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Trip Summary
11 trains operate daily from Sunderland to Thornaby. The train trip from Sunderland to Thornaby is usually about 53 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Northern Rail train can get you there in as little as 51 minutes.
| Distance | 26 mi (41 km) |
| Fastest train | 0h 51m |
| Lowest price | £2.77 |
| Trains per day | 10 |
| Most frequent service | Northern Rail |
| Train lines | 2 |
Which train should you take from Sunderland to Thornaby?
2 train services operate from Sunderland to Thornaby. Northern Rail usually has more trains scheduled, with 10 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Central | 1 | 1h 15m | £10.33 |
| Northern Rail | 10 | 0h 52m | £4.45 |
Owned by Arriva UK Trains, Grand Central runs daily trips along the east coast of the United Kingdom from Sunderland to London, with stops in North Yorkshire, Halifax, and Doncaster. Grand Central has standard and first-class tickets, but all passengers enjoy AC, free WiFi, leather seats, and the option to purchase snacks onboard.
Northern Rail, branded simply as 'Northern' on its trains, travels to cities such as Manchester, Blackpool, Windermere, Newcastle, and York. Complimentary WiFi is usually available in first- and standard-class carriages, plus an onboard restroom. The newer trains boast extra legroom, and all services have space for luggage at the end of carriages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Trains from Sunderland to Thornaby are the most crowded on Tuesday. Tickets also tend to be more expensive then. If you are looking for a great deal on your train tickets or just want extra room to stretch out, consider traveling on Tuesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
The earliest train departs Sunderland at 06:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 17:00. 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 11 scheduled trains on most days. 10 of these are direct connections to Thornaby. While direct trains may still make stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains at any point. If you're looking to get to your destination faster, a direct train is the convenient and time-efficient choice.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Thornaby to Sunderland.
City Information
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 Sunderland?
Main departure station: Sunderland Train Station
There is one train station in Sunderland.
All train stations in Sunderland:
Sunderland Train Station
Where is the train station in Thornaby?
Main arrival station: Thornaby Train Station
Thornaby has one train station.
Train stations in Thornaby:
Thornaby Train Station
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Need a return trip from Thornaby to Sunderland?
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