Getting around Brighton

Public transport

Brighton is a pretty compact city and, certainly for those visiting the attractions of the city centre and the seafront, the best way to get around is by foot. Still, bus travel in Brighton and Hove is easy and convenient thanks to a well-developed network of routes and frequent services run by Brighton & Hove Bus and Coach Company (tel: +44 1273 886 200; www.buses.co.uk).

A network of bus lines provides excellent links across the central areas, with plenty of bus stops and buses running every few minutes during daytime. You can pay for single journeys or buy a one-day or seven-day SAVER ticket. Multi-trip tickets for 10, 20 or 30 journeys are also available.

Taxis

Taxis in Brighton are generally white with a turquoise bonnet and boot. There are several taxi ranks in the city centre and a main one at Brighton railway station. You can hail cabs on the streets as well. Brighton & Hove City Cabs (tel: +44 1273 205 205), Brighton & Hove Radio Cabs (tel: +44 1273 204 060) and Streamline Taxis (tel: +44 1273 202 020) are some of Brighton’s most reliable taxi companies.

Driving

Parking in Brighton can be a pain. If you do need to park in the city centre, see www.journeyon.co.uk for the location of the city’s main car parks.

Drivers also have the option of all-day pay and display parking on Madeira Drive and the Kingsway in Hove.

Brighton is ring-fenced by a one-way system that can make driving around the centre pretty frustrating – especially for those a little unsure of their bearings. As you head into residential areas, parked cars lining narrow streets mean roads can get congested, especially at weekends and peak times.

If you drive an electric-powered vehicle, there are various charge points in Brighton and Hove. One is Bartholomews, outside 6 Bartholomews BN1 1HG, and another is on Ditchling Road, outside the Caroline of Brunswick pub. See www.journeyon.co.uk for more details.

Car hire

For those who fancy heading out of the city and into the reams of soft Sussex countryside and nearby attractions, there are many car hire companies in Brighton. These include Alamo (tel: +44 800 028 2390; www.alamo.co.uk), Europcar (tel: +44 371 384 3480; www.europcar.co.uk) and Hertz (tel: +44 843 309 3010; www.hertz.co.uk). In general, drivers have to be over 23 to hire a car.

Bicycle hire

You can hire bicycles from Cycle Brighton, 86 Ethel Street (tel: +44 1273 567 733), which also runs guided tours.

To try out Dutch bikes, head to Brighton Cycle Hire (tel: +44 1273 571 555); www.brightoncyclehire.com), the rental section of Amsterdammers Dutch bike shop under Brighton railway station. Choose between The Ruto (a traditional, four-speed bike) and seven-speed Union Via Via, with a looped frame. The shop also hires bikes with seats for children, tandem bikes for families or all adults, and cargo bikes that come with a bench for two children and space for luggage or a third child.