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Durham Cathedral and Castle Skyline

Travel by bus

Durham University is easily accessible by bus and various tickets options for both staff and students are available for travelling both in to and around Durham City. Are you a current student or member of staff? You can find out more on our Greenspace Sharepoint page.

Arriva discounted bus ticket scheme

The Arriva discounted bus ticket scheme has been enhanced. University staff and students can now travel even further at a discounted rate on Arriva bus services within our two specially created University Zones.

Our enhanced service introduces the new Durham University Plus Zone, in which staff and students will be able to travel to Durham from further afield at the discount price of £2.50 a day. Tickets are valid for multiple journeys throughout the day on any Arriva service within the zone, without the need to purchase another ticket. Locations include: Newcastle, Gateshead, Sunderland, Peterlee, Hartlepool, Stockton, Middlesbrough, Darlington, Barnard Castle and Stanhope - increasing greatly the area in which staff and students can travel at reduced rates in comparison to standard ticket fares. 

The costs for an unlimited day ticket for each zone will be £1.50 within the ‘Durham Uni Zone’ and £2.50 within the new ‘Durham Uni Plus Zone’. 

Different ticket options are available to spread the cost and increase a reduction in your ticket for those who travel regularly by bus. A combination of daily, weekly, termly and annual tickets are available. Tickets can be purchased from the Arriva website and on the Arriva App. Please note, both staff and students can purchase relevant tickets using the ‘student’ ticket portal. Please also note that the long-term (fifteen-week and annual) tickets can only be purchased online. You will be required to present your valid campus ID when using your tickets so please remember to bring this with you on all journeys.

Please go the Greenspace SharePoint site to find out more.

Travel by train

Durham University is easily accessible by train and the East Coast Main Line runs through the heart of Durham City. Train services which call at Durham Railway Station include the London North Eastern Railway, TransPennine, Northern and Cross Country trains. 

Access from the train station to various University locations can be made by bus using the 41 service. This arrangement allows staff and students to use the service for £1 per single journey and £1.50 per return journey.

Durham Park & Ride

Durham City is served by three Park and Ride sites on the key routes into the city. These are situated at Belmont, Sniperley and Howlands. A direct bus service runs every 10 minutes to the city centre from each site. The Howlands Park and Ride bus runs down South Road, Church Street and New Elvet, giving access to University sites.

The service operates Monday to Saturday, 7.00am - 7.00pm (closed Sundays and Bank Holidays). Outside of these times, the gates to these sites will be locked, and it is important to return to collect your vehicle on time. If you leave your vehicle on site after 7.00pm you may receive a parking ticket. Please remember that this is a park and ride service and anyone who is found parking their vehicle and walking from the Park and Ride car park will receive a parking ticket.