- Must visit
The Whitworth
University art gallery in nearby Manchester known for historic and contemporary collections, strong temporary exhibitions, and a park-side setting.
Cheapest price
$45
Average price
$69
Fastest journey
4 h 20 m
Average duration
4 h 37 m
Trains per day
7
Distance
181 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Sunderland to Manchester Airport is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Sunderland to Manchester Airport will cost around $69 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $45.
Of the 7 trains that leave Sunderland for Manchester Airport on Sun, Jun 21, 7 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Jun 21 the direct trains cover the 181 km distance in an average of 4 h 37 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 20 m .
On Sun, Jun 21 the slowest trains will take 4 h 56 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 Sunderland to Manchester Airport among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $6. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 45m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $6, and a flight costs an average of $123.
Distance: 112 miles (181 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$76 Average price | $21 Average price Cheapest | $387 Average price | $51 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 15m Average total duration Fastest 3h 45m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 45m Average total duration 4h 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 11m Average total duration 7h 11m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 2h 47m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Sunderland to Manchester Airport:
A bus is $55 (€45) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Sunderland to Manchester Airport costing on average $76 (€62).
A bus is $367 (€300) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Sunderland to Manchester Airport costing on average $387 (€317).
Other travel options to Manchester Airport take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 15m.
Flight takes on average 7h 11m.
Tickets start at around $76 (€62) compared to roughly $51 (€42) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-24.65 (€-20.18). The journey takes 3h 45m versus 2h 47m 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 Sunderland to Manchester Airport trains for today, Saturday, June 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
C31761+ G15906+ G89217+ A29164 | On time 8:23 AM Sunderland station (SUN) | 4h47 | 1:10 PM Manchester Airport (MIA) | 3 transfers | |
C31768+ W84906 | On time 9:31 AM Sunderland station (SUN) | 4h13 | 1:44 PM Manchester Airport (MIA) | 1 transfer | |
P28650+ W29878+ C04457+ G89857 | On time 9:56 AM Sunderland station (SUN) | 4h04 | 2:00 PM Manchester Airport (MIA) | 3 transfers | |
This is the last train 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.
Trains from Sunderland to Manchester Airport run on average 6 times per day, taking around 3h 45m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $45 (€37) but you can travel from only $6 (€5) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 07:00, the last at 17:00. The fastest train covers the 112 miles (181 km) distance in 3h 29m.
Distance 112 miles (181 km) |
Average train duration 3h 45m |
Cheapest ticket price $45 (€37) |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 3h 29m |
First train 7:00 AM |
Last train 5:00 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Discover the best of Manchester Airport — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Manchester Airport trip today.
University art gallery in nearby Manchester known for historic and contemporary collections, strong temporary exhibitions, and a park-side setting.
Major university museum with natural history, archaeology, and cultural collections; one of the region's best all-round museums.
One of Manchester's signature museums, covering industry, transport, computing, and the city's role in the Industrial Revolution.
One of the best plane-spotting areas in the United Kingdom and a distinctive experience right next to the airport.
Historic canal-side district with warehouses, bridges, waterside walks, and a strong industrial character popular with visitors.
Scenic estate walks, woodland trails, and gardens around Quarry Bank, ideal for a half-day heritage and nature visit.
A classic local dessert with shortcrust pastry, raspberry jam, custard, coconut, and a cherry, long associated with Greater Manchester school dinners.
A traditional Greater Manchester pastry from nearby Eccles, filled with currants, butter, and sugar inside flaky pastry.
A famous Lancashire and Greater Manchester speciality made from pork blood, oats, and seasoning, often served in a full breakfast.
A popular airside airport gastropub in Terminal 1 known for British comfort food, beers, and a relaxed pre-flight atmosphere.
An established Italian restaurant at Manchester Airport with polished service, classic dishes, and a more upscale terminal dining option.
A long-running airport restaurant serving Italian staples in a casual sit-down setting, suitable for travellers wanting a full meal.
Airport prices are higher than city averages, but UK chain cafes and fast food keep basic meals manageable.
Service is often included or optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is typical if not added. No tip needed for counter service; round up taxis if you wish.
Official public transport app
Manchester Airport Station, Manchester -> Manchester Piccadilly Station, Manchester
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Sunderland to Manchester Airport 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 Manchester Airport, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Sunderland to Manchester Airport trains use the Sunderland to Manchester Victoria station pair, with some services arriving at Manchester Airport. Use this guide to compare Sunderland and Manchester Airport train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
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.
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.
St Peters has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, WC, Hotel, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at St Peters.
Wi-Fi is available at St Peters. ATMs are available at St Peters.
Available at St Peters: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at St Peters: Bike Parking.
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.
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