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The cheapest and fastest trains from Sunderland to Cardiff
Showing times and prices for 08 Nov
Cheapest price
£117
Average price
£200
Fastest journey
6 h 23 m
Average duration
6 h 40 m
Trains per day
3
Distance
399 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Sunderland to Cardiff is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Sunderland to Cardiff will cost around £200 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £117.
Fast trains
Of the 3 trains that leave Sunderland for Cardiff every day 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 399 km distance in an average of 6 h 40 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 6 h 23 m .
The slowest trains will take 7 h 2 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.
04:526h34
Sunderland11:26Cardiff
£1171One-way
0 changes
08:357h02
Sunderland15:37Cardiff
£2411One-way
0 changes
07:026h23
Sunderland13:25Cardiff
£2421One-way
0 changes
07:026h23
Sunderland13:25Cardiff
£2421One-way
0 changes
04:526h34
Sunderland11:26Cardiff
£1171One-way
0 changes
08:357h02
Sunderland15:37Cardiff
£2411One-way
0 changes
Travel Information
Compare coach and train for Sunderland to Cardiff
Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Sunderland to Cardiff among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £24. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 5h 50m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £24, and a train costs an average of £97.
Distance: 399 km
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Coach |
|---|---|
£223 Average Price | £37 Average Price Cheapest |
6h 20m Average total duration Fastest 5h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 34m Average total duration 10h 4m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Sunderland to Cardiff train times
The table below shows live departures for Sunderland to Cardiff trains for tomorrow, Saturday 8 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at 13:50
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 04:52 Sunderland | 6h34 | 11:26 Cardiff | 0 changesdirect | |
| 07:02 Sunderland | 6h23 | 13:25 Cardiff | 0 changesdirect | |
| 08:35 Sunderland | 7h02 | 15:37 Cardiff | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Sunderland to Cardiff 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
08 Nov
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Journey information
Overview: Train from Sunderland to Cardiff
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Sunderland to Cardiff run on average 4 times per day, taking around 5h 50m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £97 but you can travel from only £24 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 04:27, the last at 17:30. The fastest train covers the 399 km distance in 6h 16m.
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 £24
Distance 399 km |
Average train duration 5h 50m |
Cheapest ticket price £97 |
Trains per day 4 |
Fastest train 6h 16m |
First train 04:27 |
Last train 17:30 |
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 £24
Train companies: CrossCountry, Northern Rail (3) from Sunderland to Cardiff trainsCrossCountry, Northern Rail (3) trains will get you between Sunderland and Cardiff from £24. 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
6h 16m
Cheapest Price
£97
CrossCountry frequency
3 a day
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
Northern Rail (3)
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 Duration
5h 54m
Cheapest Price
£350
Northern Rail (3) frequency
11 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
FAQs: Sunderland to Cardiff train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Sunderland to Cardiff 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 Cardiff, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Two to three days are ideal to explore Cardiff's main attractions, including Cardiff Castle, the National Museum Cardiff, and the revitalised Cardiff Bay area.
In Cardiff, you can enjoy performances at the Millennium Centre, explore the vibrant nightlife in the city centre, take a scenic boat tour around Cardiff Bay, and have an adventurous day at Cardiff International White Water. Visit Cardiff Market for shopping and dining, discover Cardiff Castle and St Fagans National Museum of History, explore Cardiff Bay's attractions, enjoy the National Museum Cardiff's collections, and relax in Bute Park.
Booking trains from Sunderland to Cardiff in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
To get from Sunderland to Cardiff, you can choose from several travel options including coach and train.
The cost of a train ticket from Sunderland to Cardiff can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £97, while the average price tends to be around £223.
The train distance from Sunderland to Cardiff is 399 km.
The cheapest way to get from Sunderland to Cardiff is by coach, costing approximately £24.
The train station in Sunderland that goes to Cardiff is Sunderland station (SUN), and it arrives at Cardiff Central (CDF).
The train journey from Sunderland to Cardiff covers a distance of 399 km and takes approximately 6h 16m. Trains run 4 per day.
The first train from Sunderland to Cardiff leaves at 4:27.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Sunderland to Cardiff.
The last train from Sunderland to Cardiff departs at 17:30.
Yes, you can take the train from Sunderland to Cardiff.
Trains from Sunderland to Cardiff run approximately 4 times per day.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Sunderland to Cardiff.
There is no night train service from Sunderland to Cardiff.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Sunderland and Cardiff
Sunderland
Cardiff
The major train station for departures in Sunderland is Sunderland. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Sunderland for your trip from Sunderland to Cardiff.
Amenities at train station
Parking
Dining
Accessibility
Hotel
Lost and Found Office
Ticket Office
Bike Parkinginformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 06:15 - 18:00 Saturday 06:15 - 18:00 Sunday 08:00 - 17:00
Parking
- Car Park: No
Accessibility
- 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
Public transport options for Sunderland
- Onward travel information: Busline 0871 200 2233
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Pick Up / Drop Off in Fawcett Street, near to the Travel Centre entrance in Athenaeum Street, outside Wilkinsons.
- Metro: Tyne and Wear metro station close to the station. 0191 203 3333
The major train station for arrivals in Cardiff is Cardiff Bay. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Cardiff Bay for your journey to Cardiff from Sunderland.
Amenities at train station
ParkingDining
TaxisAccessibilityHotelLost and Found OfficeBike Parking
Bike Rentalinformation
Distance to city center
1 kmParking
- Car Park: No
Accessibility
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: Category B. The platform has level access from Bute Street and Lloyd George Avenue.
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machine(s) take cash, and major debit and credit cards.
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transport options for Cardiff Bay
- Onward travel information: There is a bus stop outside the station.
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Wait at the bus stop close to the station entrance on Bute Street
Amenities at train station
ParkingDiningTaxisAccessibility
WCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike Rental
Information Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday 07:40 - 18:00 Sunday 10:00 - 15:30 Temporary opening hours due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Parking
- Car Park: No
Accessibility
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machines are near the main entrance and take cash and major debit and credit cards.
- Accessible toilets: Yes
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
WC
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platform 4. The National key toilets are located on the Main Concourse to the right of the Ticket Office; these toilets are operated by a radar key and are only available during staffing hours.
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: No
Hotel
- Travelodge
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: to the right of the station front
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Information Desk
- Information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 03333 211202
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens
Public transport options for Cardiff Queen Street
- Onward travel information: Limited service from stop outside station Mondays to Fridays
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: For services towards Cardiff Central use the bus stop at the front of the station. For services towards Cathays use the bus stop in front of the shop opposite the station entrance. Please ask a member of station staff if you are unsure of which stop to use.
Amenities at train station
Wifi
ShoppingParkingDining
ATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotel
LoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike Rental
Car Rentalinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sat: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sun: 07:30 - 21:30
Wifi
- Free Wi-Fi in the station.
Shopping
- Type of shops available: News agent and convenience store
Parking
- Car Park: Brewery Car park
Dining
- Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen
- Pret a Manger
- Tesco Express
Taxis
- Taxi: Taxi rank is on the right as you exit the main station entrance
Accessibility
- There is step-free access in the whole station. There are also ramps for train access and elevators in the station.
WC
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platforms 1 to 8. The National Key toilets are located in the East Subway near the lifts and on Platform 8; these toilets are operated by a radar key and are only available during staffing hours.
- National key toilets: Yes
- National key toilets location: The National Key/Accessible toilets are located in the East Subway near the lifts and on Platform 8; these toilets are operated by a RADAR key and are only available during staffing hours.
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
Hotel
- Clayton Hotel Cardiff
- Cardiff Marriott Hotel
- Travelodge Cardiff Central
Lounge
- Waiting rooms location: On platforms 1/2, 3/4, 6/7 and 8.
Ticket Office
- Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sat: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sun: 07:30 - 21:30
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: East end of platforms 1 and 2, 3 and 4, 6 and 7 - also at the front and rear of the station.
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transport options for Cardiff Central
- Commuter rail lines: City Line, Rhondda Line, Rhymney Line, Valley Line, South Wales Main Line
- Train lines: Transport for Wales, CrossCountry, Great Western Railway
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: At the rear car park (Penarth Road entrance)
Most popular train connections from Sunderland
More options for your journey from Sunderland to Cardiff
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Cardiff and Sunderland
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