Durham Station is a hub of art, innovation and history. When the train pulls into Main Street, Durham Performing Arts Center is on your right and downtown streets are filled with pedestrians.
Two trains an hour north to Newcastle and one south to Edinburgh Waverley stop here. Other services pass through occasionally.
Parking
When it comes to parking at Durham Station, you have a variety of options. You can park on the street, in a parking lot, or in a parking garage. Parking garages are typically the most expensive option, but they offer the most convenience and protection from the elements. Street parking is also available, but it can be difficult to find a spot during peak hours. Parking lots are typically less expensive than parking on the street, but they may require a permit to park.
The Durham Station Transportation Center is a key hub for the City’s public transit system. It connects people to jobs, shopping, and dining in the region, while reducing traffic congestion. Its design is a celebration of the City’s rich cultural history, while reflecting its modernity and mobility. The articulation of the roof forms, masonry, and concrete reflect the industrial context of the location while embracing its future role as a public gathering space.
Getting to Treats Cafe & Tea Room in Durham can be challenging if you’re parked on the street. The best way to avoid a ticket is to reserve your parking in advance with JustPark. You can use our app to find and book a space within walking distance of Durham Station, so you can start your visit stress-free.
Transit
At Durham Station, the former tobacco town’s history and heart are on full display. The train station is surrounded by downtown streets buzzing with pedestrians and businesses supporting a vibrant community of artists and makers. The Durham Performing Arts Center (DPAC) with its gleaming glass and sloped roof is a stunning example of urban revitalization.
The station is served by several local bus routes. The 10 bus departs from the platform level of the train station and travels to New Hope Commons, where you’ll find dozens of clothing stores and restaurants. Need an office supply from Target or need to satisfy your Chick-fil-A craving? Then take the 10 and ride 42 stops to your destination.
As buses converge at the Durham Station Transportation Center, congestion and limited curbside space create challenges for speed and reliability. The City is working to develop conceptual designs for street improvements to improve bus service in the area.
Despite the 40% decrease in GoDurham ridership during the COVID-19 pandemic, many people rely on transit for essential trips such as groceries and medical care. It is critical that the City provides safe alternatives to driving, such as temporary walking paths using underutilized road capacity, or partnerships with e-scooter companies currently operating in Durham, so more riders can continue to get where they need to go.
Shopping
If you’re in the mood to spend your cash, downtown Durham offers one-of-a-kind boutiques for all types of shoppers. From an artsy clock shop to a swanky jewelry store, shoppers will find something to keep them looking stylish. For those who prefer a bargain, there’s also a plethora of thrift stores and resale shops to explore. Shoppers can also purchase a SpendaBull gift card, which works like a Mastercard and is good at participating merchants around town.
The Streets at Southpoint offers a blend of nationally known department stores and quaint independent boutiques. Its brick facades, charming faux advertisements and undulating architecture pay tribute to Durham’s rich history in agriculture and finance. The mall also features a wide variety of restaurants and specialty stores, and a regular slate of street performances brings it to life. Ninth Street and Brightleaf Square are other popular college area shopping destinations that offer many more restaurants and unique stores.
EV drivers in Durham are welcomed with a host of perks including free charging at city-owned stations, reduced charging rates and tax credits and incentives. The benefits of driving electric include cost savings, improved resale value and lower maintenance costs. The city is continuing to expand its EV charging station network, so make sure you check out the EV map for a list of locations.
Dining
A variety of casual restaurants at the Durham Station offer a chance to sit, relax and eat a bite to eat after your day of transit. Whether you’re craving a fresh juice or a veggie burger, these eateries are the perfect place to stop and recharge.
When the Durham Food Hall first opened last year, locals rushed to check it out. The sizable operation is a hive of chef-driven concepts that prioritize sustainability and local sourcing. While three vendors (Lula & Sadie’s, Afters Dessert Bar and Bowerbird Flowers and Apothecary) left the space in 2022 when their leases expired, owner Lisa Mueller says the hall acted as a successful incubator.
The new space features an array of food options including a coffee spot, a beer bar and breakfast/lunch/dinner options. It’s A Southern Thing Kitchen & Bar serves Southern-inspired dishes like shrimp and grits and fried chicken with mac n cheese, while Rose’s Noodles, Dumplings & Sweets serves Chinese, Japanese and other East Asian cuisine.
The Durham Station also boasts an expansive patio. Here, you can enjoy the beautiful weather and people watch while dining at one of the many casual restaurants. Laid-back hipster hideaway Flat White Kitchen has lots of light bites for a not-too-filling lunch, including rustic sandwiches and fluffy jacket spuds. Or, try NanaSteak, a high-energy upscale restaurant serving up amazing downtown Durham views with incredible steaks and cocktails.
