Getting to and around Durham City
Pointers can help with travel information and directions to and around Durham.
Located in North East England Durham City is less than 3 hours by train from London and is close to major roads and airports. Our small city is best explored on foot, but you’ll find all options for travelling here and getting around the city noted below.
Getting to Durham City
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By car - Travelling from the North or the South, Durham City centre is just 2 miles west of Junction 62 of the A1(M). For those travelling from the west, leave the M6 to join the A66 and connect with the A1(M) at Scotch Corner. There are several car parks located within the City centre.
By coach - Durham City is one of 100+ locations served by national coach companies National Express and Megabus.
The City also benefits from having a Park and Ride system, with 3 locations on the outskirts of the City. Make sure to note which Park and Ride you need to return to – your ticket will remind you!
For those on a coach tour the coach drop off point is at the Radisson Hotel Waterside. From there you can walk to the city centre or catch the shuttle bus.
For more detailed help on accessible routes to the market place have a look at our Accessible Durham page.
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Durham City station is on the East Coast Main Line and can be reached in less than three hours from London and less than two hours from Edinburgh. It is served by LNER, TransPennine Express, Cross Country and Northern trains.
Taxis are available from outside the station and the Cathedral Bus also stops here to take you to the city centre or Cathedral. Alternatively it’s a 10 minute downhill (lots of steps) walk.
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Newcastle International Airport and Teesside International Airport are both approximately 25 miles away from Durham City.
Looking for information on accessible access in Durham?
Our Accessible Durham page has details on lifts and step-free access, disabled parking, shopmobility and more.
Getting around Durham City
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The main providers of public transport in Durham and surrounding area are Go North East and Arriva.
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The cathedral bus has two routes linking the station and the coach drop off point to the market place, cathedral and castle. There are also peak time journeys to the Durham University Science Park.
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Durham is a small city and is easy to walk around, but bear in mind that there are lots of hills and many cobbled streets to negotiate.
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There are many cycle routes in and around the city. For some suggestions please click on Komoot. Durham City is also the ideal base for exploring the many miles of cycle-friendly routes around the wider area of County Durham. If you need any further information please see Where to cycle in Durham
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The Durham Peninsula charging zone is the area from the Market Place up to Durham Cathedral and Castle, Durham Chorister School, Durham University colleges and a variety of shops and businesses.
An Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) system at the junction of Saddler Street and Claypath, on the Market Square, records any vehicles entering or leaving the zone.
There is a daily charge of £2 for entering the zone between 10.00am and 4.00pm, Monday to Saturday. There is no charge on Sundays or bank holidays.
All vehicles that enter or exit the zone during these times must pay the charge unless they qualify for an exemption.
You must pay the charge in advance or by midnight on the day the road is used. If you don't pay the charge by midnight on the day, the registered keeper of the vehicle may receive a £50 penalty charge notice.
Payment methods:
• Use your phone (Pay by Phone) and enter location code 804250
• Pay online (https://permits.paysmarti.co.uk/login/durhamcc)
• Pay at The Parking Shop at Suite 1 Forster House, Forster Business Centre, Framwellgate Moor, DH1 5HL or call 0191 3846633.
You are able to pay on the day or up to 2 weeks in advance. Please note the Parking Shop is open Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm therefore if you need to pay outside of these hours you will be required to use an alternative payment method or pay in advance.