:12.
The last train from Cardiff to Brighton departs at 21:20.
Trains from Cardiff to Brighton run approximately 8 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Cardiff to Brighton.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Cardiff to Brighton.
There is no night train service from Cardiff to Brighton.
The train station in Cardiff that goes to Brighton is Cardiff Central (CDF), and it arrives at Brighton station (BTN).
Booking trains from Cardiff to Brighton in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Cardiff to Brighton offers passengers views of the picturesque Welsh countryside, rolling hills, and charming towns along the way, though much of the route also comprises urban areas and less scenic industrial views.
Yes, you can take the train from Cardiff to Brighton.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cardiff and 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 · £0.89 · 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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