Manchester to Sunderland bus with National Express

Thu 15 Oct
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Manchester to Sunderland

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 15 Oct

Cheapest price on 15 Oct

£11

Average ticket price on 15 Oct

£15

Fastest journey on 15 Oct

3 h

Average journey duration on 15 Oct

3 h 17 m

Buses on 15 Oct

10

Distance

168 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Manchester to Sunderland is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Manchester to Sunderland will cost around £15 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £11.

Fast coaches

On Thu 15 Oct, we found 10 buses from Manchester to Sunderland, including 8 direct services.

These direct buses cover the 168 km distance in an average of 3 h 17 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 3 h .

The slowest buses will take 3 h 40 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.

  • FlixBusFlixBus
    8:403h15
    Manchester, Shudehill Interchange
    11:55Sunderland, Interchange
    £111One-way
    0 changes
  • FlixBusFlixBus
    15:503h15
    Manchester, Shudehill Interchange
    19:05Sunderland, Interchange
    £111One-way
    0 changes
  • FlixBusFlixBus
    11:503h15
    Manchester, Shudehill Interchange
    15:05Sunderland, Interchange
    £111One-way
    0 changes
  • National ExpressNX170 · NX172
    21:106h45
    Manchester, Coach Station
    3:55Sunderland, Interchange
    £151One-way
    1 change
  • National ExpressNX172
    15:453h55
    Manchester, Coach Station
    19:40Sunderland, Interchange
    £151One-way
    0 changes

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Manchester to Sunderland

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Manchester to Sunderland run on average 11 times per day, taking around 3h 24m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £6 if you book in advance.

There are 7 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 00:01, the last at 23:56. The fastest coach covers the 168 km distance in 3h 0m.

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
168 km
Average bus duration
3h 24m
Cheapest ticket price
£6
Buses per day
11
Direct buses
7
Fastest bus
3h 0m
First bus
0:01
Last bus
23:56
Cheapest Month
May
Cheapest Day
Tue
High Season
Oct - Dec
Low Season
Jul - Sept
Busiest Day
Tue
Least Busy Day
Wed
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

Live departures

Manchester to Sunderland bus times

The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Sunderland coaches for tomorrow, Thursday 15 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
National ExpressNX1720:15 Manchester, Coach Station
3h40
3:55 Sunderland, Interchange0 changesdirect
National ExpressNX1727:00 Manchester, Coach Station
3h40
10:40 Sunderland, Interchange0 changesdirect
FlixBusFlixBus8:40 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange
3h15
11:55 Sunderland, Interchange0 changesdirect
National ExpressNX170 · NX4269:40 Manchester, Coach Station
4h00
13:40 Sunderland, Interchange1 change
National ExpressNX17211:35 Manchester, Coach Station
3h40
15:15 Sunderland, Interchange0 changesdirect
FlixBusFlixBus11:50 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange
3h15
15:05 Sunderland, Interchange0 changesdirect
National ExpressNX17215:45 Manchester, Coach Station
3h55
19:40 Sunderland, Interchange0 changesdirect
FlixBusFlixBus15:50 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange
3h15
19:05 Sunderland, Interchange0 changesdirect
National ExpressNX17219:30 Manchester, Coach Station
3h00
22:30 Sunderland, Interchange0 changesdirect
National ExpressNX170 · NX17221:10 Manchester, Coach Station
6h45
3:55 Sunderland, Interchange1 change

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Why should you book Manchester to Sunderland coaches with Omio?

National Express as well as FlixBus offer coaches services from Manchester to Sunderland.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Manchester 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 FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Manchester 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 train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Manchester 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 FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Manchester to Sunderland.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Manchester to Sunderland.

Bus providers: National Express, FlixBus from Manchester to SunderlandYou can travel by bus between Manchester to Sunderland with National Express, FlixBus for as low as £6. 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
3h 15m
Cheapest FlixBus Price
£6
FlixBus frequency
3 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
3h 0m
Cheapest National Express Price
£12
National Express frequency
9 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.

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

Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens

Main city museum covering Sunderland’s history, archaeology, and changing exhibitions. A practical introduction to the city and region.

  • 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.

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.

Best day trips from Sunderland by bus

The most popular day trips by bus from Sunderland are Durham, York and Middlesbrough. Find out what you can do in these day trip destinations and how to book your bus from Sunderland on Omio.

A view of Durham

Day trip from Sunderland to Durham by bus

Why visit Durham for the day?

Durham is best known for its Norman cathedral and castle above the River Wear. The city feels historic and compact, with old streets and a lively university atmosphere.

How to get from Sunderland to Durham by bus?

The earliest coach runs at 06:00, the last at 18:40.

A view of York

Day trip from Sunderland to York by bus

Why visit York for the day?

York is known for its Roman and Viking heritage, medieval streets and the imposing York Minster. Its compact centre, old walls and busy mix of shops, pubs and museums make it easy to grasp the city's historic character.

How to get from Sunderland to York by bus?

There are 1 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 03:55, the last at 23:35. The fastest coach covers the 107 km distance in 2h 10m.

A view of Middlesbrough

Day trip from Sunderland to Middlesbrough by bus

Why visit Middlesbrough for the day?

Middlesbrough is a Teesside town known for its industrial roots, especially steelmaking and the Transporter Bridge. Its Victorian centre and MIMA gallery give it a practical, cultural character with easy access to nearby moorland.

How to get from Sunderland to Middlesbrough by bus?

There are 9 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 00:05, the last at 23:55. The fastest coach covers the 38 km distance in 40m.

FAQs: Manchester to Sunderland coach

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester 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.

FAQs
Cheap coach tickets from Manchester to Sunderland can start from as little as £6 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Manchester to Sunderland is £19; 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 Manchester to Sunderland is 3h 0m to travel the 168 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 Manchester to Sunderland leaves at 0:01. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Manchester to Sunderland leaves at 23:56.
Yes, there are 7 direct coaches a day from Manchester to Sunderland with National Express, FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct coaches.
When taking a coach from Manchester to Sunderland, you can count on National Express, FlixBus for the best way to get you to Sunderland. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Manchester and Sunderland and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
When departing from Manchester , you have various coach station options to start your route from including Manchester, Coach Station, Manchester, Airport, Manchester, Shudehill Interchange . When arriving in Sunderland , you can end your route in coach stations like Sunderland, Interchange, Newcastle upon Tyne, John Dobson Street.Passengers board the coach most frequently from Manchester, Coach Station, 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.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Manchester and Sunderland including taking a train, coach and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Manchester to Sunderland:
  • National Express
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Accessible toilets.
  • FlixBus
    • Assistance
    • Priority boarding
    • Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Manchester to Sunderland for coach company National Express, FlixBus.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Manchester to Sunderland depends on the coach companies:
  • 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 Manchester to Sunderland.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Manchester to Sunderland:
  • 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 Manchester to Sunderland:
  • 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 Manchester 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 Manchester to Sunderland with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Manchester to Sunderland with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Manchester to Sunderland with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus.

popular bus stations

Important Stations and Airports in Manchester and Sunderland

Most Manchester to Sunderland buses use the Manchester, Coach Station to Sunderland, Interchange station pair. Use this guide to compare Manchester and Sunderland bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.

Departure bus stations in Manchester
Arrival bus stations in Sunderland

Which Manchester station do buses to Sunderland leave from?

Buses from Manchester to Sunderland leave from Manchester, Coach Station. The station is from Manchester city centre at Chorlton St, Manchester M1 3JF, United Kingdom.
Manchester, Coach StationChorlton St, Manchester M1 3JF, United KingdomWifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Office
City-centre transport

Getting to Manchester, Coach Station from Manchester city centre

Bus42A, 43, 42, 101, 85, 85A, 111, 263, 142, 143, 87, 41, 18, 33, 86, 15, 250, 42B, 42C, 103, 102 · 1m · £2 · every ~231 min

Manchester, Coach Station bus station facilities and services

Manchester, Coach Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.

Food and drink

Food options include: Café at the Station (in the station), Fast Food Express (in the station).

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located within the station for cash withdrawals.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Manchester, Coach Station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Manchester, Coach Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester, Coach Station: Ramps, assistance.

Manchester, AirportManchester Airport, Manchester M90 3RR, United KingdomWifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCShowerTicket Office
City-centre transport

Getting to Manchester, Airport from Manchester city centre

Manchester, Airport is 2 km from Manchester city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainLiverpool Lime Street - Manchester Airport, Manchester Piccadilly - Crewe, Blackpool North - Manchester Airport, Barrow-in-Furness - Manchester Airport, Windermere - Manchester Airport, Manchester Piccadilly - Wilmslow, Manchester Piccadilly - Manchester Airport, Millom - Manchester Airport, Lancaster - Manchester Airport, Manchester Oxford Road - Manchester Airport, Corkickle - Manchester Airport, Preston - Manchester Airport · 17m · £5 · every ~9 min
BusUk980, Uk076, Uk074, Uk072, Ukn23 · 30m · £1 · every ~2 min
43, 103 · 1h 2m · £2 · every ~29 min
43, 103 · 1h 6m · £2 · every ~29 min
TramNavy Line · 51m · £4 · every ~16 min
Navy Line · 54m · £4 · every ~8 min

Manchester, Airport bus station facilities and services

Manchester, Airport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.

Food and drink

Food options include: Burger King (in the station), Giraffe (in the station).

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located throughout the airport, offering multiple currency options.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Manchester, Airport.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Manchester, Airport: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester, Airport: Elevators, ramps, assistance.

Manchester, Shudehill InterchangeShudehill Interchange, Manchester M4 2AF, United KingdomWifiParkingATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Office
City-centre transport

Getting to Manchester, Shudehill Interchange from Manchester city centre

Bus163, 118, 119, 18, 112, 114, 117, 81 · 3m · £2 · every ~69 min
TramBlue Line, Navy Line, Green Line, Yellow Line · 2m · £2 · every ~23 min

Manchester, Shudehill Interchange bus station facilities and services

Manchester, Shudehill Interchange has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange: Elevators, ramps.

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