Trains from Durham to London Kings Cross from £27.60

There’s something undeniably satisfying about travelling the length of England by train. Whether you’re heading to London for business, sightseeing, or simply swapping the charm of Durham for the bustle of the capital, the journey is as smooth as it is scenic. With no traffic to worry about and no long motorway stretches to tackle, you can sit back, watch the countryside roll by, and let someone else do the hard work. The train from Durham to London King’s Cross offers comfort, reliability and the convenience of stepping off right in the heart of the city.

In this guide, we’ve taken a look at the ins and outs of getting the train from Durham to London King’s Cross. Find out the nearest stations, how much tickets cost, which train company to use and the most popular routes. You’ll be on your way to London King’s Cross in no time.

If you’re travelling to London from Durham, you’ll arrive at London King’s Cross, which is used by train companies from up and down the country, offering services far and wide. This is one of the city’s busiest stations and it’s not lacking in facilities. There’s a whole host of shops and eateries within the station, including places to grab a drink. If you arrive in London King’s Cross early, or you need to kill some time before you head back to Durham, the station has everything you could need. It’s even where you’ll find Platform 9 ¾ from Harry Potter. 

Your journey will begin at Durham Station, which sits on the East Coast Main Line and is operated by the London North Eastern Railway (LNER). The station is well-equipped with everything you need for a comfortable departure. You’ll find staffed ticket offices, ticket machines, step-free access to all platforms, toilets, baby changing facilities, waiting rooms and seating areas. There’s also parking available and refreshment options onsite. Durham Station is open from 06:00 to 18:00 on weekdays, and slightly shorter hours on weekends, so it’s worth planning ahead if you're travelling early or late.

What line is Durham to London King’s Cross?

The route from Durham to London runs along the East Coast Main Line, one of the UK’s most important railway corridors. The line travels through key northern cities including Newcastle and York, before heading south through Peterborough and into London. It’s a direct, scenic and highly efficient way to connect two of the country’s most vibrant destinations.

Which train company goes from Durham to London King’s Cross? 

London North Eastern Railway (LNER) is the train company that handles the Durham to London King’s Cross service. 

You can find train tickets from Durham to London King’s Cross for as low as £27.60 if you book in advance and choose one of the more affordable off-peak services. For other services, you can expect to pay between £50 and £100. You can reduce the cost of a ticket by one-third using a Railcard, such as the 16 - 25, 26 - 30 and Two Together discounts.

The most popular route from Durham to London is the LNER service, which covers the 233 miles journey. The journey takes between 3 and 3 hours 30 minutes, but some services are even quicker at 2h 46m. The trains are comfortable, quiet and spacious, and First Class services are usually available. With the first train departing at around 5:00 and services running until 21:00, there’s no shortage of options throughout the day.

You can buy tickets from Durham to London at Durham Station, using ticket machines or by speaking to a member of staff, if you’re there during staffed hours. However, it’s likely quicker to buy your ticket online beforehand. Using Trip.com, you can browse train times and prices, use your Railcard and have your tickets ready before you travel. Not only does this ensure you find the best ticket price, but it also means you don’t have to queue at the station, which can hold you up if Durham is particularly busy.

Durham may be a small city, but it’s packed with history, charm and atmosphere. The station is just a short walk from the heart of the city, where you’ll find the stunning Durham Cathedral and Durham Castle, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites, perched dramatically above the River Wear. The cobbled streets of the historic centre are lined with independent shops, cafés and traditional pubs, making it the perfect place to explore before or after your journey.

On the other end of the line, arriving at London King’s Cross puts you right in the thick of the capital. Just outside the station, you’ll find Granary Square, with its canalside restaurants and fountains, and the British Library, home to everything from ancient manuscripts to modern exhibitions. From here, it’s easy to get anywhere in London, whether that’s a stroll to the West End, a ride down to Southbank, or a short tube hop to Oxford Street, Covent Garden or Shoreditch. There’s no shortage of things to do, see or explore once you arrive.