- 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 Middlesbrough to Sunderland
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 18 Sept
Cheapest price on 18 Sept
£6
Average ticket price on 18 Sept
£7
Fastest journey on 18 Sept
50 m
Average journey duration on 18 Sept
51 m
Trains on 18 Sept
12
Distance
38 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Middlesbrough to Sunderland is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Middlesbrough to Sunderland will cost around £7 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £6.
Fast trains
On Fri 18 Sept, we found 12 trains from Middlesbrough to Sunderland, including 11 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 38 km distance in an average of 51 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 50 m .
The slowest trains will take 51 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.
C3181716:430h51Middlesbrough station (MBR)17:34Sunderland station (SUN)£61One-way0 changes- P2882415:570h58Middlesbrough station (MBR)16:55Sunderland station (SUN)£61One-way0 changes
- C3180515:420h50Middlesbrough station (MBR)16:32Sunderland station (SUN)£61One-way0 changes
- P2872516:570h58Middlesbrough station (MBR)17:55Sunderland station (SUN)£61One-way0 changes
- P2868411:570h58Middlesbrough station (MBR)12:55Sunderland station (SUN)£61One-way0 changes
- C3180515:420h50Middlesbrough station (MBR)16:32Sunderland station (SUN)£61One-way0 changes
- C3179113:410h50Middlesbrough station (MBR)14:31Sunderland station (SUN)£71One-way0 changes
- C3178612:410h51Middlesbrough station (MBR)13:32Sunderland station (SUN)£81One-way0 changes
- C3180014:400h51Middlesbrough station (MBR)15:31Sunderland station (SUN)£71One-way0 changes
- C3181716:430h51Middlesbrough station (MBR)17:34Sunderland station (SUN)£61One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Middlesbrough to Sunderland
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Middlesbrough to Sunderland among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £5 For those with little time, consider booking a coach, which has an average total journey time of 1h 21m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.0kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £5, while a coach costs an average of £6.
Distance: 38 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£5 Average Price Cheapest | £6 Average Price | £8 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 26m Average total duration 56m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 21m Average total duration Fastest 51m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 40m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.0kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The cheapest way to travel from Middlesbrough to Sunderland is a train with an average price of £5.
This is compared to other travel options from Middlesbrough to Sunderland:
A train is £0.98 less than a coach for this route with tickets for a coach from Middlesbrough to Sunderland costing on average £6.
The fastest way to travel from Middlesbrough to Sunderland is by coach with an average journey time of 51m.
Other travel options to Sunderland take longer:
Train takes on average 56m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Middlesbrough and Sunderland including taking a train and coach.
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 £5 compared to roughly £8 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £3. The journey takes 56m versus 40m 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.
Direct services run with Northern Rail, Northern Trains Limited.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
Live departures
Middlesbrough to Sunderland train times
The table below shows live departures for Middlesbrough to Sunderland trains for today, Thursday 17 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C31762 | 7:18 Middlesbrough station (MBR) | 0h59 | 8:17 Sunderland station (SUN) | 0 changesdirect | |
| P28640 | 8:06 Middlesbrough station (MBR) | 1h00 | 9:06 Sunderland station (SUN) | 0 changesdirect | |
| C31768 | 8:40 Middlesbrough station (MBR) | 0h50 | 9:30 Sunderland station (SUN) | 0 changesdirect | |
| P28650 | 8:58 Middlesbrough station (MBR) | 0h57 | 9:55 Sunderland station (SUN) | 0 changesdirect | |
| C31771 | 9:41 Middlesbrough station (MBR) | 0h51 | 10:32 Sunderland station (SUN) | 0 changesdirect | |
| P28661 | 9:57 Middlesbrough station (MBR) | 0h58 | 10:55 Sunderland station (SUN) | 0 changesdirect | |
| C31778 | 10:36 Middlesbrough station (MBR) | 0h52 | 11:28 Sunderland station (SUN) | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Middlesbrough 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.
Fri
18 Sept
18 Sept
Sat
19 Sept
19 Sept
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
Why should you book Middlesbrough to Sunderland trains with Omio?
Northern Rail as well as Grand Central Trains, TransPennine Express, Northern Trains Limited and more offer trains services from Middlesbrough to Sunderland.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Middlesbrough to Sunderland.
Why book with Omio vs Northern Rail?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Northern Rail, but also compare tickets for the likes of Grand Central Trains, TransPennine Express or Northern Trains Limited to find the best option for your trip from Middlesbrough 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 Northern Rail with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Middlesbrough to Sunderland.
Why book with Omio over Trip, Wanderu or Rome2rio?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Grand Central Trains, TransPennine Express or Northern Trains Limited to find the best option for your trip from Middlesbrough to Sunderland.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Middlesbrough to Sunderland.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Middlesbrough to Sunderland
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Middlesbrough to Sunderland run on average 8 times per day, taking around 56m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £4 if you book in advance.
There are 7 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:48, the last at 22:15. The fastest train covers the 38 km distance in 50m.
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 38 km |
Average train duration 56m |
Cheapest ticket price £4 |
Trains per day 8 |
Direct trains 7 |
Fastest train 50m |
First train 5:48 |
Last train 22:15 |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jul - Sept |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Tue |
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
Train companies: Northern Rail, Grand Central Trains, TransPennine Express, Northern Trains Limited from Middlesbrough to Sunderland trainsNorthern Rail, Grand Central Trains, TransPennine Express, Northern Trains Limited trains will get you between Middlesbrough and Sunderland from £4. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
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
50m
Cheapest Northern Rail Price
£4
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
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 Grand Central Trains Duration
1h 2m
Cheapest Grand Central Trains Price
£6
Grand Central Trains frequency
2 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
TransPennine Express
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average TransPennine Express Duration
1h 3m
Cheapest TransPennine Express Price
£29
TransPennine Express frequency
4 a day
Northern Trains Limited
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Northern Trains Limited Duration
49m
Cheapest Northern Trains Limited Price
£7
Northern Trains Limited frequency
15 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: Middlesbrough to Sunderland train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Middlesbrough 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 Middlesbrough to Sunderland can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £4, while the average price tends to be around £5.
The train journey from Middlesbrough to Sunderland covers a distance of 38 km and takes approximately 50m. Trains run 8 per day.
The train distance from Middlesbrough to Sunderland is 38 km.
The first train from Middlesbrough to Sunderland leaves at 5:48.
The last train from Middlesbrough to Sunderland departs at 22:15.
Trains from Middlesbrough to Sunderland run approximately 8 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Middlesbrough to Sunderland.
Yes, there is a direct train between Middlesbrough and Sunderland. The service operates 7 times per day, provided by Northern Rail, Northern Trains Limited.
To get from Middlesbrough to Sunderland, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Middlesbrough to Sunderland.
The train station in Middlesbrough that goes to Sunderland is Middlesbrough station (MBR), and it arrives at Sunderland station (SUN).
The cheapest way to get from Middlesbrough to Sunderland is by train, costing approximately £4.
Booking trains from Middlesbrough 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 Middlesbrough to Sunderland offers views of the picturesque North East countryside, with glimpses of the River Tees and coastal scenery near Hartlepool, making it a pleasant and moderately scenic route.
Yes, a day trip from Middlesbrough to Sunderland is feasible, as the journey takes 50m and covers 38 km. Trains run 7 times 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 Middlesbrough to Sunderland.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Middlesbrough and Sunderland
Most Middlesbrough to Sunderland trains use the Middlesbrough to Sunderland station pair. Use this guide to compare Middlesbrough and Sunderland train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Middlesbrough
Arrival train stations in Sunderland
Which Middlesbrough station do trains to Sunderland leave from?
Trains from Middlesbrough to Sunderland leave from Middlesbrough. The station is from Middlesbrough city centre at Middlesbrough station, Zetland Road, Middlesbrough station, Cleveland, TS1 1EG.
MiddlesbroughMiddlesbrough station, Zetland Road, Middlesbrough station, Cleveland, TS1 1EG+44 1895262122
City-centre transport
Getting to Middlesbrough from Middlesbrough city centre
Location for Rail Replacement ServicesPick Up / Drop Off in the layby on Bridge Street at the rear of the station.
Middlesbrough train station facilities and services
Middlesbrough has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Middlesbrough.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Middlesbrough.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Middlesbrough.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Middlesbrough: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Middlesbrough: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Middlesbrough: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step free access is provided from the station entrance to all platforms. Lifts are used to provide level access from the subway to both platforms, the booking hall and concourse. This station is staffed for all services. This station is Category A. Station staff can provide assistance throughout the station, and with boarding and alighting the train. Assistance can be requested in advance by contacting the TransPennine Express Assisted Travel Team on 0800 107 2149 (18001 prefix for TextRelay), 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 ticket machines note: The ticket machine is located within the Booking Hall, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
James Cook HospitalJames Cook University Hospital station, [no road access], footpath off Marton Road, Middlesbrough, Cleveland, TS4 3BW
City-centre transport
Getting to James Cook Hospital from Middlesbrough city centre
James Cook Hospital is 3 km from Middlesbrough city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainNewcastle - Whitby, Middlesbrough - Nunthorpe, Middlesbrough - Whitby, Darlington - Whitby, Newcastle - Nunthorpe, Hexham - Nunthorpe, Newcastle - Great Ayton, Seaham - Nunthorpe, Seaham - Whitby, Hartlepool - Nunthorpe, Seaham - Great Ayton, Middlesbrough - Great Ayton · 4m · £0.90 · every ~2 min
Bus39 · 20m · £4 · every ~12 min
39 · 23m · £4 · every ~12 min
James Cook Hospital train station facilities and services
James Cook Hospital has practical services for this route, including Parking, Accessibility and Lost and Found Office.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at James Cook Hospital: Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at James Cook Hospital: Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category B station, Access to the platform via gently sloping ramp, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis can be found at the hospital, Ramp for train access: No, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Which Sunderland station do trains from Middlesbrough arrive at?
Trains from Middlesbrough 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 Middlesbrough
More options for your journey from Middlesbrough to Sunderland
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Sunderland and Middlesbrough
Most popular train connections to Sunderland
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