- 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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Travel Information
Compare coach and train for Reading to Durham
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Reading to Durham among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £60. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 4h 8m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £60, and a train costs an average of £90.
Distance: 371 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£108 Average Price | £62 Average Price Cheapest |
4h 38m Average total duration Fastest 4h 8m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 18m Average total duration 9h 48m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Compare prices and tickets Reading to Durham by coach or train
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.
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Why should you book Reading to Durham trains with Omio?
CrossCountry as well as London North Eastern Railway offer trains services from Reading to Durham.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Reading to Durham.
Why book with Omio vs CrossCountry?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for CrossCountry, but also compare tickets for the likes of London North Eastern Railway to find the best option for your trip from Reading 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.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare CrossCountry with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Reading to Durham.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Reading to Durham.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Reading to Durham
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Reading to Durham run on average 6 times per day, taking around 4h 8m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £90 but you can travel from only £60 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 04:35, the last at 22:11. The fastest train covers the 371 km distance in 4h 0m.
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 £60
Distance 371 km |
Average train duration 4h 8m |
Cheapest ticket price £90 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 4h 0m |
First train 4:35 |
Last train 22:11 |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Best time to book 5 days |
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 £60
Train companies: CrossCountry, London North Eastern Railway from Reading to Durham trainsCrossCountry, London North Eastern Railway trains will get you between Reading and Durham from £60. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
CrossCountry
About
CrossCountry is a fast-speed train operator in the United Kingdom, offering both express and regional services across the country. Express services, such as the CrossCountry Voyager and XC Trains, provide quick and comfortable journeys with amenities like free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a selection of snacks and drinks. Regional services, including the CrossCountry Regional and Regional Express, make more local stops for a leisurely trip. Ticket options include Standard Class and First Class, as well as Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak fares to suit different budgets and schedules. Popular routes include London to Birmingham, Manchester to Edinburgh, and Bristol to Reading.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
5h 8m
Cheapest Price
£115
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage storage areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled services
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require ticket
Quiet zone
London North Eastern Railway
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
4h 0m
Cheapest Price
£90
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
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: Reading to Durham train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Reading 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 Reading to Durham can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £90, while the average price tends to be around £108.
The train journey from Reading to Durham covers a distance of 371 km and takes approximately 4h 0m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train distance from Reading to Durham is 371 km.
The first train from Reading to Durham leaves at 4:35.
The last train from Reading to Durham departs at 22:11.
Trains from Reading to Durham run approximately 6 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Reading to Durham.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Reading to Durham.
To get from Reading to Durham, you can choose from several travel options including coach and train.
There is no night train service from Reading to Durham.
The train station in Reading that goes to Durham is Reading station (RDG), and it arrives at Durham station (DHM).
The cheapest way to get from Reading to Durham is by coach, costing approximately £60.
Booking trains from Reading 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 Reading to Durham offers varied scenery, with views of the rolling countryside, charming towns, and glimpses of rivers and historical landmarks along the route.
A day trip from Reading to Durham is not feasible as the travel duration is 4h 0m. Trains run 5 times per day.
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 Reading to Durham.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Reading and Durham
Most Reading to Durham trains use the Reading to Durham station pair. Use this guide to compare Reading and Durham train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Reading
Arrival train stations in Durham
Which Reading station do trains to Durham leave from?
Trains from Reading to Durham leave from Reading. The station is from Reading city centre at Reading station, Station Hill, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1LZ.
ReadingReading station, Station Hill, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1LZ+44 3451652030
City-centre transport
Getting to Reading from Reading city centre
Bus26, 90, 87 · 2m · £2 · every ~15 min
Reading train station facilities and services
Reading has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Car Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Reading.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are available at Reading.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Reading.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Reading: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Reading: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Reading: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: platforms can be reached via lift and bridge, ticket office is step free, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible public telephones: Accessible low-level Pay Phone is available at the station main concourse. Please request staff assistance if you need to, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxi are available at the station entrance. please request staff assistance if you need to, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Accessible ticket machines are located at the station entrance by the ticket office and at the car park, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Which Durham station do trains from Reading arrive at?
Trains from Reading 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.
More options for your journey from Reading to Durham
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Durham and Reading
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