Trains from Durham to Newcastle from £1.20

Trains between Durham and Newcastle don't travel far, but they pass through a region where the land carries the marks of its identity. Durham rises quietly from the banks of the Wear, its cathedral standing like it has no interest in time. Newcastle, by contrast, doesn't wait for anything; it moves with the sound of traffic, late-night laughter, and ambition built on old foundations. 

These cities coexist, each shaping a different life in the North East. This guide will take you through the journey from Durham to Newcastle by train, including how to book, what to expect, and what you'll find on both sides of the tracks.

Transport links to Durham Station

Durham station is well-connected to its surrounding area, sitting north of the city centre on a hillside overlooking the River Wear. Reached via the landmark Durham Viaduct, the station is serviced by several local bus routes, providing a reliable link from the city centre and nearby areas. For those arriving by car, Durham has two car parks: Durham Car Park 1 and Durham Car Park 2, offering a combined 423 spaces, with accessible parking in both locations.

Taxis are available at the station's designated rank. Booking in advance isn't usually required except for early or late travel. The station has 58 bike stands at the north end of Platforms 1 and 2 for cyclists, all sheltered and under CCTV surveillance.

Durham station also acts as a transit point to airports in the region. To reach Durham Tees Valley Airport, passengers can travel by train to Darlington and then use the Arriva bus route 12. Newcastle Airport is accessible via a direct train to Newcastle station, then a Metro ride straight to the terminal.

Facilities at Durham Station

Durham station is managed by London North Eastern Railway (LNER), a primary operator on the East Coast Main Line. The station offers a range of facilities designed for convenience, accessibility, and traveller support.

The ticket office is open Monday through Friday from 06:00 to 18:00, Saturday from 07:00 to 17:00, and Sunday from 09:00 to 16:00. Four ticket machines on the southbound platform and two on the northbound are cash and card-enabled. Online ticket purchases can be collected at the machines or the ticket office. Smartcards can be issued and loaded here, though the station lacks smartcard validators.

Durham's accessibility is strong. Step-free access is available to all platforms, with accessible ticket machines, height-adjusted counters, and induction loops for hearing-aid users. Wheelchairs and ramps for train access are available upon request, and tactile paving is present along all platform edges. There are also accessible toilets, baby-changing facilities, and waiting rooms with seating.

Passenger assistance is available throughout the week, including late evenings on Sundays until 23:59. Help points are located on-site, and customer information is displayed on live departure and arrival screens. Announcements are both audible and visual. However, Wi-Fi is not currently offered, and no luggage facility is left.

Journey details to Newcastle

Covering 15 miles, the journey from Durham to Newcastle is one of the shortest intercity trips in the UK. Trains run frequently, with up to 133 services operating daily. The earliest train departs at 08:22 and the final departure leaves around 23:39.

Depending on the service, journey times range from a swift 12 minutes to around 20 minutes. This makes it ideal for commuters and leisure travellers looking for speed and convenience. The route is entirely direct, with no changes required.

The rail line is served by several operators, including London North Eastern Railway (LNER), CrossCountry, TransPennine Express, and Northern. These operators are known for their intercity and cross-country services, which provide links beyond Newcastle to destinations like Edinburgh, London, Manchester, Birmingham, and more.

The distance might be short, but the route offers a snapshot of the scenic North East, passing notable landmarks such as the Durham Viaduct and occasionally views of the Tyne bridges as you approach Newcastle. Popular stops occasionally served along longer routes include Darlington, York, and Edinburgh, though these aren't on the direct Durham to Newcastle segment itself.

Ticket prices begin at £1.20 for advance fares. As always, pricing depends on when and where you book, and whether you're eligible for a railcard discount.

How to book tickets on Trip.com

Booking your train ticket from Durham to Newcastle via Trip.com is efficient and straightforward. To begin, visit our Journey Planner and enter your departure and arrival stations, travel date, and passenger details. The site supports Railcard discounts such as the 16–25 Railcard, Two Together, Senior, or Family & Friends cards. This can lead to savings of up to 33%.

Once booked, you can choose how to receive your ticket. Most passengers opt for an e-ticket sent to their email or app, which can be scanned at the station. Alternatively, you may collect physical tickets from machines at the station using the reference code provided after booking.

Trip.com also supports first-class bookings, flexible ticket options, and occasional promo codes. Refunds and exchanges are available on eligible fares, and customer service is accessible via live chat or email for assistance with cancellations or journey changes.

Onboard amenities on the journey

Despite the short journey duration, most trains running between Durham and Newcastle have the full suite of modern onboard facilities. Standard Class coaches feature comfortable seating, overhead storage, and passenger information displays. Toilets are available on board all services, including accessible options.

Many services offer onboard Wi-Fi, particularly those operated by LNER, CrossCountry, and TransPennine Express. Power outlets are available on most newer rolling stock, especially in First Class. Some services may even include trolley catering for light refreshments, though this is more common on longer routes.

First Class is available on most services and can make the journey feel even more premium. Benefits include larger, reclining seats, more legroom, fewer passengers per carriage, and complimentary snacks or drinks, depending on the time of day and operator. Another added benefit is access to First Class lounges at major stations like Newcastle.

Facilities at Newcastle Station

Newcastle Central Station, also known simply as Newcastle Station, is one of the most prominent stations in the North East. Like Durham, it is also managed by LNER and sits on the East Coast Main Line. It handles services to London, Edinburgh, Liverpool, Manchester, Leeds, Birmingham, Bristol, and even Plymouth.

The ticket office is open Monday to Friday from 06:00 to 19:00, Saturday from 07:00 to 19:00, and Sunday from 07:30 to 19:00. Accessible ticket machines are located throughout the station concourse, and smartcard loading is available, though again, validators are not.

Newcastle station is well-equipped in terms of facilities. There are 454 car park spaces, with 17 accessible bays. Toilets, including accessible ones, are available alongside baby-changing units. Public Wi-Fi is accessible, and the station features multiple food and drink outlets, shops, ATMs, and a post box.

The First Class Lounge offers a more refined waiting area for those with premium tickets. It is open Monday through Friday from 06:15 to 20:00, Saturday until 17:00, and Sunday from 09:00 to 20:00. For cyclists, 174 secure, CCTV-monitored bicycle storage spaces are available. Waiting rooms are open daily until 21:00, and seating areas are provided throughout the station.

Staff assistance is available almost 20 hours a day, from as early as 04:00 until 00:15, and customer help points are located throughout the building.

Attractions near Newcastle Station

Arriving at Newcastle station places travellers in the heart of one of the UK's most lively and culturally rich cities. Visitors can explore historic and modern attractions within walking distance of the station. The Victoria Tunnel, a preserved 19th-century coal wagon route that later served as a WWII air raid shelter, offers unique underground tours.

St James' Park, home to Newcastle United Football Club, is nearby and draws sports fans across the region. For cultural enthusiasts, the Discovery Museum offers interactive exhibits focused on science, industry, and the city's maritime past.

Jesmond Dene Park offers a green escape in an otherwise urban setting. At the same time, NewcastleGateshead Quayside presents galleries, restaurants, and iconic architecture, such as the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art and the Sage Gateshead concert venue.

Shopping and dining are abundant in nearby Grainger Market and the Eldon Square shopping centre, making the station a perfect launching point for a day of exploration.

Getting around after arrival

Newcastle Central Station connects seamlessly to the rest of the city and region. The Tyne & Wear Metro system runs directly beneath the station, offering connections to Gateshead, Sunderland, South Shields, Tynemouth, and more. The Metro also provides a direct route to Newcastle International Airport, ideal for onward air travel.

Taxis are available at the station 24/7 from a dedicated rank, and local bus services operate from nearby stops to all parts of the city. For international travellers heading to the DFDS ferry terminal, a bus service departs from the end of the station's short-stay car park.

Car and cycle hire are not available directly at the station, though various providers operate nearby in the city centre.