Are you thinking of taking a trip up to Sunderland? Whether you’re visiting friends and family or simply having a weekend break away from the hustle and bustle of city life, you can enjoy a relaxing, care-free journey when you hop on board our London King's Cross to Sunderland train.
To help you plan your next trip to perfection, we’ve created this handy guide which includes everything you need to know about how you’ll get there with Grand Central. Find London to Sunderland train times that will suit you, as well as all the services we offer and things to do in the area, so you’re all ready to go for your next trip to the north-east.
Route Facts...
DEPARTS:
London King's Cross
ARRIVES
Sunderland
AVG JOURNEY TIME:
3.5 hours
CHANGES:
Direct
Things to do in Sunderland
Things to do in Sunderland for free
Looking for things to do in Sunderland for free, things to do in Sunderland for couples, or things to do in Sunderland for families? Find some ideas here!
Cheap trains to Sunderland and the North East
Things to do in Sunderland and the North East
Days out by Rail in Sunderland
The northern port-city of Sunderland and the surrounding areas have much to offer those who visit, from a rich industrial history to dramatic coastlines, it even has its own castle to visit!
Explore our other routes to Sunderland
Other popular destinations
Planning your London to Sunderland journey
How frequent is the London to Sunderland train?
During the week and on Saturdays, our London to Sunderland train runs six times a day and on a Sunday, we run five services. Look out for the GC logo when planning your trip so you can be sure to get to Sunderland in the style and comfort that we provide on every one of our trains.
What is the average journey time on Grand Central trains from London to Sunderland?
On average our trains from London to Sunderland take approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes. All of our services for this route are direct, meaning you’ll be able to settle into your journey without having to worry about getting off and changing. All you need to do is take your seat, sit back comfortably, pick up a book or log on to finish some work, and allow us to take care of getting you safely to Sunderland.
What services are available on Grand Central trains from London to Sunderland?
Step onto a Grand Central London to Sunderland train and enjoy a smooth rail travel experience. From the moment you step on board in the capital to the second you leave at Sunderland, you’ll be able to appreciate the outstanding range of facilities available to you.
We’ve taken care of everything, so you don’t have to worry. There are delicious food and drink options to fuel you up for a day of exploring, and free Wi-Fi to help you do some last-minute research into where you want to visit first.
Searching for an even more luxurious experience? If you’re longing for more legroom and a reclining seat so you can have a well-deserved sleep, why not upgrade your ticket to First Class so you can travel in the ultimate style. And, as an added bonus, you’ll enjoy at-seat service and complimentary refreshments throughout your journey, meaning you won’t have to move a muscle for anything.
Which ticket do I need for my London to Sunderland train?
The type of ticket you buy will all depend on different factors. These include when you plan on travelling, how many people you’re travelling with and whether or not you’ll be returning to London. If you’re planning on heading back after your day or weekend trip, you’ll need to book a Return ticket. If you’re staying in Sunderland, however, a Single fare is the best option.
Something else you’ll need to think about when choosing your ticket is how set your timings are. If you need to be in London for a specific time or know the exact service you need to be on, then take a look at the Advance ticket options. If you need to be a little more flexible about when you travel, then an Anytime ticket should cover your plans.
Whatever your reasons for heading up north, if you can avoid rush hour then you can enjoy our Off-peak fares. This means you can enjoy quieter and cheaper travel to Sunderland.
Ready to see what type of ticket your trip qualifies for? Head to our planner and enter the details of your journey, or if you’re unsure about which ticket to choose, speak to us. Our friendly and helpful team are always on hand to answer your questions and to ensure your experience is as straightforward as possible.
How can I secure cheap train tickets from London to Sunderland?
If you’re heading to the north east and looking for cheap trains from London to Sunderland, we recommend booking before you travel. You’ll likely bag yourself a better rate as prices tend to rise on the day of travel.
Did you know you can also make big savings with a Railcard? Securing you as much as 1/3 off rail travel on this and other routes across the UK for a whole year, get yours today from as little as £20 depending on which Railcard you qualify for. There are a number of different types available, so it’s worth checking to see if you’re eligible.
How do I book tickets for my London to Sunderland train?
At Grand Central, we’ve made booking your train tickets hassle-free. As soon as you know what the best train times for your trip to Sunderland are, let us know your travel dates in the journey planner, then choose the ticket you want.
Then you’ll need to choose how you’d like to receive your tickets. You can have them sent directly to your phone as an e-ticket, collect them in the station or have them delivered to your home by post.
Finally, tap the ‘Continue’ button, double check all your travel details are correct and complete your payment. That’s it! Your train tickets to Sunderland are all booked.
Before you board
How do I add a train Railcard?
Once you’ve chosen your journey and departure time, you'll find an option below to add a Railcard. Simply select the ‘+’ button and scroll through the list until you find your Railcard to add it to your journey.
Keep in mind that once you select a Railcard, the train fares displayed on the app will automatically reflect the relevant discount. To remove a Railcard, select the ‘x’ next to your initial selection.
How do I book a ticket?
You can book tickets via our website (at the top of this page) or via our Grand Central Rail app (available on Google Play and the App Store)
Can I get a refund on an unused train ticket?
Yes, you can typically get a refund on an unused Grand Central train ticket, but the specific rules and procedures depend on the ticket type and the reason for the refund. Generally, you must return the ticket within 28 days of its expiry date, and you may be subject to an administration fee.
You can only refund tickets purchased through Grand Central.
Advance tickets are non-refundable, unless the service they were valid for is cancelled, disrupted or amended and, as a result, you choose not to travel.
If you have purchased an Off-peak or Anytime ticket from grandcentralrail.com, you can refund your tickets.
Find out more here.
Do you offer travel assistance?
Yes, you can book assistance in advance via Passenger Assistance to ensure a smooth journey.
How can I contact lost property?
If you think you’ve lost something at the station or on one of our trains, please contact the lost property team here.