- 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.
Cheapest price
£22
Average price
£41
Fastest journey
1 h 42 m
Average duration
1 h 44 m
Trains per day
36
Distance
166 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Edinburgh to Durham is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Edinburgh to Durham will cost around £41 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £22.
Of the 36 trains that leave Edinburgh for Durham every day 15 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 166 km distance in an average of 1 h 44 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 42 m .
The slowest trains will take 1 h 46 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.
W85790 · C24965
W85787 · G15922
W85796 · C24979
W29909
G01154
C02033
W29873
G80055+
W29935
G80091+
G00914
G01166Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Edinburgh to Durham among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from £12. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 48m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £12, and a coach costs an average of £7.
Distance: 166 km
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£20 Average Price Cheapest | £33 Average Price |
2h 18m Average total duration Fastest 1h 48m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 49m Average total duration 3h 19m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.4kg 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.
The table below shows live departures for Edinburgh to Durham trains for today, Sunday 23 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
C02063 | On time 18:30 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1h46 | 20:16 Durham station (DHM) | 0 changesdirect | |
C02032 | On time 19:00 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1h40 | 20:40 Durham station (DHM) | 0 changesdirect | |
C02018 | On time 19:25 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1h45 | 21:10 Durham station (DHM) | 0 changesdirect | |
W85801+ C31726 | On time 19:33 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2h22 | 21:55 Durham station (DHM) | 1 change | |
C02058 | On time 20:30 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1h52 | 22:22 Durham station (DHM) | 0 changesdirect | |
W29862 | 6:02 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1h50 | 7:52 Durham station (DHM) | 0 changesdirect | |
G25687+ G16013 | 6:26 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1h51 | 8:17 Durham station (DHM) | 1 change | |
C02042 · C01939 | 6:30 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2h08 | 8:38 Durham station (DHM) | 1 change | |
G08175+ G01180 | 7:00 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1h47 | 8:47 Durham station (DHM) | 1 change | |
W29868 | 7:03 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1h49 | 8:52 Durham station (DHM) | 0 changesdirect | |
C02002 · C01925 | 7:30 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2h08 | 9:38 Durham station (DHM) | 1 change | |
W29873 | 8:08 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1h44 | 9:52 Durham station (DHM) | 0 changesdirect | |
G25682+ C24954 | 8:26 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1h51 | 10:17 Durham station (DHM) | 1 change | |
C02015 · C01934 | 8:30 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2h08 | 10:38 Durham station (DHM) | 1 change | |
G08186+ G01184 | 9:00 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1h46 | 10:46 Durham station (DHM) | 1 change | |
G01148 | 9:05 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1h46 | 10:51 Durham station (DHM) | 0 changesdirect | |
W85785 · G15907 | 9:08 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2h09 | 11:17 Durham station (DHM) | 1 change | |
W29884 | 10:05 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1h47 | 11:52 Durham station (DHM) | 0 changesdirect | |
W85787 · G15922 | 10:08 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2h09 | 12:17 Durham station (DHM) | 1 change | |
G80055+ W29935 | 11:00 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1h45 | 12:45 Durham station (DHM) | 1 change | |
G01153 | 11:04 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1h48 | 12:52 Durham station (DHM) | 0 changesdirect | |
G25697+ G15900 | 11:25 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1h52 | 13:17 Durham station (DHM) | 1 change | |
C02029 · C01950 | 11:30 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2h08 | 13:38 Durham station (DHM) | 1 change | |
G01154 | 12:05 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1h47 | 13:52 Durham station (DHM) | 0 changesdirect | |
W85790 · C24965 | 12:08 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2h08 | 14:16 Durham station (DHM) | 1 change | |
G80067+ W29937 | 13:00 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1h46 | 14:46 Durham station (DHM) | 1 change | |
G01161 | 13:05 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1h48 | 14:53 Durham station (DHM) | 0 changesdirect | |
C02014 · C01976 | 13:30 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2h08 | 15:38 Durham station (DHM) | 1 change | |
W29909 | 14:04 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1h48 | 15:52 Durham station (DHM) | 0 changesdirect | |
G01166 | 15:04 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1h46 | 16:50 Durham station (DHM) | 0 changesdirect | |
G25680+ C24975 | 15:26 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1h51 | 17:17 Durham station (DHM) | 1 change | |
C01988 · C01928 | 15:30 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2h08 | 17:38 Durham station (DHM) | 1 change | |
G01169 | 16:05 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1h47 | 17:52 Durham station (DHM) | 0 changesdirect | |
W85796 · C24979 | 16:08 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2h08 | 18:16 Durham station (DHM) | 1 change | |
C02066 · C01911 | 16:30 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2h08 | 18:38 Durham station (DHM) | 1 change | |
G80091+ G00914 | 17:00 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1h45 | 18:45 Durham station (DHM) | 1 change | |
G01170 | 17:04 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1h48 | 18:52 Durham station (DHM) | 0 changesdirect | |
C01989 · C01922 | 17:30 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2h08 | 19:38 Durham station (DHM) | 1 change | |
G00842 | 18:04 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1h47 | 19:51 Durham station (DHM) | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Edinburgh to Durham run on average 10 times per day, taking around 1h 48m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £12 but you can travel from only £7 by coach.
There are 6 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 02:00, the last at 23:28. The fastest train covers the 166 km distance in 1h 38m.
Distance 166 km |
Average train duration 1h 48m |
Cheapest ticket price £12 |
Trains per day 10 |
Direct trains 6 |
Fastest train 1h 38m |
First train 2:00 |
Last train 23:28 |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 49 days |
Discover the best of Durham — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Durham trip today.
Museum in nearby Beamish presenting North East life through reconstructed streets, homes and transport. A major day trip from Durham.
University museum with collections from ancient civilisations to world cultures. Compact, varied and easy to combine with a cathedral visit.
Gallery and museum at Palace Green with changing exhibitions and displays connected to Durham’s history, books and university collections.
Historic square between cathedral and castle, framed by university buildings. A key place to pause for architecture and city atmosphere.
Riverside walk circling the old centre through wooded banks and classic viewpoints. Ideal for Durham’s most photogenic views.
Wooded hilltop park with panoramic views across Durham, especially towards the cathedral and castle. Popular with locals for quiet walks.
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.
A smooth savoury spread of boiled yellow split peas, long associated with North East ham and stottie sandwiches and traditional local lunches.
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.
Refined modern British tasting menus in an intimate city-centre dining room. Ideal for a special meal with polished, understated service.
Stylish bistro and bar serving modern British dishes and cocktails in a lively riverside setting near Durham’s historic centre.
Long-running restaurant known for dependable French and British cooking in a warm, traditional setting popular with locals and visitors.
Moderate for the UK. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while local buses and casual meals stay fairly reasonable for visitors.
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.
Official public transport app
Durham Railway Station -> Market Place, Durham
With frequent, direct trains departing from Edinburgh Waverley several times an hour, and journey times of less than two hours, rail travel is a great option for passengers wishing to the visit the city of Durham. Services are shared by CrossCountry and LNER, with service beginning before 6:00 a.m. continuing until 9:00 p.m. Whenever passengers decide to travel, they should have a great choice of train departure times.
The Edinburgh to Durham route is served by CrossCountry and London North Eastern Railways. There is very little difference between their services; both offer quick journey times of one hour 45 minutes and share numerous departures per hour.
Whenever passengers decide to travel, they can expect journey times of less than two2 hours. The fastest journey is a lunchtime service by LNER which advertises travel time of just one hour 35 minutes. Trains from Edinburgh to Durham are significantly quicker than travelling by car and allow passengers to arrive relaxed without the stress of a long drive.
Each day, passengers can expect numerous departures per hour from Edinburgh to Durham. With services beginning just before 6:00 a.m. and continuing well into the evening, passengers can usually expect at least two departures per hour – and more during peak travel times. Over the weekend, service regularity continues, though the first departure of the day may be slightly later.
Departure train station: Trains depart from Edinburgh Waverley train station. Located very near the centre of town, Edinburgh is within walking distance of Prince Street Gardens and the beautiful Edinburgh Castle. The station is served by several bus routes, including an airport bus connecting the station with Edinburgh Airport. Facilities within the station include several coffee shops, supermarkets and dining options.
Arrival train station: All services terminate at Durham train station. Located just a 10-minute walk from the centre of town, passengers can organise onward travel from any of the local bus routes, or the designated taxi rank. The facilities at the station include basic refreshment options, a coffee shop, toilets and baby change facilities.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Edinburgh 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.

Most Edinburgh to Durham trains use the Edinburgh Waverley to Durham station pair. Use this guide to compare Edinburgh and Durham train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Edinburgh Waverley 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, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food options include: Bagel Factory, Burger King, Caffè Nero, Costa Coffee, JD Wetherspoon, The Pasty Shop, The Beer House, M&S, Pret a Manger
Free public Wi-Fi available. ATMs are there are a few ATM machines around the station.
The ticket office is open Mon - Sat: 05:00 - 23:59, Sun: 07:00 - 23:59. Information desks are information booths are located on the concourse. .
Luggage storage is you can leave luggage at Excessive Baggage Company on Platform 2. . Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Edinburgh Waverley: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Edinburgh Waverley: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Edinburgh Waverley: Entrances are step free. Station is equipped with an elevator. Staffed with guide communicators for the deaf. Tactile warning strips are on the platform edges for the blind.
Nearby hotels include Old Waverley Hotel, Jurys Inn Edinburgh, The Scotsman Hotel.
Haymarket is 1 km from Edinburgh city centre. Public transport options include:
Haymarket has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Haymarket.
Wi-Fi is available at Haymarket. ATMs are available at Haymarket.
Ticket office support is available at Haymarket. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: Tel: 0800 046 1634 and 18001 0800 046 1634 (Deaf and customers who are hard of hearing), Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Haymarket: Parking, WC.
Available at Haymarket: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Haymarket: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category A station. This station has step-free access to all platforms. The Passenger Assist meeting point is at the automatic ticket gates Blue Badge parking bays: 2, 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: No.
Edinburgh Gateway is 7 km from Edinburgh city centre. Public transport options include:
Edinburgh Gateway has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Edinburgh Gateway.
Wi-Fi is available at Edinburgh Gateway.
Ticket office support is available at Edinburgh Gateway. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: Tel: 0800 046 1634 and 18001 0800 046 1634 (Deaf and customers who are hard of hearing), Passenger Information Systems: Announcements, Arrival screens.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Edinburgh Gateway: Parking, WC.
Available at Edinburgh Gateway: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Edinburgh Gateway: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category A station. This station has step-free access to both platforms. The Passenger Assist meeting point is at the Ticket Office Blue Badge parking bays: 4, 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.
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 options are available at Durham.
ATMs are available at Durham.
Ticket office support is available at Durham.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Durham: Parking, WC.
Available at Durham: Bike Parking.
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.
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