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Trip Summary
6 trains operate daily from Cardiff to Sunderland. The train trip from Cardiff to Sunderland is usually about 6 hours and 57 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Great Western Railway + Connections train can get you there in as little as 6 hours and 7 minutes.
| Distance | 248 mi (399 km) |
| Fastest train | 6h 7m |
| Lowest price | £165.09 |
| Most frequent service | Great Western Railway + Connections |
| Train lines | 2 |
Which train should you take from Cardiff to Sunderland?
2 train services operate from Cardiff to Sunderland. Great Western Railway + Connections usually has more trains scheduled, with 5 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arriva Trains Wales + Connections | 1 | 10h 47m | £184.89 |
| Great Western Railway + Connections | 5 | 6h 12m | £174.45 |
Arriva Trains Wales + Connections train tickets from Cardiff to Sunderland start from £185, and on average cost . Daily there are 1 Arriva Trains Wales + Connections schedules to Sunderland. Arriva Trains Wales + Connections in Cardiff leaves from Cardiff Central . And in Sunderland trains arrive at Sunderland Train Station .
From Cardiff to Sunderland train travel on Arriva Trains Wales + Connections takes 10 hours and 47 minutes. If you are looking to get to Sunderland faster, Arriva Trains Wales + Connections offers more express schedule options with a travel time of 6 hours and 7 minutes.
Great Western Railway + Connections train tickets from Cardiff to Sunderland start from £165, and on average cost . Daily there are 5 Great Western Railway + Connections schedules to Sunderland. Great Western Railway + Connections in Cardiff leaves from Cardiff Central . And in Sunderland trains arrive at Sunderland Train Station .
From Cardiff to Sunderland train travel on Great Western Railway + Connections takes 6 hours and 12 minutes. If you are looking to get to Sunderland faster, Great Western Railway + Connections offers more express schedule options with a travel time of 6 hours and 7 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Cardiff and Sunderland is approximately 248 miles, or 399 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 6 hours and 57 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 6 hours and 7 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.
Tuesday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from Cardiff to Sunderland. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Tuesday than other days. If you are hoping to have more room on the train and even save some change check out travel options on Tuesday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.
The earliest train departs Cardiff at 06:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 21:00. 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 6 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.
City Information
Cardiff
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Cardiff is the capital of Wales, as well as its largest city. Although the city was initially founded as a Roman fort, Cardiff has glided effortlessly into the 21st century, offering tourists a diverse mix of old and new.
Looking to explore the city's history? Cardiff Castle at the heart of the city makes for an exciting day out, where visitors can learn about the fascinating 2,000 years of history that the castle represents.
If the castle gets you in the mood to explore more history, the St Fagans National Museum of History will surely satisfy your historical appetite. As one of Europe's leading open-air museums, the museum offers historical attractions that detail history back to the Celtic era.
For those seeking a more modern experience, Cardiff boasts a fantastic selection of shops and cafes, with Cardiff Central Market as the top choice for retail therapy.
Cardiff has excellent transport links, making it an easy place to visit no matter where you're coming from. Cardiff Airport provides access for visitors traveling from off the island, while high-speed rail services make access to and from London simple. Cardiff Central Station also offers direct routes from Bristol, Bath, Manchester, Nottingham, as well as other main cities and towns.
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 Cardiff?
Image credit: Hugh Llewelyn
Link to image attributionMain departure station: Cardiff Central
Cardiff Central Station is the largest and busiest rail terminal in Wales and one of two primary train stations in Cardiff. A registered historic building, it first opened in 1850 but is known for its art deco concourse and north entrance, both added in the 1930s. Most facilities are in the main concourse, including ATMs, food outlets, and a newsagent. Transport for Wales operates services to south, central, and north Wales, while Cross Country runs hourly services to Gloucester, Birmingham, and Derby. Great Western operates the route to London Paddington via Bristol Parkway.
All train stations in Cardiff:
Cardiff Central
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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