- Must visit
Oriental Museum
World-class Oriental collections spanning China, Japan, Korea, Egypt, and South Asia in Durham University’s museum.
Cheapest price on Sep 19
$92
Average ticket price on Sep 19
$181
Fastest journey on Sep 19
3 h 21 m
Average journey duration on Sep 19
3 h 39 m
Trains on Sep 19
5
Distance
256 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Birmingham to Durham is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Birmingham to Durham will cost around $181 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $92.
On Sat, Sep 19, we found 5 trains from Birmingham to Durham, including 5 direct services.
On Sat, Sep 19 the direct trains cover the 256 km distance in an average of 3 h 39 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 21 m .
On Sat, Sep 19 the slowest trains will take 3 h 57 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.










Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Birmingham to Durham among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $40 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 36m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $40, while a train costs an average of $129.
Distance: 159 miles (256 km)
Most popular Train | Bus |
|---|---|
$129 Average price | $40 Average price Cheapest |
3h 36m Average total duration Fastest 3h 6m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 33m Average total duration 6h 3m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.6kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Birmingham to Durham:
A bus is $89 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Birmingham to Durham costing on average $129.
Other travel options to Durham take longer:
Bus takes on average 6h 3m.
The table below shows live departures for Birmingham to Durham trains for tomorrow, Saturday, September 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 7:28 AM Birmingham | 3h38 | 11:06 AM Durham | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:03 AM Birmingham | 3h21 | 11:24 AM Durham | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:09 AM Birmingham | 3h57 | 12:06 PM Durham | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:09 AM Birmingham | 3h57 | 1:06 PM Durham | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 4:03 PM Birmingham | 3h22 | 7:25 PM Durham | 0 transfersDirect |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus and train prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Trains from Birmingham to Durham run on average 6 times per day, taking around 3h 6m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $44 but you can travel from only $15 by bus.
There are 4 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 03:30, the last at 22:03. The fastest train covers the 159 miles (256 km) distance in 2h 34m.
Distance 159 miles (256 km) |
Average train duration 3h 6m |
Cheapest ticket price $44 |
Trains per day 6 |
Direct trains 4 |
Fastest train 2h 34m |
First train 3:30 AM |
Last train 10:03 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 21 days |
Discover the best of Durham — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Durham trip today.
World-class Oriental collections spanning China, Japan, Korea, Egypt, and South Asia in Durham University’s museum.
Award-winning museum on Durham’s heritage, archaeology, and local stories, housed in a former medieval church.
Museum inside Durham Cathedral exploring monastic treasures, manuscripts, and the site’s long religious history.
Leafy riverside walk encircling the peninsula, famous for classic cathedral views and one of Durham’s best strolls.
Historic green beside cathedral and castle, central to the UNESCO site and ideal for architecture and atmosphere.
Cobbled street lined with old buildings, independent shops, and one of Durham’s most characterful city-centre walks.
A spiced fruit loaf from nearby Sunderland, traditionally sliced and spread with butter. It is a classic North East tea-time treat with strong regional roots.
A rich savoury broth from the North East made with pulses, vegetables and usually ham or bacon. Long linked with working-class cooking and local comfort food.
A hearty minced beef and onion pie under a pastry lid, strongly associated with North East football and pub food traditions.
Refined British fine dining by Tommy Banks in a historic setting. Known for seasonal tasting menus, polished service and an elegant special-occasion atmosphere.
A long-established riverside restaurant serving classic French dishes in a formal, traditional dining room. Well regarded for consistency and old-school charm.
Popular independent spot for brunch, coffee and casual meals. Relaxed modern atmosphere with strong local reputation for quality ingredients and baking.
Moderate for UK city breaks: hotels and dining are cheaper than London, while local buses and casual meals are fairly affordable for tourists.
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is not included. Round up for taxis; cafes usually just small change.
Official public transport app
Durham Railway Station -> Durham Market Place
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Birmingham to Durham by train. 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 train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Durham, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Birmingham to Durham trains use the Birmingham New Street to Durham station pair. Use this guide to compare Birmingham and Durham train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Birmingham New Street has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: All Bar One, Leon, Caffè Nero, Five Guys, Krispy Kreme, The Pasty Shop, Upper Crust, Wasabi, Starbucks, Hotel Chocolat
Pay as you go Wi-Fi is available from Sky Wi-Fi The Cloud. ATMs are aTM machines are located on the paid concourse.
The ticket office is open Mon - Sat: 05:15 - 23:00, Sun: 07:30 - 23:00. Information desks are in the middle of the station.
Luggage storage is you can leave bags with Excess Baggage Co inside the entrance off Hill Street. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Birmingham New Street: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Birmingham New Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Birmingham New Street: Step-free access in the whole station and ramps available for train access. All platforms have elevators and escalators.
Nearby hotels include Holiday Inn Birmingham City Center, Premier Inn Birmingham City Center (New St Station), Radisson Blue Hotel, Birmingham.
Birmingham International is 12 km from Birmingham city centre. Public transport options include:
Birmingham International has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Birmingham International.
Wi-Fi is available at Birmingham International. ATMs are available at Birmingham International.
Ticket office support is available at Birmingham International. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Birmingham International: Parking, WC.
Available at Birmingham International: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Birmingham International: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This station has step-free access to all platforms / the platform, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Selly Oak is 4 km from Birmingham city centre. Public transport options include:
Selly Oak has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Selly Oak.
Ticket office support is available at Selly Oak. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0800 0248998, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Available at Selly Oak: Parking, WC.
Available at Selly Oak: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Selly Oak: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible public telephones: Public telephones are not accessible, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are not available, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: A Ticket Vending Machine is available in the Booking Hall and on Platform One, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Durham has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Durham.
ATMs are available at Durham.
Ticket office support is available at Durham.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Durham: Parking, WC.
Available at Durham: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Durham: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
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