- Must visit
Hopetown Darlington
Major railway museum on the original Stockton and Darlington Railway route. Exhibits, locomotives, and restored buildings explain Darlington's rail legacy.
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Middlesbrough to Darlington is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Middlesbrough to Darlington will cost around $24 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $22.
On Tue, Nov 03, we found 4 buses from Middlesbrough to Darlington, including 4 direct services.
On Tue, Nov 03 the direct buses cover the 21 km distance in an average of 3 h 51 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 3 h 10 m .
On Tue, Nov 03 the slowest buses will take 4 h 30 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.

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Buses from Middlesbrough to Darlington run on average 1 times per day, taking around 2h 14m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $20 but you can travel from only $3 by train.
The earliest bus runs at 03:55, the last at 23:24. The fastest bus covers the 13 miles (21 km) distance in 2h 10m.
Distance 13 miles (21 km) |
Average bus duration 2h 14m |
Cheapest ticket price $20 |
Buses per day 1 |
Fastest bus 2h 10m |
First bus 3:55 AM |
Last bus 11:24 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 5 days |
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Middlesbrough to Darlington.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:55AM | Arrival Time 01:25PM | Duration 4h30 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $22 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:35AM | Arrival Time 01:25PM | Duration 3h50 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:55AM | Arrival Time 02:25PM | Duration 4h30 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:35AM | Arrival Time 02:25PM | Duration 3h50 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:50PM | Arrival Time 12:45AM | Duration 3h55 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $22 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:35PM | Arrival Time 12:45AM | Duration 3h10 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:35PM | Arrival Time 01:45AM | Duration 3h10 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $22 |
The table below shows live departures for Middlesbrough to Darlington buses for today, Monday, November 2. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NX172 · NX591 | 9:55 AM Middlesbrough, Bus Station | 4h30 | 2:25 PM Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre) | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
Discover the best of Darlington — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Darlington trip today.
Major railway museum on the original Stockton and Darlington Railway route. Exhibits, locomotives, and restored buildings explain Darlington's rail legacy.
University arts venue nearby with contemporary exhibitions, installations, and events. A good choice for modern art in the wider Darlington area.
Roman fort and archaeology museum a short trip from Darlington. Finds, reconstructions, and river views make it a strong regional heritage visit.
Historic town centre street lined with shops and civic buildings. It is central to exploring Darlington's market character and Victorian urban fabric.
Traditional covered market area with surrounding lanes and street life. It is ideal for soaking up local atmosphere in a compact historic setting.
Large town park with formal gardens, a café building, aviary area, and bandstand. It is one of Darlington's best-loved green spaces for a stroll.
A Teesside takeaway classic: chicken in a creamy béchamel-style sauce with chips. It is strongly associated with nearby Middlesbrough and the wider area.
A rich North East beef and vegetable broth, slowly cooked with pearl barley or split peas. It is a traditional working-class staple in County Durham homes.
Layered potatoes, onions and cheese baked until golden. A beloved North East comfort dish, often served in pubs and homes across Durham and Teesside.
Well-known traditional pub venue serving cask ales and hearty British favourites in a historic, characterful atmosphere.
Established town-centre restaurant known for polished British and European cooking in a smart yet relaxed setting.
Popular Indian restaurant with a strong local reputation for classic curries, attentive service and a comfortable modern dining room.
Moderate for the UK. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while local buses and trains are manageable for most visitors.
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common for good service if not already added. Round up for taxis; cafes usually do not expect tips.
Official public transport app
Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre) -> Darlington Town Centre
Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in Darlington.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Middlesbrough to Darlington by bus. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Darlington, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Middlesbrough to Darlington buses use the Middlesbrough, Bus Station to Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre) station pair. Use this guide to compare Middlesbrough and Darlington bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Restaurants available nearby.
Available at the station. ATMs are available within walking distance.
Ticket office support is available at Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre).
Available at Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre): Wheelchair accessible.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need