The Rail Route Riddle: Why No Direct Trains from Watford to Brighton?: A Complete Guide If you’ve ever tried to plan a trip from the Watford or Hemel Hempstead area to the lively coastal city of Brighton, you’ve probably run into a bit of a headache: there are no direct trains. This gap in the UK’s otherwise well-connected rail network raises a common question for commuters, day-trippers, and tourists alike. Why, in this age of connectivity, do you have to switch trains—often