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Cheap Train Tickets to Durham

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Cheap Trains to Durham

"If you have never been to Durham before, go there at once. Take my car, it’s wonderful." Bill Bryson

Durham is known as a cathedral city, featuring a fine Norman castle that lies along the River Wear loop and dates back to the year 1073. Nowadays, it is a college of Durham University. Surrounding the castle is a cobweb of hilly cobblestone streets, filled with university students going about their daily life.

Tip 1 Save money with advance tickets
You can book cheap train tickets to Durham on journeys booked up to 12 weeks before the date of travel. Ensure you get these lower-priced fares by buying early, they are in high demand and sell out fast. Advance tickets are available up to an hour before departure, but they usually sell out before then.
£49.30 saving (76%)
Manchester
Durham

£15.60

Split Ticket
Two trams on Rails at Beamish Museum in Durham with oassengers and a conductor stood on the road.
£8.40 saving (18%)
London
Durham

£39.60

Split Ticket
An aerial view of Durham Cathedral, a tall sandstone building surrounded by grass and trees.
£3.40 saving (9%)
Edinburgh
Durham

£35.10

Split Ticket
Durham Castle, a stone building with a clock and sky above.
Tip 2 Don't pay booking fees.
Other retailers may charge you a booking fee for every train ticket you book. With us, we will only charge if we split your ticket, deducting 10% of the savings you make. If you don't find a split, then there won't be a fee.

When you arrive at Durham by train, you can admire the city’s breathtaking views at the end of the journey. Trains run on the East Coast Main Line from London Kings Cross Station, York, Leeds and Peterborough. Durham train station is only a short walk away from the centre, and there is a bus connection to the cathedral.

Tip 3 Use delay repay.
If there is a delay to your journey, you can get a refund with Delay Repay from every train company. If your train departs 15 minutes late, you are entitled to a full or partial refund on tickets. The scheme may not include return fares, so it is worth checking with the train company.

The heart of Durham is pretty small, with some narrow roads that are pedestrian-friendly. Durham Cathedral and Durham Castle are included in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, dating back to 1073.

Tip 4 Avoid peak times.
During busy periods, travelling can often cost the most with cheap train tickets typically found for travel on weekdays during off-peak hours.

The Treasures of Saint Cuthbert are found within the cluster of the buildings in Durham Minster and house a wide range of unique artefacts including the coffin of Saint Cuthbert from the 7th century. Take time to walk the charming River Wear, through Durham city.

Tip 5 Use groupsave discount.
You can save up to 1/3 on your train tickets by booking as a group of 3-9 adults travelling during off-peak hours. The offer is valid whether collecting your ticket on departure or receiving e-Tickets and is deducted automatically.

The Botanical Gardens that are close to Howlands Park and Ride are a must-visit. If you want to go shopping, check out the beautiful, covered Victorian market, selling a wide range of products, including traditional sweets.

Tip 6 Compare different ticket types.
It is worth comparing the price of two one-way train tickets against one return fare. For cheap train tickets to Durham, our booking engine will work out what the best option is.
Tip 7 Take the scenic route.
You can often find cheap train tickets by booking a less direct or slower train. We always show you the best deals to grab a discount and provide the option only to display faster services.
Tip 8 Check standard and first-class tickets.
In times of low demand, first-class fares can be the same price or cheaper than standard tickets. You will be able to enjoy the benefits of free food and drink and extra legroom.
Tip 9 Grab Yourself a Railcard.
Railcards get you 1/3 off your rail fare; other benefits include free entry to popular attractions and further discounts on dining and theatre experiences. Most Railcards cost £30 for a year.

The Two Together card allows two adults travelling together to save 1/3 on their journey.

The Family and Friends card offers a 60% discount on children's train tickets and 1/3 off all tickets for up to four children and four adults.

The Senior railcard offers 1/3 off all tickets for passengers over the age of 60, at the reduced cost of only £70 for three years.

The Disabled Person Railcard gives disabled passengers 1/3 off their journey for a fee of £30.

There are others available offering similar discounts, such as the 16-25, 26-30 Railcard and Network railcard. For more information, visit the Railcard website.
Tip 10 Travel Flexibly.
To get cheap trains to Durham, it is worth being flexible with your journey's date and time. Buy tickets for weekdays during off-peak hours to save the most money.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you get a train to Durham?

Durham is on the main line between London and Edinburgh. There are regular trains, with services from London taking under 4 hours.

How do I get to Durham?

You can get to Durham by train to the city station, by air to one of the two nearby airports or by road, with Durham just off the A1.

What is Durham famous for?

Durham is famous for its University, cobbled streets and old architecture including the Cathedral and Castle.

Is Durham a town or a city?

Durham is a small city, due to it having a Cathedral.