How much does it cost to travel to Durham

Evan Kingsley wrote on 9/24/2023. Last updated: 11/10/2024

Is Durham Expensive?

Well, isn't that the million-dollar question? Just kidding, you'll definitely not need that much! The truth is, the cost of your jaunt to Durham really depends on your plan and preferences. Like a multi-layered cake, we have four primary "tiers" of travel style: lean and mean, economy, comfy standard, and the oh-so-luxurious. So let's get the wheels moving and dive into what each budget might look like!

Average Costs in Durham

Minimal Budget

For budget travellers, Durham can be quite a bargain! An average daily spend would be about £20-£40. This includes simple, inexpensive meals, public transportation, and free or low-cost activities like exploring the Durham Cathedral.

Economy Budget

Just a step above minimal, this budget tier averages around £50-70 daily. More restaurant meals are included, as well as some paid attractions.

Coins in jar
A transparent jar labeled 'TRAVEL' packed with coins and topped with a small globe, representing saving for a travel budget.

Standard Budget

A standard budget offers a comfortable level of travel. Expect to spend between £80-£110 per day on meals, lodging, and activities.

Luxury Budget

If luxury is your game, Durham has plenty to offer! Your expenditure per day could range from £120 upwards. Think high-end dining, fancy accommodation, private tours, and more.

Cost of Flights to Durham

Minimal Budget

Well, if you're gaming on a shoestring budget, you might want to consider land options like coaches or trains. But for flights, the cheap seats on budget airlines or off-peak times could cost around £30-£50.

Economy Budget

You might find yourself forking out around £80-£110 for economy flights, particularly if you plan wisely and book well in advance.

Standard Budget

Standard flights, perhaps with a little extra legroom and a better snack pack, could set you back £120-£180.

Luxury Budget

First-class, baby! Or at least, business class. Be ready to part with upwards of £200 for a slice of this high-flying luxury.

Cost of Transport in Durham

Minimal Budget

The real shoestring option is to utilise those two excellent appendages at the end of your legs—yes, I mean walking. For longer journeys, expected to spend around £3-£5 per day on local buses.

Economy Budget

For around £6-£10 per day you could step up to daily travelcards on Durham's public transport net or occasionally call for a local taxi.

Standard Budget

Rental cars land in this section, with a price tag around £20-£30 per day. Remember to account for the cost of fuel and parking as well!

Luxury Budget

Planning on zipping around town in style? A chauffeur-driven car might be just your speed. On average, this could set you back roughly £60-£80 per day.

Cost of Accommodation in Durham

Minimal Budget

No-frills style accommodation like hostels or budget hotels, could be as low as £15-£30 per night.

Economy Budget

For a mid-range hotel, you'll be looking at £40-£60 per night.

Standard Budget

Standard upmarket hotels are likely to charge anywhere between £70-£100 per night.

Luxury Budget

For the high rollers, the deluxe hotels and boutique B&B's could set you back around £120 and over per night.

Cost of Activities in Durham

Minimal Budget

Budget travellers can indulge in the city's rich heritage by visiting free attractions like the Durham Cathedral and Durham Markets. Guided tours will cost around £5.

Economy Budget

Expect to spend around £20-£30 on paid activities like visiting Beamish Museum or Durham Castle.

Standard Budget

Up the ante with theatre shows, concerts or perhaps a relaxing spa day. This can set you back anywhere between £40-£60.

Luxury Budget

How about a private tour or a hot air balloon ride? These bespoke experiences can easily cost upwards of £80.

Cost of Restaurants, Food and Wine in Durham

Minimal Budget

Supermarket snacks, cheaper eateries and perhaps an occasional pint can have you spending about £10-£20 a day.

Economy Budget

With slightly more elegant dining options and a few rounds of drinks, you could spend a jolly good £25-£40

Standard Budget

Get all gastronomical with Durham's fantastic restaurant scene, perhaps even throwing in some local wine. Expect to spend around £50-£70 daily.

Travel budget planning
A person calculates travel expenses with money, a smartphone, and a map on the desk, symbolizing budget management for a trip.

Luxury Budget

Michelin-starred dining and world-class wines, anyone? Prices can vary greatly based upon your delightful choices, but expect to part with £100 or more daily.

And there you have it! A complete Durham travel budget guide wrapped up with a bow. Just remember that costs will vary, and all the numbers provided are average estimates. But hey, isn't that part of the adventure? Happy planning!


Evan Kingsley

Evan Kingsley

Hey, I’m Evan! Even though I’ve been bitten by a piranha, left stranded in the Sahara when my camel ditched me, and even spent a night in a Bhutanese jail over a supposedly stolen fruit (I swear I didn’t take it!), I still love traveling so much I don’t think I’ll ever stop. With over 130 countries under my belt, I’m always on the lookout for the next wild adventure… hopefully with fewer bites, camel betrayals, and misunderstandings over fruit!

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