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Trip Summary
You can pick from 16 daily train trips between Sunderland and Manchester. The average train journey from Sunderland to Manchester takes 3 hours and 41 minutes, but some Northern Rail + Connections train trips are as short as 2 hours and 53 minutes.
| Distance | 105 mi (168 km) |
| Fastest train | 2h 53m |
| Lowest price | $48.00 |
| Most frequent service | Northern Rail + Connections |
| Train lines | 2 |
Which train should you take from Sunderland to Manchester?
2 train services operate from Sunderland to Manchester. Northern Rail + Connections usually has more trains scheduled, with 14 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 | 2 | 3h 52m | $99.02 |
| Northern Rail + Connections | 14 | 3h 40m | $67.63 |
Grand Central + Connections train tickets from Sunderland to Manchester start from $95, and on average cost . Daily there are 2 Grand Central + Connections schedules to Manchester. Grand Central + Connections in Sunderland leaves from Sunderland Train Station . And in Manchester trains arrive at Manchester Airport and one other train station.
From Sunderland to Manchester train travel on Grand Central + Connections takes 3 hours and 52 minutes. If you are looking to get to Manchester faster, Grand Central + Connections offers more express schedule options with a travel time of 2 hours and 53 minutes.
Northern Rail + Connections train tickets from Sunderland to Manchester start from $48, and on average cost . Daily there are 14 Northern Rail + Connections schedules to Manchester. Northern Rail + Connections in Sunderland leaves from Sunderland Train Station . And in Manchester trains arrive at Manchester Victoria and one other train station.
From Sunderland to Manchester train travel on Northern Rail + Connections takes 3 hours and 40 minutes. If you are looking to get to Manchester faster, Northern Rail + Connections offers more express schedule options with a travel time of 2 hours and 53 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
On a weekly basis, the greatest number of passengers tend to travel by trains from Sunderland to Manchester on Wednesday. Tickets for Wednesday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Wednesday. Wednesday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.
The earliest train departs Sunderland at 6:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 8:00pm. 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 Manchester 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.
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.
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 Manchester?
Image credit: North West Transport Photos
Link to image attributionMain arrival 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 Victoria
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