Find out what options there are for getting to Sussex from the airport.


Travelling from Heathrow Airport

There are a number of public transport options for travelling to Sussex from Heathrow Airport.

Travelling to Sussex on Arrivals Weekend

Once your place is confirmed and you've met any conditions of your offer, we recommend you book a place on our coach service from Heathrow Airport to the University campus and off-campus accommodation. It's a great way to meet your first friends.

The coach service will be operating during Arrivals Weekend between Friday 13 September and Sunday 15 September 2024 and we'll be back in touch from August on how you can book your place.

Public transport

You can travel to Brighton from Heathrow Airport using National Express Coaches or National Rail.

A National Express public coach takes about two hours to get to Brighton from Heathrow.

You can buy tickets through the National Express website.

National Express coaches arrive at Pool Valley Coach Station in Brighton. You can get a taxi from East Street or a bus from Old Steine to your accommodation.

You can get an underground or overground train from Heathrow Airport into London, although the train is not recommended if you have heavy luggage. You can plan a journey on the Transport for London website and download a map of the London Underground train network. You can get trains from London Bridge and London Victoria to Brighton Station, and from Brighton Station to Falmer Station if you’re heading to campus. Use the National Rail website to plan your journey.

If you arrive to Falmer Station between Friday 13 September and the morning of Sunday 15 September, a free shuttle bus will drop you to your on campus accommodation.

You can book a taxi directly to your accommodation – see the “Travelling by taxi” section below.

Travelling from Gatwick Airport

If you are travelling from Gatwick Airport, you can get a train to Brighton Station, where there are connections for Falmer Station if you are heading to campus.

We will not be providing any transport from Gatwick airport, so it’s important that you plan your journey in advance.

Travelling by taxi

If you’re travelling to Sussex with family or you have large luggage, you may wish to travel from the airport by taxi.

We have an arrangement with 581 Taxis where you can book a taxi to meet you at the airport. Receive a discount as a Sussex student by quoting the discount code Sussex581.

To book, contact the taxi company directly by calling +441273 300300 or email taxis@581travelltd.co.uk. You will need to provide your:

  • name
  • date of arrival
  • landing time
  • airport
  • flight number
  • terminal
  • address in Brighton & Hove
  • contact phone number.

Price and payment

For Sussex students, the prices are:

  • from London Heathrow, £126 plus additional car park charges
  • from London Gatwick, £80 plus additional car park charges.

If you want to share a taxi, request this when you book and 581 can discuss a price for a shared taxi.

You will liaise directly with 581 so make sure the company has your details and a contact number (this can be an international number). Confirm also with them if you should pay by card or with cash.

More transport options

Find out how to get to the University of Sussex campus if you are travelling by train, car, bus or taxi.

See more from Before you arrive