- Must visit
Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens
Major local museum with natural history, archaeology, ceramics, and art. A strong introduction to Sunderland's people and heritage.
Cheapest price
$24
Average price
$31
Fastest journey
10 h 10 m
Average duration
10 h 10 m
Buses per day
2
Distance
392 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Bristol to Sunderland is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Bristol to Sunderland will cost around $31 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $24.
Of the 2 buses that leave Bristol for Sunderland on Thu, Aug 06, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Aug 06 the direct buses cover the 392 km distance in an average of 10 h 10 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 10 h 10 m .
On Thu, Aug 06 the slowest buses will take 10 h 10 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.




Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Bristol to Sunderland among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $24. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 2m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $24, and a train costs an average of $76.
Distance: 243 miles (392 km)
Most popular Bus | Flight | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$38 Average price Cheapest | $88 Average price | $131 Average price | $115 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
8h 55m Average total duration 8h 25m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 2m Average total duration Fastest 1h 2m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 5h 45m Average total duration 5h 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 58m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.4 - 1.0kg CO2 emissions | 1.2 - 2.3kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Bristol to Sunderland:
A bus is $50 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Bristol to Sunderland costing on average $88.
A bus is $93 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Bristol to Sunderland costing on average $131.
Other travel options to Sunderland take longer:
Train takes on average 5h 15m.
Bus takes on average 8h 25m.
Tickets start at around $38 compared to roughly $115 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $77. The journey takes 8h 25m versus 4h 58m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Direct services are operated by Megabus.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:45AM | Arrival Time 01:45PM | Duration 10h00 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:55AM | Arrival Time 06:05PM | Duration 10h10 | Departure days Mon, Thu | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:55AM | Arrival Time 07:05PM | Duration 10h10 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:50PM | Arrival Time 03:40AM | Duration 10h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue | Cheapest price $39 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:05PM | Arrival Time 03:10AM | Duration 10h05 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $34 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:30PM | Arrival Time 05:10AM | Duration 10h40 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $53 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:30PM | Arrival Time 06:10AM | Duration 10h40 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $59 |
The table below shows live departures for Bristol to Sunderland buses for today, Wednesday, August 5. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 8:55 AM Bristol | 10h10 | 7:05 PM Sunderland | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 5:05 PM Bristol | 10h05 | 3:10 AM Sunderland | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus, train, and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Buses from Bristol to Sunderland run on average 10 times per day, taking around 8h 25m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $24 if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 00:25, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 243 miles (392 km) distance in 9h 55m.
Distance 243 miles (392 km) |
Average bus duration 8h 25m |
Cheapest ticket price $24 |
Buses per day 10 |
Fastest bus 9h 55m |
First bus 12:25 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 7 days |
Discover the best of Sunderland — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Sunderland trip today.
Major local museum with natural history, archaeology, ceramics, and art. A strong introduction to Sunderland's people and heritage.
National museum on Sunderland's industrial riverfront. It explores shipbuilding, coal mining, and local innovation with large exhibits.
Contemporary gallery in the city centre showing changing exhibitions, Northern art, and projects linked to Sunderland's cultural scene.
Seafront district with sandy beach, promenade, lighthouse views, and regular events. It is Sunderland's classic area for coastal walks.
Broad urban beach and promenade south of Roker. Popular for sea views, exercise, and a classic North East seaside atmosphere.
Large country park with lakes, sculpture trail, and wide walking routes. It is a favourite local green space with expansive open views.
Stottie cake is a dense North East flat loaf, often filled with ham and pease pudding. It is a beloved regional staple found in homes, cafes, and bakeries.
Pease pudding is a smooth split-pea spread or side, traditionally served with ham or in a stottie. It is a classic Sunderland and wider Tyneside comfort food.
Panackelty is a slow-cooked North East casserole of corned beef, potatoes, onions, and root vegetables. It is traditional working-class comfort food in Wearside.
Stylish independent restaurant known for creative British cooking and polished service in a relaxed city setting.
Well-regarded Italian restaurant popular for pizza, pasta, and friendly service, with a lively but comfortable atmosphere.
Established seafood spot near the seafront, known for fish and chips and classic British takeaway favourites.
Moderate for the UK. Hotels, meals, and local transport are usually cheaper than London, with good value dining and relatively low day-to-day tourist costs.
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common for good service if not already added. Round up for taxis. Cafes usually do not expect tips.
Official public transport app
Sunderland Interchange -> Park Lane Interchange, Sunderland
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bristol to Sunderland by bus. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Sunderland, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Bristol to Sunderland buses use the Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) to Sunderland, Interchange station pair. Use this guide to compare Bristol and Sunderland bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Bristol, University Queens Road has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafes and eateries in vicinity.
Wi-Fi is available at Bristol, University Queens Road. ATMs are aTMs available at nearby locations.
Ticket office support is available at Bristol, University Queens Road.
Available at Bristol, University Queens Road: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bristol, University Queens Road: Wheelchair accessible via ramps.
Sunderland, Interchange has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Fast food outlets available.
Free WiFi available in waiting areas. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Sunderland, Interchange.
Available at Sunderland, Interchange: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Sunderland, Interchange: Step-free access throughout.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need