Travel by train- Fares vary greatly, so check your times and what train you are intending to get. Cheapest return to Brighton, from East Croydon is £10.50, but you must use a Thameslink service. There is not much difference in journey times, but if you want to save 10 minutes then pay another £8 plus for the return ticket. Many fans drink in Lewes, but the return fare is over £19. Trains from Brighton to Lewes are frequent and the journey time is only 15 minutes. There are many options, but it all depends on your budget and where you wish to drink before hand.
Drinking and eating- Naturally Brighton has a much greater variety than Lewes, so again depends on what you want. Be warned that, if you are drinking in Brighton, virtually every pub near the station is "home fans only", and there will be a filth presence to martial this. There are some smaller, chicer bars but they can be pricey, and pretentious. The Wetherspoons on West Street is "Fulham fans only", and is a nice roomy pub, which echoed to some good FFC songs last season. Sources told me that there was a large contingent of Whites' fans in the pub on the pier last season, but it is a bit of a trek given where the station is. Lewes also has several pubs, but eating may be limited compared to Brighton. Due to the hassle getting to the Amex, many people may think Falmer is a better bet. IT IS NOT. There is one pub in Falmer, and it is usually "home fans only". The only other option around Falmer are the bars around the outside of the ground, but it is pricey and the beer not great.
Travelling to the Amex- If you are going from Brighton by train, make sure to leave plenty of time, and by plenty of time I mean an hour at least. Your ticket gives you free travel within Brighton on public transport, so every man and his dog go to the station. There is no segregation, just a mass of people heading to a couple of platforms, herded like sheep. I don't know about the buses, but they are free travel also. If there are a few of you, you can take a taxi, but be warned the taxi will not book a return fare. Lewes is a better bet, for getting to the Amex, but again leave some time if you are getting the train. After the game be prepared to stand in the masses waiting to get on the two platform station. You may be standing there not moving for ages, so if it is cold wrap up well.
My personal tip- Train to Brighton, then train to Lewes for beer, then train to the Amex, before heading back into Brighton for victory celebrations.
Overall- Whoever planned this stadium, clearly did not take into consideration the infrastructure nightmare. Be prepared for mayhem on both journeys to Falmer. Also be prepared for the old style bouncers if you mistakenly go to a "home fans only" pub. Friendly security clearly hasn't reached Brighton yet.
Anybody with better travel tips, please comment below in the comments box.
Hope this helps some of you, and see you all at the Amex on Saturday.
IN SLAVISA WE TRUST.
COYWs
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