How to travel from Colchester to Brighton, United Kingdom

The distance between Colchester and Brighton is around 170km (105 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to drive which takes around 1h 55m.

3 routes found

We've found 3 different ways to get from Colchester 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 BrightonColchester if you're planning a return trip.

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Train

Take the train to London Liverpool Street and then to Brighton.

  • Duration2h 5m
  • Departshourly
  • Typical cost
    £27($32)
Operated by

Multiple train operators

💰 Cheapest
2
bus
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bus
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Bus

Take the bus to Stansted Airport London and then to Brighton.

  • Duration4h 35m
  • Departsevery 20 mins
  • Typical cost
    £13($15)
🚀 Fastest
3
car
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Drive

Drive to Brighton.

  • Duration1h 55m
  • Distance177km (110 miles)
Get turn-by-turn directions

Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Colchester and Brighton

There are several options for getting from Colchester to Brighton by train, bus and car. The cheapest option is to take the bus which costs around £13 ($15) and will take around 4h 35m. If you need to get there more quickly, you can drive and arrive in approximately 1h 55m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately £31 ($37).

The distance between Colchester and Brighton is around 170km (105 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 139km (86 miles)

It takes around 2h 5m to get from Colchester and Brighton by train. If you are travelling by car it will take around 1h 55m to drive there.

The quickest way to get from Colchester to Brighton is to drive which takes around 1h 55m and will set you back approx £31 ($37).

The cheapest way to travel between Colchester and Brighton, if you exclude driving, is to take the bus which will typically cost around £13 ($15) for a standard one-way ticket.

Train travel

Yes there is a train service that runs between Colchester and Brighton. It typically takes around 2h 5m and departs hourly.

There are no direct train services that runs from Colchester to Brighton. However, you can instead can take several connecting trains with a changeover in London Liverpool Street and Victoria station. These services run hourly and will take a minimum of 2h 5m.

Greater Anglia, Gatwick Express and Southern Service run train services between Colchester and Brighton. Trains depart hourly and will take around 2h 5m, 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 Colchester and Brighton. It typically takes around 4h 35m and departs every 20 mins.

There are no direct bus services that runs from Colchester to Brighton. However, you can instead can take several connecting buses with changeovers in Stansted Airport London. These services run every 20 mins and will take a minimum of 4h 35m.

National Express run regular bus services between Colchester and Brighton. Buses run every 20 mins and take around 4h 35m on average but will vary depending on you book with.

Flights and Airlines

It doesn't look like you can fly directly from Colchester to Brighton. We recommend that you take the train to London Liverpool Street and then to Brighton. instead which will take 2h 5m.

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 Colchester and Brighton. The distance is around 177km (110 miles) by road and it will take around 1h 55m in normal traffic conditons.

If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Colchester to Brighton is to take the train which takes, on average, 2h 5m and will usually cost around £27 ($32).

How do I get from Colchester to Brighton

Compare travel optionsbetween Colchester and Brighton

Transport options from Colchester to Brighton
Transport optionDurationCostFrequencyDistance
Train
2h 5m
£27($32)
hourly170km (105 miles)
Bus
4h 35m
£13($15)
every 20 mins273km (170 miles)
Drive
1h 55m
£31($37)
on demand177km (110 miles)

Top Carriersoperating between Colchester 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