Getting Around the South Downs - Bus and Rail
The South Downs are well served by public transport, why not leave your car at home and take to the countryside by train or bus. You'll see more, have more fun, you won't be tied to only visiting carparks, and if everyone does it the South Downs will stay beautiful forever.
This page contains general information on public transport and details of ticket deals to look out for, for more detailed bus routes, frequency, and contact numbers visit: www.visitsouthdowns.com
Southern Railway operate a Brighton mainline between Brighton, Lewes & London Victoria, East Coastway between Ashford International, Eastbourne, Lewes, Brighton & London Victoria, West Coastway between Brighton, Chichester & Portsmouth. www.southernrailway.com
South West Trains operate services from Brighton to London & Portsmouth. www.southwesttrains.co.uk
South Eastern serves Kent, South East London and East Sussex. www.southeasternrailway.co.uk
First Capital Connect operate between Brighton and Bedford. www.firstcapitalconnect.co.uk
First Greater Western operate between Brighton and Cardiff (twice daily). www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk
For further UK wide travel information and special tickets contact; National Rail Enquiries: 08457 48 49 50 or www.nationalrail.co.uk National Rail Enquiries from overseas (Please note: International rates apply):+44(0)20 7278 5240 or www.nationalrail.co.uk National Rail Enquiries Textphone: 0845 60 50 600 www.nationalrail.co.uk Traveline provides journey planning information about all public transport services -buses, coaches, trains, ferries, trams, metro and underground. www.traveline.org.uk
Downlander lets you loose on the Downs! An exciting new ticket the Downlander a new bus and rail ticket, gives travel across the Southern Railway network and onwards on specific services provided by Brighton and Hove Buses, Eastbourne Buses, Cuckmere Community Bus and also Rider bus services. The South Coast Downlander (£10) and the All Network Downlander for £12.50 (children aged 5-15 travel for £2.50 on either ticket. Click on the link below for suggested days out by bus and rail, a map showing the bus area and great discounts to attractions, shops and restaurants with a valid ticket! Not to be missed! www.southernrailway.com/downlander
Stagecoach Goldrider ticket another great value ticket for travel across the south east. The goldrider ticket gives 7 days unlimited travel across the East Kent region on local Stagecoach Buses. It will also allow you to travel on local Stagecoach buses in Sussex and Hampshire. Simply buy from your driver on the first day you wish to travel and use your ticket as often as you like for a week. www.stagecoachbus.com
Explorer, the Ticket - To venture further afield, an Explorer ticket is ideal. Allowing one day's travel across Kent, Surrey and Hampshire, it gives you the freedom of local bus network in the area and allows travel on Stagecoach, Arriva, Brighton & Hove, Compass Travel, Eastbourne Buses, First, Metrobus, RDH Services, Solent Blue Line and Wilts & Dorset. Buy your ticket from the driver of any of the above companies' buses within the region. (Prices may vary across companies.)
Megabus offers discounted bus travel between Brighton, Worthing, Southampton and London. www.megabus.com
Megatrain offers discounted train travel between London and Southampton and other routes. www.megatrain.com
Pick up a Railcard if you are aged 16 to 25 years, over 60 years, a full time student, travel with children or disabled. www.railcard.co.uk
The Downs without a car? It's a Breeze from Brighton! Yes it's more than possible to get out to the 'Downs on your Doorstep' without a car - in fact it's not only easy but surprisingly cheap. On Breeze buses 77, 78 and 79 to Devil's Dyke, Stanmer Park & Ditchling Beacon. These bus services only operate on Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays only. www.buses.co.uk
Useful Links:
www.sussexwt.org.uk
Discover more about Sussex Wildlife Trust; our 37 nature reserves (covering over 3400 acres), local conservation issues and events for all the family.
- Visit the South Downs on Brighton's famous Breeze Buses
