Brighton, a popular tourist destination in the UK, offers a diverse range of transportation options to cater to residents and those visiting. From buses and trains to cycling and electric vehicle options, here’s an overview of how to get around Brighton efficiently.
Major bus operators in Brighton
Brighton’s integrated transport system, offering buses, trains, taxis, cycling, and walking, makes it an easy and enjoyable city to navigate. Whether you’re commuting, sightseeing, or just exploring, Brighton offers a transport solution for every need and lifestyle. Brighton has a selection of bus operators, providing passengers with routes within the city and the surrounding rural areas.
- Brighton & Hove Buses: The primary bus operator in the city, offering extensive routes covering the city center, suburbs, and neighboring towns.
- Metrobus: Provides services connecting Brighton to surrounding areas, including Crawley and Gatwick Airport.
- Compass Travel: Operates routes in and around Brighton, extending to rural areas.
- The Big Lemon: An eco-friendly bus company running services powered by renewable energy.
Some of the more popular routes are through Hove, the city centre and even outside of Brighton. Many use the buses in Brighton to go to Eastbourne, Saltdean and Newhaven as its cheaper and stress-free.
Popular bus routes (according to Moovit):
- Route 1: Mile Oak – Brighton – Whitehawk
- Route 7: Hove – Brighton – Brighton Marina
- Route 12/12A/12X: Brighton – Newhaven – Seaford – Eastbourne
- Route 27: Westdene – Brighton – Saltdean
There are numerous payment methods that you can use when travelling by bus in Brighton. These are as follows:
- Contactless Payments: Accepted on all Brighton & Hove and Metrobus services. Simply tap your contactless card or device when boarding and alighting. Fares are capped daily, ensuring you never pay more than the cost of a day ticket.
- Mobile App: Purchase and store tickets via the Brighton & Hove Buses app.
- Cash: Accepted, but exact change is often required.
Ticket Options:
- Single Journey: £3.00 for any single journey on Brighton & Hove or Metrobus services.
- citySAVER: Unlimited travel within the city boundaries for a day.
- networkSAVER: Unlimited travel across the entire network, including outlying areas.
- Student networkSaver: 24 hour travel for just £4.80.
There also child tickets available, ranging from 50p to £1.50 at peak times.
Train Stations
Brighton is well-connected by rail, with several stations serving different parts of the city:
- Brighton Station: This station offers services to London, Gatwick Airport, and along the south coast.
- Preston Park Station: Located in the northern suburbs, serving commuters and residents in the area.
- Hove Station: Serving the Hove area, with connections to Brighton and other destinations.
- London Road Station: Situated in the Round Hill area, catering to local commuters.
Train Operators:
- Southern: Primary operator for local and regional services.
- Thameslink: Provides services connecting Brighton to London and beyond.
- Gatwick Express: Offers direct services between Brighton and Gatwick Airport during peak times.
Cycling and Bike Sharing
Beryl BTN Bikes: Brighton’s official e-bike scheme, offering a green, flexible and fun way to explore the city. Simply download the Beryl app to unlock a bike and get to riding!
- E-bike Rental Rates: £1 unlock fee plus 14p per minute on weekdays and 18p on weekends. There is also a weekend pass for £20, providing you with 72hours of cycling between Friday to Sunday.
- Popular Routes: The seafront cycle path from Brighton Marina to Hove offers scenic views and a flat terrain, ideal for leisurely rides.
Taxis
Taxis are readily available throughout Brighton, with ranks at key locations such as East Street, Queen’s Square, and Hove Town Hall.
Fare Structure:
- Tariff 1: Standard daytime rates.
- Tariff 2: Nighttime and Sunday rates.
- Tariff 3: Late-night weekend rates.
- Tariff 4 & 5: Holiday rates.
Brighton is leading the way in electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure, with plans to install 6,000 lamppost-based EV charging points, the largest single installation in the UK. While Brighton itself doesn’t have a ferry terminal, the nearby port of Newhaven offers daily ferry services to Dieppe, France, operated by DFDS Seaways.
Accessibility
Brighton & Hove Buses are equipped with ramps for wheelchairs and buggies. The city also features “Talking Bus Stops” that provide audio information for visually impaired passengers.
For more information on accessible transport options, including the Easylink bus service for disabled individuals, visit the Brighton & Hove City Council’s accessible transport page.
