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Trains to Durham

A picturesque cathedral city in England’s north, Durham has received a steady stream of visitors since medieval times, when it was a major pilgrimage site. The city is easily accessible by train, with a small but central railway station that is connected to a wide variety of local and long-distance destinations across the UK.

Which is the main train station in Durham?

Durham’s main train station is simply known as Durham Railway Station. It's an easy 15-minute walk across the River Wear from Durham Cathedral and Durham Castle. The station has just two platforms but is served by a surprisingly high number of train companies as it sits on the UK’s East Coast Main Line. The station features several stores and places to eat on site.

Which train companies offer trains to Durham?

Train companies offering trains to Durham include London North Eastern Railway, Cross Country, TransPennine Express, and Northern. London North Eastern Railway offers an hourly direct service from London Kings Cross, which usually takes just under three hours. Cross Country offers hourly direct trains from Reading via Birmingham New Street and from Edinburgh Waverley. TransPennine Express offers a regular service connecting Durham with Manchester Airport. A variety of companies offer direct trains from Newcastle, which can take just over 10 minutes.

Why travel by train to Durham?

A trip to Durham is a journey into England’s past, filled with sites of rich historical interest. A train journey is the best way to get in the mood for the adventure ahead while taking in County Durham’s glorious rural scenery. Not to mention, train travel is incredibly convenient, considering the many connections that serve Durham. The city’s center is compact so visitors don’t need a car to get around - just take a walk or hop on a local bus after getting off the train.

Before you travel to Durham by train - good to know!

Durham’s stunning medieval architecture gets all the attention, but its natural beauty is equally worthy of note. The city hugs the banks of the River Wear, which is home to a wide variety of native English plants and wildlife. Beaches line the nearby Durham Coast, which is easily reached by local bus and features many attractive cycling and hiking trails. The city itself is easy to navigate on foot, with plenty of bus links to the suburbs and surrounding towns.