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Trip Summary
You can pick from 16 daily train trips between Manchester and Sunderland. The average train journey from Manchester to Sunderland takes 3 hours and 27 minutes, but some TransPennine Express + Connections train trips are as short as 2 hours and 50 minutes.
| Distance | 105 mi (168 km) |
| Fastest train | 2h 50m |
| Lowest price | $33.23 |
| Most frequent service | TransPennine Express + Connections |
| Train lines | 2 |
Which train should you take from Manchester to Sunderland?
2 train services operate from Manchester to Sunderland. TransPennine Express + Connections usually has more trains scheduled, with 15 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Rail + Connections | 1 | 3h 57m | $102.99 |
| TransPennine Express + Connections | 15 | 3h 25m | $87.01 |
Northern Rail + Connections train tickets from Manchester to Sunderland start from $103, and on average cost . Daily there are 1 Northern Rail + Connections schedules to Sunderland. Northern Rail + Connections in Manchester leaves from Manchester Airport . And in Sunderland trains arrive at Sunderland Train Station .
From Manchester to Sunderland train travel on Northern Rail + Connections takes 3 hours and 57 minutes. If you are looking to get to Sunderland faster, Northern Rail + Connections offers more express schedule options with a travel time of 2 hours and 50 minutes.
If you are looking to travel to Sunderland on a weekend there is typically one Northern Rail + Connections scheduled trip per day, which will cost for a one-way weekend reservation from Manchester.
TransPennine Express + Connections train tickets from Manchester to Sunderland start from $33, and on average cost . Daily there are 15 TransPennine Express + Connections schedules to Sunderland. TransPennine Express + Connections in Manchester leaves from Manchester Airport and 2 other stations. And in Sunderland trains arrive at Sunderland Train Station .
From Manchester to Sunderland train travel on TransPennine Express + Connections takes 3 hours and 25 minutes. If you are looking to get to Sunderland faster, TransPennine Express + Connections offers more express schedule options with a travel time of 2 hours and 50 minutes.
If you're considering a weeked trip, TransPennine Express + Connections offers 15 schedules for you to choose from. You can expect to pay for a one-way train ticket to Sunderland.
Frequently Asked Questions
Monday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from Manchester to Sunderland. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Monday than other days. If you are hoping to have more room on the train and even save some change check out travel options on Monday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.
The earliest train departs Manchester at 6:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 7:00pm. 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 Manchester.
City Information
Manchester
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Most recognizable for its world-famous football team, Manchester is a modern, vibrant city with a diverse range of attractions that will appeal to explorers of all kinds. Often referred to as "The Capital of the North," Manchester is also known for being the birthplace of the industrial revolution. Visitors can relive this booming era by taking a trip to the Science and Industry Museum to see how this previously small town changed the world's ideas of industry and manufacturing forever. These days, Manchester is famous for its music and art scene, with it being the birthplace of bands like The Smiths and Oasis.
Art and music-lovers may want to visit Afflecks, a vast and eclectic emporium of all things indie and grunge, to purchase records, artwork, and memorabilia, among many other things. Manchester is also home to 15 parks and gardens, with Fletcher Moss Park and Botanical Gardens among the most popular. This park provides a beautiful setting for picnics and scenic walks, perfect for when you need an escape from the bustling city.
And if you really are only here for Man U, both Old Trafford and Etihad Stadium are stops on our itinerary to visit every premier league stadium in England.
With three large train stations—Piccadilly, Oxford Road, and Victoria—Manchester is easily accessible via rail. National Express and Megabus coaches also allow access from all over the country. In addition, Manchester Airport houses three large terminals, which provide global entry to the city.
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 Manchester?
Image credit: North West Transport Photos
Link to image attributionMain departure station: Manchester Airport
Refurbished in 2004 and 2014, Manchester Airport Station is a combined rail, Metrolink tram, and bus station. Referred to as "The Station" on signage, it is linked to the airport terminals by the Sky Link elevated walkway. Northern, TransPennine Express, and Transport for Wales operate rail services, with destinations including central Manchester, Edinburgh, and Glasgow. National Express and Megabus also operate frequent buses to and from the airport. The Metrolink tram connects with Manchester Victoria rail station, located much closer to the center of Manchester.
All train stations in Manchester:
Manchester Airport
Manchester Piccadilly
Manchester Victoria
Where is the train station in Sunderland?
Main arrival station: Sunderland Train Station
Sunderland has one train station.
All train stations in Sunderland:
Sunderland Train Station
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Need a return trip from Sunderland to Manchester?
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