- Must visit
The Fitzwilliam Museum
Major university museum with classical sculptures, paintings, antiquities, and decorative arts. Strong choice for a broad first visit.
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Sunderland to Cambridge among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £51 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 3h 15m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £51, while a flight costs an average of £98.
Distance: 317 km
| Coach | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
£51 Average Price Cheapest | £90 Average Price | £98 Average Price | £61 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
13h 55m Average total duration 13h 25m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 6m Average total duration 3h 36m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 15m Average total duration Fastest 1h 15m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 4h 2m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Sunderland to Cambridge:
A coach is £39 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Sunderland to Cambridge costing on average £90.
A coach is £47 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Sunderland to Cambridge costing on average £98.
Other travel options to Cambridge take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 36m.
Coach takes on average 13h 25m.
Tickets start at around £51 compared to roughly £61 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £10. The journey takes 13h 25m versus 4h 2m 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.
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.
Compare train, coach 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.
Buses from Sunderland to Cambridge run on average 1 times per day, taking around 13h 25m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £40 if you book in advance.
The earliest coach runs at 02:20, the last at 23:55. The fastest coach covers the 317 km distance in 10h 55m.
Distance 317 km |
Average bus duration 13h 25m |
Cheapest ticket price £40 |
Buses per day 1 |
Fastest bus 10h 55m |
First bus 2:20 |
Last bus 23:55 |
Cheapest Month Sept |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Discover the best of Cambridge — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cambridge trip today.
Major university museum with classical sculptures, paintings, antiquities, and decorative arts. Strong choice for a broad first visit.
Contemporary art gallery in a former chapel, showing changing exhibitions by modern and international artists near the city centre.
Museum of Earth sciences with dinosaur skeletons, fossils, and minerals. Compact, family-friendly, and useful for a rainy day.
Riverside green linking college backs and open meadows. Ideal for walking, punting views, and classic Cambridge photographs.
Lively square and shopping area with the market, historic streets, and buskers. A practical starting point for exploring the old centre.
Historic lane of colleges, chapels, and gateways. A rewarding walk for architecture, student atmosphere, and easy access to central sights.
A Cambridge creation: a rich dessert of vanilla ice cream, raspberry sauce, whipped cream and meringue, long associated with Cambridge college dining.
A traditional Cambridgeshire farm dish of braised beef or mutton with onions and root vegetables, reflecting the county’s rural cooking heritage.
An old East Anglian fruit preserve made from windfall apples slowly cooked to a dark, tangy spread, once common in Cambridgeshire households.
Refined British tasting menus in an elegant, intimate setting just outside the city centre.
Long-running riverside restaurant known for modern European cooking and views over the Cam in a smart but relaxed room.
Popular city-centre pub serving cask ales and hearty British food in a lively, historic atmosphere.
Cambridge is pricier than many UK cities. Hotels and dining are above average, but walking and buses help keep transport costs manageable.
Service may be included in restaurants; otherwise tip around 10% for good service. Taxis are often rounded up or tipped 10%. Cafés usually do not expect tips.
Official public transport app
Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece) -> Cambridge City Centre
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Sunderland to Cambridge 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 Cambridge, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Sunderland to Cambridge buses use the Sunderland, Interchange to Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece) station pair. Use this guide to compare Sunderland and Cambridge bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like 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 options include: Fast food outlets available.
Free WiFi available in waiting areas. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Sunderland, Interchange.
Available at Sunderland, Interchange: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Sunderland, Interchange: Step-free access throughout.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need