Eastbourne to London in Under 90 Minutes: New Direct Train Service Makes Commuting a Breeze!

Published on December 15, 2025

A new direct train service between Eastbourne and London Bridge has been introduced, providing commuters with a faster and more convenient route to the capital. The service, which officially began on December 15, 2025, marks an important development for the East Sussex transport network, offering direct connections to one of London’s busiest stations. With increasing demand for travel options and a recovering passenger base, this new service promises to meet the needs of daily commuters while contributing to the region’s growing connectivity.

The service operates with two daily trains—one in the morning and another in the evening—connecting Eastbourne to the heart of London without the need for transfers. This new addition to the Southern Railway schedule is expected to make commuting easier and faster for travelers between the South Coast and the capital.

A Celebration of the New Service

To celebrate the inaugural train journey, a special event was held at Eastbourne Station on the first day of the service, attended by key stakeholders. Phil Hutchinson, the Head of Strategic Planning at Southern, Josh Babarinde MP, and Cllr Stephen Holt, Leader of Eastbourne Borough Council, were present to mark the departure of the first train at 06:47 am. The new service was well received by the local community, with many expressing enthusiasm about the improved transportation options.

Following the launch, the inaugural train arrived at London Bridge Station five minutes ahead of schedule, demonstrating the efficiency and punctuality of the new service. The direct train connection was well-timed to offer an easy solution to those commuting to work or seeking leisure opportunities in London.

A Faster, More Convenient Connection for Commuters

The new train route, which travels directly from Eastbourne to London Bridge, is part of a December timetable update by Southern Railway. The 06:47 am service departs from Eastbourne, traveling through Lewes, and reaching London Bridge in approximately one hour and 38 minutes. With the introduction of this direct service, the train journey is faster and more convenient compared to previous options that required multiple transfers.

For commuters who previously faced the inconvenience of changing trains, this service provides a seamless travel experience, reducing the complexity and time spent navigating the route. It also eliminates the need for additional stops, making it a more efficient choice for travelers seeking direct access to London.

In addition to providing a direct connection between Eastbourne and London, the service is designed to offer flexibility for both business and leisure travelers. The train departs from London Bridge at 5:03 pm and arrives in Eastbourne at 6:35 pm, allowing commuters to return home after a day of work in London with ease.

A Return to Pre-Pandemic Services

The introduction of the direct train service between Eastbourne and London Bridge represents the reinstatement of a previously available route that had been removed from the timetable during the Covid-19 pandemic. As passenger numbers have steadily increased, Southern Railway has responded to the growing demand for direct connections by bringing back this important service.

Local residents and commuters have expressed relief that the service has been restored, providing a much-needed connection to London that had been missing for several years. The return of this direct route is seen as a significant step in restoring pre-pandemic travel options, offering increased capacity for commuters who have been seeking more efficient travel between Eastbourne and London.

Enhancing Regional Connectivity

The launch of this new service also brings improved connectivity to intermediate cities along the route. In addition to Eastbourne, the train stops in Hampden Park, Polegate, Berwick, Glynde, Lewes, Cooksbridge, Plumpton, Haywards Heath, Three Bridges, and East Croydon, helping passengers from these areas access a direct route to London. This enhanced connectivity benefits a wider range of travelers, ensuring that people from various towns and cities in East Sussex have easy access to the capital.

The new route also enhances the broader transportation network by providing more direct links between key regional towns and London. Cities like Chemnitz, Dresden, Görlitz, Cottbus, and Berlin will be better connected with the rest of Europe through Eastbourne’s new service. Travelers can now enjoy quicker, more efficient travel options that make getting to London easier than ever.

Political and Economic Significance

The new direct train service holds significant political, economic, and strategic importance for the Eastbourne region. According to Josh Babarinde MP, the successful campaign to reinstate this service was a “massive win” for the town. The new route is expected to stimulate economic activity in both Eastbourne and London, by facilitating greater business and tourism opportunities for residents and visitors alike.

Local authorities have also stressed the importance of strong transport links for regional development. With the Eastbourne to London Bridge route now in place, the town is better connected to the heart of the UK’s economy, providing opportunities for businesses in the area to engage with potential clients, partners, and markets in London.

This service also plays a role in supporting environmentally sustainable travel by providing a more eco-friendly option compared to driving or flying. The train offers passengers a convenient, cost-effective way to travel while reducing the overall carbon footprint of commuting.

Future Expectations and Passenger Experience

As Southern Railway continues to monitor the success of the Eastbourne to London Bridge service, it is expected that further improvements and adjustments may be made based on passenger feedback and demand. Jenny Saunders, Customer Services Director at Southern, expressed her delight in launching this direct route, emphasizing that the service was introduced in response to customer demand. Southern Railway is committed to enhancing its services to meet the evolving needs of its passengers.

For passengers, the experience of traveling on the new direct train service will be one of comfort, reliability, and convenience. With modern trains, punctual schedules, and excellent service, passengers can expect a seamless and enjoyable journey every time they board.

Conclusion: A Welcome Addition to Eastbourne’s Transport Network

The Eastbourne to London Bridge direct train service is a welcome addition to the transport network in the region, providing faster, more convenient, and sustainable travel options for commuters. This new service is set to enhance the overall travel experience for Eastbourne residents and business travelers, while also contributing to the growth of the East Sussex economy. With its easy accessibility, reduced journey times, and additional capacity, the direct service promises to meet the demands of passengers and make travel between Eastbourne and London more efficient than ever before.