The Great Escape

For those traveling to Brighton, getting here is straightforward. Frequent trains run from London’s Victoria and London Bridge stations to Brighton in about 50 minutes. Trains from London St Pancras (with a change of train) also reach Brighton in roughly one hour. National Express and other coach services operate from London and major UK cities to Brighton. For example, a coach from central London takes about 2 hours. Brighton’s main train station and the adjacent coach station are centrally located, so once you arrive you’re just a short walk away from most festival venues and the seafront.

By car, Brighton is accessible via the A23/M23 from London or the A27 from the west. Travel time from central London is about 1.5 to 2 hours without heavy traffic. Keep in mind that parking in central Brighton can be limited and expensive, especially during busy events. If driving, consider parking on the outskirts or using a Park & Ride facility and taking a bus or taxi into the centre. During festival weekends, roads near the city can get congested, so plan extra travel time.

Brighton’s nearest major airport is Gatwick (around 30 to 40 minutes by direct train). From Gatwick’s South Terminal, there are frequent trains straight to Brighton station. Many international and domestic flights arrive at Gatwick. Other London airports (Heathrow, City, Stansted, Luton) can also be used, but typically require traveling into London first and then catching a southbound train. Another popular route is via the Eurostar: arrive at London St Pancras and transfer to a Brighton-bound train (about one hour).

Once in Brighton, getting around is easy. The city centre and festival venues are quite compact, so walking is often the fastest way to get between stages. There is also a local bus network (Brighton & Hove Buses) that serves the city and nearby areas. Taxis and ride-hailing services are plentiful for quick trips, and many visitors rent bikes or scooters. Overall, you should have no trouble moving between concerts, the seafront, and other attractions on foot or using local transport.

Accommodation options range from seaside hotels and guesthouses to hostels and rental apartments. Because the festival draws large crowds, it’s wise to book well in advance. Staying in or near the city centre (or along the seafront) keeps you close to the venues and nightlife. More budget-friendly lodging can be found in nearby neighbourhoods like Hove, which are well-connected by train or bus. Wherever you stay, Brighton’s friendly charm and endless entertainment ensure your trip will be comfortable and exciting.