- 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 Reading to Sunderland
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 08 Sept
Cheapest price on 08 Sept
£292
Average ticket price on 08 Sept
£328
Fastest journey on 08 Sept
5 h 8 m
Average journey duration on 08 Sept
5 h 19 m
Trains on 08 Sept
14
Distance
384 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Reading to Sunderland is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Reading to Sunderland will cost around £328 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £292.
Fast trains
To travel from Reading to Sunderland you need to make at least one change.
11:455h39Reading17:24Sunderland£2921One-way2 changes- 17:4512h41Reading6:26Sunderland£2921One-way2 changes
- 6:455h14Reading11:59Sunderland£3261One-way1 change
- 8:515h08Reading13:59Sunderland£3261One-way1 change
- 10:465h13Reading15:59Sunderland£3261One-way1 change
- 8:515h08Reading13:59Sunderland£3261One-way1 change
- 10:465h13Reading15:59Sunderland£3261One-way1 change
- 6:455h14Reading11:59Sunderland£3261One-way1 change
- 14:455h19Reading20:04Sunderland£3261One-way1 change
- 11:455h39Reading17:24Sunderland£2921One-way2 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Reading to Sunderland
Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Reading to Sunderland among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £72 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 4h 30m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £72, while a train costs an average of £328.
Distance: 384 km
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£328 Average Price | £72 Average Price Cheapest | £74 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 30m Average total duration Fastest 4h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 32m Average total duration 8h 2m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 18m 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 Reading to Sunderland is a coach with an average price of £72.
This is compared to other travel options from Reading to Sunderland:
A coach is £256 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Reading to Sunderland costing on average £328.
The fastest way to travel from Reading to Sunderland is by train with an average journey time of 4h 0m.
Other travel options to Sunderland take longer:
Coach takes on average 8h 2m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Reading and Sunderland including taking a train and coach.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.
You'll arrive about 1h 18m sooner (4h 0m by train vs 5h 18m by car). Tickets start at around £328 compared to roughly £74 in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
Live departures
Reading to Sunderland train times
The table below shows live departures for Reading to Sunderland trains for tomorrow, Tuesday 8 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6:45 Reading | 5h14 | 11:59 Sunderland | 1 change | |
| 7:15 Reading | 6h08 | 13:23 Sunderland | 2 changes | |
| 8:51 Reading | 5h08 | 13:59 Sunderland | 1 change | |
| 9:15 Reading | 6h08 | 15:23 Sunderland | 2 changes | |
| 10:46 Reading | 5h13 | 15:59 Sunderland | 1 change | |
| 11:45 Reading | 5h39 | 17:24 Sunderland | 2 changes | |
| 12:15 Reading | 5h44 | 17:59 Sunderland | 2 changes | |
| 13:15 Reading | 6h06 | 19:21 Sunderland | 2 changes | |
| 14:45 Reading | 5h19 | 20:04 Sunderland | 1 change | |
| 15:14 Reading | 5h50 | 21:04 Sunderland | 2 changes | |
| 16:15 Reading | 5h49 | 22:04 Sunderland | 2 changes | |
| 17:15 Reading | 5h52 | 23:07 Sunderland | 2 changes | |
| 17:45 Reading | 12h41 | 6:26 Sunderland | 2 changes | |
| 21:15 Reading | 12h45 | 10:00 Sunderland | 2 changes | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Reading 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.
Tue
08 Sept
08 Sept
Wed
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09 Sept
Thu
10 Sept
10 Sept
Fri
11 Sept
11 Sept
Sat
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Sun
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14 Sept
14 Sept
Why should you book Reading to Sunderland trains with Omio?
Grand Central Trains as well as Cross Country offer trains services from Reading to Sunderland.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Reading to Sunderland.
Why book with Omio vs Grand Central Trains?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Grand Central Trains, but also compare tickets for the likes of Cross Country to find the best option for your trip from Reading 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 Grand Central Trains with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Reading to Sunderland.
Why book with Omio over Rome2rio or Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Reading to Sunderland.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Reading to Sunderland
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Reading to Sunderland run on average 5 times per day, taking around 4h 0m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £292 but you can travel from only £65 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 05:50, the last at 19:13. The fastest train covers the 384 km distance in 5h 8m.
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 £65
Distance 384 km |
Average train duration 4h 0m |
Cheapest ticket price £292 |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 5h 8m |
First train 5:50 |
Last train 19:13 |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Best time to book 21 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 £65
Train companies: Grand Central Trains, Cross Country from Reading to Sunderland trainsGrand Central Trains, Cross Country trains will get you between Reading and Sunderland from £65. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
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
4h 26m
Cheapest Grand Central Trains Price
£97
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
Cross Country
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Cross Country Duration
5h 8m
Cheapest Cross Country Price
£292
Cross Country frequency
12 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: Reading to Sunderland train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Reading 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 Reading to Sunderland can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £292, while the average price tends to be around £328.
The train journey from Reading to Sunderland covers a distance of 384 km and takes approximately 5h 8m. Trains run 5 per day.
The train distance from Reading to Sunderland is 384 km.
The first train from Reading to Sunderland leaves at 5:50.
The last train from Reading to Sunderland departs at 19:13.
Trains from Reading to Sunderland run approximately 5 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Reading to Sunderland.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Reading to Sunderland.
To get from Reading to Sunderland, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Reading to Sunderland.
The train station in Reading that goes to Sunderland is Reading station (RDG), and it arrives at Sunderland station (SUN).
The cheapest way to get from Reading to Sunderland is by coach, costing approximately £65.
Booking trains from Reading 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 Reading to Sunderland offers a mix of urban and rural scenery, with glimpses of the rolling countryside, small towns, and the iconic landscapes of Yorkshire. While not the most picturesque route, it provides a pleasant view of England’s diverse geographical features.
A day trip from Reading to Sunderland is not feasible as the journey takes 5h 8m each way. Trains run 4 times per day, and the distance is 384 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 Reading to Sunderland.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Reading and Sunderland
Most Reading to Sunderland trains use the Reading to Sunderland station pair. Use this guide to compare Reading and Sunderland train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Reading
Arrival train stations in Sunderland
Which Reading station do trains to Sunderland leave from?
Trains from Reading to Sunderland leave from Reading. The station is from Reading city centre at Reading station, Station Hill, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1LZ.
ReadingReading station, Station Hill, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1LZ+44 3451652030
City-centre transport
Getting to Reading from Reading city centre
Bus26, 90, 87 · 2m · £2 · every ~15 min
Reading train station facilities and services
Reading has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Car Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Reading.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are available at Reading.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Reading.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Reading: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Reading: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Reading: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: platforms can be reached via lift and bridge, ticket office is step free, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible public telephones: Accessible low-level Pay Phone is available at the station main concourse. Please request staff assistance if you need to, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxi are available at the station entrance. please request staff assistance if you need to, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Accessible ticket machines are located at the station entrance by the ticket office and at the car park, 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 Reading arrive at?
Trains from Reading 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 Reading
More options for your journey from Reading to Sunderland
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Sunderland and Reading
Most popular train connections to Sunderland
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