- 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 20
$11
Average ticket price on Sep 20
$11
Fastest journey on Sep 20
52 m
Average journey duration on Sep 20
52 m
Trains on Sep 20
1
Distance
42 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Thornaby to Sunderland is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Thornaby to Sunderland will cost around $11 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $11.
On Sun, Sep 20, we found 1 trains from Thornaby to Sunderland, including 1 direct services.
On Sun, Sep 20 the direct trains cover the 42 km distance in an average of 52 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 52 m .
On Sun, Sep 20 the slowest trains will take 52 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 train as it is the most popular option from Thornaby to Sunderland among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, 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. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $11, while a bus costs an average of $12.
Distance: 26 miles (42 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$11 Average price Cheapest | $12 Average price | $11 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 20m Average total duration 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 12m Average total duration Fastest 42m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 41m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Thornaby to Sunderland:
A train is $0.95 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Thornaby to Sunderland costing on average $12.
Other travel options to Sunderland take longer:
Train takes on average 50m.
Tickets start at around $11 compared to roughly $11 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $0.26. The journey takes 50m versus 41m 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.
Direct services run with Northern Rail.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
Compare train 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 Thornaby to Sunderland run on average 10 times per day, taking around 50m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $3 if you book in advance.
There are 9 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 06:12, the last at 22:21. The fastest train covers the 26 miles (42 km) distance in 44m.
Distance 26 miles (42 km) |
Average train duration 50m |
Cheapest ticket price $3 |
Trains per day 10 |
Direct trains 9 |
Fastest train 44m |
First train 6:12 AM |
Last train 10:21 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 2 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 Thornaby 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 Thornaby to Sunderland trains use the Thornaby to Sunderland station pair. Use this guide to compare Thornaby and Sunderland train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Thornaby is 2 km from Thornaby city centre. Public transport options include:
Thornaby has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Thornaby.
Wi-Fi is available at Thornaby.
Ticket office support is available at Thornaby.
Available at Thornaby: Parking, WC.
Available at Thornaby: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Thornaby: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step free access is provided from the station entrance to the platform. This station is partially staffed. The station staffing hours are: Monday to Saturday: 05:45 - 19:45 Sunday: 08:45 - 17:30 This station is Category A. Station staff can provide assistance throughout the 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. Assistance can be requested in advance by contacting the TransPennine Express Assisted Travel Team on 0800 107 2149 (18001 prefix for TextRelay). Outside of staffed station hours, assistance to board and alight the train can be provided by the Conductor. The conductor is usually positioned at the rear of the train. Customers requiring assistance to navigate through the station when the station is unstaffed are requested to contact the TransPennine Express Assisted Travel Team on 0800 107 2149 (18001 prefix for TextRelay) to arrange alternative transport to the closest station where assistance can be provided, 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 toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: During Staff Help times as shown above, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
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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