Coaster 12/12X
Seven Sisters
The white chalk cliffs and Cuckmere Haven, off the bus at Exceat. About an hour from Brighton.
Day trips from Brighton
Brighton is a fine base for the Sussex coast and the South Downs, and you do not need a car for most of it. The best trips are bus and train rides that end at chalk cliffs, castle towns and Downs viewpoints, some of them on open-top buses in summer.
Written with Oliver Bennett, Brighton sightseeing specialist
Short answer
The best day trips from Brighton without a car are the Seven Sisters cliffs and Eastbourne on the open-top Coaster bus east along the coast, Devil's Dyke on the Downs by the Breeze 77, and the castle towns of Lewes and Arundel by train. Two of these ride the same kind of open-top bus you take around the city.
The best day trips, and how to reach them
Here is the honest shortlist, with the practical route for each. The coast trips east are the standouts, because the bus ride itself is half the experience.
| Day trip | How to get there | Why go |
|---|---|---|
| Seven Sisters | Coaster 12/12X bus to Exceat, about an hour | The iconic white chalk cliffs and Cuckmere Haven |
| Eastbourne | Coaster 12/12X along the coast, about 90 minutes | Genteel seaside, pier, and the start of Beachy Head |
| Devil's Dyke | Breeze 77 bus, about 33 minutes | The Downs' great valley and a huge view |
| Lewes | Train, about 15 minutes | Castle, steep lanes and bonfire-town character |
| Arundel | Train, about an hour | A fairytale castle and cathedral above the Arun |
Coast and cliffs by open-top bus
The Brighton & Hove Coaster (routes 12 and 12X) runs east along the coast to Eastbourne, and in summer it is often an open-top double-decker, the same idea as the city tour but with cliffs instead of buildings. These are ordinary-fare buses, not the tour ticket, and they make brilliant cheap days out.
Coaster 12/12X
Eastbourne
Genteel seaside town and the gateway to Beachy Head, along the whole coast road.
Castle towns by train
When you want a town rather than a clifftop, the trains from Brighton reach two of the prettiest in Sussex within the hour.
Train, 15 min
Lewes
A Norman castle, steep twittens and a fiercely independent county town, ten minutes up the line.
Coast
Beaches near Brighton
Where to find sand rather than pebbles, from Camber Sands to the coves along the coast.
See the city first, then venture out
Most visitors do the city on day one and a coast or Downs trip on day two. The open-top loop is the fast way to tick off Brighton itself before you head for the cliffs.
Viator Badge of Excellence
Best for first-time visitors, families and short stays
City Sightseeing Brighton Hop-On Hop-Off Tour
- Open-top double-decker on a 12-stop Red Route, from Palace Pier to Brighton Marina, about a 50-minute full loop
- Hop on and off all day; choose a 1-day or 2-day ticket that also covers Brighton & Hove city buses
- Recorded commentary in 7 languages with free headphones, plus 30% off SEA LIFE and 15% off the Royal Pavilion
From $20 per adult, shown for your date and currency on Viator
Check live availability & prices on Viator →
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Ratings are the operator's current Viator and Tripadvisor figures; check the listing for today's price.
Day trips from Brighton: common questions
What are the best day trips from Brighton without a car?
The Seven Sisters and Eastbourne on the open-top Coaster bus, Devil's Dyke on the Breeze 77, and Lewes or Arundel by train. All are reachable on public transport in an hour or so, and the coast buses are scenic rides in their own right.
Can you get to the Seven Sisters from Brighton by bus?
Yes. The Coaster 12 or 12X runs east from Brighton to Exceat, at the edge of the Seven Sisters Country Park, in about an hour. From the stop it is a walk to the clifftops and Cuckmere Haven. See our Seven Sisters guide.
Is the tour ticket valid on the day-trip buses?
No. The City Sightseeing hop-on hop-off ticket covers the 12-stop city loop and Brighton & Hove city buses, not the out-of-town Coaster or Breeze routes. Those take an ordinary fare or a day pass.
How far is London from Brighton for a day trip in reverse?
About an hour by train, which is why Brighton is such a popular London day trip. If you are coming the other way, see how far Brighton is from London.