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The cheapest and fastest trains from Darlington to Chester
Showing times and prices for 18 Nov
Cheapest price
£47
Average price
£49
Fastest journey
3 h 24 m
Average duration
3 h 38 m
Trains per day
3
Distance
172 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Darlington to Chester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Darlington to Chester will cost around £49 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £47.
Fast trains
Of the 3 trains that leave Darlington for Chester every day 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 172 km distance in an average of 3 h 38 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 24 m .
The slowest trains will take 4 h 3 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.
03:554h03
Darlington07:58Chester
£471One-way
0 changes
17:363h26
Darlington21:02Chester
£471One-way
0 changes
07:373h24
Darlington11:01Chester
£541One-way
0 changes
07:373h24
Darlington11:01Chester
£541One-way
0 changes
17:363h26
Darlington21:02Chester
£471One-way
0 changes
03:554h03
Darlington07:58Chester
£471One-way
0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train for Darlington to Chester
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Darlington to Chester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £35. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 14m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £35, and a train costs an average of £31.
Distance: 172 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£46 Average Price | £35 Average Price Cheapest |
3h 44m Average total duration Fastest 3h 14m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 0m Average total duration 7h 30m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Darlington to Chester train times
The table below shows live departures for Darlington to Chester trains for tomorrow, Tuesday 18 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at 23:13
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 03:55 Darlington | 4h03 | 07:58 Chester | 0 changesdirect | |
| 07:37 Darlington | 3h24 | 11:01 Chester | 0 changesdirect | |
| 17:36 Darlington | 3h26 | 21:02 Chester | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Darlington to Chester by train
Compare 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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18 Nov
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Journey information
Overview: Train from Darlington to Chester
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Darlington to Chester run on average 4 times per day, taking around 3h 14m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £31 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 03:51, the last at 23:31. The fastest train covers the 172 km distance in 3h 13m.
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 14m |
Cheapest ticket price £31 |
Trains per day 4 |
Fastest train 3h 13m |
First train 03:51 |
Last train 23:31 |
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 (3), first_transpennine_express, LNER from Darlington to Chester trainsTransPennine Express, Northern Rail (3), first_transpennine_express, LNER trains will get you between Darlington and Chester from £31. 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 Duration
3h 20m
Cheapest Price
£31
TransPennine Express frequency
3 a day
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 (3)
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
Average Duration
3h 24m
Cheapest Price
£38
Northern Rail (3) 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
LNER
About
LNER is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates a wide range of services, from high-speed intercity trains to local services. Its most popular routes include London to Edinburgh, London to Leeds, and London to York. LNER offers a variety of train types, including the Azuma, InterCity 225, and HST. The Azuma is a modern, high-speed train that offers comfortable seating and onboard Wi-Fi. The InterCity 225 is a classic train that offers a more traditional experience. The HST is a high-speed train that offers a smooth ride and plenty of legroom. LNER offers a variety of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak. Advance tickets are the cheapest option and must be booked in advance. Anytime tickets are more expensive but can be used at any time. Off-Peak tickets are the most affordable option for travelling during off-peak times. Onboard facilities include comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. LNER also offers a range of discounts and special offers, making it an affordable and convenient way to travel.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 29m
Cheapest Price
£119
LNER frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket conditions
Refund
Full refund available if train is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, and light meals. First Class passengers receive complimentary refreshments
Seat reservation
Seat reservations are included with Advance tickets. Optional for other ticket types at £0-£2 per person depending on route
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 pets per passenger
Quiet zone
first_transpennine_express
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 24m
Cheapest Price
£54
first_transpennine_express frequency
13 a day
FAQs: Darlington to Chester train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Darlington to Chester 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 Chester, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
In Chester, you can visit Chester Zoo, one of the UK's largest zoos, or explore the Grosvenor Museum for local history and art. Enjoy a walk or boat trip along the River Dee, or experience cultural offerings at Storyhouse. The Cheshire Military Museum provides insights into military history. Don't miss the stunning Chester Cathedral, the historical Chester Roman Amphitheatre, and the well-preserved Chester City Walls for panoramic views. The Eastgate Clock and The Rows offer iconic sights and unique shopping experiences.
A stay of two to three days in Chester is typically sufficient to explore its historic sites, such as Chester Cathedral, the Roman walls, and the Rows, while also enjoying local dining and shopping experiences.
The cheapest way to get from Darlington to Chester is by train, costing approximately £31.
The cost of a train ticket from Darlington to Chester can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £31, while the average price tends to be around £46.
The train distance from Darlington to Chester is 172 km.
The last train from Darlington to Chester departs at 23:31.
To travel from Darlington to Chester, you can take a train.
Booking trains from Darlington to Chester in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
There is no night train service from Darlington to Chester.
The train journey from Darlington to Chester covers a distance of 172 km and takes approximately 3h 13m. Trains run 4 per day.
The train station in Darlington that goes to Chester is Darlington station (DAR), and it arrives at Chester station (CTR).
The first train from Darlington to Chester leaves at 3:51.
Trains from Darlington to Chester run approximately 4 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Darlington to Chester.
Yes, you can take the train from Darlington to Chester.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Darlington to Chester.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Darlington and Chester
Darlington
Chester
The major train station for departures in Darlington is Darlington. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Darlington for your trip from Darlington to Chester.
Amenities at train station
Shopping
Parking
Dining
ATM
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Lounge
Lost and Found Office
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Car Rentalinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 06:00 - 19:00 Saturday 07:00 - 19:00 Sunday 08:00 - 18:00
Accessibility
- 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
WC
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on the Main Concourse; these toilets can be accessed from all platforms. The National key toilets are adjacent to Platform 2; these toilets are operated by a RADAR key. A RADAR key is available from the Customer Reception on Platform 1 upon request.
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
Lounge
- Waiting rooms location: This station has heated waiting rooms available. Seating is available at an accessible height in the waiting room and on platforms
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: stations front
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transport options for Darlington
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Replacement coach services depart from the station entrance
The major train station for arrivals in Chester is Chester. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Chester for your journey to Chester from Darlington.
Amenities at train station
ShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingCar Rental
Information Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:40 - 21:40 Saturday 05:40 - 21:40 Sunday 07:10 - 20:40
Distance to city center
1 kmShopping
- Type of shops available: News agent
Parking
- Car Park: Chester West
Accessibility
- 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
WC
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Main Concourse and on Platform 7a. The National key toilets are located on the Main Concourse and on Platform 7a; these toilets are operated by a radar key.
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: On the concourse
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Information Desk
- Information available from staff: Yes - from information point
- Helpline Contact: 03333 211202
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens
Public transport options for Chester
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: At the bus stop outside the station front
Most popular train connections from Darlington
More options for your journey from Darlington to Chester
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Chester and Darlington
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