- 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
$59
Average ticket price on Sep 19
$121
Fastest journey on Sep 19
3 h 18 m
Average journey duration on Sep 19
3 h 24 m
Trains on Sep 19
12
Distance
168 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Manchester to Sunderland is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Manchester to Sunderland will cost around $121 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $59.
It's difficult to get from Manchester to Sunderland without transferring at least once.
W84659+
G80204+
TW050400
G15984+
TW053200
C24585+
C31781
G16206+
G80207+
TW051800
C01248+
Y14849
C01248+
Y14849
C24907+
TW047400
G15984+
TW053200
G16314+
G80233+
TW046000
G16206+
G80207+
TW051800Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Manchester to Sunderland among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $26 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 29m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $26, while a flight costs an average of $520.
Distance: 104 miles (168 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$69 Average price | $26 Average price Cheapest | $520 Average price | $48 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 29m Average total duration Fastest 2h 59m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 54m Average total duration 3h 24m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 26m Average total duration 2h 26m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 3h 16m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus 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 Manchester to Sunderland:
A bus is $43 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Manchester to Sunderland costing on average $69.
A bus is $495 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Manchester to Sunderland costing on average $520.
Other travel options to Sunderland take longer:
Train takes on average 2h 59m.
Bus takes on average 3h 24m.
You'll arrive about 17m sooner (2h 59m by train vs 3h 16m by car). Tickets start at around $69 compared to roughly $48 in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Sunderland trains for today, Friday, September 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G15879+ TW034800+ G80209 | Delayed 7:45 AM 8:45 AMManchester Victoria (MCV) | 3h12 | 11:57 AM Sunderland station (SUN) | 2 transfers | |
C24526+ G80251+ C55826 | Delayed 2:44 PM 3:45 PMManchester Victoria (MCV) | 3h17 | 7:02 PM Sunderland station (SUN) | 2 transfers | |
C24869+ G80257+ C55897 | Delayed 3:46 PM 4:45 PMManchester Victoria (MCV) | 3h17 | 8:02 PM Sunderland station (SUN) | 2 transfers | |
C24538+ C55796+ G80263 | On time 5:45 PM Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 3h17 | 9:02 PM Sunderland station (SUN) | 2 transfers | |
| Saturday, September 19 | |||||
G15897+ C31777 | 7:59 AM Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 3h29 | 11:28 AM Sunderland station (SUN) | 1 transfer | |
W84659+ G80204+ TW050400 | 8:13 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h32 | 11:45 AM Sunderland station (SUN) | 2 transfers | |
W85167+ C31829 | 8:24 AM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO) | 3h59 | 12:23 PM Sunderland station (SUN) | 1 transfer | |
G16206+ G80207+ TW051800 | 8:30 AM Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 3h28 | 11:58 AM Sunderland station (SUN) | 2 transfers | |
G15984+ TW053200 | 8:45 AM Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 3h24 | 12:09 PM Sunderland station (SUN) | 1 transfer | |
C24585+ C31781 | 8:59 AM Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 3h33 | 12:32 PM Sunderland station (SUN) | 1 transfer | |
C01245+ C31800 | 11:59 AM Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 3h32 | 3:31 PM Sunderland station (SUN) | 1 transfer | |
W84682+ TW045000+ G80230 | 12:13 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h32 | 3:45 PM Sunderland station (SUN) | 2 transfers | |
G16314+ G80233+ TW046000 | 12:30 PM Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 3h27 | 3:57 PM Sunderland station (SUN) | 2 transfers | |
C24907+ TW047400 | 12:45 PM Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 3h24 | 4:09 PM Sunderland station (SUN) | 1 transfer | |
C01248+ Y14849 | 12:59 PM Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 3h18 | 4:17 PM Sunderland station (SUN) | 1 transfer | |
W84687+ G80236+ TW052000 | 1:13 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h32 | 4:45 PM Sunderland station (SUN) | 2 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, bus, 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.
Trains from Manchester to Sunderland run on average 8 times per day, taking around 2h 59m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $35 but you can travel from only $7 by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:56. The fastest train covers the 104 miles (168 km) distance in 2h 34m.
Distance 104 miles (168 km) |
Average train duration 2h 59m |
Cheapest ticket price $35 |
Trains per day 8 |
Fastest train 2h 34m |
First train 12:01 AM |
Last train 11:56 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 14 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 Station -> Sunderland Interchange
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester to Sunderland by train. 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 train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Sunderland, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Manchester to Sunderland trains use the Manchester Victoria to Sunderland station pair, with some services arriving at Seaburn. Use this guide to compare Manchester and Sunderland train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Manchester Victoria has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Car Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Manchester Victoria.
Ticket office support is available at Manchester Victoria.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Manchester Victoria: Parking, WC.
Available at Manchester Victoria: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Victoria: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A station, Scooter Friendly Station - Step free access around the whole station via use of lifts between platforms 3-6, connection with Manchester Metrolink using ramps, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Accepts Cash & Cards Located near the ticket office, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: As per ticket office opening hours, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Manchester Airport is 13 km from Manchester city centre. Public transport options include:
Manchester Airport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Manchester Airport.
Wi-Fi is available at Manchester Airport. ATMs are available at Manchester Airport.
Ticket office support is available at Manchester Airport. Information desks are information available from staff: ,Yes - from help point,Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0800 107 2149, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Available at Manchester Airport: Parking, WC.
Available at Manchester Airport: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Airport: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: re Step free access is provided from the Ground Transport Interchange to all platforms via lifts or ramps. This station is staffed for all services. This station is Category A. Station staff can provide assistance from Meeting Point 1 (adjacent to the Station Booking Office) and throughout the railway station, and with boarding and alighting the train. Customers requiring assistance should make themselves known to station staff no less than 20 minutes prior to the departure time of their train. Customers requiring assistance to access other services or to connect with terminals should request this from their airline or Manchester Airport Group. Assistance can be requested in advance by contacting the TransPennine Express Assisted Travel Team on 0800 107 2149 (18001 prefix for TextRelay). Please be aware that some platforms at this station have no or only partial tactile paving on the platform edge, Accessible public telephones: In the station cafe on platforms 2 and 3, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Manchester Piccadilly has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: Burger King, Caffè Nero, Carluccio’s, Hotel Chocolat, Starbucks, The Pasty Shop, Costa Coffee, Pret a Manger, Upper Crust, McDonald's, & more
Pay as you go Wi-Fi is available through BT Wi-Fi. ATMs are there are ATM machines on the main concourse, Platform 10 and on the mezzanine level.
The ticket office is open Mon - Sat: 04:30 - 22:30, Sun: 07:00 - 22:30. Information desks are located near the Fairfield Street entrance on the mezzanine level.
Luggage storage is operated by Excess Baggage Co. Llocated between Platforms 10 and 11 and open daily from 08:00 to 21:00.
Available at Manchester Piccadilly: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Manchester Piccadilly: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Piccadilly: There is step-free access throughout the station. Ramps for train access and wheelchairs are also available.
Nearby hotels include DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Manchester - Piccadilly, Premier Inn Manchester City, Staycity Aparthotels - Manchester Piccadilly.
Sunderland has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Sunderland.
Ticket office support is available at Sunderland.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Sunderland: Parking.
Available at Sunderland: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Sunderland: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A station, Lifts to all platforms for disabled passengers from the North end of the station. Open for all services, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Located on the North Concourse and accepts cash and cards, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: As per ticket office opening hours, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Seaburn is 2 km from Sunderland city centre. Public transport options include:
Seaburn has practical services for this route, including Dining, WC, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Seaburn.
Available at Seaburn: WC.
Available at Seaburn: Bike Parking.
Stadium of Light is 1 km from Sunderland city centre. Public transport options include:
Stadium of Light has practical services for this route, including Dining, ATM, WC, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Stadium of Light.
ATMs are available at Stadium of Light.
Available at Stadium of Light: WC.
Available at Stadium of Light: Bike Parking.
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