Coaster 12 Brighton - Eastbourne
One of the most scenic bus routes in all of England
The best way to get between Brighton, Newhaven, Seaford and Eastbourne is the Coaster - whether for work, shopping or an evening in Brighton - the last bus back isn’t until after 11pm all week. It’s also a fantastic way to get out and about in the fresh air and enjoy what is probably the finest coastal scenery in the south east. Whether it’s a gentle stroll or an invigorating walk, there are spectacular views everywhere. And you don’t have to retrace your steps - catch another bus further along! Or just sit upstairs and watch all that magnificent scenery from the comfort of your bus seat.
Smart, stylish, comfortable, eco-friendly double-deck buses run up to every 10 minutes Mondays to Saturdays, every 15 minutes on Sundays.
They have wide doors with a stepfree entrance, a level floor downstairs and fabulous views from the big picture windows upstairs. We should all be using our cars less, particularly when there is a good alternative. Add in parking problems and cost, and you can see that going by Coaster makes sense.
Between Seaford and Eastbourne the views are spectacular, and there are plenty of things to see and do to enjoy a great day out in this magnificent corner of Sussex.
Seven Sisters Visitors’ Centre is a good start to finding out about the area. They can advise you of the best walks to suit your interests, ability and how much time to allow. And there’s a marvellous café!
Open daily until the end of October & from April, weekends only November - March
East Dean has a large village green, an ancient church with a Saxon tower, the famous Tiger Inn (described as idyllic by The Observer newspaper) and the Hikers Rest coffee and gift shop. At the top of the hill on the Brighton side of the village is the ancient church of St Mary the Virgin dating from Saxon times.
Tourist Trail 13X Brighton - Eastbourne
This is the tourist trail variation of the Coaster route.It’s quicker, as it only stops at the main points between Brighton and Seaford.
It runs every hour on Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays.
Additional places of interest served on the 13X route are:
Birling Gap is a good starting point for some exhilarating clifftop walks. The beach, accessible down some steps, is great for swimming. It also has one of the most magnificent backdrops in England. There’s a pub and café at the top.
Belle Toute was the first lighthouse here, opened in 1834 and in use until 1902. It’s privately owned but well worth the walk up for the all round views.
Beachy Head is famous for its iconic red and white striped lighthouse, in operation since1902. Discover the history of the downs in the Downland Experience in the Countryside Centre. The Sussex Gallery shows the work of local artists.
Countryside Centre open daily until end of October and from April, weekends only November, December and March weather permitting -
call 01323 737273 to check, closed January & February.
For full details of times and route click on the route icon below
The main Coaster 12 route
The Coaster 12A route also serves Chyngton Estate in Seaford
The Coaster 12X route gives a quicker peak time route into Brighton operating with Limited Stops in the mornings and home again in the afternoons
The Tourist Trail 13X route has a more scenic route via Birling Gap and Beachy Head operating with Limited Stops on Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays only.
Route maps
Fares information
Buses 12, 12A, 12X, 13X serving Seaford and Eastbourne
Fares to Brighton
From Eastbourne is £3.80 Single, £7.00 Explorer Return.
From Newhaven is £2.30 Single, £3.50 Return.
From Seaford is £2.80 Single, £4.50 Return.
Fares to Seaford
From between Brighton and Saltdean is £2.80 Single, £4.50 Return.
From Peacehaven is £2.30 Single, £3.50 Return.
From Newhaven is £2.00 Single, £3.00 Return.
From Eastbourne is £3.00 Single, £5.00 Return.
Fares to Eastbourne
From between Brighton and Peacehaven is £3.80 Single, £7.00 Explorer Return.
From Newhaven is £3.00 Single, £5.00 Return.
From Seaford is £3.00 Single, £5.00 Return.
A One Day Explorer ticket from the driver is £7, this gives you unlimited travel for one day on any Brighton & Hove bus (except routes 74, 92B, 92C, 96, 116). For a better deal you can buy this online for only £3.90, but you need to purchase this before you travel, it can take up to 10 days to post this you. For details go to smartbuses.co.uk and register for the key card. If you already you have the key you can top up online, this will be then uploaded to your card within 48 hours.
