- 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 Leicester to Sunderland
Showing times and prices for 13 Aug
Cheapest price
£83
Average price
£129
Fastest journey
3 h 36 m
Average duration
4 h 4 m
Trains per day
6
Distance
253 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Leicester to Sunderland is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Leicester to Sunderland will cost around £129 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £83.
Fast trains
To travel from Leicester to Sunderland you need to make at least 2 changes.
G00805+
G80211+
TW0400008:194h26Leicester station (LEI)12:45Sunderland station (SUN)£831One-way2 changes- G00805+G80211+
P286908:194h41Leicester station (LEI)13:00Sunderland station (SUN)£831One-way2 changes - G80211+
W84665+
C21769+TW0400009:093h36Leicester station (LEI)12:45Sunderland station (SUN)£1401One-way3 changes - G00738+W70945+P286798:093h51Leicester station (LEI)12:00Sunderland station (SUN)£1421One-way2 changes
- G01060+C21769+TW0275009:094h12Leicester station (LEI)13:21Sunderland station (SUN)£1631One-way2 changes
- G80211+W84665+C21769+TW0400009:093h36Leicester station (LEI)12:45Sunderland station (SUN)£1401One-way3 changes
- G00738+W70945+P286798:093h51Leicester station (LEI)12:00Sunderland station (SUN)£1421One-way2 changes
- G01060+C21769+TW0275009:094h12Leicester station (LEI)13:21Sunderland station (SUN)£1631One-way2 changes
- G01060+C21769+C318379:094h15Leicester station (LEI)13:24Sunderland station (SUN)£1631One-way2 changes
- G00805+G80211+TW0400008:194h26Leicester station (LEI)12:45Sunderland station (SUN)£831One-way2 changes
Travel Information
Compare coach and train for Leicester to Sunderland
Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Leicester to Sunderland among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £17. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 40m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £17, and a train costs an average of £44.
Distance: 253 km
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Coach |
|---|---|
£85 Average Price | £21 Average Price Cheapest |
4h 10m Average total duration Fastest 3h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 15m Average total duration 4h 45m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Leicester to Sunderland train times
The table below shows live departures for Leicester to Sunderland trains for tomorrow, Thursday 13 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| G00738+P28679+W70945 | 8:09 Leicester station (LEI) | 3h51 | 12:00 Sunderland station (SUN) | 2 changes | |
| G00805+G80211+TW040000 | 8:19 Leicester station (LEI) | 4h26 | 12:45 Sunderland station (SUN) | 2 changes | |
| G00805+G80211+P28690 | 8:19 Leicester station (LEI) | 4h41 | 13:00 Sunderland station (SUN) | 2 changes | |
| G01060+TW027500+C21769 | 9:09 Leicester station (LEI) | 4h12 | 13:21 Sunderland station (SUN) | 2 changes | |
| G80211+W84665+C21769+TW040000 | 9:09 Leicester station (LEI) | 3h36 | 12:45 Sunderland station (SUN) | 3 changes | |
| G01060+C21769+C31837 | 9:09 Leicester station (LEI) | 4h15 | 13:24 Sunderland station (SUN) | 2 changes | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Leicester 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.
Thu
13 Aug
13 Aug
Fri
14 Aug
14 Aug
Sat
15 Aug
15 Aug
Sun
16 Aug
16 Aug
Mon
17 Aug
17 Aug
Tue
18 Aug
18 Aug
Wed
19 Aug
19 Aug
Why should you book Leicester to Sunderland trains with Omio?
CrossCountry as well as Grand Central Trains offer trains services from Leicester to Sunderland.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Leicester 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 Grand Central Trains to find the best option for your trip from Leicester 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 Leicester to Sunderland.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Rome2rio?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Grand Central Trains to find the best option for your trip from Leicester to Sunderland.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Leicester to Sunderland.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Leicester to Sunderland
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Leicester to Sunderland run on average 5 times per day, taking around 3h 40m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £44 but you can travel from only £17 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 05:48, the last at 19:10. The fastest train covers the 253 km distance in 3h 36m.
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 £17
Distance 253 km |
Average train duration 3h 40m |
Cheapest ticket price £44 |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 3h 36m |
First train 5:48 |
Last train 19:10 |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sat |
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £17
Train companies: CrossCountry, Grand Central Trains from Leicester to Sunderland trainsCrossCountry, Grand Central Trains trains will get you between Leicester and Sunderland from £17. 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
4h 12m
Cheapest Price
£154
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
Grand Central Trains
About
Grand Central Trains is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates services from London to the North East of England, Yorkshire and the East Midlands. Grand Central Trains offers a range of services, including express, semi-fast and stopping services. Express services run between London and the North East, Yorkshire and the East Midlands, with journey times of up to three hours. Semi-fast services run between London and the North East, Yorkshire and the East Midlands, with journey times of up to four hours. Stopping services run between London and the North East, Yorkshire and the East Midlands, with journey times of up to five hours. Grand Central Trains offers a range of ticket types, including Standard, First Class and Advance tickets. Standard tickets are the most economical option, while First Class tickets offer more comfort and space. Advance tickets are available for purchase up to 12 weeks in advance and offer the best value for money. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, comfortable seating and a range of snacks and drinks. The most popular routes for Grand Central Trains are London to Bradford, London to Sunderland, London to York and London to Wakefield.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 42m
Cheapest Price
£36
Grand Central Trains frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated luggage areas at the end of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund available if service is canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks, plus cafe bar on some services
Seat reservation
Seat reservations recommended but not mandatory, available for a small fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and ramp assistance available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, dogs allowed with ticket
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: Leicester to Sunderland train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Leicester 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 Leicester to Sunderland can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £44, while the average price tends to be around £85.
The train journey from Leicester to Sunderland covers a distance of 253 km and takes approximately 3h 36m. Trains run 5 per day.
The train distance from Leicester to Sunderland is 253 km.
The first train from Leicester to Sunderland leaves at 5:48.
The last train from Leicester to Sunderland departs at 19:10.
Trains from Leicester to Sunderland run approximately 5 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Leicester to Sunderland.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Leicester to Sunderland.
To get from Leicester to Sunderland, you can choose from several travel options including coach and train.
There is no night train service from Leicester to Sunderland.
The train station in Leicester that goes to Sunderland is Leicester station (LEI), and it arrives at Sunderland station (SUN).
The cheapest way to get from Leicester to Sunderland is by coach, costing approximately £17.
Booking trains from Leicester to Sunderland in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The Leicester to Sunderland train journey offers a mix of urban and rural landscapes, travelling through the picturesque countryside of the East Midlands and North East England, with views of fields and small towns along the way.
A day trip from Leicester to Sunderland is not feasible due to the travel time of 3h 36m. The journey covers a distance of 253 km. There are 3 train trips 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 Leicester to Sunderland.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Leicester and Sunderland
Most Leicester to Sunderland trains use the Leicester to Sunderland station pair, with some services arriving at Seaburn. Use this guide to compare Leicester and Sunderland train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Leicester
Arrival train stations in Sunderland
Which Leicester station do trains to Sunderland leave from?
Trains from Leicester to Sunderland leave from Leicester. The station is 1 km from Leicester city centre at Leicester station, London Road, Leicester, Leicestershire, LE2 0QB.
LeicesterLeicester station, London Road, Leicester, Leicestershire, LE2 0QB+44 8457125678
City-centre transport
Getting to Leicester from Leicester city centre
BusX7 · 4m · £2 · every ~3 min
16 · 7m · every ~6 min
Hop · 11m · £2 · every ~14 min
Leicester train station facilities and services
Leicester has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Leicester.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Leicester. ATMs are available at Leicester.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Leicester. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 08000 11 33 23, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Leicester: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Leicester: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Leicester: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category A access station. There is step free access to the main entrance and lifts to all platforms. Customers with wheelchairs who require assistance on graduated slopes should press the ticket gate 'assistance' button located at the bottom of the stairs near the self service ticket machines. To ensure availability of staff to assist, it is imperative that customers book assistance in advance. This station has tactile paving at the edge of all platforms and at the bottom of all staircases, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, 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 Leicester arrive at?
Trains from Leicester to Sunderland most often arrive at Sunderland. Some services arrive at Seaburn, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Sunderland arrival station.
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.
Seaburn
City-centre transport
Getting to Seaburn from Sunderland city centre
Seaburn is 2 km from Sunderland city centre. Public transport options include:
BusE2, 23 · 10m · £4 · every ~8 min
9, 24 · 14m · every ~19 min
SubwayGrn · 5m · £4 · every ~19 min
Seaburn train station facilities and services
Seaburn has practical services for this route, including Dining, WC and Bike Parking.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Seaburn.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Seaburn: WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Seaburn: Bike Parking.
St Peters
St Peters train station facilities and services
St Peters has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, WC, Hotel and Bike Parking.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at St Peters.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at St Peters. ATMs are available at St Peters.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at St Peters: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at St Peters: Bike Parking.
Most popular train connections from Leicester
More options for your journey from Leicester to Sunderland
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Sunderland and Leicester
Most popular train connections to Sunderland
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