Durham Railway Station

It is important for passengers to know that the station is situated on a high hill above the city. The station has two main through platforms: Platform 1 serves trains heading north (to Newcastle, Edinburgh), while Platform 2 serves those heading south (to York, London). The building is equipped with lifts for step-free access and ticket barriers at the entrance.

• Official Website: lner.co.uk (managed by LNER)
• Helpline: +44 345 722 5333 (National Rail Enquiries)
• Address: Green Lane, Durham, County Durham, DH1 5RZ, United Kingdom
• Ticket Office Hours: Mon–Fri 06:00–19:30, Sat 07:00–18:00, Sun 09:00–18:00
• Luggage Storage Information: There are no luggage storage facilities at the station; it is recommended to use services within the city.
• Accessibility Information: The station is fully accessible for passengers with reduced mobility (Step Free Access), with lifts operating to both platforms.

The station is located on elevated ground, so the walking route from the city centre (from the Market Place) will take about 10–15 minutes, but it involves a steep uphill climb. The descent into the city is much easier and faster.

For passenger convenience, the special Cathedral Bus (route 40) operates, connecting the station with the centre and the cathedral during the daytime. The stop is located right at the exit. There is also a taxi rank at the main entrance. The travel time by taxi to the centre is approximately 5 minutes.

Durham Station provides a range of services for a comfortable journey. The building houses ticket offices and self-service ticket machines. Passengers have access to waiting rooms on the platforms (which is important as the station can be breezy), as well as restrooms and an ATM.

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the premises (registration is usually required). The station is well-adapted for citizens with reduced mobility: there are ramps, lifts, and the option to book Assisted Travel. Please note that there are no luggage lockers at the station.

Typically, a small café (such as Pumpkin) or a coffee kiosk operates on the station premises. Here you can purchase hot coffee, tea, sandwiches, pastries, and snacks. This is an optimal option for a quick bite before boarding.

Full-service restaurants and dining venues are located in the city centre, a 10-minute walk away. The average cost for coffee and a pastry at the station is around 5–7 pounds. There are no 24-hour food outlets directly within the station building.

The history of Durham Railway Station dates back to 1857, when it was opened by the North Eastern Railway company. Constructing the station in this location required the building of an impressive viaduct across the valley, which became a significant engineering achievement of that time.

In the 2000s, the station underwent a massive renovation costing several million pounds. During the works, the historic façade was restored, the concourse was improved, and modern lifts were installed, allowing the preservation of the Victorian architecture while making the station convenient for modern passengers.

Arrive at the station at least 15–20 minutes before departure to calmly pass through the ticket barriers and locate your carriage. If you are travelling south (towards London), be sure to pause on Platform 2: it offers the best view of Durham Cathedral for photographs.

Keep in mind that the platform is situated high up and is exposed to winds, so even in summer it can be cool here — keep a light jacket or windbreaker handy. The station is safe in the evening, but staff at the ticket counters finish work quite early, so it is better to purchase tickets in advance online or at the machines.