Sunderland travel guide

Sunderland Tourism | Sunderland Guide

You're Going to Love Sunderland

With a population of 177 965, Sunderland is a must-see destination in England, United Kingdom. It is among the most popular tourist destinations in the country. We recommend you stay at least 3 days in order to fully appreciate everything Sunderland has to offer.

Where to Eat in Sunderland

If you’re looking for affordable options, San Marino at Hanover Place (San Marino at Hanover Place) and The Engine Room (High St W) are great picks.

When to visit Sunderland

Sunderland in March
Estimated hotel price
$55
1 night at 3-star hotel
Sunderland in March
Estimated hotel price
$55
1 night at 3-star hotel

How to Get to Sunderland

Plane

Although Sunderland doesn’t have its own airport, you can fly to Newcastle Airport (UK) (NCL), which is located 25 km from Sunderland. The shortest flight to Sunderland from the United States departs from Boston and takes around 9h 40m.

Train

AccesRail is the most popular train carrier serving Sunderland, followed by LNER. The train journey from Sunderland to London takes 2h 48m and costs around $212 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Bristol, expect to pay about $168 for a 7h 00m trip. Located 1.5 km from the city center, Sunderland Stadium of Light is the busiest station in Sunderland. Another popular train station is Sunderland Seaburn, located 2.7 km from the center.

Car

Another option to get to Sunderland is to pick up a car rental from Edinburgh, which is about 163 km from Sunderland. You’ll find branches of GREEN MOTION and Europcar, among others, in Edinburgh.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Sunderland, including Megabus, National Express and FlixBus. From Leeds, the bus ride to Sunderland takes 193 km and will cost you around $8. From Manchester, the ticket costs about $23 for a journey of 330 km. Sunderland’s bus station is located 0.3 km from the city center.

Plane

Although Sunderland doesn’t have its own airport, you can fly to Newcastle Airport (UK) (NCL), which is located 25 km from Sunderland. The shortest flight to Sunderland from the United States departs from Boston and takes around 9h 40m.

Train

AccesRail is the most popular train carrier serving Sunderland, followed by LNER. The train journey from Sunderland to London takes 2h 48m and costs around $212 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Bristol, expect to pay about $168 for a 7h 00m trip. Located 1.5 km from the city center, Sunderland Stadium of Light is the busiest station in Sunderland. Another popular train station is Sunderland Seaburn, located 2.7 km from the center.

Car

Another option to get to Sunderland is to pick up a car rental from Edinburgh, which is about 163 km from Sunderland. You’ll find branches of GREEN MOTION and Europcar, among others, in Edinburgh.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Sunderland, including Megabus, National Express and FlixBus. From Leeds, the bus ride to Sunderland takes 193 km and will cost you around $8. From Manchester, the ticket costs about $23 for a journey of 330 km. Sunderland’s bus station is located 0.3 km from the city center.

Airlines serving Sunderland

Lufthansa
Good (4,607 reviews)
KLM
Good (848 reviews)
British Airways
Good (4,446 reviews)
Delta
Good (4,597 reviews)
Air France
Good (974 reviews)
Iberia
Good (1,546 reviews)
Emirates
Good (2,124 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (2,480 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (911 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (835 reviews)
ITA Airways
Good (707 reviews)
Cathay Pacific
Good (487 reviews)
Aer Lingus
Good (776 reviews)
Malaysia Airlines
Good (180 reviews)
easyJet
Good (1,445 reviews)
Japan Airlines
Excellent (957 reviews)
Eurowings
Good (194 reviews)
China Eastern
Good (50 reviews)
LATAM Airlines
Good (987 reviews)
Qantas Airways
Good (538 reviews)
Show more

Where to stay in popular areas of Sunderland

Most booked hotels in Sunderland

Highfield Hotel
3 stars
Excellent (8.5, 1299 reviews)
$80+
The Moorings
3 stars
Excellent (8.4, 450 reviews)
$68+
Grand Hotel Sunderland
4 stars
Good (7.9, 5490 reviews)
$78+
Roker Hotel, BW Premier Collection
4 stars
Good (7.8, 2449 reviews)
$73+
Holiday Inn Washington
3 stars
Good (7.8, 2281 reviews)
$69+
Travelodge Sunderland Central
3 stars
Good (7.9, 43 reviews)
$48+

Renting a car in Sunderland

Renting a car in Sunderland costs $58 per day, on average, or $175 if you want to rent if for 3 days.

You’re likely to save money by renting your car at the airport: locations in the city are, on average, 30% more expensive than at Newcastle upon Tyne.

Expect to pay $7.00 per gallon in Sunderland (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $84.04 and $112.05. The most frequently booked car type in Sunderland is Compact (Seat Leon or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Mini rental cars (Smart Fortwo or similar) are, on average, 38% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Renting a car in Sunderland costs $58 per day, on average, or $175 if you want to rent if for 3 days.

You’re likely to save money by renting your car at the airport: locations in the city are, on average, 30% more expensive than at Newcastle upon Tyne.

Expect to pay $7.00 per gallon in Sunderland (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $84.04 and $112.05. The most frequently booked car type in Sunderland is Compact (Seat Leon or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Mini rental cars (Smart Fortwo or similar) are, on average, 38% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.