Getting the train to Durham University: Nearest station, routes & student travel guide

• Nearest train station: Durham Railway Station
• Distance from Durham University: Around 0.6 miles to the Bailey colleges and approximately 1.2 miles to the Hill campus
• Onward travel: From the station, you can walk, take a local bus or use a taxi. Walking to the central colleges takes around 10–15 minutes, while the Hill campus can take around 20–25 minutes. Local buses, including services 41 and 42, provide connections towards university sites, while taxis are available directly outside the station.
• Station facilities: Toilets, cafe, newsagent, waiting areas, Wi-Fi, lifts, step-free access, accessible toilets and bicycle storage are available.
• Alternative stations: Newcastle Central and Darlington

Durham University does not have a dedicated campus or university railway station, so you do not need to make a separate transfer to reach a smaller station. Durham Railway Station is the main hub, with long-distance trains arriving directly from major cities.

After arriving, you can complete the final part of the journey by walking, by bus, or by taxi. The best option depends on your college and how much luggage you have, as some university sites are further uphill than others.

Durham is well connected by rail, making train travel a practical option for students arriving from major UK cities.

From London to Durham University

• Departing station: London King's Cross
• Journey time: From 2 hours 38 minutes
• Cheapest ticket price: From £25.20
• First train to Durham: 06:15
• Last train back to London: 21:55
• Direct or indirect?: Direct
• Connection to Durham University: Walk to the Bailey colleges, or take Bus 41/42 or a taxi to the Hill campus
• Provider(s): LNER and selected Lumo services
• Is First Class available?: Yes on LNER

From Manchester to Durham University

• Departing station: Manchester Piccadilly or Manchester Victoria
• Journey time: From 2 hours 5 minutes
• Cheapest ticket price: From £23.20
• First train to Durham: 04:13
• Last train back to Manchester: 22:17
• Direct or indirect?: Direct
• Connection to Durham University: Take Bus 41/42 or a taxi from Durham station; the Bailey colleges are walkable
• Provider(s): TransPennine Express and CrossCountry
• Is First Class available?: Yes on TransPennine Express and CrossCountry

From Birmingham to Durham University

• Departing station: Birmingham New Street
• Journey time: From 2 hours 46 minutes
• Cheapest ticket price: From £39
• First train to Durham: 06:03
• Last train back to Birmingham: 20:25
• Direct or indirect?: Direct
• Connection to Durham University: Walk to the Bailey colleges, or take Bus 41/42 or a taxi to the Hill campus
• Provider(s): CrossCountry
• Is First Class available?: Yes

From Edinburgh to Durham University

• Departing station: Edinburgh Waverley
• Journey time: From 1 hour 41 minutes
• Cheapest ticket price: From £11.90
• First train to Durham: 05:48
• Last train back to Edinburgh: 22:04
• Direct or indirect?: Direct
• Connection to Durham University: Walk to the Bailey colleges, or take Bus 41/42 or a taxi to the Hill campus
• Provider(s): LNER, CrossCountry and Lumo
• Is First Class available?: Yes on LNER and CrossCountry

From Leeds to Durham University

• Departing station: Leeds
• Journey time: From 59 minutes
• Cheapest ticket price: From £11.10
• First train to Durham: 06:06
• Last train back to Leeds: 22:42
• Direct or indirect?: Direct
• Connection to Durham University: Walk to the Bailey colleges, or take Bus 41/42 or a taxi to the Hill campus
• Provider(s): TransPennine Express and CrossCountry
• Is First Class available?: Yes on TransPennine Express, CrossCountry and selected LNER services

Train travel can become a significant expense for students who regularly travel home during term time. However, a few simple choices can make journeys to Durham cheaper.

Book train tickets in advance

Train operators release Advance fares 8 to 12 weeks before departure, with the cheapest tickets selling first.

Use a Railcard

If you make several long-distance journeys each year, the savings can outweigh the cost of the Railcard.

Check Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak fares

Compare different departure times

Train fares can vary between services running just minutes apart. If your timetable allows, check trains 30–60 minutes before or after your preferred departure time.

Friday afternoons, Sunday evenings and the start and end of university holidays can be very busy. Travelling at a less popular time can reduce the fare without adding much to your overall journey.

Consider flexible tickets

Advance tickets offer the lowest prices but give you less flexibility. If your lectures, seminars or other university commitments make your travel time uncertain, an Off-Peak or other flexible ticket may be more suitable.

Although the initial fare can be higher, the added flexibility can prevent you from having to buy another ticket if your plans change. Always check exactly when your chosen flexible ticket can be used.

Check return vs single fares

Do not assume that a return ticket will automatically be the cheapest option. Compare the price of a return with two separate Advance Singles when you know the exact trains you want for both journeys.

This is useful for students travelling home during reading weeks or holidays, when you may be able to secure a cheap Advance ticket in each direction.

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Durham Railway Station is the main arrival point for Durham University and the easiest option for first-time visitors. The university does not have a separate campus station, so students arriving by train will need to complete the final part of their journey on foot, by bus or by taxi.

How long this takes depends on your college or accommodation. The Bailey colleges are around 0.6 miles from the station and can be reached in 10–15 minutes on foot. The Hill campus, including South Road and the Palatine Centre, is around 1.2 miles away and takes roughly 20–25 minutes to walk.

Local buses provide a straightforward alternative for students travelling towards the main university sites. Services 41 and 42 operate from the station interchange, with the journey to the South Road area taking around 17 minutes and costing approximately £1. Taxis are available outside the station and take around 5–10 minutes, costing £8–£10. This is the most convenient option when moving into university accommodation with several bags.

Durham station itself is well equipped for students with mobility requirements, offering step-free access, lifts between platforms, accessible toilets and staff assistance. However, the historic streets around the university can include steep gradients, cobbled areas and uneven pavements, so an accessible bus or taxi may be more suitable than walking.

Students travelling for open days or visits can also benefit from late direct services to cities including Newcastle, Edinburgh, Leeds and London, although final departure times vary by day and should be checked before travelling.

Durham University is a Russell Group university located in a historic city, as opposed to a self-contained campus. The 17-college system is a major part of student life, giving students access to societies, sport, events and social spaces within their college as well as the wider university. The city centre is close to many university buildings, so everyday student life is closely connected to Durham itself.

For students, the university also combines this historic character with modern facilities, including the Bill Bryson Library and extensive study spaces. The compact layout makes walking between many university sites and the city centre relatively easy, while the riverside setting provides plenty of quieter places to explore between lectures.

Where is Durham University?

Durham University is located in Durham, a historic city in North East England, around 18 miles south of Newcastle upon Tyne. It does not have a single enclosed campus; its colleges and academic buildings are spread across several areas, including the Bailey and Hill. Durham Castle and Cathedral sit at the centre of the university’s historic setting.

Is Durham a Russell Group university?

Yes, Durham University is a member of the Russell Group, which represents 24 research-intensive universities across the UK. Durham joined the group in 2012.

How many students are at Durham University?

Durham University has more than 21,000 students across its undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. The university also has a sizeable international community, with students from more than 150 countries.

How many students join Durham University every year?

Around 4,500 to 5,500 new undergraduate students join Durham University each year, although the exact intake varies between academic years and courses.

How old is Durham University?

For an open day, graduation, interview or family visit, staying centrally is the most convenient choice. Durham is compact, but its steep streets mean that a hotel that looks close on a map may involve a surprisingly demanding walk.

Premier Inn Durham City Centre (Walkergate)

This is a useful choice if you want to be close to the historic Bailey colleges without staying directly in the university area. The riverside location also puts you within easy reach of Durham's central restaurants and shops.

• Type: Three-star hotel
• Location: Walkergate, beside the River Wear
• Distance from Durham University: Around 0.4 miles to the Bailey; around 1 mile to the Hill campus
• Distance from Durham Railway Station: Around 0.5 miles
• Key amenities: Free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, on-site restaurant and luggage storage
• Approximate price: From £69 per night
• Best suited to: Parents and prospective students wanting a reliable, central base

Hotel Indigo Durham by IHG

Set in a former university administrative building, this hotel gives visitors a particularly strong sense of Durham's academic and architectural character. Its Old Elvet location is also convenient for reaching the Bailey and exploring the historic centre on foot.

• Type: Boutique four-star hotel
• Location: Old Elvet
• Distance from Durham University: Around 0.3 miles to the Bailey; around 0.8 miles to South Road
• Distance from Durham Railway Station: Around 0.6 miles
• Key amenities: Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill, fitness centre, air conditioning and free Wi-Fi
• Approximate price: From £86 per night
• Best suited to: University visitors and alumni wanting a premium, character-rich stay

Radisson Blu Hotel, Durham

Its position on the River Wear makes this a good option if you want to combine a university visit with a more comfortable hotel stay. The leisure facilities can also be useful for families spending several days in Durham rather than just attending a single university event.

• Type: Modern four-star full-service hotel
• Location: Frankland Lane, overlooking the River Wear
• Distance from Durham University: Around 0.7 miles to the Bailey; around 1.3 miles to the main science site
• Distance from Durham Railway Station: Around 0.4 miles
• Key amenities: Indoor swimming pool, spa, health club, restaurant, bar and parking
• Approximate price: From £107 per night
• Best suited to: Families travelling by car and visitors wanting additional leisure facilities

Travelodge Durham

The main advantage here is convenience rather than luxury. Being only around 0.3 miles from Durham Railway Station makes it practical for visitors arriving with luggage, while the lower room rates can help keep the overall cost of an open day or university visit down.

• Type: Three-star hotel
• Location: Station Lane, north of the city centre
• Distance from Durham University: Around 0.9 miles to the Bailey; around 1.5 miles to the South Road campus
• Distance from Durham Railway Station: Around 0.3 miles
• Key amenities: Free parking, flat-screen TVs, pet-friendly rooms and an adjacent bar/restaurant
• Approximate price: From £35 per night
• Best suited to: Budget-conscious prospective students and parents travelling by rail