- Must visit
Beamish, The Living Museum of the North
Museum in nearby Beamish presenting North East life through reconstructed streets, homes and transport. A major day trip from Durham.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Birmingham to Durham
Showing times and prices for 24 Aug
Cheapest price
£32
Average price
£74
Fastest journey
2 h 43 m
Average duration
3 h 2 m
Trains per day
4
Distance
256 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Birmingham to Durham is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Birmingham to Durham will cost around £74 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £32.
Fast trains
Of the 4 trains that leave Birmingham for Durham every day 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 256 km distance in an average of 3 h 2 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 43 m .
The slowest trains will take 3 h 20 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
10:033h20Birmingham13:23Durham£321One-way0 changes- 7:272h43Birmingham10:10Durham£331One-way0 changes
- 12:033h20Birmingham15:23Durham£751One-way0 changes
- 8:272h43Birmingham11:10Durham£1571One-way0 changes
- 8:272h43Birmingham11:10Durham£1571One-way0 changes
- 7:272h43Birmingham10:10Durham£331One-way0 changes
- 12:033h20Birmingham15:23Durham£751One-way0 changes
- 10:033h20Birmingham13:23Durham£321One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare coach and train for Birmingham to Durham
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Birmingham to Durham among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £10. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 8m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £10, and a train costs an average of £22.
Distance: 256 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£42 Average Price | £25 Average Price Cheapest |
3h 38m Average total duration Fastest 3h 8m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 6m Average total duration 5h 36m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.6kg CO2 emissions |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Birmingham to Durham train times
The table below shows live departures for Birmingham to Durham trains for tomorrow, Monday 24 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7:27 Birmingham | 2h43 | 10:10 Durham | 0 changesdirect | |
| 8:27 Birmingham | 2h43 | 11:10 Durham | 0 changesdirect | |
| 10:03 Birmingham | 3h20 | 13:23 Durham | 0 changesdirect | |
| 12:03 Birmingham | 3h20 | 15:23 Durham | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Birmingham to Durham by coach or train
Compare coach and train prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
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Why should you book Birmingham to Durham trains with Omio?
CrossCountry operates all trains services from Birmingham to Durham.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Birmingham to Durham.
Why book with Omio vs CrossCountry?
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare CrossCountry with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Birmingham to Durham.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Birmingham to Durham.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Birmingham to Durham
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Birmingham to Durham run on average 7 times per day, taking around 3h 8m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £22 but you can travel from only £10 by coach.
There are 5 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 03:30, the last at 22:03. The fastest train covers the 256 km distance in 2h 43m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £10
Distance 256 km |
Average train duration 3h 8m |
Cheapest ticket price £22 |
Trains per day 7 |
Direct trains 5 |
Fastest train 2h 43m |
First train 3:30 |
Last train 22:03 |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 14 days |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £10
Train companies: CrossCountry from Birmingham to Durham trainsCrossCountry trains will get you between Birmingham and Durham from £10. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
CrossCountry
About
CrossCountry is a fast-speed train operator in the United Kingdom, offering both express and regional services across the country. Express services, such as the CrossCountry Voyager and XC Trains, provide quick and comfortable journeys with amenities like free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a selection of snacks and drinks. Regional services, including the CrossCountry Regional and Regional Express, make more local stops for a leisurely trip. Ticket options include Standard Class and First Class, as well as Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak fares to suit different budgets and schedules. Popular routes include London to Birmingham, Manchester to Edinburgh, and Bristol to Reading.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 43m
Cheapest Price
£22
CrossCountry frequency
6 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage storage areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled services
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require ticket
Quiet zone
Complete guide to Durham
Things to do in Durham
Discover the best of Durham — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Durham trip today.
- Recommended
Oriental Museum
University museum with collections from ancient civilisations to world cultures. Compact, varied and easy to combine with a cathedral visit.
- Recommended
Palace Green Library
Gallery and museum at Palace Green with changing exhibitions and displays connected to Durham’s history, books and university collections.
- Must visit
Palace Green
Historic square between cathedral and castle, framed by university buildings. A key place to pause for architecture and city atmosphere.
- Recommended
Durham Riverside Walk
Riverside walk circling the old centre through wooded banks and classic viewpoints. Ideal for Durham’s most photogenic views.
- Recommended
Wharton Park
Wooded hilltop park with panoramic views across Durham, especially towards the cathedral and castle. Popular with locals for quiet walks.
Durham Sausage
A seasoned pork sausage from County Durham, traditionally eaten with pease pudding. It is a well-known regional butcher’s staple in the North East.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
Pease Pudding
A smooth savoury spread of boiled yellow split peas, long associated with North East ham and stottie sandwiches and traditional local lunches.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
Stottie Cake
A dense round North East bread roll, classic with ham and pease pudding. It is a regional bakery icon rather than a standard British bap.
Coarse
Refined modern British tasting menus in an intimate city-centre dining room. Ideal for a special meal with polished, understated service.
The Cellar Door
Stylish bistro and bar serving modern British dishes and cocktails in a lively riverside setting near Durham’s historic centre.
Bistro Citron Vert
Long-running restaurant known for dependable French and British cooking in a warm, traditional setting popular with locals and visitors.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for the UK. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while local buses and casual meals stay fairly reasonable for visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fast food or a simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- £18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £50+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is modest. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is usual if service is not included. Round up taxi fares. Cafés do not expect tips, but small change is appreciated.
Go North East
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2.50
- Day pass
- £6.00
To the city centre
Durham Railway Station -> Market Place, Durham
- Distance
- 1 km
- Travel time
- 15 min
- Adult single bus fares in County Durham are capped at £2.50, and the Durham Day Rover is £6.00 from 1 April 2026.
- Day tickets can be bought on the bus, on operator apps, or by contactless payment where supported by the operator.
FAQs: Birmingham to Durham train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Birmingham to Durham by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Durham, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Birmingham to Durham can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £22, while the average price tends to be around £42.
The train journey from Birmingham to Durham covers a distance of 256 km and takes approximately 2h 43m. Trains run 7 per day.
The train distance from Birmingham to Durham is 256 km.
The first train from Birmingham to Durham leaves at 3:30.
The last train from Birmingham to Durham departs at 22:03.
Trains from Birmingham to Durham run approximately 7 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Birmingham to Durham.
Yes, there is a direct train between Birmingham and Durham. The service operates 5 times per day, provided by CrossCountry.
To get from Birmingham to Durham, you can choose from several travel options including coach and train.
There is no night train service from Birmingham to Durham.
The train station in Birmingham that goes to Durham is Birmingham New Street (BHM), and it arrives at Durham station (DHM).
The cheapest way to get from Birmingham to Durham is by coach, costing approximately £10.
Booking trains from Birmingham to Durham in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Birmingham to Durham offers a mix of urban and rural scenery, including views of the English countryside, rolling hills, and small towns, particularly as the train travels through areas like Yorkshire.
A day trip from Birmingham to Durham is not feasible due to the journey's duration of 2h 43m. However, there are 6 trains available per day for this route, covering a distance of 256 km.
Typically, spending 2 to 3 days in Durham allows you to explore its historic sites, such as Durham Cathedral and Castle, enjoy the scenic riverside, and experience the local culture.
Yes, you can take the train from Birmingham to Durham.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Birmingham and Durham
Most Birmingham to Durham trains use the Birmingham New Street to Durham station pair. Use this guide to compare Birmingham and Durham train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Birmingham
Arrival train stations in Durham
Birmingham New StreetStation Street, Birmingham, West Midlands, B2 4QA, United Kingdom+44 3457114141
City-centre transport
Getting to Birmingham New Street from Birmingham city centre
Bus16 · 7m · £2 · every ~27 min
Birmingham New Street train station facilities and services
Birmingham New Street has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food options include: All Bar One, Leon, Caffè Nero, Five Guys, Krispy Kreme, The Pasty Shop, Upper Crust, Wasabi, Starbucks, Hotel Chocolat
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Pay as you go Wi-Fi is available from Sky Wi-Fi The Cloud. ATMs are aTM machines are located on the paid concourse.
Tickets and information
The ticket office is open Mon - Sat: 05:15 - 23:00, Sun: 07:30 - 23:00. Information desks are in the middle of the station.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is you can leave bags with Excess Baggage Co inside the entrance off Hill Street. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Birmingham New Street: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Birmingham New Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Birmingham New Street: Step-free access in the whole station and ramps available for train access. All platforms have elevators and escalators.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Holiday Inn Birmingham City Center, Premier Inn Birmingham City Center (New St Station), Radisson Blue Hotel, Birmingham.
Birmingham InternationalBirmingham International station, Stationlink Road, National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham, West Midlands, B40 1PA
City-centre transport
Getting to Birmingham International from Birmingham city centre
Birmingham International is 12 km from Birmingham city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainRugeley Trent Valley - Birmingham International, Birmingham New Street - London Euston, Birmingham New Street - Birmingham International, Birmingham New Street - Coventry, Birmingham New Street - Northampton, Walsall - London Euston, Birmingham New Street - Milton Keynes Central, Birmingham New Street - Rugby, Liverpool Lime Street - Coventry, Wolverhampton - Birmingham International, Liverpool Lime Street - Birmingham International · 9m · £4 · every ~8 min
BusX1 · 39m · £4 · every ~23 min
X1 · 40m · £4 · every ~23 min
17A · 53m · £4 · every ~19 min
Birmingham International train station facilities and services
Birmingham International has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Birmingham International.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Birmingham International. ATMs are available at Birmingham International.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Birmingham International. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Birmingham International: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Birmingham International: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Birmingham International: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This station has step-free access to all platforms / the platform, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Selly OakSelly Oak station, Bristol Road, Selly Oak, West Midlands, B29 6DW
City-centre transport
Getting to Selly Oak from Birmingham city centre
Selly Oak is 4 km from Birmingham city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainBirmingham New Street - Redditch, Birmingham New Street - Bromsgrove, Lichfield Trent Valley High Level - Redditch, Lichfield Trent Valley High Level - Longbridge, Lichfield Trent Valley High Level - Bromsgrove, Four Oaks - Redditch · 9m · £0.90 · every ~8 min
Bus63, 61 · 16m · £2 · every ~52 min
63, 61 · 18m · £2 · every ~52 min
Selly Oak train station facilities and services
Selly Oak has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Selly Oak.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Selly Oak. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0800 0248998, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Selly Oak: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Selly Oak: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Selly Oak: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible public telephones: Public telephones are not accessible, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are not available, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: A Ticket Vending Machine is available in the Booking Hall and on Platform One, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Which Durham station do trains from Birmingham arrive at?
Trains from Birmingham to Durham arrive at Durham. Durham is 1 km from Durham city centre.
DurhamDurham station, North Road, Durham, County Durham, DH1 4RB+44 345 722 5333
City-centre transport
Getting to Durham from Durham city centre
Bus2, 9, 12, 12B · 3m · £0.90 · every ~12 min
Durham train station facilities and services
Durham has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Durham.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are available at Durham.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Durham.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Durham: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Durham: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Durham: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Most popular train connections from Birmingham
More options for your journey from Birmingham to Durham
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Durham and Birmingham
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