Compact, walkable and well-connected, Eastbourne is an easy town to get around — whether you’re visiting for the day or settling in for good. This guide covers everything: trains and the station, local buses, driving and parking, cycling, taxis and getting to the airport, plus the scenic routes worth knowing.
Getting around by train
Eastbourne’s railway station sits right in the centre of town, next to The Beacon shopping centre, and is run by Southern Railway. Direct trains reach London Victoria in around 90 minutes, Gatwick Airport in under an hour, and Brighton in under 40 minutes, with services along the coast to Hastings and to Ashford International for Eurostar connections. If you’re moving to the area, nearby Polegate and Hampden Park stations sit on the same line, and season tickets are available for commuters — though London fares aren’t cheap, so a railcard is well worth having. See our guides to Brighton from Eastbourne and moving to Eastbourne for more.
Getting around by bus
Local buses are run by Stagecoach South East, and you’ll pick up most services in the town centre along Gildredge Road and Cornfield Road, close to the station and The Beacon. Single fares are kept low thanks to the national bus fare cap, and tickets can be bought on board or via the Stagecoach app. Handy routes include The Loop, which circles the town, the 3 and 3A up to Meads and the foot of Beachy Head, and the 99 out to Sovereign Harbour. The scenic 12, 12A and 12X run along the coast to Brighton, passing the cliffs at Beachy Head and the Seven Sisters. Brighton & Hove Buses also operate their Coaster service to Brighton, and an open-top Beachy Head tour bus runs seasonally from April to October.
Local tip: for a scenic ride, hop on the coastal 12 bus toward Brighton — it runs right along the clifftops past Beachy Head and the Seven Sisters, and saves your legs the walk back.
Driving and parking
The main approach roads are the A22 from London, the A27 from Brighton and the A259 from Hastings — though be aware the drive north to the capital is slow until you reach the motorway. Around town, parking is plentiful but can get busy and comes with charges in most areas, especially in summer. There are several central car parks, including Trinity Place near the seafront and Saffrons off Compton Place, alongside seafront and council pay-and-display options and on-street bays. Blue Badge spaces are available across town, and Shopmobility at The Beacon hires out wheelchairs and scooters for those who need them.
Cycling
Eastbourne is a rewarding place to cycle, particularly along the flat seafront promenade, which has its own cycle lane. For a longer traffic-free ride, the Cuckoo Trail follows a former railway line north through Polegate to Hailsham and Heathfield, while the South Downs Way and the trails of Friston Forest offer more adventurous off-road routes for experienced riders. Bikes and e-bikes can be hired locally through App-Bike in Eastbourne or the Cuckmere Cycle Company at Exceat in the South Downs. Do bear in mind that some inland areas, like Meads and Old Town, are distinctly hilly. Our guide to the best walks in Eastbourne covers many of the same scenic routes on foot.
On foot
For many visitors and residents, walking is the easiest way to get around. Eastbourne is compact and pedestrian-friendly, with the town centre, seafront and many residential areas all within walking distance of one another. The roughly four-mile seafront promenade is flat and made for strolling, though the streets climb steeply as you head up towards Meads and Old Town. In summer, the Dotto land train trundles along the seafront if you fancy resting your feet while taking in the views.
Taxis and ride-hailing
Several local taxi firms operate in Eastbourne, with ranks at the railway station and around the town centre, and Uber is available in the area too. Taxis are handy for late evenings, trips out to Sovereign Harbour or the eastern suburbs, or getting home after a night out when buses are less frequent.
Getting to the airport and beyond
Gatwick is the nearest major airport, reachable in around 90 minutes by direct train — the simplest option for most travellers. For crossings to France, the Newhaven ferry to Dieppe is a short drive west, while Ashford International offers Eurostar services to Paris, Brussels and Lille. National Express coaches also run directly from Eastbourne to London Victoria if you’d prefer the coach to the train.
Good to know: bus routes, fares, car park charges and train times all change from time to time, so check the latest information with Stagecoach, Southern Railway and the council before you travel.
Getting around Eastbourne: FAQs
How do you get around Eastbourne?
Eastbourne is compact and easy to navigate on foot, by local Stagecoach bus, by bike along the seafront, or by taxi. The centrally located railway station connects the town to London, Brighton, Gatwick and the wider coast.
Is Eastbourne easy to get around without a car?
Yes. With a walkable centre, a comprehensive Stagecoach bus network, cycle routes and a central train station, many people live in and visit Eastbourne comfortably without a car, saving driving for trips further afield.
How far is Eastbourne from London by train?
Direct Southern Railway trains run from Eastbourne to London Victoria in around 90 minutes. The station is central, and season tickets and railcards are available for regular travellers.
What buses run in Eastbourne?
Stagecoach South East runs the local network, including The Loop around town, the 3 to Meads and Beachy Head, the 99 to Sovereign Harbour, and the scenic 12 along the coast to Brighton. Brighton & Hove’s Coaster also serves Brighton.
Where can I park in Eastbourne?
There are several central car parks, including Trinity Place and Saffrons, plus seafront and council pay-and-display parking and on-street bays. Parking can get busy in summer, and charges apply in most areas.
Ready to explore? Discover the best things to do in Eastbourne and take in the views at Beachy Head.