How to travel from Canterbury to Brighton, United Kingdom

The distance between Canterbury and Brighton is around 123km (76 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to drive which takes around 1h 35m.

4 routes found

We've found 4 different ways to get from Canterbury to Brighton by train, bus and car. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.

👋 Also check out BrightonCanterbury if you're planning a return trip.

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Train via Hampden Park (Sussex)

Take the train to Hampden Park (Sussex) and then to Brighton.

  • Duration2hrs
  • Departshourly
  • Typical cost
    £31($37)
Operated by

Southern Service

1 similiar route

We’ve grouped similar routes together, click the arrows to see the other options.

💰 Cheapest
2
bus
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bus
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Bus

Take the bus to London Victoria Coach Station and then to Brighton.

  • Duration5hrs
  • Departsevery 3 hours
  • Typical cost
    £14($16)
🚀 Fastest
3
car
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Drive

Drive to Brighton.

  • Duration1h 35m
  • Distance145km (90 miles)
Get turn-by-turn directions

Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Canterbury and Brighton

There are several options for getting from Canterbury to Brighton by train, bus and car. The cheapest option is to take the bus which costs around £14 ($16) and will take around 5hrs. If you need to get there more quickly, you can drive and arrive in approximately 1h 35m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately £17 ($20).

The distance between Canterbury and Brighton is around 123km (76 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 99km (62 miles)

It takes around 2h 20m to get from Canterbury and Brighton by train. If you are travelling by car it will take around 1h 35m to drive there.

The quickest way to get from Canterbury to Brighton is to drive which takes around 1h 35m and will set you back approx £17 ($20).

The cheapest way to travel between Canterbury and Brighton, if you exclude driving, is to take the bus which will typically cost around £14 ($16) for a standard one-way ticket.

Train travel

Yes there is a train service that runs between Canterbury and Brighton. It typically takes around 2h 20m and departs hourly.

There are no direct train services that runs from Canterbury to Brighton. However, you can instead can take several connecting trains with a changeover in St Pancras International. These services run hourly and will take a minimum of 2h 20m.

South Eastern Trains Service, Thameslink and Southern Service run train services between Canterbury and Brighton. Trains depart hourly and will take around 2h 20m, however, this may vary depending on the particular service and whether it runs express or stops all stations.

Bus travel

Yes there is a bus that runs regularly from Canterbury and Brighton. It typically takes around 5hrs and departs every 3 hours.

There are no direct bus services that runs from Canterbury to Brighton. However, you can instead can take several connecting buses with changeovers in London Victoria Coach Station. These services run every 3 hours and will take a minimum of 5hrs.

National Express run regular bus services between Canterbury and Brighton. Buses run every 3 hours and take around 5hrs on average but will vary depending on you book with.

Flights and Airlines

It doesn't look like you can fly directly from Canterbury to Brighton. We recommend that you take the train to St Pancras International and then to Brighton. instead which will take 2h 20m.

The closest major airport to Brighton is Gatwick Airport (LGW) (LGW) which is approximately 37km (23 miles) from Brighton. Heathrow Airport (LHR) (LHR) and London City Airport (LCY) (LCY) are also nearby and might be a better alternative airport depending on where you are flying from.

Drive yourself

Yes it is possible to drive from Canterbury and Brighton. The distance is around 145km (90 miles) by road and it will take around 1h 35m in normal traffic conditons.

If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Canterbury to Brighton is to take the train which takes, on average, 2h 20m and will usually cost around £63 ($75).

How do I get from Canterbury to Brighton

Compare travel optionsbetween Canterbury and Brighton

Transport options from Canterbury to Brighton
Transport optionDurationCostFrequencyDistance
Train via Hampden Park (Sussex) + 1 similar
2hrs
£31($37)
hourly123km (76 miles)
Train2h 20m
£63($75)
hourly198km (123 miles)
Bus
5hrs
£14($16)
every 3 hours250km (155 miles)
Drive
1h 35m
£17($20)
on demand145km (90 miles)

Top Carriersoperating between Canterbury and Brighton

Train operators

Bus companies

Airports near Brighton

The following major airports near Brighton offer regular flights to various popular destinations within United Kingdom and internationally.

LGW
Gatwick Airport (LGW)
International Airport
Distance
37km (23 miles) from Brighton
LHR
Heathrow Airport (LHR)
International Airport
Distance
75km (47 miles) from Brighton
LCY
London City Airport (LCY)
International Airport
Distance
77km (48 miles) from Brighton