- Must visit
Chrysler Museum Of Art
Major art museum with a strong glass collection, European and American works, and frequent exhibitions. One of Norfolk’s signature cultural attractions.
Cheapest price
$96
Average price
$96
Fastest journey
12 h 23 m
Average duration
12 h 23 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
252 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Durham, NC to Norfolk, VA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Durham, NC to Norfolk, VA will cost around $96 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $96.
Of the 1 trains that leave Durham, NC for Norfolk, VA on Fri, Jun 19, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Jun 19 the direct trains cover the 252 km distance in an average of 12 h 23 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 12 h 23 m .
On Fri, Jun 19 the slowest trains will take 12 h 23 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 Durham, NC to Norfolk, VA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $79. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 4h 19m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $79, and a flight costs an average of $379.
Distance: 156 miles (252 km)
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$96 Average price Cheapest | $408 Average price | $100 Average price | $44 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
7h 34m Average total duration 7h 4m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 19m Average total duration Fastest 4h 19m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 11h 30m Average total duration 11h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 5m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Durham, NC to Norfolk, VA:
A train is $4 (€3) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Durham, NC to Norfolk, VA costing on average $100 (€82).
A train is $312 (€254) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Durham, NC to Norfolk, VA costing on average $408 (€333).
Other travel options to Norfolk, VA take longer:
Train takes on average 7h 4m.
Bus takes on average 11h 0m.
Tickets start at around $96 (€78) compared to roughly $44 (€35) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-52.28 (€-42.62). The journey takes 7h 4m versus 3h 5m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Durham, NC to Norfolk, VA trains for today, Thursday, June 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 2:12 PM Durham, NC | 12h23 | 2:35 AM Norfolk, VA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, bus, and flight 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 Durham, NC to Norfolk, VA run on average 1 times per day, taking around 7h 4m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $79 (€64) but you can travel from only $65 (€53) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 05:00, the last at 12:59. The fastest train covers the 156 miles (252 km) distance in 9h 42m.
Distance 156 miles (252 km) |
Average train duration 7h 4m |
Cheapest ticket price $79 (€64) |
Trains per day 1 |
Fastest train 9h 42m |
First train 5:00 AM |
Last train 12:59 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 21 days |
Discover the best of Norfolk — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Norfolk trip today.
Major art museum with a strong glass collection, European and American works, and frequent exhibitions. One of Norfolk’s signature cultural attractions.
Maritime science museum focused on naval history, the port, and hands-on exhibits. It is one of the city’s best-known family attractions.
Boutique gallery space known for contemporary glass art displays in a stylish historic downtown setting. Popular with visitors seeking a photogenic art stop.
Lively waterfront area with harbor views, promenades, and easy access to major attractions. A central place to walk and experience downtown Norfolk.
Signature downtown waterfront park hosting festivals and offering broad Elizabeth River views. One of the city’s most popular public spaces.
Norfolk’s arts district, known for murals, creative spaces, and photogenic streets that have become especially popular on social media.
Briny Chesapeake Bay oysters, often served raw, roasted, or Rockefeller-style. They are a signature Tidewater specialty tied closely to coastal Virginia.
A rich regional soup made with crab meat, crab roe, cream, and sherry. Popular across coastal Virginia and a classic order in Norfolk seafood restaurants.
Seasonal blue crab fried or sautéed whole after molting. It is a beloved Chesapeake seafood specialty found on many local menus.
Established fine-dining steakhouse in a historic building, praised for classic service, steaks, and special-occasion ambiance in downtown Norfolk.
Well-regarded Ghent restaurant serving seasonal New American dishes with a refined but relaxed neighborhood feel.
A longtime Norfolk favorite set in a historic church building, known for regional American fare, she-crab soup, and a distinctive atmosphere.
Prices are moderate by U.S. city standards. Hotels rise in peak season, but dining and local transport are generally manageable.
Tip 18-20% in restaurants; 20%+ for great service. Tip bartenders USD 1-2 per drink, taxis 10-15%, hotel staff a few dollars, and round up for cafes if desired.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Durham, NC to Norfolk, VA 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 Norfolk, VA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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