How to travel from Lancaster to Durham, United Kingdom

The distance between Lancaster and Durham is around 123km (76 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to drive which takes around 1h 30m.

4 routes found

We've found 4 different ways to get from Lancaster to Durham by train, bus and car. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.

👋 Also check out DurhamLancaster if you're planning a return trip.

1
train
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train
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Train

Take the train to Carlisle and then to Newcastle.

  • Duration2h 45m
  • Departshourly
  • Typical cost
    £125($145)
💰 Cheapest
2
3 x bus
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Bus

Take the bus to Kendal Bus Station then Kirkby Stephen Pennine Hotel and then to Bishop Auckland Bus Station Stand A.

  • Duration3h 20m
  • Departstwice a week
  • Typical cost
    £8($9)
Operated by

Multiple bus operators

1 similiar route

We’ve grouped similar routes together, click the arrows to see the other options.

🚀 Fastest
3
car
+

Drive

Drive to Durham (Land).

  • Duration1h 30m
  • Distance123km (76 miles)
Get turn-by-turn directions

Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Lancaster and Durham

There are several options for getting from Lancaster to Durham by train, bus and car. The cheapest option is to take the bus which costs around £8 ($9) and will take around 3h 20m. If you need to get there more quickly, you can drive and arrive in approximately 1h 30m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately £22 ($26).

The distance between Lancaster and Durham is around 123km (76 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 97km (60 miles)

It takes around 2h 45m to get from Lancaster and Durham by train. If you are travelling by car it will take around 1h 30m to drive there.

The quickest way to get from Lancaster to Durham is to drive which takes around 1h 30m and will set you back approx £22 ($26).

The cheapest way to travel between Lancaster and Durham, if you exclude driving, is to take the bus which will typically cost around £8 ($9) for a standard one-way ticket.

Train travel

Yes there is a train service that runs between Lancaster and Durham. It typically takes around 2h 45m and departs hourly.

There are no direct train services that runs from Lancaster to Durham. However, you can instead can take several connecting trains with a changeover in Carlisle, Newcastle and Durham. These services run hourly and will take a minimum of 2h 45m.

Avanti West Coast, TransPennine Express Service, Northern Rail and LNER run train services between Lancaster and Durham. Trains depart hourly and will take around 2h 45m, however, this may vary depending on the particular service and whether it runs express or stops all stations.

Bus travel

Yes there is a bus that runs regularly from Lancaster and Durham. It typically takes around 3h 20m and departs twice a week.

There are no direct bus services that runs from Lancaster to Durham. However, you can instead can take several connecting buses with changeovers in Kendal Bus Station, Kirkby Stephen Pennine Hotel and Bishop Auckland Bus Station Stand A. These services run twice a week and will take a minimum of 3h 20m.

Stagecoach Cumbria & North Lancashire, Western Dales Community Trnsp, Jim Hughes Coaches Ltd and Cumbria Classic Coaches run regular bus services between Lancaster and Durham. Buses run twice a week and take around 3h 20m on average but will vary depending on you book with.

Flights and Airlines

It doesn't look like you can fly directly from Lancaster to Durham. We recommend that you take the train to Carlisle and then to Newcastle. instead which will take 2h 45m.

The closest major airport to Durham is Teesside International Airport (MME) (MME) which is approximately 27km (17 miles) from Durham. Newcastle International Airport (NCL) (NCL) and Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) (LBA) are also nearby and might be a better alternative airport depending on where you are flying from.

Drive yourself

Yes it is possible to drive from Lancaster and Durham. The distance is around 123km (76 miles) by road and it will take around 1h 30m in normal traffic conditons.

If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Lancaster to Durham is to take the train which takes, on average, 2h 45m and will usually cost around £125 ($145).

How do I get from Lancaster to Durham

Compare travel optionsbetween Lancaster and Durham

Transport options from Lancaster to Durham
Transport optionDurationCostFrequencyDistance
Train
2h 45m
£125($145)
hourly250km (156 miles)
Bus + 1 similar
3h 20m
£8($9)
twice a week150km (93 miles)
Bus via Kendal, Bus Station3h 40m
£8($9)
once a week143km (89 miles)
Drive
1h 30m
£22($26)
on demand123km (76 miles)

Top Carriersoperating between Lancaster and Durham

Bus companies

Airports near Durham

The following major airports near Durham offer regular flights to various popular destinations within United Kingdom and internationally.

MME
Teesside International Airport (MME)
Domestic Airport
Distance
27km (17 miles) from Durham
NCL
Newcastle International Airport (NCL)
International Airport
Distance
41km (26 miles) from Durham
LBA
Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA)
International Airport
Distance
89km (55 miles) from Durham