Local Route Guide
Brighton to Gatwick Airport
A practical route guide for comparing public transport, road timing, drop-off rules and door-to-door fixed fare transfers from Brighton.
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Cheapest way from Brighton to Gatwick
Quick answer
For most solo and couple travellers the direct train wins: about 30 minutes from £14.50 with no changes. The National Express coach is the cheapest option from £6.50 if you are not in a hurry. A fixed-fare car or taxi (£50–£80) makes sense for groups of three or more, very early or late flights, or heavy luggage.
| Option | Journey time | Typical cost | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Train (direct) | 29–36 min | from £14.50 single | Southern, Thameslink or Gatwick Express — no changes, roughly every 15–30 min |
| Coach | 50–60 min | from £6.50 | National Express from Brighton Pool Valley — cheapest but slowest |
| Taxi / minicab | 35–45 min | £50–£80 | Metered fare, about 27 miles via the A23 and M23 |
| Fixed-fare transfer | 35–45 min | from £55 | Door to door, price agreed in advance regardless of traffic |
Distance: about 27 miles. Trains arrive at Gatwick South Terminal; North Terminal passengers add about 10 minutes on the free inter-terminal shuttle.
Return journey: Travelling back from Gatwick to Brighton is the same in reverse: direct trains run from the station beneath the South Terminal in around 30 minutes, and National Express coaches and taxis also cover the return leg.
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Route intelligence
What matters on this journey
These notes are written for the actual origin and airport pair, not copied across every route page.
Traffic and timing
Brighton to Gatwick is a relatively short and straight run up the A23 and M23. However, this is the primary artery to the south coast, and accidents or holiday traffic can bring it to a standstill. The official airport parking at Gatwick is exceptionally expensive, making driving your own car a costly luxury.
Train, coach and interchange friction
The direct rail service from Brighton to Gatwick is superb. Fast Thameslink and Southern trains run frequently, taking around 30 to 40 minutes. For solo travellers, couples, and those with light luggage, the train is easily the cheapest and most efficient way to reach the airport.
Door-to-door fit
A private transfer is highly useful for early morning flights, late-night arrivals when trains are infrequent, or if you live far from Brighton railway station and would require a local taxi anyway. For groups carrying sports equipment like surfboards or golf clubs, a pre-booked car is essential.
Final checks
When booking a private hire vehicle, ensure the driver is aware of the strict £10 Gatwick drop-off fee and confirm whether it is included in your quoted fare. The drop-off zone has a maximum stay of 10 minutes.
Booking checklist
Make the route decision properly
How far is Brighton from Gatwick?
Brighton is about 27 miles from Gatwick Airport by road via the A23 and M23. The direct train covers it in roughly 30 minutes, while a taxi takes around 35–45 minutes depending on traffic.
What is the cheapest way from Brighton to Gatwick?
The National Express coach is usually the cheapest, from around £6.50, taking 50–60 minutes. The direct train is the best balance of speed and price, from about £14.50 in roughly 30 minutes.
How much is a taxi from Brighton to Gatwick?
A metered taxi or minicab from Brighton to Gatwick typically costs £50–£80 and takes 35–45 minutes. A pre-booked fixed-fare transfer from £55 protects you from the meter climbing in traffic.
How long is the train from Brighton to Gatwick?
Direct Southern, Thameslink and Gatwick Express trains take 29–36 minutes with no changes, running roughly every 15–30 minutes from Brighton station to Gatwick Airport South Terminal.
How do I get from Gatwick Airport back to Brighton?
The same direct trains run from the station beneath Gatwick South Terminal to Brighton in about 30 minutes. National Express coaches and taxis also serve the return journey; for North Terminal flights allow 10 minutes for the inter-terminal shuttle to reach the platforms.
Which Gatwick drop-off fee applies?
Gatwick charges £10 to drop off at the terminal for up to 10 minutes (increased in January 2026), payable by midnight the day after use. The Long Stay car parks offer a free alternative with a shuttle bus.