Everything You Need to Know
Transport links, schools, health services, and council information for residents and newcomers to Durham.
Transport & Parking
Durham is on the East Coast Main Line and well served by bus and Park & Ride, though the medieval centre is best explored on foot.
Train
- Durham station sits on the East Coast Main Line, north-west of the centre.
- Direct trains to Newcastle (around 12 minutes), York, and London King's Cross.
- A steep but short walk down to the Market Place, with taxis at the station.
Bus
- Durham bus station is on North Road, a short walk from the Market Place.
- Frequent local and regional services across County Durham and to Newcastle.
- Park & Ride sites at Sniperley, Belmont, and Howlands, with buses into the centre.
Cycling
- Riverside and city routes link the centre to the surrounding areas.
- The C2C (Sea to Sea) long-distance cycle route passes through County Durham.
- Cycle parking in the city centre and at the railway station.
Driving & Parking
- The A1(M) runs to the east of the city; the A167 and A690 serve Durham.
- The medieval centre is compact and partly pedestrianised — parking there is very limited.
- Use city-centre car parks such as Prince Bishops and The Gates, or the Park & Ride.
Schools & Education
School places for maintained schools are managed by Durham County Council, and the city is home to Durham University.
School Admissions
Apply for primary and secondary school places through Durham County Council. Each stage has its own deadline — check the council's admissions pages for the current year's key dates.
Durham County Council admissions →Our Education Guide
See our Durham education page for an overview of schools, the university, tutors, and useful links for families.
Schools & education in Durham →Health Services
A&E, GPs, dentists, and pharmacies in and around Durham.
Emergencies & A&E
- University Hospital of North Durham has a 24-hour A&E for serious or life-threatening emergencies.
- Call 999 for a life-threatening emergency.
- For urgent but non-emergency help, call NHS 111 (free, 24/7).
GPs & Dentists
- Find and register with a local GP practice at nhs.uk using your postcode.
- Search for NHS dentists taking new patients at nhs.uk.
Pharmacies
- Pharmacies across the city centre and suburbs offer advice and repeat prescriptions.
- Check nhs.uk for opening hours and late-opening pharmacies.
Mental Health
- NHS 111 can direct you to urgent mental health support, day or night.
- In a crisis, call 999 or go to your nearest A&E.
Council Services
Durham is served by Durham County Council, a unitary authority based at County Hall.
Bin Collections
Durham County Council runs kerbside collections. Check your collection day by postcode at durham.gov.uk.
Report an Issue
Report potholes, fly-tipping, and street lighting faults through the council's website.
Planning Applications
View and comment on local planning applications through the Durham County Council planning portal.
Local Councillors
Find the councillors for your area, and council meeting details, on the Durham County Council website.
Libraries
Clayport Library on Millennium Place is the city's central library, with lending, computers, and events.
Recycling
Kerbside recycling plus Household Waste Recycling Centres across the county — find your nearest at durham.gov.uk.