After over 50 visits to the UK, I thought I knew my way around pretty well. Until now. I am working in Brighton once a month and departing from LHR the next day. (When all DL flights were at LGW, life was simple.)

The first time with this schedule, I took Southern from BTN to VIC, then the District line to Hammersmith, then the Piccadilly line to LHR. Total travel time was about 2:15 but it was a pain schlepping all my heavy stuff (and there will always be a lot of heavy stuff) at the connections, especially at Victoria where there are no escalators or elevators.

I know that National Express coach from Brighton to LHR is an option, although not much time savings and 2-3 x the cost. Renting a car is another option, although substantially more expensive.

Are there any other coach services from Brighton to LHR? Better train/tube options with fewer or easier connections?