- 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.
2,000+ travel companies
2,000+ travel companies
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
4.942K ratings
Google Play
4.6136K reviews
The cheapest and fastest trains from Darlington to Sunderland
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 20 Sept
Cheapest price on 20 Sept
£14
Average ticket price on 20 Sept
£36
Fastest journey on 20 Sept
57 m
Average journey duration on 20 Sept
58 m
Trains on 20 Sept
33
Distance
44 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Darlington to Sunderland is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Darlington to Sunderland will cost around £36 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £14.
Fast trains
To travel from Darlington to Sunderland you need to make at least one change.
8:151h58Darlington10:13Sunderland£141One-way1 change- 9:201h53Darlington11:13Sunderland£141One-way1 change
- 10:211h52Darlington12:13Sunderland£141One-way1 change
- 11:181h55Darlington13:13Sunderland£141One-way1 change
- 12:211h52Darlington14:13Sunderland£141One-way1 change
.png)
19:090h57Darlington20:06Sunderland£711One-way1 change
20:090h57Darlington21:06Sunderland£461One-way1 change- 15:080h58Darlington16:06Sunderland£461One-way1 change
- 11:070h59Darlington12:06Sunderland£461One-way1 change
- 14:070h59Darlington15:06Sunderland£461One-way1 change
Travel Information
Compare train for Darlington to Sunderland
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Darlington to Sunderland among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £13 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 1h 34m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £13, while a train costs an average of £13.
Distance: 44 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|
£13 Average Price Cheapest | £9 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 34m Average total duration Fastest 1h 4m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 55m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
 Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Darlington to Sunderland is a train with an average price of £13.
The fastest way to travel from Darlington to Sunderland is by train with an average journey time of 1h 4m.
Yes, you can take a train between Darlington and Sunderland.
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 £13 compared to roughly £9 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-4.10. The journey takes 1h 4m versus 55m 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.
Live departures
Darlington to Sunderland train times
The table below shows live departures for Darlington to Sunderland trains for tomorrow, Sunday 20 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8:02 Darlington | 2h05 | 10:07 Sunderland | 1 change | |
| 8:15 Darlington | 1h58 | 10:13 Sunderland | 1 change | |
| 9:20 Darlington | 1h53 | 11:13 Sunderland | 1 change | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Darlington to Sunderland by train
Compare 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.
Sun
20 Sept
20 Sept
Mon
21 Sept
21 Sept
Tue
22 Sept
22 Sept
Wed
23 Sept
23 Sept
Thu
24 Sept
24 Sept
Fri
25 Sept
25 Sept
Sat
26 Sept
26 Sept
Why should you book Darlington to Sunderland trains with Omio?
London North Eastern Railway as well as CrossCountry, Northern Rail, Transpennine Express, Grand Central Trains and more offer trains services from Darlington to Sunderland.
Omio is the only official third party seller for London North Eastern Railway tickets.
Why book with Omio vs London North Eastern Railway?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for London North Eastern Railway, but also compare tickets for the likes of CrossCountry, Northern Rail, Transpennine Express or Grand Central Trains to find the best option for your trip from Darlington 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.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Darlington to Sunderland
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Darlington to Sunderland run on average 5 times per day, taking around 1h 4m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £11 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 01:25, the last at 22:34. The fastest train covers the 44 km distance in 54m.
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 44 km |
Average train duration 1h 4m |
Cheapest ticket price £11 |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 54m |
First train 1:25 |
Last train 22:34 |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 2 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
Train companies: Transpennine Express, Northern Rail, London North Eastern Railway from Darlington to Sunderland trainsTranspennine Express, Northern Rail, London North Eastern Railway trains will get you between Darlington and Sunderland from £11. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Transpennine Express
About
Transpennine Express is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates services from Manchester and Liverpool to Scotland, the North East and Yorkshire. It offers a range of services, including express, regional and local trains. Express trains are the fastest, with journey times of up to three hours. Regional trains are slower, but offer more stops and a more relaxed atmosphere. Local trains are the slowest, but offer the most stops. Transpennine Express offers a range of ticket types, including single, return, group and season tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, comfortable seating and a range of food and drink options. The most popular routes for Transpennine Express are Manchester to Edinburgh, Liverpool to Leeds and Manchester to York. These routes offer a convenient and comfortable way to travel between the cities.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Transpennine Express Duration
54m
Cheapest Transpennine Express Price
£12
Transpennine Express frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 large items and 1 small hand luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket type
Refund
Full refund if service is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks, plus a small selection of hot and cold food items
Seat reservation
Seat reservations are free of charge and recommended for busy routes
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance booking service
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on a lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone
Northern Rail
About
Northern Trains is a publicly owned train operating company in the United Kingdom, headquartered in York. It runs local and commuter services across the north of England, connecting regions including the North East, North West, East Midlands, Staffordshire, Yorkshire, and the Humber coastline. As part of the National Rail network, Northern operates under a coordinated fare and ticketing system alongside other UK train companies.Ticket types include Advance, Off-Peak, Anytime Day, single, return, and season tickets, with only one class option available: Standard. Onboard amenities may include comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi, and refreshments on select services. Popular routes include connections between major northern cities such as Manchester, Liverpool, and Leeds.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Northern Rail Duration
59m
Cheapest Northern Rail Price
£11
Northern Rail frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
See refund policy for ticket types
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service on most services with drinks and snacks. Some stations have cafes and shops
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available but not mandatory. Free of charge when booking advance tickets
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, passenger assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on a lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone
London North Eastern Railway
About
LNER is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates a wide range of services, from high-speed intercity trains to local services. Its most popular routes include London to Edinburgh, London to Leeds, and London to York. LNER offers a variety of train types, including the Azuma, InterCity 225, and HST. The Azuma is a modern, high-speed train that offers comfortable seating and onboard Wi-Fi. The InterCity 225 is a classic train that offers a more traditional experience. The HST is a high-speed train that offers a smooth ride and plenty of legroom. LNER offers a variety of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak. Advance tickets are the cheapest option and must be booked in advance. Anytime tickets are more expensive but can be used at any time. Off-Peak tickets are the most affordable option for travelling during off-peak times. Onboard facilities include comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. LNER also offers a range of discounts and special offers, making it an affordable and convenient way to travel.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average London North Eastern Railway Duration
1h 4m
Cheapest London North Eastern Railway Price
£13
London North Eastern Railway frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket conditions
Refund
Full refund available if train is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, and light meals. First Class passengers receive complimentary refreshments
Seat reservation
Seat reservations are included with Advance tickets. Optional for other ticket types at £0-£2 per person depending on route
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, passenger assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on a lead. Maximum two pets per passenger
Quiet zone
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: Darlington to Sunderland train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Darlington 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 Darlington to Sunderland can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £11, while the average price tends to be around £13.
The train journey from Darlington to Sunderland covers a distance of 44 km and takes approximately 54m. Trains run 5 per day.
The train distance from Darlington to Sunderland is 44 km.
The first train from Darlington to Sunderland leaves at 1:25.
The last train from Darlington to Sunderland departs at 22:34.
Trains from Darlington to Sunderland run approximately 5 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Darlington to Sunderland.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Darlington to Sunderland.
To travel from Darlington to Sunderland, you can take a train.
There is no night train service from Darlington to Sunderland.
The train station in Darlington that goes to Sunderland is Darlington station (DAR), and it arrives at Sunderland station (SUN).
The cheapest way to get from Darlington to Sunderland is by train, costing approximately £11.
Booking trains from Darlington 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 Darlington to Sunderland offers views of the North East landscape, including glimpses of the River Wear and surrounding countryside, though it is not traditionally considered a particularly scenic route compared to others in the UK.
Yes, a day trip from Darlington to Sunderland is feasible. The journey takes 54m with a distance of 44 km, and there are 6 trains available per day.
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 Darlington to Sunderland.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Darlington and Sunderland
Most Darlington to Sunderland trains use the Darlington to Sunderland station pair. Use this guide to compare Darlington and Sunderland train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Darlington
Arrival train stations in Sunderland
Which Darlington station do trains to Sunderland leave from?
Trains from Darlington to Sunderland leave from Darlington. The station is from Darlington city centre at Darlington station, Bank Top, Darlington, County Durham, DL1 4AA.
DarlingtonDarlington station, Bank Top, Darlington, County Durham, DL1 4AA
City-centre transport
Getting to Darlington from Darlington city centre
Location for Rail Replacement ServicesReplacement coach services depart from the station entrance
Darlington train station facilities and services
Darlington has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Car Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Darlington.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are available at Darlington.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Darlington.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Darlington: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Darlington: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Darlington: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible public telephones: text phones are available and staff are on hand to assist as required due to no low level phones, Accessible taxis: Generally available but advance booking recommended, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Which Sunderland station do trains from Darlington arrive at?
Trains from Darlington 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.
Most popular train connections from Darlington
More options for your journey from Darlington to Sunderland
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Sunderland and Darlington
Most popular train connections to Sunderland
The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy
We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.
