- Must visit
Hopetown Darlington
Railway museum celebrating the Stockton and Darlington Railway with locomotives, carriages and stories of early rail travel.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Chester to Darlington
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 01 Sept
Cheapest price on 01 Sept
£54
Average ticket price on 01 Sept
£56
Fastest journey on 01 Sept
2 h 50 m
Average journey duration on 01 Sept
2 h 54 m
Trains on 01 Sept
17
Distance
172 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Chester to Darlington is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Chester to Darlington will cost around £56 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £54.
Fast trains
To travel from Chester to Darlington you need to make at least one change.
19:253h54Chester23:19Darlington£541One-way1 change
4:552h54Chester7:49Darlington£571One-way1 change- 5:522h58Chester8:50Darlington£571One-way1 change
- 6:522h56Chester9:48Darlington£571One-way1 change
- 7:522h56Chester10:48Darlington£571One-way1 change
- 18:522h50Chester21:42Darlington£571One-way1 change
- 4:552h54Chester7:49Darlington£571One-way1 change
- 6:522h56Chester9:48Darlington£571One-way1 change
- 7:522h56Chester10:48Darlington£571One-way1 change
- 8:522h56Chester11:48Darlington£571One-way1 change
Live departures
Chester to Darlington train times
The table below shows live departures for Chester to Darlington trains for today, Monday 31 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18:52 Chester | 2h50 | 21:42 Darlington | 1 change | |
| 19:25 Chester | 3h54 | 23:19 Darlington | 1 change | |
| 19:52 Chester | 3h50 | 23:42 Darlington | 1 change | |
| 20:26 Chester | 3h33 | 23:59 Darlington | 1 change | |
| 22:26 Chester | 8h39 | 7:05 Darlington | 1 change | |
| 4:55 Chester | 2h54 | 7:49 Darlington | 1 change | |
| 5:52 Chester | 2h58 | 8:50 Darlington | 1 change | |
| 6:52 Chester | 2h56 | 9:48 Darlington | 1 change | |
| 7:52 Chester | 2h56 | 10:48 Darlington | 1 change | |
| 8:52 Chester | 2h56 | 11:48 Darlington | 1 change | |
| 9:52 Chester | 2h56 | 12:48 Darlington | 1 change | |
| 10:52 Chester | 2h57 | 13:49 Darlington | 1 change | |
| 11:52 Chester | 2h56 | 14:48 Darlington | 1 change | |
| 12:52 Chester | 2h56 | 15:48 Darlington | 1 change | |
| 13:52 Chester | 2h56 | 16:48 Darlington | 1 change | |
| 14:52 Chester | 2h57 | 17:49 Darlington | 1 change | |
| 15:52 Chester | 2h56 | 18:48 Darlington | 1 change | |
| 16:52 Chester | 2h56 | 19:48 Darlington | 1 change | |
| 17:52 Chester | 2h57 | 20:49 Darlington | 1 change | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Chester to Darlington by train or coach
Compare train and coach 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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01 Sept
01 Sept
Wed
02 Sept
02 Sept
Thu
03 Sept
03 Sept
Fri
04 Sept
04 Sept
Sat
05 Sept
05 Sept
Sun
06 Sept
06 Sept
Mon
07 Sept
07 Sept
Why should you book Chester to Darlington trains with Omio?
Transpennine Express as well as Northern Rail, Merseyrail, Transport for Wales, Northern Trains Limited and more offer trains services from Chester to Darlington.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Chester to Darlington.
Why book with Omio vs Transpennine Express?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Transpennine Express, but also compare tickets for the likes of Northern Rail, Merseyrail, Transport for Wales or Northern Trains Limited to find the best option for your trip from Chester to Darlington.
- 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 Transpennine Express with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Chester to Darlington.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trip?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Northern Rail, Merseyrail, Transport for Wales or Northern Trains Limited to find the best option for your trip from Chester to Darlington.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Chester to Darlington.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Chester to Darlington
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Chester to Darlington run on average 7 times per day, taking around 3h 20m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £43 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 04:47, the last at 23:25. The fastest train covers the 172 km distance in 3h 53m.
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
Distance 172 km |
Average train duration 3h 20m |
Cheapest ticket price £43 |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 3h 53m |
First train 4:47 |
Last train 23:25 |
Cheapest Month Sept |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 1 day |
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
Train companies: Transpennine Express, Northern Rail, Merseyrail, Transport for Wales, Northern Trains Limited from Chester to Darlington trainsTranspennine Express, Northern Rail, Merseyrail, Transport for Wales, Northern Trains Limited trains will get you between Chester and Darlington from £43. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Transpennine Express
About
Transpennine Express is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates services from Manchester and Liverpool to Scotland, the North East and Yorkshire. It offers a range of services, including express, regional and local trains. Express trains are the fastest, with journey times of up to three hours. Regional trains are slower, but offer more stops and a more relaxed atmosphere. Local trains are the slowest, but offer the most stops. Transpennine Express offers a range of ticket types, including single, return, group and season tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, comfortable seating and a range of food and drink options. The most popular routes for Transpennine Express are Manchester to Edinburgh, Liverpool to Leeds and Manchester to York. These routes offer a convenient and comfortable way to travel between the cities.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Transpennine Express Duration
3h 53m
Cheapest Transpennine Express Price
£43
Luggage included
2 large items and 1 small hand luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket type
Refund
Full refund if service is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks, plus a small selection of hot and cold food items
Seat reservation
Seat reservations are free of charge and recommended for busy routes
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance booking service
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on a lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone
Northern Rail
About
Northern Trains is a publicly owned train operating company in the United Kingdom, headquartered in York. It runs local and commuter services across the north of England, connecting regions including the North East, North West, East Midlands, Staffordshire, Yorkshire, and the Humber coastline. As part of the National Rail network, Northern operates under a coordinated fare and ticketing system alongside other UK train companies.Ticket types include Advance, Off-Peak, Anytime Day, single, return, and season tickets, with only one class option available: Standard. Onboard amenities may include comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi, and refreshments on select services. Popular routes include connections between major northern cities such as Manchester, Liverpool, and Leeds.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Northern Rail frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
See refund policy for ticket types
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service on most services with drinks and snacks. Some stations have cafes and shops
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available but not mandatory. Free of charge when booking advance tickets
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, passenger assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on a lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone
Merseyrail
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Merseyrail Duration
3h 40m
Cheapest Merseyrail Price
£55
Merseyrail frequency
1 a day
Transport for Wales
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Transport for Wales Duration
2h 47m
Cheapest Transport for Wales Price
£57
Transport for Wales frequency
15 a day
Northern Trains Limited
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Northern Trains Limited Duration
3h 33m
Cheapest Northern Trains Limited Price
£54
Northern Trains Limited frequency
2 a day
Complete guide to Darlington
Things to do in Darlington
Discover the best of Darlington — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Darlington trip today.
- Recommended
Raby Castle
Historic country house with art, furnishings and estate collections, offering a museum-style visit alongside parkland walks.
Hullabaloo Gallery
Local arts centre with changing exhibitions, performances and creative events in a restored Victorian building.
- Recommended
South Park
Large public park with bandstand, aviary, café-free green space, sports areas and pleasant paths close to the town centre.
- Recommended
Market Place
Historic market square surrounded by civic buildings and shops, useful for seeing the town centre's layout and daily life.
- Recommended
West Park
Popular woodland and lakeside park on the edge of Darlington with walking trails, sculpture and open green views.
Pease pudding stottie
A classic North-East pease pudding spread in a bread bun, often with ham. It is a long-standing local lunch tied to Teesside and County Durham.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
Pease pudding
Slow-cooked split peas seasoned into a thick savoury paste. It is a regional staple traditionally served with ham or pork pies.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
Stottie cake
A large round flat loaf with a soft crumb, common across North-East England. It is traditionally used for hearty sandwiches and local fillings.
The Orangery at Rockliffe Hall
Refined dining in a country house setting, known for modern British cooking and polished service. Best for a special meal near Darlington.
Spice Village
Stylish restaurant serving Indian small plates and grilled dishes in an upbeat modern setting. A popular choice for groups and evening meals.
Estabulo Darlington
Smart casual steakhouse focused on quality beef, burgers and hearty mains. Relaxed atmosphere suited to an easy dinner in town.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for the UK. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while local buses and everyday costs are fairly reasonable for visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-12 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- £18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £50+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £2.80-4 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 require tips, but small change is appreciated.
Arriva UK Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2.50
- Day pass
- £7.50
To the city centre
Darlington Railway Station -> Darlington Town Centre
- Distance
- 1 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Adult single bus fares are capped at £2.50 in the North East; if you will make several trips, the £7.50 all-day ticket can be better value.
- Under-22 fares shown on official sites are cheaper, but the standard adult fare is the correct reference for visitors. Contactless payment may vary by operator, so check before boarding.
FAQs: Chester to Darlington train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chester to Darlington 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 Darlington, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Chester to Darlington can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £43, while the average price tends to be around £43.
The train journey from Chester to Darlington covers a distance of 172 km and takes approximately 3h 53m. Trains run 7 per day.
The train distance from Chester to Darlington is 172 km.
The first train from Chester to Darlington leaves at 4:47.
The last train from Chester to Darlington departs at 23:25.
Trains from Chester to Darlington run approximately 7 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Chester to Darlington.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Chester to Darlington.
To get from Chester to Darlington, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Chester to Darlington.
The train station in Chester that goes to Darlington is Chester station (CTR), and it arrives at Darlington station (DAR).
The cheapest way to get from Chester to Darlington is by train, costing approximately £43.
Booking trains from Chester to Darlington in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Chester to Darlington offers a mix of urban and countryside views, passing through picturesque landscapes like the Cheshire countryside and parts of the North Pennines, especially as it approaches Darlington.
A day trip from Chester to Darlington is not feasible as the journey duration is 3h 53m. Trains run 5 times per day.
Two to three days in Darlington should be sufficient to explore its key attractions, including the Head of Steam Railway Museum, South Park, and the Darlington Hippodrome, while also enjoying the local dining and shopping experiences.
Yes, you can take the train from Chester to Darlington.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Chester and Darlington
Most Chester to Darlington trains use the Chester to Darlington station pair. Use this guide to compare Chester and Darlington train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Chester
Arrival train stations in Darlington
Which Chester station do trains to Darlington leave from?
Trains from Chester to Darlington leave from Chester. The station is 1 km from Chester city centre at Chester Station, City Road, Chester, Cheshire, CH1 3NS.
ChesterChester Station, City Road, Chester, Cheshire, CH1 3NS+44 3450507080
City-centre transport
Getting to Chester from Chester city centre
Chester is 1 km from Chester city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus100, 16 · 4m · £4 · every ~2 min
Chester train station facilities and services
Chester has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Chester.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are available at Chester.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Chester. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from information point, Helpline Contact: 03333 211202, 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 Chester: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Chester: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Chester: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A. Step free access is available to all platforms via lifts, 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.
Which Darlington station do trains from Chester arrive at?
Trains from Chester to Darlington arrive at Darlington. Darlington is from Darlington city centre.
DarlingtonDarlington station, Bank Top, Darlington, County Durham, DL1 4AA
City-centre transport
Getting to Darlington from Darlington city centre
Location for Rail Replacement ServicesReplacement coach services depart from the station entrance
Darlington train station facilities and services
Darlington has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Car Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Darlington.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are available at Darlington.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Darlington.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Darlington: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Darlington: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Darlington: 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 public telephones: text phones are available and staff are on hand to assist as required due to no low level phones, Accessible taxis: Generally available but advance booking recommended, 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 Chester
More options for your journey from Chester to Darlington
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Darlington and Chester
Most popular train connections to Darlington
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