Transport in Worthing

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Worthing has a well-connected transport system with roads, a mainline railway, frequent bus services and a nearby airport.

Roads and travel history
Worthing’s major roads include the A24 to London, Horsham and Dorking; the A27 to Brighton and Portsmouth; and the A259 along the coast to Littlehampton, Chichester, Hastings and Folkestone. The A24 follows a route that sits south of the old Roman road, with the current northward link to London via Horsham and the M25. The borough’s road network exceeds 180 miles. A turnpike opened in 1803 to connect Worthing with London, and toll roads were built later in the 19th century. Stagecoaches thrived until 1845, when the new railway from Brighton reduced coach traffic.

Rail travel
Worthing has five railway stations on the West Coastway Line: East Worthing, Worthing, West Worthing, Durrington-on-Sea and Goring-by-Sea. All are managed by Southern; occasional long-distance trains run by Great Western Railway. East Worthing opened in 1905; Worthing station opened in 1845 (the current building dates from 1909). West Worthing opened in 1889, Durrington-on-Sea in 1937, and Goring-by-Sea in 1846. Electric trains began on the West Worthing–Brighton route in 1933, with Durrington and Goring electrified in 1938. Trains connect to London, Croydon, Gatwick, Brighton, Chichester, Portsmouth and Southampton, with occasional longer services to St Pancras via Thameslink planned.

Bus and coach services
In the 20th century, buses helped suburbs grow. Operators over the years have included Southdown, Worthing Motor Omnibus, Stagecoach, Compass Travel, Brighton & Hove Bus & Coach and Worthing Coaches (Lucketts Travel Group). Today, long-distance trips and private hire remain available, with several operators serving the town and surrounding area.

Cycling and walking
Worthing lies on National Cycle Network Route 2, following the coast from Dover to St Austell. As of 2009, the route doesn’t extend west beyond Worthing, and the Brighton section is partly traffic-free. A 2009 trial allowed cycling on part of the seafront promenade, which residents generally supported, though it sparked debates about speed and pedestrian separation.

Air links
Shoreham Airport (near Worthing) is about 5 miles away and was Britain’s first licensed airfield, opening in 1911. Gatwick Airport is roughly 28 miles away. In the early 20th century, seaplanes occasionally operated from Worthing beach.