4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff to Brighton
Cheapest price
€61
Average price
€72
Fastest journey
3 h 50 m
Average duration
4 h 28 m
Trains per day
5
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 traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Brighton will cost around €72 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €61.
Of the 5 trains that leave Cardiff for Brighton on Wed, Nov 19, 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Nov 19 the direct trains cover the 224 km distance in an average of 4 h 28 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 50 m .
On Wed, Nov 19 the slowest trains will take 4 h 38 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.
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Cardiff to Brighton
Omio 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 bus with prices starting from €15. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 46m. 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 bus costs an average of €15, and a train costs an average of €36.
Distance: 224 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus |
|---|---|
€64 Average price | €26 Average price Cheapest |
4h 16m Average total duration Fastest 3h 46m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 29m Average total duration 5h 59m 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.
Live departures
Cardiff to Brighton train times
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Brighton trains for today, Tuesday, November 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4:07 AM Cardiff | 4h36 | 8:43 AM Brighton | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 7:27 AM Cardiff | 4h38 | 12:05 PM Brighton | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 8:28 AM Cardiff | 4h38 | 1:06 PM Brighton | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cardiff to Brighton by train or bus
Compare train and bus 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.
Nov 19
Nov 20
Nov 21
Nov 22
Nov 23
Nov 24
Nov 25
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cardiff to Brighton
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Cardiff to Brighton run on average 6 times per day, taking around 3h 46m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €36 but you can travel from only €15 by bus.
The earliest train runs at 04:12, the last at 21:20. The fastest train covers the 224 km distance in 3h 41m.
Distance 224 km |
Average train duration 3h 46m |
Cheapest ticket price €36 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 3h 41m |
First train 04:12 |
Last train 21:20 |
Train companies: Great Western Rail, first_great_western from Cardiff to Brighton trainsGreat Western Rail, first_great_western trains will get you between Cardiff and Brighton from €15. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Great Western Rail
first_great_western
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: Trains from Cardiff to Brighton
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.
When departing from Cardiff, you have various train station options to start your journey from including Cardiff Central and Cardiff Queen Street. When arriving in Brighton, you can end your trip in train stations like Brighton and London Road (Brighton).
Passengers board the train most frequently from Cardiff Central, which is located around 1.1 miles (1.8 km) away from the city centre, and they get off the train at Brighton, located 0.4 miles (584 m) away from the city centre.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Cardiff to Brighton
ParkingDiningAccessibilityHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalInformation Desk
- Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 07:30 - 18:30 Saturday 09:30 - 15:30 Sunday Closed
- Car Park: No
- 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
- Travelodge
- Information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 03333 211202
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Arrival screens
- Onward travel information: The nearest bus stop is on Park Place
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: At the bus stops adjacent to the Cardiff University Students' Union on Park Place
ParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalInformation Desk- Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday 07:40 - 18:00 Sunday 10:00 - 15:30 Temporary opening hours due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Car Park: No
- 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
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platform 4. The National key toilets are located on the Main Concourse to the right of the Ticket Office; these toilets are operated by a radar key and are only available during staffing hours.
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: No
- Travelodge
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: to the right of the station front
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 03333 211202
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens
- Onward travel information: Limited service from stop outside station Mondays to Fridays
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: For services towards Cardiff Central use the bus stop at the front of the station. For services towards Cathays use the bus stop in front of the shop opposite the station entrance. Please ask a member of station staff if you are unsure of which stop to use.
Wifi
ShoppingParkingDining
ATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotel
LoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike Rental
Car Rental
- Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sat: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sun: 07:30 - 21:30
- Free Wi-Fi in the station.
- Type of shops available: News agent and convenience store
- Car Park: Brewery Car park
- Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen
- Pret a Manger
- Tesco Express
- Taxi: Taxi rank is on the right as you exit the main station entrance
- There is step-free access in the whole station. There are also ramps for train access and elevators in the station.
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platforms 1 to 8. The National Key toilets are located in the East Subway near the lifts and on Platform 8; these toilets are operated by a radar key and are only available during staffing hours.
- National key toilets: Yes
- National key toilets location: The National Key/Accessible toilets are located in the East Subway near the lifts and on Platform 8; these toilets are operated by a RADAR key and are only available during staffing hours.
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
- Clayton Hotel Cardiff
- Cardiff Marriott Hotel
- Travelodge Cardiff Central
- Waiting rooms location: On platforms 1/2, 3/4, 6/7 and 8.
- Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sat: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sun: 07:30 - 21:30
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: East end of platforms 1 and 2, 3 and 4, 6 and 7 - also at the front and rear of the station.
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Commuter rail lines: City Line, Rhondda Line, Rhymney Line, Valley Line, South Wales Main Line
- Train lines: Transport for Wales, CrossCountry, Great Western Railway
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: At the rear car park (Penarth Road entrance)
ParkingDiningAccessibilityLost and Found OfficeBike ParkingBike Rental
- Car Park: No
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: No
- Step free access note: Category B3. The station is not suitable for wheelchair or powered mobility scooter users. Platform 1 (to Rhymney) has a long, steep access ramp. Platform 2 (to Cardiff) is only accessible via 41 steps. Customers travelling from the Rhymney Valley are advised to alight at Cardiff Queen Street and return to Heath Low Level.
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machine(s) do not accept cash. Payment is by major debit and credit cards only.
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Wait outside station on Heath Halt Road
ParkingDiningAccessibilityLost and Found OfficeBike ParkingBike Rental- Car Park: Station Car Park
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: No
- Step free access note: Category B2. Step free access to Platforms 1 (to Rhymney) via the car park. There are two routes onto the platform, one with a steep gradient and one with a moderate gradient. Step free access to Platform 2 (to Cardiff) via a ramp with a steep gradient. Access between the platforms is via a roadbridge with a walkway but no pavement
- Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machine(s) do not accept cash. Payment is by major debit and credit cards only.
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
- Onward travel information: The nearest bus stop is on Station Road
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: On the road outside the station
ParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityLost and Found OfficeBike ParkingBike Rental- Car Park: No
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: Category B2. Step free access to Platform 1 (to Cardiff) from Leckwith Road. Step free access to Platform 2 (to Radyr) Leckwith Road via a ramp with a steep gradient
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machine(s) do not accept cash. Payment is by major debit and credit cards only.
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: The bicycle stands can be found on Platform 1 (to Cardiff).
- Storage CCTV: No
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Wait at the station entrance on Leckwith Road close to traffic lights
Wifi
LockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingCar RentalInformation Desk
Luggage Carts- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 24/7. Access via Stroudley Road.
- The Grand Central
- The Cyclist
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
- £0.50
- Jurys Inn Brighton
- Ibis Brighton City Centre
- My Brighton Hotel
- Located in the main concourse
- Enterprise
- Europcar
- Located in the main concourse
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-8 for trains to London, Gatwick, and the south coast
- Hall 2: ticket office and waiting area
- Bus: Several lines available
- Train: Southern and Thameslink services
ShoppingParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike Rental- Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday 05:50 - 21:00 Sunday 07:10 - 21:45
- Type of shops available: Newsagent, Booking Hall
- Car Park: Station Car Park
- Taxi: YES
- 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
- Toilets Location: Platforms 1 and 2
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: No
- Waiting rooms location: There is a heated waiting area on platform 1. All platforms have covered areas
- Storage location: Station front
- Storage CCTV: Yes
WifiLockersParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalInformation DeskLuggage Carts- 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 7 days a week, accessible from the main road.
- Domino's Pizza
- Salt and Charcoal
- Outside the main entrance.
- Ramps, restrooms.
- £0.50
- Travelodge Brighton
- ibis Brighton City Centre - Station
- Jurys Inn Brighton
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-2 for trains to Brighton and Lewes
- Bus: Several lines available
- Train: Southern services
ParkingDiningAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike Rental- Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday 06:00 - 19:10 Sunday 09:10 - 16:45
- Car Park: No
- 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
- National key toilets: No
- Baby changing facilities: No
- Waiting rooms location: There is an unheated waiting area on platform 1, 2 and 3
- Storage location: Platform 3
- Storage CCTV: Yes
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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