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Travel Information
Compare train and coach 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 prices starting from £32. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 5h 51m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £32, and a train costs an average of £113.
Distance: 399 km
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Coach |
|---|---|
£193 Average Price | £44 Average Price Cheapest |
6h 21m Average total duration Fastest 5h 51m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 15m Average total duration 9h 45m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
 Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Cardiff to Sunderland train times
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Sunderland trains for today, Friday 20 March. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at 06:57
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12:50 Cardiff | 6h15 | 19:05 Sunderland | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cardiff to Sunderland by train or coach
Compare train and coach 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.
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Why should you book Cardiff to Sunderland trains with Omio?
CrossCountry as well as Cross Country or first_great_western offer trains 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 CrossCountry?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for CrossCountry, but also compare tickets for the likes of Cross Country or first_great_western 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 CrossCountry with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cardiff to Sunderland.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Cardiff to Sunderland.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cardiff to Sunderland
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Cardiff to Sunderland run on average 4 times per day, taking around 5h 51m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £113 but you can travel from only £32 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 05:07, the last at 17:56. The fastest train covers the 399 km distance in 6h 15m.
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £32
Distance 399 km |
Average train duration 5h 51m |
Cheapest ticket price £113 |
Trains per day 4 |
Fastest train 6h 15m |
First train 05:07 |
Last train 17:56 |
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £32
Train companies: CrossCountry, Cross Country, first_great_western from Cardiff to Sunderland trainsCrossCountry, Cross Country, first_great_western trains will get you between Cardiff and Sunderland from £32. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
CrossCountry
About
CrossCountry is a fast-speed train operator in the United Kingdom, offering both express and regional services across the country. Express services, such as the CrossCountry Voyager and XC Trains, provide quick and comfortable journeys with amenities like free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a selection of snacks and drinks. Regional services, including the CrossCountry Regional and Regional Express, make more local stops for a leisurely trip. Ticket options include Standard Class and First Class, as well as Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak fares to suit different budgets and schedules. Popular routes include London to Birmingham, Manchester to Edinburgh, and Bristol to Reading.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
6h 15m
Cheapest Price
£113
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage storage areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled services
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require ticket
Quiet zone
Cross Country
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
6h 15m
Cheapest Price
£350
Cross Country frequency
4 a day
first_great_western
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
6h 7m
Cheapest Price
£358
first_great_western frequency
7 a day
FAQs: Cardiff to Sunderland train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff 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.
The cost of a train ticket from Cardiff to Sunderland can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £113, while the average price tends to be around £193.
The train journey from Cardiff to Sunderland covers a distance of 399 km and takes approximately 6h 15m. Trains run 4 per day.
The train distance from Cardiff to Sunderland is 399 km.
The first train from Cardiff to Sunderland leaves at 5:07.
The last train from Cardiff to Sunderland departs at 17:56.
Trains from Cardiff to Sunderland run approximately 4 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Cardiff to Sunderland.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Cardiff to Sunderland.
To get from Cardiff to Sunderland, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Cardiff to Sunderland.
The train station in Cardiff that goes to Sunderland is Cardiff Central (CDF), and it arrives at Sunderland station (SUN).
The cheapest way to get from Cardiff to Sunderland is by coach, costing approximately £32.
Booking trains from Cardiff to Sunderland in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Cardiff to Sunderland offers a mix of urban and rural scenery, including views of rolling countryside, charming towns, and glimpses of the coastline, particularly as you travel through areas in Wales and northern England.
A day trip from Cardiff to Sunderland is not feasible due to the travel duration of 6h 15m. However, there are 3 trains per day for this route, covering a distance of 399 km.
A 2 to 3-day visit to Sunderland is typically sufficient to explore its main attractions, including the Sunderland Museum, Winter Gardens, and Roker Beach, while also allowing time to enjoy local dining and shopping experiences.
Yes, you can take the train from Cardiff to Sunderland.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cardiff and Sunderland
Cardiff
Sunderland
The major train station for departures in Cardiff is Cardiff Central. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Cardiff Central for your trip from Cardiff to Sunderland.
Amenities at train station
Wifi
Shopping
Parking
Dining
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Lounge
Lost and Found Office
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Bike Rental
Car Rentalinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sat: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sun: 07:30 - 21:30
Wifi
- Free Wi-Fi in the station.
Shopping
- Type of shops available: News agent and convenience store
Parking
- Car Park: Brewery Car park
Dining
- Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen
- Pret a Manger
- Tesco Express
Taxis
- Taxi: Taxi rank is on the right as you exit the main station entrance
Accessibility
- There is step-free access in the whole station. There are also ramps for train access and elevators in the station.
WC
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platforms 1 to 8. The National Key toilets are located in the East Subway near the lifts and on Platform 8; these toilets are operated by a radar key and are only available during staffing hours.
- National key toilets: Yes
- National key toilets location: The National Key/Accessible toilets are located in the East Subway near the lifts and on Platform 8; these toilets are operated by a RADAR key and are only available during staffing hours.
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
Hotel
- Clayton Hotel Cardiff
- Cardiff Marriott Hotel
- Travelodge Cardiff Central
Lounge
- Waiting rooms location: On platforms 1/2, 3/4, 6/7 and 8.
Ticket Office
- Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sat: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sun: 07:30 - 21:30
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: East end of platforms 1 and 2, 3 and 4, 6 and 7 - also at the front and rear of the station.
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transport options for Cardiff Central
- Commuter rail lines: City Line, Rhondda Line, Rhymney Line, Valley Line, South Wales Main Line
- Train lines: Transport for Wales, CrossCountry, Great Western Railway
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: At the rear car park (Penarth Road entrance)
Amenities at train station
ParkingDiningAccessibilityLost and Found OfficeBike ParkingBike Rentalinformation
Distance to city center
4 kmParking
- Car Park: No
Accessibility
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: No
- Step free access note: Category B3. The station is not suitable for wheelchair or powered mobility scooter users. Platform 1 (to Rhymney) has a long, steep access ramp. Platform 2 (to Cardiff) is only accessible via 41 steps. Customers travelling from the Rhymney Valley are advised to alight at Cardiff Queen Street and return to Heath Low Level.
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machine(s) do not accept cash. Payment is by major debit and credit cards only.
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
Public transport options for Heath High Level
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Wait outside station on Heath Halt Road
Amenities at train station
ParkingDiningAccessibilityLost and Found OfficeBike ParkingBike Rentalinformation
Distance to city center
3 kmParking
- Car Park: No
Accessibility
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: Category B. Step free access to the platform from Heath Halt Road.
- Accessible public telephones: Low level/text public phones.
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machine(s) do not accept cash. Payment is by major debit and credit cards only.
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
Public transport options for Heath Low Level
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Wait outside station on Heath Halt Road
The major train station for arrivals in Sunderland is Sunderland. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Sunderland for your journey to Sunderland from Cardiff.
Amenities at train station
ParkingDiningAccessibilityHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike Parkinginformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 06:15 - 18:00 Saturday 06:15 - 18:00 Sunday 08:00 - 17:00
Parking
- Car Park: No
Accessibility
- 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
Public transport options for Sunderland
- Onward travel information: Busline 0871 200 2233
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Pick Up / Drop Off in Fawcett Street, near to the Travel Centre entrance in Athenaeum Street, outside Wilkinsons.
- Metro: Tyne and Wear metro station close to the station. 0191 203 3333
Stadium of Light
Amenities at train station
DiningATMWCBike Parkinginformation
Distance to city center
1 kmMost popular train 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 trains to and from Sunderland and Cardiff
Most popular train connections to Sunderland
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