UK seaside city 53-miles from London gets new £5 direct bus route

Getting to the coast just got a whole lot easier (and cheaper) thanks to a handy new bus route.

With temperatures slated to hit a sweltering 38C, there has truly never been a better time to escape the Big Smoke and cool yourself down in crystal-clear water - even if it's just for the day. Brighton has long been a popular coastal destination for Londoners due to its close proximity and eclectic offerings.

Famed for its Blue Flag golden sandy beaches, an impressive pier that stretches 1,722 ft into the English Channel, and its inclusive atmosphere, Brighton is one of the UK's most recognisable resorts in the UK. It's the perfect place to shop for vintage clothing, play in the arcades, and end the evening watching the sunset while gorging on fish and chips.

"Ever since royal party animal George IV fell in love with Brighton back in the 18th Century, the city has been a magnet for visitors in search of fun, frolics and fresh sea air," hails Visit Brighton. "With its majestic Regency squares and crescents, iconic Royal Pavilion and famous piers, today Brighton is as well-known for being a welcoming and diverse city with a passion for culture, creativity and sustainability as it is for its historic landmarks."

Earlier this week, FlixBus - which whizzes passengers to more than 6,800 destinations across more than 40 countries in its bright green coaches - revealed it was launching a new route, linking London to Brighton. The new connections, which will run twice a day, costing as little as £4.49 each way.

"Londoners now have even more affordable, sustainable, and reliable travel options for weekend getaways, airport connections, and visiting friends and family this summer," hailed Andreas Schorling of FlixBus UK. "Brighton is an iconic British destination and we're excited to offer a direct route from the capital just in time for the warmer months."

The 53-mile journey takes around two and a half hours, which is its only downside. Travelling to Brighton by train is much faster, and takes between 58 minutes and one hour and 10 minutes depending on the route. However, single adult fares as almost double the price - averaging out at £8.

If you're itching for a mini-staycation, there is a whole range of accommodation types in Brighton to suit your budget. For example, a weekend's stay (Friday, July 4-6) at a 'charming' townhouse will set you back just £176. This is based on two adults sharing a double room with a shared bathroom. However, it's worth pointing out that this property is located 1.6 miles from the centre.

For those wanting a more luxurious weekend, check out Leonardo Hotel. Conveniently located next to Brighton Railway Station, the four-star hotel is a 15-minute walk to the beach, and is within close proximity to the Laines, Brighton Dome, Theatre Royal Brighton and the Gardner Centre. Staying here, in a standard double room, on the exact same nights cost £409.

*Prices based on Trainline, FlixBus, and Booking.com listings at the time of writing.

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