Durham to Newcastle Trains From £2.10*

The Durham to Newcastle train takes around 15 minutes with LNER and - for such a short journey - packs in some impressive sights. You'll enjoy impressive views of Durham Cathedral and Durham Castle as you leave, while the Angel of the North is visible near Gateshead, too.

LNER runs the East Coast Main Line, with services starting in London King's Cross. Some of the trains on this route continue to Edinburgh after stopping at Newcastle.

Departing from Durham

Durham's station is just a short 10-minute walk from the city centre. If you've got bags, taking a bus or taxi is your best bet to reach the station - Durham is quite hilly, after all. Luckily, buses run frequently from various points in town.

The main rail operators at Durham include LNER, CrossCountry, TransPennine Express, and Northern, with direct trains to major cities such as London, Edinburgh, Newcastle, and Liverpool. The station itself is well-equipped and has step-free access for passengers with reduced mobility.

Main stops

There are no stops on LNER services between Durham and Newcastle.

Arriving at Newcastle

Newcastle Central is in the midst of the city, just a short stroll from the Tyne riverbank. It's a well-connected transport hub, with the Metro station underneath providing easy onward travel to Gateshead, the coast or the airport. If you're heading to the Quayside, it's a 10-minute walk down Dean Street, while Northumberland Street is 5 minutes away.

This is a main station for LNER with trains to Scotland and London. Aside from CrossCountry and TransPennine Express, Newcastle Central is also served by Virgin Trains and Northern. This operator runs local services to Carlisle, Middlesbrough and the Metro Centre.

LNER train classes

• First Class: LNER's premium carriage features wide seats with an ergonomic design that reclines so you can have a quick rest on the hop from Durham to Newcastle. If work is on the cards, seats have large tables and power sockets for charging laptops.
• Standard Class: Passengers get free Wi-Fi and power sockets at every table. If you can't wait until you get to Newcastle, you can order food directly to your seat using a QR code.

LNER train travel advice

• Luggage: On LNER, the maximum size for a case is 90 x 70 x 30cm. Bags of this size can go in the dedicated spaces, while smaller items can fit in the overhead racks.
• Bicycles: It's free to travel with a bike, but you'll need to reserve and there's a maximum of 1 per customer.
• Pets: Pets are welcome with open paws on trains in the UK. They'll need to be in a container or on a lead and kept on the floor - seats are for humans. The maximum is 2 pets per passenger for free.
• Children: Kids under 5 travel free, and 5-15 year olds get half-price tickets. If you travel with children regularly, grab a Family & Friends Railcard - adults save a third when travelling together off-peak.
• Passenger Assistance: LNER offers assistance if you need help boarding or finding your seat. Book at least 2 hours ahead through the Passenger Assistance website or app.

CrossCountry connects cities in the south of England to Scotland, stopping at stations along the way. Many of their trains on this route come from Plymouth and continue north to Edinburgh or Aberdeen.

This operator is best known for its long-distance, inter-city services that connect cities in England and Scotland, across the entire length of the island of Great Britain.

Main stops

The CrossCountry train from Durham to Newcastle is non-stop.

CrossCountry train classes

• First Class: This is available on CrossCountry's Voyager trains between Durham and Newcastle. You'll find it in Coach A and passengers enjoy larger reclining seats and free Wi-Fi with extra data allowance compared to Standard Class. There are power sockets at the seats, too.
• Standard Class: Has a mix of table and airline-style seats in a 2+2 layout. You still get free Wi-Fi, and some seats have power sockets for charging your devices.

CrossCountry train travel advice

• Luggage: It's recommended to bring just 1 bag of a maximum 90 x 70 x 30cm in size, although National Rail guidelines apply and allow up to 2 big bags plus a small one.
• Bicycles: There are 2 reservable bike spaces plus 1 first-come-first-served space, so you might get lucky without booking. It's best to reserve a bike space in advance, though.
• Pets: Your furry friends (up to 2 per passenger) can come along on a lead or in a carrier. Just be sure to keep them on the floor and not on seats.
• Children: Under 5s go free, while 5-15 year olds travel for half price. The Friends & Family Railcard and the Saver Railcard can help families and children aged 16 or 17 to save more.
• Passenger Assistance: If you need a hand getting on the train or finding your seat, or wish to reserve a wheelchair space, request a staff member to help through the Passenger Assistance website or app up to 2 hours before you travel.

The TransPennine Express train from Durham to Newcastle takes 15 minutes and is part of the longer routes from either Liverpool Lime Street or Manchester Victoria. Both of these services terminate in Newcastle.

This is one of the leading operators connecting major cities in the north of England with those in Scotland. Major destinations include Manchester, Liverpool, Edinburgh and Glasgow.

Main stops

TransPennine Express trains call at Chester-Le-Street.

TransPennine Express train classes

• First Class: You'll enjoy comfortable reclining seats with lots of legroom. Every seat has power sockets and USB points, too. If you're feeling peckish, the Coast to Coast menus available on Durham to Newcastle services.
• Standard Class: This carriage still has comfortable seating with free Wi-Fi throughout.

TransPennine Express train travel advice

• Luggage: You can board with 2 large items and a small piece of hand luggage. They must be stored in designated spaces and not block aisles or doorways.
• Bicycle: Free but mandatory bike reservations. Many of their trains have space for up to 4 bikes.
• Pets: Dogs and cats are allowed if they're on leads or in boxes and kept on the floor at all times. It's free for up to 2 pets per person, each additional animal is 50% the adult fare.
• Children: Free travel for kids under 5, and those aged 5-15 get tickets at half the adult price. If you take regular family trips by train, consider the Family & Friends Railcard - this saves adults 33% off-peak.
• Passenger Assistance: TransPennine Express helps passengers who need support boarding or getting to seats. Use the Passenger Assistance app or website to book this service with 2 hours notice. 

*Information is subject to change. Please check the latest train timetable before your trip.