Coaster 11X - Enjoy a green day out to Firle, Wilmington and Eastbourne with the scenic Coaster 11X bus from Brighton.

The Coaster 11X is a hidden gem in the Brighton & Hove network. While the famous Coaster 12 and 13X hug the shoreline, the 11X offers a “best of both worlds” experience. It begins as a coastal express before peeling away inland to explore the cultural treasures and rolling landscapes of the South Downs National Park, making it the only direct public transport link to some of Sussex’s most beloved country attractions.

The Coaster 11X: Coast, Culture and Countryside

What makes this route special

The Coaster 11X is the ultimate “day tripper” bus. It was designed specifically to connect city dwellers and coastal visitors with the rural attractions that are usually difficult to reach without a car.

It is unique because it combines the sweeping sea views of the classic coast road with the pastoral beauty of the Cuckmere Valley and the A27 corridor. It is the only bus route that drops you directly at the gates of Drusillas Park (widely regarded as the best small zoo in the country) and the artistic haven of Charleston Farmhouse. If you are looking to swap pebbles for pastures without losing sight of the sea entirely, this is your route.

A journey from sea to downs

The route starts at Brighton, departing from the station and the iconic Clock Tower. It swings past the Sea Life Centre and the pier, offering that classic seaside buzz before heading east.

Unlike the stopping services, the 11X runs as a limited-stop express along the coast. You’ll whisk past the white cliffs, offering elevated views over Rottingdean and the distinctive Art Deco lido at Saltdean. It continues through Peacehaven, where you can catch glimpses of the Greenwich Meridian Monument, before dropping down into the gritty but historic port town of Newhaven.

Here, the journey changes character completely. Turning north away from the English Channel, the bus enters the South Downs. You’ll travel through the picturesque scenery of Beddingham and Firle. This section is a green corridor of history; keep your eyes peeled for Middle Farm, a working family farm that’s a favourite stop for cider lovers and families alike.

Next is the artistic highlight of the route: Charleston. The bus stops within walking distance of this Bloomsbury Group retreat, famous for its beautifully decorated interiors and literary festivals.

Continuing east, you pass through the quiet rural parishes of Selmeston and Berwick, home to a church famously painted by the Bloomsbury artists. The excitement peaks for younger passengers at the Drusillas Park stop, before the route winds past Wilmington, where you might spot the mysterious Long Man of Wilmington carved into the chalk hills in the distance.

Finally, the bus rejoins urban life at Polegate, passing through Lower Willingdon, Willingdon, and Upperton before terminating in the elegant Victorian resort town of Eastbourne.

When does the route run

It is important to note that the Coaster 11X is a seasonal service. It typically operates on Sundays and Public Holidays from Spring (usually Easter or April) through to late September.

Because it is designed for day trips, it does not run frequently. There are usually three journeys a day in each direction.

• Morning: Perfect for getting you to the attractions around opening time.
• Lunchtime: A midday option for late risers.
• Late Afternoon: The return leg, bringing you back after a full day out.

Always check the latest timetable on the Brighton & Hove Buses website before travelling, as dates can vary slightly year on year.

Value for money

The 11X offers exceptional value, particularly for families visiting attractions like Drusillas, where parking can be busy.

• Fare Cap: As of 2025, single journey tickets are capped at £3.00 for adults.
• Family NetworkSaver: If you are travelling as a group (up to 5 people, max 2 adults), the Family NetworkSaver is a steal. It offers unlimited travel all day across the entire network.
• Discovery Ticket: If you are connecting from other operators (like Stagecoach in Eastbourne or Metrobus in Brighton), the Discovery ticket covers you for the whole region.

Top tips for the journey

1. Check the Timetable: With only three buses a day, you cannot afford to miss your connection. Arrive at the stop 5-10 minutes early.
2. Sit Upstairs: The 11X is usually operated by double-deckers. The front seats on the top deck offer the best views of the coast at Saltdean and the rolling hills around Firle.
3. Know Your Stop: The 11X is a “Limited Stop” service between Brighton and Newhaven. It will not stop at every minor bus shelter. Head to the main hubs like the Sea Life Centre, Rottingdean White Horse, or Saltdean Longridge Avenue.
4. Combine with the 12: If you miss the 11X coming back from Eastbourne, don’t panic. You can catch the frequent Coaster 12/12A back to Brighton, though it takes the longer coastal route and won’t serve the inland villages like Alfriston or Charleston.

Planning a day out on this route

For Art Lovers: Catch the morning 11X from Brighton to Charleston. Spend the day exploring the house and gardens. Walk over to Berwick Church to see the murals, then catch the afternoon 11X back.

For Families: Take the bus to Drusillas Park. The stop is right outside, meaning no long walks with tired toddlers. You get a full day at the zoo before the return bus in the late afternoon.

For Walkers: Get off at Firle. Walk up Firle Beacon for some of the best views in Sussex, then descend into the village for a pub lunch before catching the return service.

For a Tale of Two Cities: Take the 11X from Brighton to Eastbourne. Enjoy the faster, greener route. Spend the day on Eastbourne Pier and the Carpet Gardens, then take the scenic Coaster 13X via Beachy Head for the return journey to complete a full loop of the South Downs coast.