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Trip Summary
You can pick from 16 daily train trips between Birmingham and Sunderland. The average train journey from Birmingham to Sunderland takes 4 hours and 17 minutes, but some CrossCountry + Connections train trips are as short as 3 hours and 53 minutes.
| Distance | 169 mi (271 km) |
| Fastest train | 3h 53m |
| Lowest price | £93.51 |
| Most frequent service | CrossCountry + Connections |
| Train lines | 3 |
Which train should you take from Birmingham to Sunderland?
There are 3 train lines with service from Birmingham to Sunderland. CrossCountry + Connections is the most popular choice with travelers, offering scheduled service on 12 trains each day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arriva Trains Wales + Connections | 1 | 4h 18m | £121.34 |
| CrossCountry + Connections | 12 | 4h 10m | £115.68 |
| West Midlands Railway + Connections | 3 | 4h 50m | £119.37 |
Arriva Trains Wales + Connections train tickets from Birmingham to Sunderland start from £121, and on average cost . Daily there are 1 Arriva Trains Wales + Connections schedules to Sunderland. Arriva Trains Wales + Connections in Birmingham leaves from Birmingham International Rail Station . And in Sunderland trains arrive at Sunderland Train Station .
From Birmingham to Sunderland train travel on Arriva Trains Wales + Connections takes 4 hours and 18 minutes. If you are looking to get to Sunderland faster, Arriva Trains Wales + Connections offers more express schedule options with a travel time of 3 hours and 53 minutes.
CrossCountry + Connections train tickets from Birmingham to Sunderland start from £94, and on average cost . Daily there are 12 CrossCountry + Connections schedules to Sunderland. CrossCountry + Connections in Birmingham leaves from New St Station and one other station. And in Sunderland trains arrive at Sunderland Train Station .
From Birmingham to Sunderland train travel on CrossCountry + Connections takes 4 hours and 10 minutes. If you are looking to get to Sunderland faster, CrossCountry + Connections offers more express schedule options with a travel time of 3 hours and 53 minutes.
West Midlands Railway + Connections train tickets from Birmingham to Sunderland start from £115, and on average cost . Daily there are 3 West Midlands Railway + Connections schedules to Sunderland. West Midlands Railway + Connections in Birmingham leaves from Birmingham International Rail Station . And in Sunderland trains arrive at Sunderland Train Station .
From Birmingham to Sunderland train travel on West Midlands Railway + Connections takes 4 hours and 50 minutes. If you are looking to get to Sunderland faster, West Midlands Railway + Connections offers more express schedule options with a travel time of 3 hours and 53 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Birmingham and Sunderland is approximately 169 miles, or 271 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 4 hours and 17 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 3 hours and 53 minutes.
Looking for ways to pass the time? Most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, which means you can stream music, browse social media or get some work done during your ride. That said, in case your train has a spotty signal, or is among the few without Wi-Fi, we also recommend downloading TV shows and movies to your mobile device in advance of your trip. That way the ride will fly by whatever the Wi-Fi situation.
On a weekly basis, the greatest number of passengers tend to travel by trains from Birmingham to Sunderland on Saturday. Tickets for Saturday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Saturday. Saturday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.
The earliest train departs Birmingham at 06:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 19:00. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
There are 16 scheduled trains on most days. Unfortunately, none of them are direct connections, so you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train during your journey. Don't forget to bring your carry-on luggage when you switch trains. In some instances, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Sunderland to Birmingham.
City Information
Birmingham
As the second-largest city in the UK, Birmingham effortlessly blends the city’s quaint vibe with modern-day high-rises. One of the top local attractions is St. Martin in the Bull Ring, the original parish church of Birmingham. Featuring remarkable Gothic Revival architecture standing in stark contrast with the futuristic-looking shopping centers, the church is a great spot for travelers looking for a bit of respite. As you stroll around the city, don’t forget to visit the famous Cadbury World, which details the long history of the brand, as well as all the products it produces. For culturally-inclined activities, head to the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, which offers over 40 exhibits.
If you wish to try out authentic Indian dishes with a local twist, head over to Pushkar. For those who wish to enjoy a more upscale dining experience, Bank offers a chic menu in an elegant setting.
The principal rail station is Birmingham New Street Station, which is the busiest train station in the UK. The Birmingham Coach Station offers coach services by National Express as far as London and Dublin. The city’s main airport is the Birmingham Airport, which is located 6 miles east of the city center.
Sunderland
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
The city of Sunderland is mainly known for its football team; however, the city is home to a rich history beyond the pitch. The port city was only officially granted city status in 1992, but there are records of settlements in the area as early as the year 674.
Besides its football team, Sunderland's shipbuilding prowess also put it on the map, such that in the 19th century, the city was hailed the "shipbuilding capital of the world." Many of the shipyards are still visible if you were to take a relaxing stroll along the idyllic river Wear.
As well as ships, Sunderland was also a large producer of glass, and it was the first place in England to produce stained glass windows. The National Glass Centre remains a popular place to visit, with its exhibitions and educational programs making it a great place to spend a creative afternoon.
Sunderland is easily accessible via train or bus, with National Express, Megabus, and FlixBus providing stops within the city. The Durham Coast Line provides train access from Newcastle and Middlesborough, among other regional stops around the North East of England. For international travelers heading to Sunderland, the city is conveniently only 27 miles from Newcastle International Airport and 37 miles from Teesside International Airport.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Birmingham?
Main departure station: Birmingham International Rail Station
There are two stations in Birmingham where you can board the train to Sunderland.
All train stations in Birmingham:
Birmingham International Rail Station
New St Station
Where is the train station in Sunderland?
Main arrival station: Sunderland Train Station
Sunderland has one train station.
Train stations in Sunderland:
Sunderland Train Station
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Need a return trip from Sunderland to Birmingham?
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