Getting Around Durham: Transport Tips for Students

Whether you’ve just arrived in Durham for your first term or you’re returning for another year, one thing’s for sure – getting from A to B efficiently (and cheaply) is key to student life. 

Durham might be smaller than some university cities, but its cobbled streets, rolling hills, and winding river paths can make getting around feel like a mini adventure. From buses to bikes, and everything in between, here’s your guide to navigating the city without blowing your student budget.

Making the Most of Durham’s Buses

Durham’s bus network is a reliable way to get across the city, particularly when the hills start to feel relentless or the weather takes a turn. 

The main operator, Arriva North East, runs frequent routes connecting the city centre, university colleges, and nearby suburbs. One student favourite is the Durham Cathedral Bus, which links the railway station, central shopping streets, and the cathedral – ideal if you want to avoid the uphill trek.

If you’re travelling regularly, student passes can make a big difference to your budget. Arriva offers discounted tickets that can be bought weekly, monthly or for the whole term, giving you unlimited rides at a fraction of the cost of paying per journey. 

Many students find the Arriva app useful for tracking buses in real time, helping to avoid unnecessary waits in the cold.

The Simplicity of Walking

While public transport is useful, Durham is one of those cities where walking is often the easiest option. 

The city centre is compact, with most university buildings, libraries, and shops within a 20-minute stroll. Walking also means you’ll stumble upon hidden cafés, riverside views, and shortcut alleyways that you might otherwise miss.

That said, Durham is famously hilly, so a pair of comfortable shoes will become your best friend. A waterproof jacket is worth the investment too, as rain showers are a regular feature of life here. 

Many students find that walking between lectures is not only cost-effective but also a good way to clear the mind between study sessions.

Cycling – A Two-Wheeled Option

For those who prefer to get around quickly and independently, cycling can be a great choice. 

Durham has some picturesque cycle paths, particularly along the River Wear, though the city’s steep inclines can test your stamina. For this reason, some students opt for electric bikes, which make light work of the hills and can be hired or purchased locally.

The university provides secure bike storage at its colleges, and recent investments in cycle-friendly infrastructure have made navigating the city safer. 

However, visibility is important, particularly in the darker winter months, so lights and reflective gear are essential. With the right preparation, cycling can be a fast, flexible and healthy way to get around.

Using the Train for Day Trips and Travel Home

Durham’s railway station might be modest in size, but its connections are impressive. 

Regular services run to Newcastle, York, Edinburgh, and London, making it easy to plan weekend trips or head home during term breaks. For students, a 16–25 Railcard offers a third off most fares, and for older students, the 26–30 Railcard provides the same benefit.

Booking in advance is one of the easiest ways to save money, with the cheapest tickets often released weeks ahead of travel. Some students also use split-ticketing websites to find further discounts. 

Whether you’re visiting friends at other universities or escaping for a few days, Durham’s rail links open up plenty of travel opportunities.

When Only a Taxi Will Do

There are times when neither walking, cycling, nor public transport will do – particularly if you’re laden with shopping bags or travelling late at night. Durham has a good selection of local taxi firms, and ride-hailing apps like Uber operate in the area, though availability can vary depending on the time of day.

Taxis are rarely the cheapest option, but they can be a practical one, especially when travelling in a group and sharing the fare. Booking in advance during busy periods, such as after big university events, can save you a long wait.

Getting Around on a Student Budget

Transport costs can add up quickly, so it’s worth finding ways to save. Many students combine walking with occasional bus or train travel to keep expenses low. 

Also, buying term-long bus passes or a railcard early in the academic year ensures you make the most of the discounts available. Even splitting a taxi with friends can bring costs down significantly compared to travelling alone.

Being flexible also helps. Walking halfway before catching a bus, or using a bike for short trips instead of paying for public transport, can make a noticeable difference to your monthly spending. 

Over time, these small savings free up funds for more enjoyable student priorities – like coffee, society events, and the occasional night out.

Finding Your Own Transport Routine

Getting around Durham is part of the experience of studying here. 

It won’t take long to figure out which routes and methods work best for your schedule, whether that means catching the Cathedral Bus on a rainy day, cycling to the library, or walking the long way round just to enjoy the riverside view.

The trick is to stay flexible. By mixing walking, cycling, public transport and the occasional taxi, you’ll save money, stay active, and get to know the city’s streets and shortcuts. Before long, you’ll navigate Durham with ease – and might even grow to love those famous hills.