- 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 Preston to Durham
Showing times and prices for 22 Aug
Cheapest price
£103
Average price
£103
Fastest journey
3 h 52 m
Average duration
3 h 52 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
135 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Preston to Durham is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Preston to Durham will cost around £103 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £103.
Fast trains
Of the 1 trains that leave Preston for Durham every day 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 135 km distance in an average of 3 h 52 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 52 m .
The slowest trains will take 3 h 52 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.
9:033h52Preston12:55Durham£1031One-way0 changes
- 9:033h52Preston12:55Durham£1031One-way0 changes
Live departures
Preston to Durham train times
The table below shows live departures for Preston to Durham trains for tomorrow, Saturday 22 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9:03 Preston | 3h52 | 12:55 Durham | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Preston to Durham 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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22 Aug
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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.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Preston to Durham
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Take a train from Preston to Durham and enjoy the approximately 135 km long journey. Find schedules and pricing options for a convenient and affordable trip.
The earliest train runs at 03:30, the last at 21:18.
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 135 km |
Average train duration 2h 50m |
Trains per day 6 |
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
Train companies: Transpennine Express, Northern Rail from Preston to Durham trainsTranspennine Express, Northern Rail trains will get you between Preston and Durham. 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
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
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 Duration
3h 33m
Cheapest Price
£102
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
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: 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 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.
To travel from Preston to Durham, you can take a .
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.
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 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 · £0.90 · 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 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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