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Trains to Durham
The top university town deserves closer examination
Our website offers cheap fares on LNER trains to Durham - with no booking fees!
Some of our key routes to and from Durham include trains to London and Edinburgh along the scenic east coast.
Plus, when you join LNER Perks you'll get £5 free and 2% credit back every time you travel with us.
Destination: Durham!
Reaching Durham just got even better. With more trains from London, your journey north is easier and more flexible than ever. From cobbled streets to cathedral views, this is one smooth trip worth taking - with the freedom to travel your way.
Population
47,785
Fact about Durham
Durham contains over 630 listed buildings — 569 of which are located within the city centre's conservation area
Popular trains to Durham
These percentages were calculated using our Carbon Calculator.
Things to do in Durham
Durham’s famous Cathedral is just the tip of the iceberg. Wander heather-topped hills, explore twisty cobbled streets and feed your brain with museums and architecture.
Durham Cathedral
Durham CathedralYou’ll get an awesome view of Durham Cathedral as you approach the station on the East Coast Main Line. To see the magnificent Norman building up-close and personal, walk over Framwellgate Bridge or take the shuttle bus. The cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site – that puts it in the top division of tourist hotspots. Clamber up 325 steps to be rewarded with views that’ll make you go ‘wow!’ – Durham City, the River Wear and the Angel of the North.
Shildon National Railway Museum
Shildon National Railway MuseumDo the locomotion at Shildon National Railway Museum, the little brother of the more famous York attraction. Relive the romance of steam travel in days gone by and admire the workmanship that went into building real steam engines. It’s locomotives galore, but if you’re looking for cheap train tickets, booking online with LNER is the best bet.
Oriental Museum
Oriental MuseumThe Oriental Museum, part of Durham University, gathers together beautiful objects and ancient stories from every corner of Asia and North Africa. Archaeology buffs, art historians and anyone who loves exquisite things will be round-eyed with awe at the Tibetan wall-hangings and Chinese jade. At £1.50 for adult admission and 75p for kids, it’s a total steal.
Durham Cathedral
Durham CathedralYou’ll get an awesome view of Durham Cathedral as you approach the station on the East Coast Main Line. To see the magnificent Norman building up-close and personal, walk over Framwellgate Bridge or take the shuttle bus. The cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site – that puts it in the top division of tourist hotspots. Clamber up 325 steps to be rewarded with views that’ll make you go ‘wow!’ – Durham City, the River Wear and the Angel of the North.
Shildon National Railway Museum
Shildon National Railway MuseumDo the locomotion at Shildon National Railway Museum, the little brother of the more famous York attraction. Relive the romance of steam travel in days gone by and admire the workmanship that went into building real steam engines. It’s locomotives galore, but if you’re looking for cheap train tickets, booking online with LNER is the best bet.
Oriental Museum
Oriental MuseumThe Oriental Museum, part of Durham University, gathers together beautiful objects and ancient stories from every corner of Asia and North Africa. Archaeology buffs, art historians and anyone who loves exquisite things will be round-eyed with awe at the Tibetan wall-hangings and Chinese jade. At £1.50 for adult admission and 75p for kids, it’s a total steal.
Crook Hall and Gardens
Crook Hall and GardensGet lost in an a-maze-ing maze and lose yourself in a pretty garden inspired by Shakespeare at Crook Hall and Gardens. This medieval idyll is tucked away behind the city’s riverbanks. Every glorious garden here has a different theme. The afternoon tea is good too and there's a pork pie led not for the dainty gentleman's tea too.
Where to eat in Durham
Feeling hungry? Here's our top picks of places to eat in Durham.
A light lunch
Flat White KitchenLaid-back hipster hideaway Flat White Kitchen – behind Van Mildert – has lots of light bites for a not-too-filling lunch. Think rustic sandwiches, fluffy jacket spuds and creamy homemade soups.
International food
LebaneatDip into the Middle East in Durham courtesy of Lebaneat. Expect flavoursome and colourful dishes of authentic Lebanese food. With a great menu there’s so much to choose from, but when you can’t decide there are some brilliant mixed platter so you don’t have to! It’s advised to book in advance as this place is very popular, the TripAdvisor reviews speak for themselves.
Street food
Asian ProjectThe Asian Project is the brainchild of local chefs, Lee Hardy and Toby Marshall-Robertson, who wanted to bring fresh, fragrant Asian flavours to the street. Tuck into Thai red chicken curry, dim sum, sushi or shrimp crisps. Check where they will be on their Facebook page.
A light lunch
Flat White KitchenLaid-back hipster hideaway Flat White Kitchen – behind Van Mildert – has lots of light bites for a not-too-filling lunch. Think rustic sandwiches, fluffy jacket spuds and creamy homemade soups.
International food
LebaneatDip into the Middle East in Durham courtesy of Lebaneat. Expect flavoursome and colourful dishes of authentic Lebanese food. With a great menu there’s so much to choose from, but when you can’t decide there are some brilliant mixed platter so you don’t have to! It’s advised to book in advance as this place is very popular, the TripAdvisor reviews speak for themselves.
Street food
Asian ProjectThe Asian Project is the brainchild of local chefs, Lee Hardy and Toby Marshall-Robertson, who wanted to bring fresh, fragrant Asian flavours to the street. Tuck into Thai red chicken curry, dim sum, sushi or shrimp crisps. Check where they will be on their Facebook page.
Shopping in Durham
Durham has something for everyone, with a range of high street favourites alongside independent boutiques and unique craft shops.
High-street heaven
Prince BishopsFind Boots, New Look, River Island, Topshop and more around the Silver Street area and in Prince Bishops shopping centre.
Vintage shops, independents and homewares
Durham CityIn Durham City you can find one-off shops dedicated to running and fitness, Fairtrade food and crafts, outdoorsy clothing and yummy deli food.
High-street heaven
Prince BishopsFind Boots, New Look, River Island, Topshop and more around the Silver Street area and in Prince Bishops shopping centre.
Vintage shops, independents and homewares
Durham CityIn Durham City you can find one-off shops dedicated to running and fitness, Fairtrade food and crafts, outdoorsy clothing and yummy deli food.
What's on
Nothing Beats Musical Routes
Nothing Beats Musical RoutesNational Rail has partnered with renowned British DJ and broadcaster, Jo Whiley, to ignite a passion for exploring the roots of British music through train travel. Embark on a journey with the Window Seater app with a variety of short audio guides narrating the vibrant tales of Britain's musical landscapes, both past and present.
Nothing Beats Sporting Routes
Nothing Beats Sporting RoutesNational Rail have teamed up with British sports presenter, Kirsty Gallacher to create a new audio series to inspire your next train trip to some of Britain’s fantastic sporting locations. The eight-episode series features exclusive interviews from British sporting heroes and brings to life the origins of Britain’s most popular sports. When it comes to sport, nothing beats being there.
Nothing Beats Musical Routes
Nothing Beats Musical RoutesNational Rail has partnered with renowned British DJ and broadcaster, Jo Whiley, to ignite a passion for exploring the roots of British music through train travel. Embark on a journey with the Window Seater app with a variety of short audio guides narrating the vibrant tales of Britain's musical landscapes, both past and present.
Nothing Beats Sporting Routes
Nothing Beats Sporting RoutesNational Rail have teamed up with British sports presenter, Kirsty Gallacher to create a new audio series to inspire your next train trip to some of Britain’s fantastic sporting locations. The eight-episode series features exclusive interviews from British sporting heroes and brings to life the origins of Britain’s most popular sports. When it comes to sport, nothing beats being there.
How to save on LNER train tickets
Cheap tickets
Book cheap train ticketsWe know you can't always plan ahead but, if you can, booking your travel in advance can save you a lot of money. In fact, booking at least 4 weeks ahead of your travel date can save you an average of up to 47%* on on-the-day train ticket prices!
Join LNER Perks
Join LNER Perks nowDid you know that if you join our loyalty scheme, you can save money on every trip you take with LNER? Yep, that's right. LNER Perks members get £5 credit free on their account to spend on travel as a thank you for signing up. AND all members earn 2% credit back on every single journey. Not bad, eh?
Save 1/3 with a Railcard
RailcardsLooking for travel deals? Enjoy cheap train fares and save up to 1/3 on train ticket prices with a range of Railcards.
From Two Together Railcards, Senior Railcards, and many more, there are Railcard discounts to be had for all!
Cheap tickets
Book cheap train ticketsWe know you can't always plan ahead but, if you can, booking your travel in advance can save you a lot of money. In fact, booking at least 4 weeks ahead of your travel date can save you an average of up to 47%* on on-the-day train ticket prices!
Join LNER Perks
Join LNER Perks nowDid you know that if you join our loyalty scheme, you can save money on every trip you take with LNER? Yep, that's right. LNER Perks members get £5 credit free on their account to spend on travel as a thank you for signing up. AND all members earn 2% credit back on every single journey. Not bad, eh?
Save 1/3 with a Railcard
RailcardsLooking for travel deals? Enjoy cheap train fares and save up to 1/3 on train ticket prices with a range of Railcards.
From Two Together Railcards, Senior Railcards, and many more, there are Railcard discounts to be had for all!
*Saving average based on all Standard Advance tickets bought on the LNER website and App at least four weeks before you travel vs buying any Standard ticket on the day you travel.
Related FAQs
Which rail lines go through Durham?
Which rail lines go through Durham?
The principal trains going through Durham station are LNER, CrossCountry, Northern Trains, and TransPennineExpress.
Do you offer a student discount on train tickets?
Do you offer a student discount on train tickets?
We don't offer a student discount however, you can purchase a 16-25 Railcard and save 1/3 on train tickets.
How can I apply for compensation if my train is delayed or cancelled?
How can I apply for compensation if my train is delayed or cancelled?
Cancelled train
In the rare event that your train is cancelled, we offer full refunds (assuming you don't take an alternative train). Be sure to apply for the refund within 28 days of the cancelled journey date.
If you meet these conditions, follow these steps for your refund:
- Swipe down the page and click on ‘Amend journey’ or ‘Request a refund’
- Notify us of the reason for the refund request by pressing 'My train was cancelled' and then ‘Continue’
- Enter your details and submit your request
Already collected your tickets or had them posted to you?
If you’ve already received your printed tickets, you'll need to fill in our Change of Plans form and follow the instructions included.
Was your train delayed by at least 30 minutes?
On our Delay Repay page, you can learn about compensation if your train is delayed. For future LNER journeys, book through our website or app, then choose One-Click Delay Repay to ensure claiming for a delayed journey is as easy as possible.
