- Must visit
Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens
Main city museum covering Sunderland’s history, archaeology, and changing exhibitions. A practical introduction to the city and region.
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Cardiff to Sunderland
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 18 Sept
Cheapest price on 18 Sept
£26
Average ticket price on 18 Sept
£28
Fastest journey on 18 Sept
10 h 55 m
Average journey duration on 18 Sept
11 h 38 m
Buses on 18 Sept
3
Distance
399 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Cardiff to Sunderland is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Sunderland will cost around £28 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £26.
Fast coaches
On Fri 18 Sept, we found 3 buses from Cardiff to Sunderland, including 3 direct services.
These direct buses cover the 399 km distance in an average of 11 h 38 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 10 h 55 m .
The slowest buses will take 12 h 35 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.
18:4511h25Cardiff6:10Sunderland£261One-way0 changes
15:1510h55Cardiff2:10Sunderland£281One-way0 changes- 0:4012h35Cardiff13:15Sunderland£301One-way0 changes
- 15:1510h55Cardiff2:10Sunderland£281One-way0 changes
- 18:4511h25Cardiff6:10Sunderland£261One-way0 changes
- 0:4012h35Cardiff13:15Sunderland£301One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare coach and train for Cardiff to Sunderland
Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Sunderland among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £63 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 6h 21m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £63, while a train costs an average of £344.
Distance: 399 km
Compare bus with
Most popular Coach | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£63 Average Price Cheapest | £344 Average Price | £82 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
10h 26m Average total duration 9h 56m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 21m Average total duration Fastest 5h 51m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 42m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Most popular bus company |  Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Cardiff to Sunderland is a coach with an average price of £63.
This is compared to other travel options from Cardiff to Sunderland:
A coach is £281 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cardiff to Sunderland costing on average £344.
The fastest way to travel from Cardiff to Sunderland is by train with an average journey time of 5h 51m.
Other travel options to Sunderland take longer:
Coach takes on average 9h 56m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cardiff and Sunderland including taking a coach and train.
Take the bus. It's the cheapest way to make this trip, and the price gap is usually bigger than people expect.
Tickets start at around £63 compared to roughly £82 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £19. The journey takes 9h 56m versus 5h 42m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Direct services are operated by Megabus.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
Live departures
Cardiff to Sunderland bus times
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Sunderland coaches for today, Thursday 17 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8:20 Cardiff | 10h50 | 19:10 Sunderland | 1 change | |
| 11:20 Cardiff | 9h25 | 20:45 Sunderland | 1 change | |
| 13:40 Cardiff | 9h05 | 22:45 Sunderland | 1 change | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cardiff to Sunderland by coach or train
Compare coach and 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.
Fri
18 Sept
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19 Sept
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Why should you book Cardiff to Sunderland coaches with Omio?
National Express as well as Megabus or FlixBus offer coaches services from Cardiff to Sunderland.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cardiff to Sunderland.
Why book with Omio vs National Express?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for National Express, but also compare tickets for the likes of Megabus or FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Sunderland.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare National Express with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cardiff to Sunderland.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Megabus or FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Sunderland.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Cardiff to Sunderland.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Cardiff to Sunderland
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Cardiff to Sunderland run on average 8 times per day, taking around 9h 56m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £63 if you book in advance.
The earliest coach runs at 01:40, the last at 23:55. The fastest coach covers the 399 km distance in 8h 45m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance 399 km |
Average bus duration 9h 56m |
Cheapest ticket price £63 |
Buses per day 8 |
Fastest bus 8h 45m |
First bus 1:40 |
Last bus 23:55 |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jul - Sept |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 14 days |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Bus providers: National Express, Megabus, FlixBus from Cardiff to SunderlandYou can travel by bus between Cardiff to Sunderland with National Express, Megabus, FlixBus for as low as £63. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
About
FlixBus is one of Europe’s leading low-cost bus companies, founded in Germany and now offering long-distance services across Europe and the United States. In addition to its extensive daytime network, FlixBus also operates overnight buses on select European routes. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets to charge devices, extra legroom, luggage space, and onboard toilets, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. FlixBus offers a single Standard ticket type for all routes, which includes one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. Additional fees apply for extra luggage and for reserving specific seats, such as Extra Seats, Table Seats, or Panorama Seats. This combination of affordability, comfort, and wide coverage makes FlixBus a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average FlixBus Duration
10h 55m
Cheapest FlixBus Price
£28
FlixBus frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for a fee; must be booked.
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed; guide dogs travel for free.
National Express
About
National Express is the UK’s leading long-distance coach company, operating over 550 services per day and serving more than 900 destinations nationwide. It also runs frequent services to major UK airports — including Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, and Bristol — 24 hours a day. All National Express coaches are air-conditioned and offer free Wi-Fi and onboard entertainment. Most vehicles are equipped with seat belts and power outlets at every seat, allowing you to charge your phone or laptop during your journey. Ticket options include Restricted Fare, Standard Fare, and Fully Flexible Fare, with the latter providing maximum flexibility for cancellations or changes.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average National Express Duration
8h 45m
Cheapest National Express Price
£63
National Express frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Additional luggage
10€ per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a refund minus a cancellation fee. Changes can be up to 24 hours before departure for a fee.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Accessible toilets.
Bikes
Folding Bikes are allowed; non-folding bikes are not allowed.
Megabus
About
Megabus is a low-cost intercity bus service operating across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Known for its affordable fares, including promotional $1 tickets, Megabus offers routes connecting over 500 cities and university campuses in North America. The company provides amenities such as air conditioning, power outlets, free Wi-Fi, and onboard restrooms, with many routes utilizing double-decker buses for scenic views. Megabus aims to provide safe, convenient, and affordable express bus travel.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Megabus Duration
10h 20m
Cheapest Megabus Price
£32
Megabus frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
One piece of luggage is included per passenger reservation. For guidance, a piece of luggage must not exceed 62 inches (length + width + height) and should not weigh more than 50 pounds (23kg).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased by buying an additional travel ticket in advance or by adding up to two additional pieces when booking for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
Megabus reservations cannot be canceled or refunded, but they can be traded in for another journey up to 3 hours before your original scheduled departure for a fee.
Refund
If Megabus fails to provide on-time reliable service for reasons wholly within their control, refunds or alternative travel arrangements may be offered.
Pregnant on board
Being pregnant on board is allowed, but no specific details or restrictions are provided.
Unaccompagned minor
Unaccompanied minors under the age of 17 are not permitted to travel on Megabus.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cold food and drinks, as well as hot drinks with a lid, are allowed on board, but hot food is not.
Seat reservation
Reserved seats can be purchased for an additional fee, starting from £2.
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Megabus is ADA-compliant and provides assistance to customers with disabilities, including those using wheelchairs or mobility scooters, and those with service animals.
Complete guide to Sunderland
Things to do in Sunderland
Discover the best of Sunderland — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Sunderland trip today.
- Must visit
National Glass Centre
Glass-focused museum with exhibitions, demonstrations, and studio activity reflecting Sunderland’s industrial heritage and creative scene.
- Recommended
North East Land, Sea and Air Museums
Volunteer-run museum at the restored station featuring vintage trams, buses, and transport displays. Best for engineering and family visits.
- Must visit
Roker Beach
Long sandy seafront with promenade, cafés nearby, and broad views. Popular for walking, sea air, and classic coastal Sunderland scenes.
- Recommended
Seaburn
Seaside area north of Roker with beach, promenade, and open views. A relaxed place for walks and a local feel beyond the city centre.
- Recommended
Mowbray Park
Historic public park beside the museum and winter gardens. It offers flower beds, monuments, and a central green break in the city.
- Gluten-free
Panackelty
Panackelty is a North East comfort dish of layered potatoes, onions and corned beef or bacon, slowly baked. It is a long-standing Wearside home staple.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Pease Pudding
Pease pudding is a thick split-pea savoury paste, often served with ham or stotties. It is a classic staple across Sunderland and the wider North East.
Stottie Cake
Stottie cake is a dense round North East bread, usually split and filled with ham and pease pudding. It is strongly associated with local working-class food culture.
Latimer's Seafood Deli and Cafe
Popular seafront seafood restaurant at Roker serving fish, shellfish and classic British dishes in a relaxed modern setting.
Angelo's Ristorante
Well-known city centre Italian restaurant with pizzas, pasta and grilled dishes. Lively, dependable and good for casual meals.
Spice Empire
Established Indian restaurant known for curries, tandoori dishes and friendly service. Comfortable setting close to the city centre.
Pound sterling (£)
Generally cheaper than London and many UK tourist cities, with lower hotel rates, modest dining prices and reasonably priced local transport.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £6-12 for fast food or a basic meal.
- Mid-range
- £15-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £45+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £2.50-4 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common for good service if not already added. Round up taxi fares; cafés usually do not expect tips.
Pop
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2.50
- Day pass
- £5.00
To the city centre
Sunderland Interchange -> Sunderland Railway Station
- Distance
- 0.8 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- On Tyne and Wear Metro, Pop Pay As You Go caps adult single fares at £2.50 and day fares at £5.00.
- Stagecoach says contactless payment is available on all its buses. Check operator ticket validity before boarding if changing between bus and Metro.
FAQs: Cardiff to Sunderland coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Sunderland by coach. 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 coach, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Sunderland, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap coach tickets from Cardiff to Sunderland can start from as little as £63 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Cardiff to Sunderland is £63; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by coach from Cardiff to Sunderland is 8h 45m to travel the 399 km long route. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest coach from Cardiff to Sunderland leaves at 1:40. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Cardiff to Sunderland leaves at 23:55.
There are 8 coaches a day from Cardiff to Sunderland which require at least one change with National Express, Megabus, FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.
When taking a coach from Cardiff to Sunderland, you can count on National Express, Megabus, FlixBus for the best way to get you to Sunderland. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Cardiff and Sunderland and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
When departing from Cardiff , you have various coach station options to start your route from including Cardiff, Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens), Cardiff, University . When arriving in Sunderland , you can end your route in coach stations like Sunderland, Interchange.Passengers board the coach most frequently from Cardiff, Sophia Gardens, which is located around away from the city centre, and they get off the coach at Sunderland, Interchange, located 0 away from the city centre.
A trip to Sunderland from Cardiff is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 8h 45m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Cardiff to Sunderland is October.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cardiff and Sunderland including taking a coach and train.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Cardiff to Sunderland:
- Megabus
- Megabus is ADA-compliant and provides assistance to customers with disabilities, including those using wheelchairs or mobility scooters, and those with service animals.
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Cardiff to Sunderland for coach company National Express, Megabus, FlixBus.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Cardiff to Sunderland depends on the coach companies:
- Megabus
- Megabus reservations cannot be canceled or refunded, but they can be traded in for another journey up to 3 hours before your original scheduled departure for a fee.
- National Express
- You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a refund minus a cancellation fee. Changes can be up to 24 hours before departure for a fee.
- FlixBus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the coach with coach company National Express, FlixBus.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
No, there is no food available to purchase on board the coach from Cardiff to Sunderland.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Cardiff to Sunderland:
- Megabus
- One piece of luggage is included per passenger reservation. For guidance, a piece of luggage must not exceed 62 inches (length + width + height) and should not weigh more than 50 pounds (23kg).
- National Express
- Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a coach ticket from Cardiff to Sunderland:
- Megabus
- Additional luggage can be purchased by buying an additional travel ticket in advance or by adding up to two additional pieces when booking for a fee.
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the coach from Cardiff to Sunderland. The following conditions apply:
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Cardiff to Sunderland with the following coach company: National Express, Megabus, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Cardiff to Sunderland with the following coach company: National Express, Megabus, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Cardiff to Sunderland with the following coach company: National Express, Megabus, FlixBus.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cardiff and Sunderland
Most Cardiff to Sunderland buses use the Cardiff, Sophia Gardens to Sunderland, Interchange station pair. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Sunderland bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Cardiff
Arrival bus stations in Sunderland
Which Cardiff station do buses to Sunderland leave from?
Buses from Cardiff to Sunderland leave from Cardiff, Sophia Gardens. The station is 1 km from Cardiff city centre at Cardiff Coach Station, Sophia Gardens, 2 Sophia Cl, Pontcanna, Cardiff CF11 9HW, UK.
Cardiff, Sophia GardensCardiff Coach Station, Sophia Gardens, 2 Sophia Cl, Pontcanna, Cardiff CF11 9HW, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Cardiff, Sophia Gardens from Cardiff city centre
Bus25, 62, 63, 25A, 64 · 3m · £2 · every ~14 min
C1 · 16m · every ~8 min
Cardiff, Sophia Gardens bus station facilities and services
Cardiff, Sophia Gardens has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens. ATMs are available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens: Basic accessibility features available.
Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)Cardiff North Road (Friary Gardens), Cardiff CF10 3AF, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) from Cardiff city centre
TRUE
Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) bus station facilities and services
Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens). ATMs are available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens).
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens): Accessible for passengers with reduced mobility.
Cardiff, University
City-centre transport
Getting to Cardiff, University from Cardiff city centre
TrainCardiff Central - Merthyr Tydfil, Cardiff Central - Treherbert, Cardiff Central - Pontypridd, Aberdare - Merthyr Tydfil, Cardiff Central - Radyr, Radyr - Radyr · 6m · £0.90 · every ~8 min
BusC1 · 18m · every ~8 min
Which Sunderland station do buses from Cardiff arrive at?
Buses from Cardiff to Sunderland arrive at Sunderland, Interchange. Sunderland, Interchange is from Sunderland city centre.
Sunderland, InterchangeSunderland Interchange, Sunderland SR1 3NX, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Sunderland, Interchange from Sunderland city centre
Bus35, 24, 61, 32, 36, 62, 63, 700N · 4m · every ~30 min
SubwayGrn · 1m · £4 · every ~19 min
Sunderland, Interchange bus station facilities and services
Sunderland, Interchange has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Fast food outlets available.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free WiFi available in waiting areas. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Sunderland, Interchange.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Sunderland, Interchange: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Sunderland, Interchange: Step-free access throughout.
Most popular bus connections from Cardiff
More options for your journey from Cardiff to Sunderland
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Sunderland and Cardiff
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