With Richard Coles declaring it “the best bus in the world” in 2022, Brighton & Hove’s Coaster network isn’t just transport – it’s an experience.
This spectacular network of bus routes takes you along one of England’s most dramatic coastlines, from the vibrant streets of Brighton to the iconic white cliffs of Beachy Head, serving everything from bustling seaside resorts to hidden South Downs villages.
With Richard Coles declaring it “the best bus in the world” in 2022, Brighton & Hove’s Coaster network isn’t just transport – it’s an experience.
This spectacular network of bus routes takes you along one of England’s most dramatic coastlines, from the vibrant streets of Brighton to the iconic white cliffs of Beachy Head, serving everything from bustling seaside resorts to hidden South Downs villages.
The services have been praised for its scenic routes, which take riders along the Sussex coast atop the Brighton to Newhaven Cliffs.
The network showcases some of England’s most iconic landscapes – from the bustling Brighton seafront to the Seven Sisters cliffs, taking in charming seaside towns, historic villages, and dramatic chalk downland along the way.
What sets the Coasters apart is how they seamlessly connect coastal resorts with inland attractions, giving you access to both seaside pleasures and South Downs National Park adventures.
Bus passengers travelling along the coast road between Brighton and Eastbourne are enjoying superb comfort from the brand new buses now entering service, with an updated livery featuring the ‘Coaster’ brand in the familiar green and blue colour scheme.
Route 12, along with its variants 12A and 12X, is the main service within the Coaster family. These routes connect Brighton with Eastbourne via the spectacular coastal route, serving Rottingdean, Saltdean, Telscombe Cliffs, Peacehaven, Newhaven, Seaford, Friston, East Dean and Eastbourne.
Route 12X is the express option – it follows the A259 throughout and runs limited-stop between Brighton and Seaford town centre, making it ideal for longer journeys.
Route 13X is truly special – its course is mostly identical to that of route 12X (including its limited-stop nature between Brighton and Seaford), except near its eastern end where it additionally serves the popular cliffside destinations of Birling Gap and Beachy Head. This is your gateway to some of England’s most famous cliff-top views.
The 13X runs most frequently on Sundays between April and October, with buses every 30 minutes each way, making it perfect for weekend adventures. It also operates less frequently on weekdays and Saturdays during the summer peak, ensuring you can reach these spectacular viewpoints throughout the season.
Route 11X operates only on summer Sundays, with three journeys per day in each direction between Brighton and Eastbourne. Unlike the 12s and the 13X, it runs further inland between Newhaven and Eastbourne: serving several local attractions such as Middle Farm, Firle, Berwick and even Drusillas Zoo Park.
The 14 and 14C routes provide frequent connections between Brighton and Peacehaven, with some services extending to Newhaven.
These routes serve the dramatic clifftop settlements along this stretch of coast, offering spectacular sea views and access to some quieter coastal walks away from the busier resort areas.
The Coaster network gives you access to an incredible variety of attractions and landscapes:
Seven Sisters cliffs – Perhaps England’s most photographed stretch of coastline, these dramatic white chalk cliffs rise directly from the sea.
Beachy Head – The highest chalk sea cliff in England, offering breathtaking views across the English Channel.
Birling Gap – A dramatic gap in the Seven Sisters cliffs with direct beach access and the famous red-and-white striped lighthouse.
Seaford – A traditional seaside town with a lovely beach, perfect for families and fossil hunters.
Newhaven – Historic port town with ferry connections to France and excellent fish and chips.
Tide Mills – The hauntingly beautiful ruins of an abandoned village, now a peaceful spot for reflection.
Rottingdean – Charming village that was once home to Rudyard Kipling, with a delightful village green and pond.
South Downs National Park – Rolling chalk downland perfect for walking, with panoramic views across the Weald.
The beauty of the Coaster network is its flexibility. You can spend a day beach-hopping between Brighton, Seaford and Eastbourne, explore the dramatic cliffs around Beachy Head, discover hidden South Downs villages, or combine seaside relaxation with countryside walking.
Many visitors use the network for one-way journeys, taking the bus to a destination and walking back along the spectacular coastal paths. The South Downs Way and England Coast Path both intersect with numerous Coaster stops, making it easy to plan linear walks with public transport connections.
With brand new buses offering superb comfort, spectacular scenery that has earned international recognition, and frequent services connecting some of England’s most beautiful coastal and countryside destinations, Brighton & Hove’s Coaster network truly deserves its reputation as one of the world’s best bus routes.
Whether you’re a local exploring your own backyard or a visitor discovering the South Coast for the first time, the Coasters offer an unforgettable journey through some of England’s most cherished landscapes. From the vibrant culture of Brighton to the raw beauty of Beachy Head, this is public transport that transforms the journey into the destination.
This listing was last updated on 6th August 2025
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