- 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
$8
Average ticket price on Sep 19
$13
Fastest journey on Sep 19
50 m
Average journey duration on Sep 19
50 m
Trains on Sep 19
20
Distance
38 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Middlesbrough to Sunderland is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Middlesbrough to Sunderland will cost around $13 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $8.
On Sat, Sep 19, we found 20 trains from Middlesbrough to Sunderland, including 19 direct services.
On Sat, Sep 19 the direct trains cover the 38 km distance in an average of 50 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 50 m .
On Sat, Sep 19 the slowest trains will take 50 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.
P28640
P28732
P28824
P28716
C31768
C31790
C31768
C31805
C31834
C31827Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Middlesbrough to Sunderland among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $11 For those with little time, consider booking a bus, which has an average total journey time of 1h 12m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.0kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $11, while a train costs an average of $12.
Distance: 23 miles (38 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$12 Average price | $11 Average price Cheapest | $11 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 26m Average total duration 56m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 12m Average total duration Fastest 42m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 40m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.0kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
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 Middlesbrough to Sunderland:
A bus is $0.22 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Middlesbrough to Sunderland costing on average $12.
Other travel options to Sunderland take longer:
Train takes on average 56m.
Tickets start at around $12 compared to roughly $11 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-0.45. The journey takes 56m versus 40m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Middlesbrough 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
C31786 | On time 12:41 PM Middlesbrough station (MBR) | 0h51 | 1:32 PM Sunderland station (SUN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
P28694 | On time 12:57 PM Middlesbrough station (MBR) | 0h58 | 1:55 PM Sunderland station (SUN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C31791 | On time 1:41 PM Middlesbrough station (MBR) | 0h50 | 2:31 PM Sunderland station (SUN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
P28704 | On time 1:57 PM Middlesbrough station (MBR) | 0h59 | 2:56 PM Sunderland station (SUN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C31800 | On time 2:40 PM Middlesbrough station (MBR) | 0h51 | 3:31 PM Sunderland station (SUN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
P28716 | On time 2:57 PM Middlesbrough station (MBR) | 0h57 | 3:54 PM Sunderland station (SUN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C31805 | On time 3:42 PM Middlesbrough station (MBR) | 0h50 | 4:32 PM Sunderland station (SUN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
P28824 | On time 3:57 PM Middlesbrough station (MBR) | 0h58 | 4:55 PM Sunderland station (SUN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C31817 | On time 4:43 PM Middlesbrough station (MBR) | 0h51 | 5:34 PM Sunderland station (SUN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
P28725 | On time 4:57 PM Middlesbrough station (MBR) | 0h58 | 5:55 PM Sunderland station (SUN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C03192+ Y14852 | On time 5:14 PM Middlesbrough station (MBR) | 1h07 | 6:21 PM Sunderland station (SUN) | 1 transfer | |
| Saturday, September 19 | |||||
P28640 | 8:06 AM Middlesbrough station (MBR) | 1h00 | 9:06 AM Sunderland station (SUN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C31768 | 8:40 AM Middlesbrough station (MBR) | 0h50 | 9:30 AM Sunderland station (SUN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
P28650 | 8:58 AM Middlesbrough station (MBR) | 0h57 | 9:55 AM Sunderland station (SUN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C31771 | 9:41 AM Middlesbrough station (MBR) | 0h51 | 10:32 AM Sunderland station (SUN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
P28662 | 9:57 AM Middlesbrough station (MBR) | 0h58 | 10:55 AM Sunderland station (SUN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C31777 | 10:36 AM Middlesbrough station (MBR) | 0h52 | 11:28 AM Sunderland station (SUN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and bus 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 Middlesbrough to Sunderland run on average 8 times per day, taking around 56m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $4 if you book in advance.
There are 8 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:48, the last at 22:15. The fastest train covers the 23 miles (38 km) distance in 50m.
Distance 23 miles (38 km) |
Average train duration 56m |
Cheapest ticket price $4 |
Trains per day 8 |
Direct trains 8 |
Fastest train 50m |
First train 5:48 AM |
Last train 10:15 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Sat |
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 Station -> Sunderland Interchange
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Middlesbrough 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 Middlesbrough to Sunderland trains use the Middlesbrough to Sunderland station pair. Use this guide to compare Middlesbrough and Sunderland train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Middlesbrough has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Middlesbrough.
Wi-Fi is available at Middlesbrough.
Ticket office support is available at Middlesbrough.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Middlesbrough: Parking, WC.
Available at Middlesbrough: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Middlesbrough: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step free access is provided from the station entrance to all platforms. Lifts are used to provide level access from the subway to both platforms, the booking hall and concourse. This station is staffed for all services. This station is Category A. Station staff can provide assistance throughout the station, and with boarding and alighting the train. Assistance can be requested in advance by contacting the TransPennine Express Assisted Travel Team on 0800 107 2149 (18001 prefix for TextRelay), Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machine is located within the Booking Hall, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
James Cook Hospital is 3 km from Middlesbrough city centre. Public transport options include:
James Cook Hospital has practical services for this route, including Parking, Accessibility, and Lost and Found Office.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at James Cook Hospital: Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at James Cook Hospital: Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category B station, Access to the platform via gently sloping ramp, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis can be found at the hospital, Ramp for train access: No, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
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.
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