- 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 trains from Cardiff to Sunderland
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 18 Sept
Cheapest price on 18 Sept
£75
Average ticket price on 18 Sept
£152
Fastest journey on 18 Sept
6 h 24 m
Average journey duration on 18 Sept
6 h 28 m
Trains on 18 Sept
2
Distance
399 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train 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 £152 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £75.
Fast trains
On Fri 18 Sept, we found 2 trains from Cardiff to Sunderland, including 2 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 399 km distance in an average of 6 h 28 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 6 h 24 m .
The slowest trains will take 6 h 32 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.
8:456h24Cardiff15:09Sunderland£751One-way0 changes- 9:496h32Cardiff16:21Sunderland£2291One-way0 changes
- 8:456h24Cardiff15:09Sunderland£751One-way0 changes
- 9:496h32Cardiff16:21Sunderland£2291One-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 £343.
Distance: 399 km
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£343 Average Price | £63 Average Price Cheapest | £81 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 21m Average total duration Fastest 5h 51m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 26m Average total duration 9h 56m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 42m 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 |
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 £280 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cardiff to Sunderland costing on average £343.
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 train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.
Tickets start at around £343 compared to roughly £81 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-261.70. The journey takes 5h 51m versus 5h 42m 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.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
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.
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18 Sept
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Why should you book Cardiff to Sunderland trains with Omio?
CrossCountry as well as Cross Country, Great Western Railway (GWR), Transport for Wales and more 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, Great Western Railway (GWR) or Transport for Wales 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 bus and train 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 bus and train 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 6 times per day, taking around 5h 51m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £311 but you can travel from only £63 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 05:07, the last at 17:56. The fastest train covers the 399 km distance in 5h 35m.
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 £63
Distance 399 km |
Average train duration 5h 51m |
Cheapest ticket price £311 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 5h 35m |
First train 5:07 |
Last train 17:56 |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jul - Sept |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 1 day |
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 £63
Train companies: CrossCountry, Cross Country, Great Western Railway (GWR), Transport for Wales from Cardiff to Sunderland trainsCrossCountry, Cross Country, Great Western Railway (GWR), Transport for Wales trains will get you between Cardiff and Sunderland from £63. 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 CrossCountry Duration
6h 15m
Cheapest CrossCountry Price
£75
CrossCountry frequency
7 a day
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 Cross Country Duration
6h 14m
Cheapest Cross Country Price
£311
Cross Country frequency
8 a day
Great Western Railway (GWR)
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Great Western Railway (GWR) Duration
5h 35m
Cheapest Great Western Railway (GWR) Price
£352
Great Western Railway (GWR) frequency
6 a day
Transport for Wales
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Transport for Wales Duration
6h 37m
Cheapest Transport for Wales Price
£315
Transport for Wales frequency
5 a day
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 Station -> Park Lane Interchange, Sunderland
- Distance
- 0.5 km
- Travel time
- 5 min
- Contactless payment is available on Go North East and Stagecoach buses, but Nexus states the £2.50 single and £5.00 day cap apply when using Pop Pay As You Go on Metro.
- Sunderland Station is about 500 metres from central Sunderland, and Park Lane Interchange is a short walk for onward buses across the city.
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 £311, while the average price tends to be around £343.
The train journey from Cardiff to Sunderland covers a distance of 399 km and takes approximately 5h 35m. Trains run 6 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 6 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 coach and train.
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 £63.
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 5h 35m. 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
Most Cardiff to Sunderland trains use the Cardiff Central to Sunderland station pair. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Sunderland train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Cardiff
Arrival train stations in Sunderland
Cardiff CentralCentral Square, Cardiff CF10 1EP, United Kingdom+44 3457114141
City-centre transport
Getting to Cardiff Central from Cardiff city centre
Bus24, 25, 27, 86, 62, 30, 35, 21, 136, 7, 23, 63, 64 · 3m · £2 · every ~47 min
C1 · 5m · every ~8 min
Cardiff Central train station facilities and services
Cardiff Central has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Car Rental.
Food and drink
Food options include: Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen, Pret a Manger, Tesco Express
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are located outside of the main entrance.
Tickets and information
The ticket office is open Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30, Sat: 05:40 - 21:30, Sun: 07:30 - 21:30.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cardiff Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Cardiff Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff Central: There is step-free access in the whole station. There are also ramps for train access and elevators in the station.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Clayton Hotel Cardiff, Cardiff Marriott Hotel, Travelodge Cardiff Central.
Which Sunderland station do trains from Cardiff arrive at?
Trains from Cardiff to Sunderland arrive at Sunderland. Sunderland is from Sunderland city centre.
SunderlandSunderland station, Athenaeum Street, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, SR1 3HP
City-centre transport
Getting to Sunderland from Sunderland city centre
Onward travel informationBusline 0871 200 2233
Location for Rail Replacement ServicesPick Up / Drop Off in Fawcett Street, near to the Travel Centre entrance in Athenaeum Street, outside Wilkinsons.
MetroTyne and Wear metro station close to the station. 0191 203 3333
Sunderland train station facilities and services
Sunderland has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Sunderland.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Sunderland.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Sunderland: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Sunderland: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
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.
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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