The latest station usage statistics reveal significant insights into the popularity of railway stations in County Durham and Darlington.

Durham station is the most frequently used, with nearly 2.5 million entries and exits recorded between April 2022 and March 2023. 

Newcastle is its main destination, accounting for over a million journeys to and from Durham.

This high train traffic reflects Durham's position as a major location for both commuters and tourists visiting the historic city.

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Following closely, Darlington station reports more than 2.2 million entries and exits, with London Kings Cross as its main destination, indicating a substantial number of long-distance travellers from the North East on the East Coast Mainline.

The most and least used train station in County Durham and Darlington:

Station Name Entries and Exits Main Origin or Destination Station Number of Journeys To or From Main Origin or Destination Station Durham 2,446,734 Newcastle 1,046,552 Darlington 2,219,678 London Kings Cross 425,558 Bishop Auckland 153,564 Darlington 45,304 Chester-Le-Street 118,086 Newcastle 74,998 Seaham 110,570 Newcastle 54,768 Horden 99,564 Newcastle 39,362 Newton Aycliffe 85,142 Darlington 22,958 Shildon 56,968 Darlington 15,922 North Road (Darlington) 47,222 Middlesbrough 10,364 Heighington 35,028 Bishop Auckland 8,828

 

Bishop Auckland, though smaller, maintains a steady usage of over 150,000 entries and exits, with most trips directed to Darlington, underscoring its role in regional connectivity.

Smaller stations like Chester-le-Street, Seaham, and Horden each handle between 99,000 and 118,000 entries and exits. These stations mainly link to Newcastle, showcasing Newcastle's status as a central hub for regional commuting.

Meanwhile, Newton Aycliffe and Shildon see lower usage, primarily with journeys to Darlington.