Reading, Berkshire to Brighton, East Sussex from $26: 4 ways by bus, train, flight or car

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How to Get from Reading to Brighton: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

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$26 - DriveBest price

81 milesDistance

1h 26m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Reading to Brighton with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.

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Type	Mo 27/01	Tu 28/01	We 29/01	Th 30/01	Fr 31/01	Sa 01/02	Su 02/02
Bus	$54	$54	$53	$54	$45	$54	$53
Train	$58	$60	$59	$59	$59	$39	$39

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Reading - Brighton operators

Explore transport companies operating between Reading and Brighton, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.

Train

Contact phone

+44 3457 000 125

Website

https://www.gwr.com/

Train from Reading to Gatwick Airport

Average Duration

1h 31m

Estimated price

30-75

Contact phone

+44 3451 27 29 20

Website

https://www.southernrailway.com/

Train from Gatwick Airport to Hove

Average Duration

31m

Estimated price

11-17

Contact phone

0343 222 1234

Website

https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/elizabeth-line/

Train from Reading to Farringdon Without

Average Duration

1h 5m

Estimated price

12-35

Contact phone

0345 026 4700

Website

https://www.thameslinkrailway.com/

Train from Farringdon to Brighton

Average Duration

1h 19m

Estimated price

30-65

Bus

Contact phone

+44 345 646 0707

Website

https://www.railair.com/

Bus from Reading Railair to Heathrow Terminal 5

Average Duration

43m

Estimated price

0-0

Contact phone

+44 1865 785400

Website

https://www.oxfordbus.co.uk/

Bus from Heathrow Terminal 5 to South Terminal Coach Station

Average Duration

1h 5m

Estimated price

31-31

Website

https://uk.megabus.com

Bus from Heathrow Airport Terminal 5 to Gatwick Airport South Terminal

Average Duration

56m

Estimated price

12-17

Contact phone

+49 30 300 137 300

Website

https://www.flixbus.co.uk

Bus from Heathrow Airport Terminal 5 to Gatwick Airport South Terminal

Average Duration

1h 5m

Estimated price

6-9

Contact phone

08717 81 81 81

Website

https://www.nationalexpress.com/en

Bus from Heathrow Terminal 5 to South Terminal Bus Station

Average Duration

1h 15m

Estimated price

17-25

Bus from South Terminal Bus Station to Pool Valley Coach Station

Average Duration

Estimated price

16-24

Reading to Brighton: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between Reading and Brighton offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.

🚗 Discover the scenic route from Reading to Hove, covering a distance of 130.4 km, promising a picturesque drive through charming English countryside. 💷 Explore budget-friendly options with prices ranging from £21 to £32 for a convenient journey by car from Reading to Brighton, offering flexibility and independence along the way. 🏖️ Arrive in vibrant Brighton after approximately 1 hour and 26 minutes of driving time, ready to soak in the seaside charm, lively atmosphere, and iconic attractions awaiting your arrival.

Average price

£20 - £31

🚆 Starting from Reading to reach Brighton by train, you'll embark on a journey with transfers, taking approximately 2 hours and 24 minutes. The route involves a transfer at Gatwick Airport before arriving at Hove station. 🌅 The scenic train ride covers approximately 149 km from Reading to Brighton. Different routes offer various transfer options, with the quickest option taking about 2 hours and 9 minutes with a transfer at Gatwick Airport using services operated by GWR and Gatwick Express. 🎫 Ticket prices for the train journey between Reading and Brighton range from £33 to £70. Enjoy the convenience of rail travel and the beautiful countryside views as you make your way from Reading to the vibrant city of Brighton and Hove.

Departure Point

Reading station

Arrival Point

Hove station

Useful tips for train travellers

• Onboard services for your train trip typically include catering options such as a buffet car or trolley service for snacks and beverages. Depending on the train operator, you might find options ranging from light refreshments to hot meals. For the most current offerings, check your operator's website prior to departure.

• For this route, you can travel with Southern Railway or Thameslink, each providing different seating options. Southern Railway generally offers Standard Class and First Class seating, while Thameslink provides Standard Class with a few peak-time services that include First Class. First Class usually features more spacious seating, complimentary snacks and drinks, and quieter environments.

• Upon arrival at Brighton station, you can expect to find facilities like luggage lockers for short-term storage, restrooms, and possibly refreshment options. Navigating the station is straightforward, and after exiting, you'll find clear signage directing you to the city's attractions. For the fastest route to the city center, consider taking bus number 1 or 7, which run frequently and will take you directly to the heart of Brighton.

🚌 Starting your journey in Reading you will need to take a bus service operated by RailAir to reach Heathrow Terminal 5 before transferring to South Terminal Bus Station. 🚌 The total travel time, including transfers, is approximately 3 hours and 46 minutes before you reach your destination at Pool Valley Coach Station in Brighton.

Departure Point

Reading Railair station

Arrival Point

Pool Valley Coach Station