Sunderland to Birmingham train with CrossCountry

Sat 29 Aug
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CrossCountry
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
Regionale
West Midlands Trains
2,000+ travel companies
CrossCountry
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
Regionale
West Midlands Trains
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Sunderland to Birmingham

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 29 Aug

Cheapest price on 29 Aug

£129

Average ticket price on 29 Aug

£160

Fastest journey on 29 Aug

4 h 14 m

Average journey duration on 29 Aug

4 h 19 m

Trains on 29 Aug

11

Distance

272 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Sunderland to Birmingham is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Sunderland to Birmingham will cost around £160 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £129.

Fast trains

To travel from Sunderland to Birmingham you need to make at least one change.

  • Northern RailP28732+CrossCountryG00846
    18:564h26
    Sunderland station (SUN)
    23:22Birmingham New Street (BHM)
    £1291One-way
    1 change
  • Northern RailP28725+CrossCountryG00913
    17:564h56
    Sunderland station (SUN)
    22:52Birmingham New Street (BHM)
    £1441One-way
    1 change
  • Tyne and Wear MetroTW052600+London North Eastern RailwayC02067+CrossCountryG00771 · XC036400
    17:125h23
    Sunderland station (SUN)
    22:35Birmingham New Street (BHM)
    £1441One-way
    5 changes
  • Northern RailP28632+CrossCountryW29872
    7:574h26
    Sunderland station (SUN)
    12:23Birmingham New Street (BHM)
    £1681One-way
    1 change
  • Northern RailP28624+CrossCountryW29867
    7:094h14
    Sunderland station (SUN)
    11:23Birmingham New Street (BHM)
    £1681One-way
    1 change

Travel Information

Compare coach and train for Sunderland to Birmingham

Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Sunderland to Birmingham among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £23 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 4h 7m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £23, while a train costs an average of £64.

Distance: 272 km

Compare train with

Train
Most popular
Coach

£64

Average Price

£23

Average Price

Cheapest

4h 7m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 37m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

6h 58m

Average total duration

6h 28m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.3 - 0.7kg

CO2 emissions

CrossCountry

Most popular train company

National Express

Most popular bus company

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

Sunderland to Birmingham train times

The table below shows live departures for Sunderland to Birmingham trains for today, Friday 28 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
CrossCountryG01186+Grand Central TrainsY14817
Delayed
13:35 12:32Sunderland station (SUN)
3h56
16:28 Birmingham New Street (BHM)
1 change
CrossCountryG01186+Northern RailC31781+Transpennine ExpressG15900
Delayed
13:35 12:33Sunderland station (SUN)
3h55
16:28 Birmingham New Street (BHM)
2 changes
CrossCountryW29937+Northern RailP28694
Delayed
13:34 13:55Sunderland station (SUN)
3h32
17:27 Birmingham New Street (BHM)
1 change
Saturday 29 August
CrossCountryW29867+Northern RailP286247:09 Sunderland station (SUN)
4h14
11:23 Birmingham New Street (BHM)1 change
CrossCountryW29872+Northern RailP286327:57 Sunderland station (SUN)
4h26
12:23 Birmingham New Street (BHM)1 change
CrossCountryW29872+Tyne and Wear MetroTW0556008:02 Sunderland station (SUN)
4h21
12:23 Birmingham New Street (BHM)1 change
CrossCountryW29878+Northern RailP286409:07 Sunderland station (SUN)
4h16
13:23 Birmingham New Street (BHM)1 change
CrossCountryW29885+Northern RailP286509:56 Sunderland station (SUN)
4h27
14:23 Birmingham New Street (BHM)1 change
CrossCountryW29885+Tyne and Wear MetroTW05230010:00 Sunderland station (SUN)
4h23
14:23 Birmingham New Street (BHM)1 change

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Sunderland to Birmingham 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.

Sat
29 Aug
Sun
30 Aug
Mon
31 Aug
Tue
01 Sept
Wed
02 Sept
Thu
03 Sept
Fri
04 Sept

Why should you book Sunderland to Birmingham trains with Omio?

CrossCountry operates all trains services from Sunderland to Birmingham.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Sunderland to Birmingham.

Why book with Omio vs CrossCountry?

  • 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 Sunderland to Birmingham.

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 Sunderland to Birmingham.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Sunderland to Birmingham

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Sunderland to Birmingham run on average 6 times per day, taking around 3h 37m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £37 but you can travel from only £14 by coach.

The earliest train runs at 05:50, the last at 19:30. The fastest train covers the 272 km distance in 3h 32m.

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 £14
Distance
272 km
Average train duration
3h 37m
Cheapest ticket price
£37
Trains per day
6
Fastest train
3h 32m
First train
5:50
Last train
19:30
Cheapest Month
Jun
Cheapest Day
Wed
High Season
Oct - Dec
Low Season
Apr - Jun
Busiest Day
Fri
Least Busy Day
Sun
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 £14

Train companies: CrossCountry from Sunderland to Birmingham trainsCrossCountry trains will get you between Sunderland and Birmingham from £14. 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
3h 32m
Cheapest CrossCountry Price
£37
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

Complete guide to Birmingham

Things to do in Birmingham

Discover the best of Birmingham — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Birmingham trip today.

  • Must visit

Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery

Major museum and gallery with fine art, local history, decorative arts and changing exhibitions in the city centre.

  • Must visit

Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum

Science museum with interactive galleries on industry, transport and invention, making it a strong family-friendly visit.

  • Recommended

Pen Museum

Independent museum in a converted factory, exploring Birmingham's pen trade with demonstrations and hands-on exhibits.

Pound sterling (£)

Moderate for UK city breaks: hotels and dining sit below London, while local transport and casual meals are fairly manageable for most tourists.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-15 for fast food or casual eats.
Mid-range
£20-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
£60+ per person at upscale restaurants.
Coffee
£3-4.50 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Service may be included in restaurants; otherwise tip around 10%. Taxis are often rounded up or tipped 10%. Tipping in cafés is optional, usually just small change.

FAQs: Sunderland to Birmingham train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Sunderland to Birmingham 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 Birmingham, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Sunderland to Birmingham can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £37, while the average price tends to be around £64.
The train journey from Sunderland to Birmingham covers a distance of 272 km and takes approximately 3h 32m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train distance from Sunderland to Birmingham is 272 km.
The first train from Sunderland to Birmingham leaves at 5:50.
The last train from Sunderland to Birmingham departs at 19:30.
Trains from Sunderland to Birmingham run approximately 6 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Sunderland to Birmingham.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Sunderland to Birmingham.
To get from Sunderland to Birmingham, you can choose from several travel options including coach and train.
There is no night train service from Sunderland to Birmingham.
The train station in Sunderland that goes to Birmingham is Sunderland station (SUN), and it arrives at Birmingham New Street (BHM).
The cheapest way to get from Sunderland to Birmingham is by coach, costing approximately £14.
Booking trains from Sunderland to Birmingham in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Sunderland to Birmingham features a mix of industrial and urban scenery, with some picturesque views of the English countryside, especially as the train passes through areas like Yorkshire and the outskirts of the Midlands.
A day trip from Sunderland to Birmingham is not feasible as the journey takes 3h 32m. Trains operate 4 times per day, covering a distance of 272 km.
In Birmingham, you can explore the historic Jewellery Quarter, take a canal boat tour, visit the National SEA LIFE Centre, and enjoy a performance at the Birmingham Hippodrome. Discover the city's history at the Birmingham Back to Backs. Don't miss the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, Cadbury World, the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Symphony Hall, and The Bullring for shopping and dining.
To explore Birmingham's key attractions like the Bullring, Cadbury World, and the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, 2-3 days is typically sufficient.
Yes, you can take the train from Sunderland to Birmingham.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Sunderland and Birmingham

Most Sunderland to Birmingham trains use the Sunderland to Birmingham New Street station pair, with some services arriving at Birmingham International. Use this guide to compare Sunderland and Birmingham train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Sunderland
Arrival train stations in Birmingham

Which Sunderland station do trains to Birmingham leave from?

Trains from Sunderland to Birmingham leave from Sunderland. The station is from Sunderland city centre at Sunderland station, Athenaeum Street, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, SR1 3HP.
SunderlandSunderland station, Athenaeum Street, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, SR1 3HPParkingDiningAccessibilityHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike Parking
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 Sunderland to Birmingham

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

HomeTrainsTrain Times to Birmingham Sunderland to Birmingham train

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