Lowest Prices
We find the cheapest bus & train tickets, so you can wander for less.
Best Travel Options
We partner with 500+ carriers to bring you the most bus & train options.
Quick & Easy Booking
Book trips quickly with a simple, hassle-free checkout – online & on our app.
Fast Customer Support
We don’t monkey around. We respond within minutes to help you out.
Trip Summary
There are usually 14 daily train trips available from Sunderland to Birmingham. Traveling by train from Sunderland to Birmingham usually takes 4 hours and 39 minutes, but the fastest Northern Rail + Connections train can make the trip in 3 hours and 31 minutes.
| Distance | 169 mi (271 km) |
| Fastest train | 3h 31m |
| Lowest price | $152.87 |
| Most frequent service | Northern Rail + Connections |
| Train lines | 2 |
Which train should you take from Sunderland to Birmingham?
2 train services operate from Sunderland to Birmingham. Northern Rail + Connections 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 + Connections | 4 | 3h 59m | $157.20 |
| Northern Rail + Connections | 10 | 4h 55m | $153.83 |
Grand Central + Connections train tickets from Sunderland to Birmingham start from $153, and on average cost . Daily there are 4 Grand Central + Connections schedules to Birmingham. Grand Central + Connections in Sunderland leaves from Sunderland Train Station . And in Birmingham trains arrive at Birmingham International Rail Station and one other train station.
From Sunderland to Birmingham train travel on Grand Central + Connections takes 3 hours and 59 minutes. If you are looking to get to Birmingham faster, Grand Central + Connections offers more express schedule options with a travel time of 3 hours and 31 minutes.
Northern Rail + Connections train tickets from Sunderland to Birmingham start from $153, and on average cost . Daily there are 10 Northern Rail + Connections schedules to Birmingham. Northern Rail + Connections in Sunderland leaves from Sunderland Train Station . And in Birmingham trains arrive at New St Station and one other train station.
From Sunderland to Birmingham train travel on Northern Rail + Connections takes 4 hours and 55 minutes. If you are looking to get to Birmingham faster, Northern Rail + Connections offers more express schedule options with a travel time of 3 hours and 31 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Sunderland and Birmingham is approximately 169 miles, or 271 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 4 hours and 39 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 3 hours and 31 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.
Saturday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from Sunderland to Birmingham. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Saturday than other days. If you are hoping to have more room on the train and even save some change check out travel options on Saturday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.
The earliest train departs Sunderland at 6:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 6:00pm. 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 14 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 Birmingham 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.
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.
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 Birmingham?
Main arrival station: Birmingham International Rail Station
Birmingham receives travelers from Sunderland at its two active train stations.
All train stations in Birmingham:
Birmingham International Rail Station
New St Station
Get around town with Moovit
Need a return trip from Birmingham to Sunderland?
Search Train Tickets
Wanderu is the simplest way to book bus and train travel.
With just a quick search on Wanderu, you can compare bus and train schedules and prices from hundreds of travel companies in one convenient place to find the trip that works best for you. Wanderu’s simple checkout process makes it easy to book cheap bus and train tickets hassle-free. Most importantly, as Wanderu is an official partner of all leading bus and train companies, we always have the best bus and train deals out there.
Book buses and trains on the go with the Wanderu app.
Download our app and snag the best travel deals across North America & Europe.Learn more