- Must visit
MIMA, Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art
Major contemporary art museum with changing exhibitions, public art, and Teesside links, making it the town's cultural flagship.
Cheapest price
€5
Average price
€9
Fastest journey
40 m
Average duration
42 m
Buses per day
8
Distance
38 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Sunderland to Middlesbrough is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Sunderland to Middlesbrough will cost around €9 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €5.
Of the 8 buses that leave Sunderland for Middlesbrough on Tue, Aug 04, 8 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, Aug 04 the direct buses cover the 38 km distance in an average of 42 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 40 m .
On Tue, Aug 04 the slowest buses will take 45 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
NX172
NX172
NX172
NX172
NX172
NX172
FlixBus
FlixBusBuses from Sunderland to Middlesbrough run on average 6 times per day, taking around 44m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €5 but you can travel from only €3 by train.
There are 6 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:05, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 23 miles (38 km) distance in 40m.
Distance 23 miles (38 km) |
Average bus duration 44m |
Cheapest ticket price €5 |
Buses per day 6 |
Direct buses 6 |
Fastest bus 40m |
First bus 12:05 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 14 days |
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:05AM | Arrival Time 12:45AM | Duration 0h40 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €7 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:30AM | Arrival Time 06:10AM | Duration 0h40 | Departure days Tue, Thu | Cheapest price €9 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:50AM | Arrival Time 06:30AM | Duration 0h40 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €7 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:25AM | Arrival Time 08:10AM | Duration 0h45 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €12 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:20AM | Arrival Time 09:10AM | Duration 0h50 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price €10 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:55AM | Arrival Time 09:40AM | Duration 0h45 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €8 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:15AM | Arrival Time 10:00AM | Duration 0h45 | Departure days Tue, Thu | Cheapest price €12 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:00AM | Arrival Time 10:45AM | Duration 0h45 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price €11 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:15AM | Arrival Time 11:00AM | Duration 0h45 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €12 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:30PM | Arrival Time 02:15PM | Duration 0h45 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €7 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:15PM | Arrival Time 03:00PM | Duration 0h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Sat | Cheapest price €5 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:35PM | Arrival Time 03:15PM | Duration 0h40 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price €9 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:05PM | Arrival Time 06:45PM | Duration 0h40 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €7 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:45PM | Arrival Time 11:25PM | Duration 0h40 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price €10 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:55PM | Arrival Time 11:40PM | Duration 0h45 | Departure days Wed, Fri | Cheapest price €6 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:45PM | Arrival Time 12:25AM | Duration 0h40 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price €9 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:55PM | Arrival Time 12:40AM | Duration 0h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price €5 |
The table below shows live departures for Sunderland to Middlesbrough buses for today, Monday, August 3. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus | 11:55 PM Sunderland, Interchange | 0h45 | 12:40 AM Middlesbrough, Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Tuesday, August 4 | |||||
NX172 | 12:05 AM Sunderland, Interchange | 0h40 | 12:45 AM Middlesbrough, Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX172 | 5:30 AM Sunderland, Interchange | 0h40 | 6:10 AM Middlesbrough, Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX172 | 8:55 AM Sunderland, Interchange | 0h45 | 9:40 AM Middlesbrough, Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX133 | 9:15 AM Sunderland, Interchange | 0h45 | 10:00 AM Middlesbrough, Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX172 | 1:30 PM Sunderland, Interchange | 0h45 | 2:15 PM Middlesbrough, Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 2:15 PM Sunderland, Interchange | 0h45 | 3:00 PM Middlesbrough, Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX172 | 6:05 PM Sunderland, Interchange | 0h40 | 6:45 PM Middlesbrough, Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Discover the best of Middlesbrough — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Middlesbrough trip today.
Major contemporary art museum with changing exhibitions, public art, and Teesside links, making it the town's cultural flagship.
Interactive local history museum in Stewart Park, best known as the birthplace of Captain Cook and for family-friendly displays.
Specialist railroad museum at Preston Park displaying the story of the Stockton and Darlington Railway with engines and archives.
Large park with lakes, woodland, and the Captain Cook museum, ideal for family walks, wildlife, and relaxed outdoor time.
Popular hilltop viewpoint on the edge of town, known for panoramic Teesside views, woodland trails, and the Captain Cook monument.
Central public square framed by civic buildings, events, and public art; a practical starting point for exploring the town centre.
The Teesside version of the parmo: breaded chicken or pork topped with béchamel and cheese, then grilled. It is the area's best-known takeaway classic.
A soft white bun split and filled with pease pudding, ham or other savoury fillings. Common across North East England and still familiar on Teesside.
Rich beef stew slow-cooked with ale, often linked to Yorkshire and the North East. A hearty pub staple suited to the region's industrial heritage.
Refined tasting-menu restaurant by Tommy Banks inside a historic pub. Known for seasonal Yorkshire produce and polished but relaxed fine dining.
Well-regarded modern British restaurant in Yarm with steaks, seafood and classics. Smart, lively setting popular for reliable special-occasion dining.
Established gastro pub in Nunthorpe serving hearty British favourites, Sunday roasts and drinks in a stylish but approachable local setting.
More affordable than larger UK cities, with cheaper hotels, meals, and local transport for most visitors.
Service is often included only at some restaurants; otherwise tip 10-12.5% for good service. Round up taxi fares. Tipping in cafes is optional.
Official public transport app
Middlesbrough Bus Station -> Middlesbrough Railway Station
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Sunderland to Middlesbrough 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 Middlesbrough, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Sunderland to Middlesbrough buses use the Sunderland, Interchange to Middlesbrough, Bus Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Sunderland and Middlesbrough bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need