Is Durham a walkable city?

Yes, the city centre is compact and very walkable.

How far is the station from the cathedral?

It is about a 15-minute walk uphill.

Is the Park and Ride free?

No, there is a small charge for the bus service.

Can I drive to the cathedral?

No, the city centre has strict vehicle access restrictions.

Halifax

Durham

Train Driving

Halifax to Durham

Updated: 31 May 2026

Traveling from Halifax to the historic city of Durham is a straightforward journey of about 140 kilometers. By train, you will head to Leeds and then catch a direct service north towards Newcastle, alighting at Durham station. The drive follows the M62 and A1(M) corridors, offering a direct path through the heart of Northern England. Durham is famous for its cathedral and university, making it a popular destination. The journey typically takes around two hours regardless of the mode chosen.

Total Distance: 140 km driving distance and 115 km straight-line distance.

Fastest Way

Driving, taking approximately 1 hour 50 minutes outside of peak traffic.

Cheapest Way

Train, using split-ticketing or Advance fares booked early.

Compare Halifax to Durham Routes

	Train Connecting	Driving Direct
Duration	2 hours	1 hour 50 mins
Avg Price	£20 - £50	£25 - £40 fuel
Operator	LNER / Northern	N/A
Route	Halifax to Leeds, then LNER service to Durham.	M62 to A1(M) northbound, exiting at A690.
Tip	Durham station is on a steep hill; be prepared for a walk into the city centre.	Parking in Durham city centre is limited; use the Park and Ride facilities.

Travel Tips

Park and Ride
Use the Durham Park and Ride to avoid city centre traffic and expensive parking charges.
Footwear
Wear comfortable shoes as Durham's historic centre features many steep, cobbled streets.
Train Views
Sit on the right-hand side of the train when heading north for the best views of the countryside.
Booking
Use a price comparison site to find the cheapest rail tickets for your specific travel date.
Weather
Durham can be windy; bring a waterproof jacket even in summer.

Safety Tips

Cobblestones
Be careful walking on wet cobblestones in the city centre as they can be very slippery.
Road Safety
The A690 into Durham can be congested; stay alert for sudden braking.
Station Safety
Durham station is well-lit, but avoid walking alone in secluded areas at night.
Valuables
Keep your belongings secure in crowded tourist areas near the cathedral.