Southern
Southern operates the green trains from London Victoria and London Bridge across Sussex, Surrey and the South Coast — including the main commuter routes to East Croydon and Sutton, plus the Brighton main line.
About Southern
Run by Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR), Southern shares its parent with Thameslink and Great Northern. The flagship Brighton main line via Gatwick Airport is one of the busiest inter-urban rail corridors in the UK.
Most Southern services from Victoria call at East Croydon — the busiest non-terminus station in the country — before splitting toward Brighton, Eastbourne, Portsmouth or the South Coast.
Oyster and contactless are accepted to all stations within Greater London (including Gatwick Airport as a special zone) and out to the National Rail Pay-As-You-Go boundary.
Key Southern routes
- London Victoria → BrightonBrighton main line — 53 min fastest, via Gatwick & Haywards Heath
- London Victoria → Eastbournevia Gatwick, Three Bridges and Lewes
- London Bridge → East Croydon / CaterhamSuburban services via Norwood Junction
- London Victoria → Portsmouth Harbourvia Horsham, Arundel and Chichester
Major destinations
- Brighton
- Gatwick Airport
- Eastbourne
- Bognor Regis
- Portsmouth Harbour
- East Croydon
- Sutton
FAQs about Southern
How long does Southern take from London to Brighton?
Fastest Southern services from London Victoria reach Brighton in about 53 minutes; semi-fast services take around 65 minutes via Gatwick and Haywards Heath.
Does Southern serve Gatwick Airport?
Yes. Southern runs frequent stopping and semi-fast services between London Victoria and Gatwick Airport, complementing the Gatwick Express.
What's the difference between Southern and Thameslink?
Both are run by GTR. Southern terminates at London Victoria or London Bridge, while Thameslink runs through central London via the core route from St Pancras to Blackfriars.