Press release -
Southern partners with Sussex colleges to offer thousands of students huge discount of up to 70% on train travel
Students from four colleges across Sussex now benefit from an exclusive Unizone ticket offered by Southern, which lands them up to 70 per cent off their train fare.
Thousands of students on courses at Brighton Metropolitan College, Worthing College, Northbrook College and Chichester College now benefit from the special fare, meaning they can travel between college, home and places to catch up with friends and family cheaper than ever.
The two Unizone areas in Sussex, in Brighton and Worthing, together cover routes between Chichester and Eastbourne, offering ticket holders unlimited discounted travel within the region - a deal worth up to 70 per cent off when compared to a regular season ticket.
All that’s needed is a valid student ID from a participating college and a 16-17 Saver or 16-25 Railcard for the Unizone ticket – which can be bought at any ticket office within the specific Unizone area. Physical NUS Extra and TOTUM cards are also accepted.
Louis Rambaud, Chief Customer Officer at Southern said: “Our Unizone fares are a brilliant deal for young people travelling to learn, meet friends or explore the south coast.
“They offer a fantastic discount on regular fares, and I think rail really is the best way to get around the south coast quickly and comfortably, while doing your bit for the planet too.
Vicki Illingworth, Executive Principal and Deputy Chief Executive of the Chichester College Group, said: “We’re delighted that students across our colleges can now take advantage of Southern’s Unizone tickets. This initiative is a real game-changer – making travel more affordable, accessible, and sustainable for our learners.
“Reliable, cost-effective transport is essential for supporting education and creating opportunities for our students. By working together with Southern Rail, we’re helping to remove barriers and ensure that our students can make the most of their time at college and beyond.”
It’s important that students have the correct ticket and passes before getting on the train. To find out more, please click here.
Notes to Editor
Student IDs from the four colleges:
- Brighton Metropolitan College;
- Worthing College;
- Northbrook College;
- Chichester College
Are now accepted by ticket offices within the two Unizone areas, joining institutions already taking part in the scheme. The ticket is only valid for students in full-time education. Physical NUS and TOTUM cards are also accepted as valid Student ID.
The ticket costs (correct as of 22/01/2026):
- Weekly: £22 (Brighton) / £25 (Worthing)
- Monthly: £84.50 (Brighton) / £96 (Worthing)
- Quarterly: £253.50 (Brighton) / £288 (Worthing)
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For more information, contact the press office on 0203 750 2031.
Govia Thameslink Railway
Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) operates Thameslink, Great Northern, Southern and Gatwick Express services as follows:
- Thameslink – cross-London services between Bedford/Peterborough/Cambridge and Brighton/Horsham/East Grinstead, and between Luton/St Albans and Sutton/Wimbledon/Rainham; plus services between London and Sevenoaks
- Great Northern – services between London and Welwyn, Hertford, Peterborough, Cambridge and King’s Lynn
- Southern – services between London and the Sussex coast (Brighton, Worthing, Eastbourne, Bognor Regis, Hastings) and parts of Surrey, Kent and Hampshire (Ashford International, Southampton, Portsmouth)
- Gatwick Express – fast, non-stop direct services between Gatwick Airport and London Victoria
www.southernrailway.com, www.thameslinkrailway.com, www.gatwickexpress.com, www.greatnorthernrail.com
