Getting There
Brighton is served primarily by London Gatwick Airport (LGW), located approximately 24 miles north of the city. The train is by far the best option: Southern, Thameslink, and Gatwick Express all run direct services from Gatwick Airport station to Brighton Station, with the fastest Gatwick Express services completing the journey in as little as 26 minutes and typical journeys taking around 35–50 minutes, with departures roughly every 15 minutes. Advance tickets start around £10-£14 ($12-$17 USD), making it one of the most convenient airport-to-city connections for any sports destination in England.
Getting Around
Brighton is a compact, walkable city and you absolutely do not need a car — parking near the seafront and city centre is expensive and limited, especially on match weekends. Brighton & Hove Buses cover the city and surrounding areas comprehensively, and the Amex Stadium in Falmer is served by a direct train from Brighton Station that takes around 9 minutes. Uber and local taxis are readily available for late-night rides after a match or a long evening in the pub.
Where to Stay
The City Centre and The Lanes neighborhood put you within easy walking distance of Brighton Station (your hub for trains to LGW and to Falmer for the Amex Stadium), plus the best pre- and post-match pub options. Kemptown, just east of the centre along the seafront, is a lively alternative with strong nightlife and a short bus or taxi ride to the station. Budget hotels and guesthouses start around £70-£90 per night, mid-range options in the £120-£180 range are plentiful, and seafront or boutique hotels can run £200 and above. Book well in advance for Premier League home weekends, as Brighton draws significant tourist traffic year-round and prices spike sharply around fixtures.
Sports Fan Notes
Brighton & Hove Albion have risen dramatically through English football in recent years, establishing themselves as a genuine Premier League club with a reputation for attractive, possession-based play under progressive management — making a match at the Amex one of the more interesting tactical spectacles in the top flight. The club's fiercest rivalry is with Crystal Palace, known as the M23 derby, so check the fixture list before booking as those matches carry extra atmosphere and ticket scarcity. Beyond football, Brighton itself is a vibrant seaside city with a legendary pub culture, making the pre- and post-match experience genuinely enjoyable for traveling fans. Sussex County Cricket Club plays at the 1st Central County Ground in Hove, offering a relaxed summer sports option just a mile or two west of the city centre for fans looking to combine a cricket afternoon with an evening on the seafront.
Venues in Brighton
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get from LGW to downtown Brighton?
Take a direct train from Gatwick Airport station (connected to both terminals) to Brighton Station. Services run on Southern, Thameslink, and Gatwick Express roughly every 15 minutes throughout the day, with journey times of 26-38 minutes. Advance tickets cost around £10-£14; walk-up fares are higher. Avoid driving — the train is faster and far more practical.
What is the best neighborhood to stay in Brighton for a sports trip?
Stay in the City Centre near The Lanes or North Laine. Both areas put you steps from Brighton Station, which is your key transit hub for trains to the Amex Stadium in Falmer (8 minutes) and back to LGW. You'll also have the widest selection of pre- and post-match pubs and restaurants within easy walking distance. If you prefer a quieter, slightly cheaper base, Hove to the west or Brighton Marina to the east are solid alternatives with good bus links.
Which sports teams play in Brighton?
Brighton & Hove Albion F.C. are the city's Premier League football club, playing home matches at the Amex Stadium (American Express Community Stadium) in Falmer, just outside the city centre. The club has become known for a progressive playing style and punching above its weight in the top flight. Sussex County Cricket Club also plays at the 1st Central County Ground in neighboring Hove during the summer months.
Is Brighton a World Cup 2026 host city?
No, this city is not hosting any 2026 FIFA World Cup matches. The 2026 FIFA World Cup is hosted exclusively across the United States, Canada, and Mexico -- there are no European host cities. US host cities include New York/New Jersey, Los Angeles, Dallas, Miami, Houston, Seattle, Philadelphia, Kansas City, Boston/Foxborough, San Francisco Bay Area, and Atlanta. Canadian host cities are Vancouver and Toronto. Mexican host cities are Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey. Fans looking to attend a match should look at flights to one of those North American cities.
Sports cities near Brighton
Close enough to pair with a Brighton trip — or to catch a game on the drive in.