Travelling to Durham

About Durham

According to legend, the city of Durham was build on a site called Dun Holm upon the instructions of Saint Cuthbert, who appeared to monks in a vision. The city was a major religious stronghold for many centuries and Durham Cathedral is still very much a working cathedral as well as a tourist attraction. In recent years it has become famous as Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

How to Get to Durham

Flights to Durham

The nearest airport to Durham is Newcastle Airport (about 40 KM away). There is a 24/7 light rail service to Newcastle Central Station, from where there are numerous trains to Durham. These services are run by Arriva, GNER and Virgin.

Trains to Durham

Durham is on the East Coast main line which means it is regularly served by the GNER and Virgin trains running between London and Edinburgh or Glasgow. Those travelling to Durham by train from the south will enter the city over an amazing and historic viaduct. Regional train services are run by Arriva. Durham train station is about 2KM from the city centre. The 40A service, known as the Cathedral Bus, run by Durham County Council, arrives in the city centre in about 10 minutes.

Buses to Durham

Durham Bus Station is near the railway station and served by the 40A Cathedral Bus to the city centre. National Express runs the 380 to Newcastle (North) and Chester via York, Leeds, Manchester and Liverpool (South). It also runs the 425 to Newcastle (North) and London via Leeds (South). Regional buses are mainly run by Go North East and Arriva North East.

How to Get Around Durham

Many of Durham's streets are literally Medieval, which means narrow and winding. Some of them are still cobbled. A few of them are very steep. Cyclists should be aware that the city can suffer from serious traffic congestion. Alternatively the 40A Cathedral Bus and the 40B University bus are both efficient and affordable options.