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Trains from Birmingham to Sunderland

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Avanti West Coast
CrossCountry

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  1. Home
  2. Train times
  3. Birmingham to Sunderland

Trains to Sunderland from Birmingham

First train

03:47

Last train

23:22

Departure stationBirmingham
Arrival stationSunderland
Journey time

From 3h 31m

Distance

168 miles (271 km)

Frequency

71 trains per day

Changes

1 change

Train operators

Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, East Midlands Railway, Grand Central Railway, London North Eastern Railway, TransPennine Express, Transport for Wales

Travel by train from Birmingham to Sunderland

Looking to travel from Birmingham to Sunderland by train? You've come to the right place!

Generally, the train from Birmingham to Sunderland takes around 5 hours 26 minutes, but can take just 3 hours 31 minutes on the fastest services. There are up to 71 trains per day from Birmingham to Sunderland.

You'll need to make 1 change along the way as there aren't any direct services on this line.

Trains on this route are operated by London North Eastern Railway, Avanti West Coast, Transport for Wales and East Midlands Railway.

Booking early is one of the most effective ways to save money.

Start your search for train tickets from Birmingham to Sunderland in our Journey Planner.

What do people frequently ask about the train journey from Birmingham to Sunderland?

Want to know more about your journey from Birmingham to Sunderland? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.

How do you travel to Sunderland from Birmingham?

To get to Sunderland from Birmingham, why not take the train? With 71 trains per day and an average journey time of 5 hours and 26 minutes, taking the train is a great way to travel. See our Journey Planner for up-to-date times and prices.

How long does it take to get from Birmingham to Sunderland by train?

On average, it takes around 5 hours and 26 minutes to travel from Birmingham to Sunderland by train, although you can get there in 3 hours and 31 minutes on the fastest services. With 71 trains per day running on this route, journey times may vary, so check our Journey Planner for more information.

How fast can trains travel from Birmingham to Sunderland?

The fastest time a train can travel the 168 miles (271 km) from Birmingham to Sunderland is 3 hours and 31 minutes.

Are there any direct trains from Birmingham to Sunderland?

There are no direct trains that run between Birmingham and Sunderland. You’ll need to make at least 1 change along the way.

How do I find cheap train tickets from Birmingham to Sunderland?

As most UK train companies increase their prices as the departure date approaches, our Trainline team of experts have put together these tips to help you find the cheapest tickets.

1. Sign up to Ticket Alert

If you're planning a trip more than 12 weeks ahead, sign up to our Ticket Alert to get notified when Advance tickets are released for your travel date.

2. Use a Railcard

National Railcards offer a 1/3 off eligible train tickets in the UK and can be a great investment if you travel throughout the year. Buy one with us and you'll be able to store it digitally in our app, so you'll always have it on your travels.

3. Book split tickets

Our handy feature SplitSave will 'split' your train journey into multiple tickets, which can be much cheaper than buying a single ticket. Find out more about split tickets.

4. Travel Off-Peak

If you can be flexible with your travel times, Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak tickets are usually cheaper in the UK. Generally, Off-Peak times are any time at weekends and outside of Monday to Friday morning and evening rush hours.

5. Consider a Season Ticket

Best for commuters, if you catch a train on the same route more than 3 times per week, you could save money with a Season Ticket. With annual, monthly, weekly and flexi options available, find out if a Season Ticket for Birmingham to Sunderland is right for you.

For more money-saving tips on UK and European train travel, read our cheap train tickets guide.

§Advance adult single fare. Excludes booking fee. Prices seen by Trainline customers in the last 30 days. Availability limited.
† Average savings on advance fares booked at least one week before day of travel vs Anytime fares purchased on day of travel. Subject to availability. Excludes coach.

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