Student transfers in Brighton and Sussex: airports, campuses and accommodation
A complete arrival plan for international students, parents, universities and language-school visitors travelling through Gatwick, Heathrow or Brighton Station.
The most common student-transfer mistake is booking only to “the university”. Brighton has several campuses, halls, private residences and homestays across different postcodes. The smoothest arrival starts with the exact accommodation address, flight number, working mobile contact and realistic luggage details.
Your arrival journey in five stages
First choose the right transport option
| Option | Often best for | Important limitation |
|---|---|---|
| University arrival coach | Eligible students arriving on official welcome dates. | Must usually be booked and may run only on selected dates, airports and times. |
| Train from Gatwick | Independent travellers with manageable luggage. | You may need another train, bus or taxi from Brighton or Falmer station. |
| Coach from Heathrow | Budget-conscious students who can manage their bags. | Often terminates in central Brighton, not at halls or a homestay. |
| Pre-booked private transfer | First arrivals, parents, late flights, families, heavy luggage and door-to-door travel. | Costs more than public transport and must be confirmed in advance. |
The University of Sussex says Gatwick passengers can travel by train to Brighton and connect to Falmer. It also notes that taxi travel may suit families or passengers with large luggage. This guide does not replace instructions from your own university or school.
Know the destination, not just the institution
University of Sussex
The main campus is at Falmer, east of central Brighton, with several separately named residences. A hall name such as East Slope, Northfield, Lewes Court or Swanborough is more useful than “Sussex University”.
Official Sussex directionsUniversity of Brighton
The university has multiple Brighton locations and halls. Confirm the campus and accommodation from your official offer because “University of Brighton” is not one single pickup address.
Official campuses and accommodationBrighton and Sussex Medical School
BSMS is based within the Falmer academic area, but accommodation may be elsewhere. Use the building or residence address supplied in the joining information.
Official BSMS contact and directionsEnglish schools and summer programmes
School brands, teaching sites and residences can change between terms. Send the current booking confirmation or full address rather than relying on an old online list.
Official Brighton visitor planningAirport arrival checklist
Gatwick, Heathrow or Brighton Station?
Gatwick Airport
Gatwick is the closest major airport and has North and South terminals. Direct transfer is useful when the final address is in Falmer, Brighton, Hove, Lewes or a rural homestay.
Gatwick transfer informationHeathrow Airport
Heathrow has Terminals 2, 3, 4 and 5. Confirm the arrival terminal and allow for a longer road journey into Sussex.
Heathrow transfer informationBrighton Station
Brighton Station has a front city-centre side and a rear Stroudley Road side. For our planned station collections, use the exact location stated in the confirmation, often the rear station car park at Stroudley Road, BN1 4LF.
Falmer Station
Falmer serves the university and stadium area, but halls may still require a walk with luggage. Do not assume a station arrival is the same as door-to-door accommodation delivery.
Parents booking from another country
A parent or sponsor can make the booking, but the operator still needs direct arrival information for the passenger. Provide:
- Student's full name exactly as used for the journey.
- Student's mobile number and an emergency parent contact.
- Flight number, airport and terminal.
- Exact hall, residence, homestay or private address with postcode.
- Passenger age if under 18.
- Full luggage and accessibility details.
- Name and phone number of the person receiving the student, when applicable.
Luggage and vehicle choice
| Travel profile | What to tell us | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| One student | Number of large and cabin cases. | A single passenger can still exceed a saloon's boot capacity. |
| Student plus parents | Total people and every bag. | Passenger seats do not equal luggage capacity. |
| Group arrival | Exact group size and individual luggage. | An 8-seat vehicle may not carry eight people plus eight large cases. |
| Special items | Wheelchair, instrument, bicycle box or sports equipment dimensions. | The correct vehicle must be checked before confirmation. |
دليل مختصر للطلاب العرب القادمين إلى برايتون
قبل حجز التوصيل، راجع رسالة الجامعة أو المعهد وتأكد هل توجد حافلة استقبال مجانية في يوم وصولك. إذا كنت تحتاج توصيلًا خاصًا، أرسل البيانات التالية كاملة:
- رقم الرحلة والمطار والترمينال.
- اسم السكن أو الـHomestay والعنوان والـPostcode.
- رقم هاتف الطالب مع كود الدولة ورقم أحد الوالدين للطوارئ.
- عدد الشنط الكبيرة والصغيرة بدقة.
- سن الطالب إذا كان أقل من 18 سنة وبيانات الشخص الذي سيستلمه.
بعد هبوط الطائرة، افتح الهاتف واجمع الشنط واتبع نقطة المقابلة الموجودة في تأكيد الحجز. الدفع متاح كاش أو كارت للسائق، ويمكن طلب رابط دفع. الخدمة بالحجز المسبق فقط ومتاحة على مدار الساعة حسب توافر السيارات.
Official links to save
Student transfer FAQs
Can a parent book and pay for the student?
Yes. A parent can book, provide passenger details and request a payment link. The student's working contact number is still needed for the airport meeting.
Do you meet students inside the airport?
Meet and greet can be arranged when requested and confirmed. The exact plan depends on the airport, terminal, arrival time and parking arrangement.
What happens if the flight is delayed?
Provide the flight number so the aircraft can be monitored. If passport control or baggage is taking longer after landing, the student should contact the operator when possible.
Can you take a student directly to university halls?
Yes, if the full hall and address are supplied. The student must arrange keys or reception access, especially for late-night arrivals.
Do you transport under-18 students?
Potentially, but the age and safeguarding requirements must be declared before confirmation. Schools and guardians may require a specific handover process.
Do you provide child seats?
No. Sussex Airports Taxis cannot currently supply child seats. Bring a suitable seat where required and tell us before booking.
Can a group travel in one 8-seater?
It depends on passenger and luggage volume. Eight seats do not automatically provide space for eight large suitcases, so send exact details first.
How can the student pay?
Cash or card can be paid to the driver, or a payment link can be requested. Confirm the chosen method before travel.
Arrange a student arrival into Brighton or Sussex
Send the flight number, airport, terminal, exact accommodation, passenger age, mobile contact and luggage details. We will confirm the appropriate pre-booked arrangement, subject to availability.