
Day trip from Sunderland to Durham by train
Why visit Durham for the day?
Durham is best known for its Norman cathedral and castle above the River Wear. The city feels historic and compact, with old streets and a lively university atmosphere.
Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Southampton to Sunderland among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £50 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 3h 50m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £50, while a flight costs an average of £334.
Distance: 445 km
Most popular Coach | Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
£50 Average Price Cheapest | £143 Average Price | £334 Average Price | £83 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
9h 43m Average total duration 9h 13m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 45m Average total duration 5h 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 50m Average total duration Fastest 1h 50m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 5h 50m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Compare the available ways to get from Southampton to Sunderland, with the key details around price, speed, convenience, and direct service.
This is compared to other travel options from Southampton to Sunderland:
A coach is £93 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Southampton to Sunderland costing on average £143.
A coach is £285 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Southampton to Sunderland costing on average £334.
Other travel options to Sunderland take longer:
Train takes on average 5h 45m.
Coach takes on average 9h 43m.
Tickets start at around £50 compared to roughly £83 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £34. The journey takes 9h 13m versus 5h 50m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
How to get to Sunderland from Southampton by train, bus, flight or ferry.
The best way to travel from Southampton to Sunderland is by taking a coach because it’s the best combination of price and speed.

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Find all the dates and times for this journey by train, bus, flight, and ferry .
Compare coach, train and flight 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.
The most popular day trips by train from Sunderland are Durham, York, Middlesbrough and Darlington. Find out what you can do in these day trip destinations and how to book your train from Sunderland on Omio.

Durham is best known for its Norman cathedral and castle above the River Wear. The city feels historic and compact, with old streets and a lively university atmosphere.

York is known for its Roman and Viking heritage, medieval streets and the imposing York Minster. Its compact centre, old walls and busy mix of shops, pubs and museums make it easy to grasp the city's historic character.

Middlesbrough is a Teesside town known for its industrial roots, especially steelmaking and the Transporter Bridge. Its Victorian centre and MIMA gallery give it a practical, cultural character with easy access to nearby moorland.

Darlington is a County Durham market town known for its railway heritage and Quaker history. A compact centre, Victorian architecture and green spaces give it a grounded northern character.
Travel to Sunderland easily. Whether you want fast, cheap or something entirely different, our travel experts have collected everything you need to know so you can find the best option from Southampton to Sunderland.

This is compared to other travel options from Southampton to Sunderland:
A coach is £93 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Southampton to Sunderland costing on average £143.
A coach is £285 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Southampton to Sunderland costing on average £334.
Other travel options to Sunderland take longer:
Train takes on average 5h 45m.
Coach takes on average 9h 43m.
However, we recommend checking specific travel dates for your route between Southampton and Sunderland as scheduled services by coach, train and flight can vary by season or day of the week.
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