Trains from York to Sunderland

Are you planning a trip to Sunderland soon? A former industrial city rejuvenated in recent years, Sunderland is surrounded by beautiful gold-rated beaches and picturesque country parks, making it the perfect place to visit. 

Whether you just fancy going for the day or are planning your next big staycation, let us take you there. Hop on one of our Grand Central trains from York to Sunderland and enjoy your adventure, whatever you decide to get up to. 

If you’re planning your next trip, read on. We’ve put together a handy guide designed to make planning your trip as stress-free as possible. From the latest train times and the best deals on your tickets to what to do when you get there, we’ve got you covered.  

How frequent is the York to Sunderland train?

Our York to Sunderland trains run regularly throughout the day, with the first train departing York on weekdays at 10.25 and the last train leaving York at 21.23. If you prefer to travel at weekends, our service resumes at the usual time on Saturdays (13.23) and 15.38 on Sundays, making it easy to get to and from Sunderland at a time to suit you. 

It’s easy to find our trains from York to Sunderland. Simply check for the GC  logo when planning your next trip, and off you go. 

What is the average journey time on a train from York to Sunderland?

We know that time is of the essence. That’s why our trains to Sunderland take an average of 1 hour 46 minutes. 

At Grand Central, we aim to make your journey as enjoyable as possible. With minimal changes en route, you can sit back, relax, and let our comfortable trains take you to wherever you need to be. 

What services are there on Grand Central trains to Sunderland?

To make your journey as comfortable as possible, all of our Grand Central trains have a plethora of onboard facilities available. 

There’s free Wi-Fi as standard, so you don’t have to worry about using up your precious data as you travel. Whether you’re checking your emails, surfing the web, or streaming your favourite TV series, we’ve got you covered. 

If you’re travelling over lunchtime, or simply missed breakfast, make the most of our onboard food and drink services. With an array of fresh and tasty food on offer from local and independent companies alongside hot drinks and small snacks, there’s sure to be something appetising onboard.  

If you want to travel in ultimate comfort, why not upgrade your ticket to First Class? Although standard is great, with First Class you can enjoy a reclining seat and extra leg room, making your journey that little bit more enjoyable. Not only that, but First Class comes with complimentary snacks and a dedicated customer service individual as standard. 

Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, it makes sense to travel with Grand Central. 

Which ticket do I need for my York to Sunderland train?

Once you know the times that suit you best, you can select your train tickets from York to Sunderland. At Grand Central, we have all sorts of ticket types for you to choose from that are designed with different travellers in mind. The ticket that’s the best fit depends on when you are travelling and who you may be travelling with.  

If you have a more flexible schedule and don’t need to arrive in Sunderland for rush hour, then a great option is an Off-Peak ticket. As you’ll be travelling at quieter times, you’ll often get a cheaper ticket compared to busier services. Our journeys are usually quieter at these times too, so you may even have more room to stretch your legs. 

If you’re not sure when you want to come back, then there’s no need to worry. Our Anytime train tickets allow you to simply hop on a Grand Central train when you need to. With no time pressure to catch a specific train, you can see where the day takes you. 

On the other hand, if you like to have a plan in place, then you can book an Advanced fare. Not only will you know exactly what York to Sunderland train to hop on, but you’ll find that they often work out cheaper too.  

Whether you’re booking a daytrip in Sunderland or just stopping off, make sure you choose the right ticket. Before you book, it’s best to check whether you need a Return to York or a Single Ticket to Sunderland. Getting a ticket on the day can be a lot more expensive, so it pays to be prepared. 

How can I secure train tickets from York to Sunderland?

If cheap train tickets from York to Sunderland are what you’re after, then you’ll get the best deals by booking in advance, rather than leaving it until last minute. As soon as you know when you’d like to travel, check the timetable to see our fares for that date and time. Then, book as soon possible to secure the best price. 

If you’re a regular traveller then you may also wish to look into getting a Railcard. Designed with both families and commuters in mind, you can save up to 1/3 on your ticket, even at weekends and bank holidays. There are eight different types of Railcard available and it’s easy to check if you’re eligible in just a few clicks online. If you are, it’s a great way to get cheap train tickets time and time again.   

How do I book tickets for a York to Sunderland train?

To book your tickets with us at Grand Central, simply head to our journey planner where you can search for York to Sunderland train times and fares. There, you’ll be asked for some additional information, such as the number of passengers and whether you are a Railcard holder. Once you’ve put in this information, you can browse the different fares and choose one that suits you best. 

After you’ve decided on your fare, you have a few options. If you’re prone to losing paper tickets in your wallet, then perhaps opting for an e-ticket would be the best way to go. If you prefer to collect your tickets at the station, then that’s fine too. Or, if you like to have your tickets ahead of time, we’ll pop them in the post (if there is enough time between the purchase and your trip of course!). 

You’ll be required to reserve a seat for your journey on this route, so make sure to put in your preferences, if you have any. 

Things to do in Sunderland

Where the River Wear enters the North Sea, you’ll find the eclectic city that is Sunderland. Known as Newcastle’s little brother, Sunderland is full of friendly locals known as ‘Mackems’ who will be happy to give you a taste of the area’s unique charm. Once hailed as the ‘Largest Shipbuilding Town in the World’, Sunderland has changed dramatically in the past few decades and is now a modern metropolis with much to offer.  

With industrial routes, you may be surprised to hear that Sunderland has two beaches at Seaburn and Roker that have a renowned reputation locally and internationally. So much so, they have deservedly earned the gold standard for cleanliness and facilities. While you’re there, you may wish to take a break from the beautiful sandy beaches to visit Pier Point. Packed with independent cafes, restaurants, and shops, it’s one you won’t want to miss. 

If you’d prefer something a little more educational, it’s worth a visit to the National Glass Centre. Opened to the public in 1998 in partnership with the University of Sunderland, the striking museum offers a dive back into history to explain how Sunderland became known for its glass and ceramics. If you’re lucky, you may even catch the latest artist exhibition or glass blowing sessions. 

In addition to the fascinating historical past of this wonderful city, if you’re after a picturesque spot for a picnic or winter walk then you’ll want to visit the Herrington Country Park. Just a few miles away from the city centre, the park features a lake, the Miners Memorial Garden, and plenty of walking and cycling trails. It’s also home to some of Sunderland’s biggest annual events including music festivals and sporting tournaments. 

Whether you’re travelling to Sunderland for the day or planning a longer trip, book your York to Sunderland train tickets today. Then, simply prepare to experience all the culture the north-east has to offer from the minute you step off the train.