- 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 on Sep 19
$13
Average ticket price on Sep 19
$15
Fastest journey on Sep 19
3 h 5 m
Average journey duration on Sep 19
3 h 33 m
Buses on Sep 19
3
Distance
163 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Edinburgh to Sunderland is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Edinburgh to Sunderland will cost around $15 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $13.
On Sat, Sep 19, we found 3 buses from Edinburgh to Sunderland, including 2 direct services.
On Sat, Sep 19 the direct buses cover the 163 km distance in an average of 3 h 33 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 3 h 5 m .
On Sat, Sep 19 the slowest buses will take 4 h 13 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.
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBusOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Edinburgh to Sunderland among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $21 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 20m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.1kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $21, while a flight costs an average of $550.
Distance: 101 miles (163 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$21 Average price Cheapest | $47 Average price | $550 Average price | $90 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 49m Average total duration 3h 19m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 20m Average total duration Fastest 1h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 45m Average total duration 2h 45m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 2h 54m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions | 0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | 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 Edinburgh to Sunderland:
A bus is $25 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Edinburgh to Sunderland costing on average $47.
A bus is $529 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Edinburgh to Sunderland costing on average $550.
Other travel options to Sunderland take longer:
Flight takes on average 2h 45m.
Bus takes on average 3h 19m.
Tickets start at around $21 compared to roughly $90 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $68. The journey takes 3h 19m versus 2h 54m 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 FlixBus.
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 London North Eastern Railway | Departure Time 06:55AM | Arrival Time 11:07AM | Duration 4h12 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $21 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:55AM | Arrival Time 12:30PM | Duration 3h35 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $15 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:05AM | Arrival Time 12:25PM | Duration 3h20 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $10 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:37PM | Arrival Time 11:50PM | Duration 4h13 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $16 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:45PM | Arrival Time 11:50PM | Duration 3h05 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $11 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:45PM | Arrival Time 12:50AM | Duration 3h05 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $41 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:05PM | Arrival Time 01:10AM | Duration 3h05 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $37 |
The table below shows live departures for Edinburgh to Sunderland buses for today, Friday, September 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus · FlixBus | 7:37 PM Edinburgh, Drum Brae South | 4h13 | 11:50 PM Sunderland, Interchange | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus | 8:45 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 3h05 | 11:50 PM Sunderland, Interchange | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX598 | 9:45 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 3h05 | 12:50 AM Sunderland, Interchange | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Saturday, September 19 | |||||
FlixBus | 9:05 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 3h20 | 12:25 PM Sunderland, Interchange | 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 Edinburgh to Sunderland run on average 3 times per day, taking around 3h 19m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $9 if you book in advance.
There are 2 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 02:15, the last at 23:40. The fastest bus covers the 101 miles (163 km) distance in 3h 5m.
Distance 101 miles (163 km) |
Average bus duration 3h 19m |
Cheapest ticket price $9 |
Buses per day 3 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 3h 5m |
First bus 2:15 AM |
Last bus 11:40 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 1 day |
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 Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh to Sunderland buses use the Edinburgh, Bus Station to Sunderland, Interchange station pair. Use this guide to compare Edinburgh and Sunderland bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Edinburgh, Bus Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Café at the Station (in the station), Sandwich Shop (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Edinburgh, Bus Station.
Available at Edinburgh, Bus Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Edinburgh, Bus Station: Elevators, 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