- 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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Journey information
Overview: Train from Preston to Durham
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Preston to Durham run on average 6 times per day, taking around 2h 53m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £39 but you can travel from only £30 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 03:30, the last at 21:18. The fastest train covers the 135 km distance in 2h 46m.
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 £30
Distance 135 km |
Average train duration 2h 53m |
Cheapest ticket price £39 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 2h 46m |
First train 3:30 |
Last train 21:18 |
Cheapest Month Sept |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £30
Why should you book Preston to Durham trains with Omio?
Transpennine Express as well as Northern Rail offer trains services from Preston to Durham.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Preston to Durham.
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 to find the best option for your trip from Preston to Durham.
- 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.
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 to find the best option for your trip from Preston to Durham.
Train companies: Northern Rail, Transpennine Express from Preston to Durham trainsNorthern Rail, Transpennine Express trains will get you between Preston and Durham from £30. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
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
Average Northern Rail Duration
2h 46m
Cheapest Northern Rail Price
£39
Northern Rail frequency
4 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
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
2h 49m
Cheapest Transpennine Express Price
£45
Transpennine Express frequency
2 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
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.
Best day trips from Durham by train
The most popular day trips by train from Durham are York, Leeds, Edinburgh, Sunderland and Middlesbrough. Find out what you can do in these day trip destinations and how to book your train from Durham on Omio.
Day trip from Durham to York by train
Why visit York for the day?
York is known for its Roman and Viking heritage, medieval streets and the imposing York Minster. Its compact centre, old walls and busy mix of shops, pubs and museums make it easy to grasp the city's historic character.
How to get from Durham to York by train?
There are 9 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:11, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 97 km distance in 40m.
Day trip from Durham to Leeds by train
Why visit Leeds for the day?
Leeds is a major West Yorkshire city known for Victorian arcades, shopping and a lively music scene. Its industrial heritage, regenerated waterfront and large student population give it an energetic but down-to-earth character.
How to get from Durham to Leeds by train?
There are 7 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 01:04, the last at 23:44. The fastest train covers the 109 km distance in 1h 4m.
Day trip from Durham to Edinburgh by train
Why visit Edinburgh for the day?
Edinburgh is Scotland’s capital, known for its medieval Old Town and graceful Georgian streets. Historic landmarks, literary roots and a strong festival culture give the city a distinct, atmospheric character.
How to get from Durham to Edinburgh by train?
There are 4 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 03:00, the last at 23:28. The fastest train covers the 166 km distance in 1h 38m.
Day trip from Durham to Sunderland by train
Why visit Sunderland for the day?
Sunderland is a coastal city in North East England known for shipbuilding, football and long sandy beaches. Its industrial past still shapes the place, alongside parks, cultural venues and a straightforward local character.
How to get from Durham to Sunderland by train?
The earliest train runs at 06:09, the last at 22:52. The fastest train covers the 19 km distance in 32m.
Day trip from Durham to Middlesbrough by train
Why visit Middlesbrough for the day?
Middlesbrough is a Teesside town known for its industrial roots, especially steelmaking and the Transporter Bridge. Its Victorian centre and MIMA gallery give it a practical, cultural character with easy access to nearby moorland.
How to get from Durham to Middlesbrough by train?
The earliest train runs at 04:50, the last at 23:49. The fastest train covers the 31 km distance in 44m.
FAQs: Preston to Durham train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Preston 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 Preston to Durham can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £39, while the average price tends to be around £54.
The train journey from Preston to Durham covers a distance of 135 km and takes approximately 2h 46m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train distance from Preston to Durham is 135 km.
The first train from Preston to Durham leaves at 3:30.
The last train from Preston to Durham departs at 21:18.
Trains from Preston to Durham run approximately 6 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Preston to Durham.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Preston to Durham.
There is no night train service from Preston to Durham.
The train station in Preston that goes to Durham is Preston station (PRE), and it arrives at Durham station (DHM).
Booking trains from Preston 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 Preston to Durham is moderately scenic, offering views of the rolling countryside and charming towns in the north of England, particularly as you pass through the Yorkshire Dales and approach the historical city of Durham with its iconic cathedral.
Yes, you can take the train from Preston to Durham.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Preston and Durham
Most Preston to Durham trains use the Preston to Durham station pair. Use this guide to compare Preston and Durham train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Preston
Arrival train stations in Durham
Which Preston station do trains to Durham leave from?
Trains from Preston to Durham leave from Preston. The station is 1 km from Preston city centre at Fishergate, Preston PR1 8AP, United Kingdom.
PrestonFishergate, Preston PR1 8AP, United Kingdom+44 345 748 4950
City-centre transport
Getting to Preston from Preston city centre
Preston is 1 km from Preston city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus3, 2, 2A, 111, 111C · 13m · £8 · every ~36 min
Preston train station facilities and services
Preston has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink
Food options include: Rise, The Olive Tree Brasserie, Turtle Bay
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Preston. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Preston. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Preston: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Preston: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Preston: Elevators, ramps.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Holiday Inn Express Preston - South, Delta Hotels Preston, Macdonald Tickled Trout Hotel.
Which Durham station do trains from Preston arrive at?
Trains from Preston 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 · £0.89 · 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 Preston
More options for your journey from Preston to Durham
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Durham and Preston
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