- Recommended
Brighton Museum & Art Gallery
Contemporary art gallery in the Royal Pavilion Garden, showing major exhibitions in a restored historic building.
Cheapest price
£41
Average price
£68
Fastest journey
3 h 37 m
Average duration
3 h 46 m
Trains per day
12
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 travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Brighton will cost around £68 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £41.
To travel from Cardiff to Brighton you need to make at least 2 changes.
C42264+
G88663
C42262+
G88655
C42292+
Tube from London Paddington to London Victoria+
G27088
C42293+
Tube from London Paddington to Farringdon+
C02652
W35184+
Tube from London Paddington to London Victoria+
G27086
C42292+
Tube from London Paddington to London Victoria+
G27088
W35184+
Tube from London Paddington to London Victoria+
G27086
W35172+
Tube from London Paddington to Farringdon+
C02624
C42293+
Tube from London Paddington to Farringdon+
C02652
W35174+
Tube from London Paddington to Farringdon+
C02686Omio 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 coach with prices starting from £15. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 57m. 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 coach costs an average of £15, and a train costs an average of £22.
Distance: 224 km
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£51 Average Price | £20 Average Price Cheapest |
4h 27m Average total duration Fastest 3h 57m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 5m Average total duration 5h 35m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.6kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Brighton trains for today, Friday 21 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G15040+ Tube from London Paddington to Farringdon+ W45524 | On time 6:24 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h49 | 10:13 Brighton station (BTN) | 2 changes | |
G15001+ G88588 | On time 6:28 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 4h37 | 11:05 Brighton station (BTN) | 1 change | |
W35166+ Tube from London Paddington to Farringdon+ W45408 | On time 6:51 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h57 | 10:48 Brighton station (BTN) | 2 changes | |
W35167+ Tube from London Paddington to London Victoria+ G77311 | On time 7:23 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h34 | 10:57 Brighton station (BTN) | 2 changes | |
G15003+ G88600 | On time 7:27 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 4h38 | 12:05 Brighton station (BTN) | 1 change | |
W35169+ Tube from London Paddington to Farringdon+ W45525 | On time 7:49 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h54 | 11:43 Brighton station (BTN) | 2 changes | |
G15046+ G77372+ Tube from London Paddington to London Victoria | On time 12:18 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h39 | 15:57 Brighton station (BTN) | 2 changes | |
G15012+ G88654 | On time 12:30 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 4h35 | 17:05 Brighton station (BTN) | 1 change | |
G15047 · G15103+ W45546 | On time 12:50 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h53 | 16:43 Brighton station (BTN) | 2 changes | |
G15047+ Tube from London Paddington to Farringdon+ W45546 | On time 12:50 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h53 | 16:43 Brighton station (BTN) | 2 changes | |
W35434+ Tube from London Paddington to London Victoria+ G77375 | On time 13:18 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h39 | 16:57 Brighton station (BTN) | 2 changes | |
G15013+ G88662 | On time 13:30 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 4h35 | 18:05 Brighton station (BTN) | 1 change | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Cardiff to Brighton run on average 7 times per day, taking around 3h 57m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £22 but you can travel from only £15 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 04:12, the last at 21:20. The fastest train covers the 224 km distance in 3h 39m.
Distance 224 km |
Average train duration 3h 57m |
Cheapest ticket price £22 |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 3h 39m |
First train 4:12 |
Last train 21:20 |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Wed |
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.
Contemporary art gallery in the Royal Pavilion Garden, showing major exhibitions in a restored historic building.
Museum inside the Royal Pavilion Estate covering local history, fashion, decorative art and changing exhibitions.
Seafront gallery dedicated to photography and contemporary visual culture, with changing exhibitions and events.
Narrow historic lanes filled with independent shops and characterful passages, ideal for a classic Brighton wander.
Bohemian shopping district known for street art, vintage stores, market atmosphere and a strong local feel.
Large central green space with formal gardens, open lawns, playgrounds and easy access from the station and seafront.
Fresh herring traditionally smoked over oak, a Sussex speciality long linked to the old fishing trade around Brighton and nearby coastal towns.
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.
A long-standing Brighton favourite: dry-cured pork sausages, usually grilled or fried, known locally through the city’s famous sausage makers.
Elegant restaurant serving seasonal British tasting menus in a refined but welcoming setting close to the seafront.
Lively modern Indian restaurant in The Lanes, known for creative small plates, bold flavours and a stylish atmosphere.
Well-known seafood restaurant serving fish, oysters and classic British dishes in a polished room near the city centre.
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.
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.
Official public transport app
Brighton Station -> North Street, Brighton
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.
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.
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.
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 Preston Park. 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.
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.
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.
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