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Trains from London Waterloo East to
Sunderland

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London Waterloo East to Sunderland by train

Planning a train journey from London Waterloo East to Sunderland? The trip usually takes about 6hrs 3 mins, covering approximately 241 miles (388 kilometres). With roughly 24 trains operating daily, you have plenty of options to suit your schedule. Booking your tickets ahead of time can snag you fares as low as £87.90, offering an economical choice for savvy travelers.

London Waterloo East to Sunderland Key Stats

Arrival Station

Sunderland

Departure Station

London Waterloo East

Frequency

24trains
per day

Journey Time

from4hrs 37 mins

Changes

3-5no direct
trains

First Train / Last Train

00:30 / 00:03

Distance

241miles
(388 km)

3 Routes

6 Train Operators

Prices

from£87.90

Travelling from London Waterloo East to Sunderland by Train

Jump on a Train from London Waterloo East to Sunderland – It's Quicker Than You Expect!

Considering a train trip from London Waterloo East to Sunderland? You’re in the right place, and the journey is faster than you might think!

Typically, the trip takes about 6hrs 3 mins. If you're rushing or eager to reach London Waterloo East, the quickest trains can get you there in just 4hrs 37 mins. With approximately 24 trains operating daily, you have plenty of options. This picturesque 241-mile (388 km) route usually requires just one change, with Northern Rail, Grand Central, Lumo, Thameslink, Southeastern, London North Eastern Railway providing comfortable seating and ample luggage space – because being cramped isn't anyone's idea of fun!

The best news? By booking early, you can find tickets starting at just £87.90, a significant saving compared to last-minute purchases. To save even more, consider traveling during Off-Peak hours or using a Railcard to keep your expenses down.

Ready to grab those low-cost tickets? Use our Journey Planner to find the latest discounts and keep your budget happy. Explore more travel tips below or check our timetable for current train schedules. All aboard to Sunderland!

Journey Details

Frequently asked questions about journeys between London Waterloo East and Sunderland

Curious about your trip from London Waterloo East to Sunderland? We've put together answers to the most commonly asked questions from our customers to make planning your journey easier.

How long does it take to travel between London Waterloo East and Sunderland by train?

The travel time between London Waterloo East and Sunderland by train varies depending on the type of train and the route, but the average journey time is 6hrs 3 mins & the fastest journey takes 4hrs 37 mins.

What's the fastest journey time between London Waterloo East and Sunderland by train?

The fastest journey time by train from London Waterloo East to Sunderland is 4hrs 37 mins.

How much does the train from London Waterloo East to Sunderland cost?

Train ticket prices from London Waterloo East to Sunderland can start from as little as £87.90 when you book in advance. The cost of tickets can vary depending on the time of day, route and class you book and are usually more expensive if you book on the day.

What are the departure and arrival times for trains between London Waterloo East and Sunderland?

The departure and arrival times for trains between London Waterloo East and Sunderland vary depending on the day of the week and the type of train. Generally, there are around 24 departures and arrivals throughout the day. The first departure is 00:30, and the last train of the day leaves at 00:03.

What is the difference between first class and standard class on trains between London Waterloo East and Sunderland?

First class tickets on trains between London Waterloo East and Sunderland typically offer more space, complimentary food and drink, and other amenities compared to standard class.

What amenities are available on trains between London Waterloo East and Sunderland?

Amenities on trains between London Waterloo East and Sunderland can include free Wi-Fi, power outlets, onboard catering, and comfortable seating.

What is the cheapest way to travel from London Waterloo East to Sunderland by train?

By booking your tickets on traintickets.com! There are many ways to save on the cost of train travel between London Waterloo East and Sunderland. On traintickets.com, we do all the work for you to find the cheapest way possible to get to Sunderland, and can save you up to 90%! Simply search for your journey, and be assured we have found you the best possible price.

Is it possible to take a direct train from London Waterloo East to Sunderland?

No, unfortunately there are no direct trains between London Waterloo East & Sunderland. However, there are 24 possible journeys which require a change.

What train companies run services from London Waterloo East to Sunderland?

Northern Rail, Grand Central, Lumo, Thameslink, Southeastern and London North Eastern Railway are the main train operating companies running services between London Waterloo East and Sunderland.

Can I bring luggage on board trains between London Waterloo East and Sunderland?

Yes, you can bring luggage on board trains between London Waterloo East and Sunderland, but there may be limits on the number of bags or the size and weight of your luggage.

When are London Waterloo East to Sunderland Train Times?

Check out the upcoming trains from London Waterloo East to Sunderland on Sunday 4th May 2025, with our handy timetable below.

Alternatively, you can view the full day's schedule or search for a different date here!

Sunday 4th May
DepartsArrivesChangesVia StationsDurationOperator
07:32 London Waterloo East12:51 Sunderland5 changesLondon Charing Cross
Lewisham
London Bridge
London Kings Cross
Newcastle
5 hrs 19 mins Get Tickets
08:32 London Waterloo East13:50 Sunderland5 changesLondon Charing Cross
Lewisham
London Bridge
London Kings Cross
Newcastle
5 hrs 18 mins Get Tickets
09:32 London Waterloo East14:50 Sunderland5 changesLondon Charing Cross
Lewisham
London Bridge
London Kings Cross
Newcastle
5 hrs 18 mins Get Tickets
10:32 London Waterloo East15:51 Sunderland5 changesLondon Charing Cross
Lewisham
London Bridge
London Kings Cross
Newcastle
5 hrs 19 mins Get Tickets
11:21 London Waterloo East16:50 Sunderland5 changesLondon Charing Cross
Lewisham
London Bridge
London Kings Cross
Newcastle
5 hrs 29 mins Get Tickets
12:37 London Waterloo East17:06 Sunderland3 changesLondon Bridge
London Blackfriars
London Kings Cross
4 hrs 29 mins Get Tickets
13:21 London Waterloo East18:51 Sunderland5 changesLondon Charing Cross
Lewisham
London Bridge
London Kings Cross
Newcastle
5 hrs 30 mins Get Tickets
14:07 London Waterloo East19:08 Sunderland3 changesLondon Bridge
London Blackfriars
London Kings Cross
5 hrs 1 min Get Tickets
14:32 London Waterloo East19:50 Sunderland5 changesLondon Charing Cross
Lewisham
London Bridge
London Kings Cross
Newcastle
5 hrs 18 mins Get Tickets
15:37 London Waterloo East20:21 Sunderland3 changesLondon Bridge
London Blackfriars
London Kings Cross
4 hrs 44 mins Get Tickets
17:07 London Waterloo East21:40 Sunderland3 changesLondon Bridge
London Blackfriars
London Kings Cross
4 hrs 33 mins Get Tickets
20:21 London Waterloo East06:26 Sunderland5 changesLondon Charing Cross
Lewisham
London Bridge
London Kings Cross
Newcastle
10 hrs 5 mins Get Tickets
Search all times & prices for today

What are my cheap ticket options for London Waterloo East to Sunderland journeys?

From booking in Advance, to our FairSplits, here are our tips for you to find the best price

Advance Tickets

A single ticket for one journey leaving at a specific date and time.

The rule is: the sooner you book the cheaper they are. Usually the cheapest, but least flexible.

Off-Peak & Super Off-Peak Tickets

Offering greater flexibility than Advances, Off-Peak tickets offer travel during less busy times of day trading off more flexibility in the Off-Peak windows but for still discounted fares.

Off Peak fares from London Waterloo East to Sunderland start from £87.90 one way

Anytime Tickets

Anytime tickets are fully flexible allowing travel at any time of the day. Brilliant if you don’t want the pressure of clock watching, returning when you want

Anytime fares from London Waterloo East to Sunderland are available for £195.70 one way

With our FairSplit technology, you can save up to 90% on the cost of train travel.

Split ticketing means that instead of purchasing one rail ticket for your journey we automatically find and help you book two or more tickets instead, covering exactly the same journey. We call it our FairSplit.

Travelling in a group? We can save you even more!

Unlike other split ticketing sites, you can enter multiple railcards in a single search on traintickets.com. We will find you the best price using all possible combinations of your railcards in conjunction with our split ticketing technology & GroupSave.

When you do a search on traintickets.com we check all the cheapest prices automatically

Everything you need to know about London Waterloo East Station

Exploring London Waterloo East Train Station: A Convenient Gateway to Discover the City

Looking to explore the vibrant city of London and beyond? London Waterloo East train station is your perfect starting point. Conveniently situated, the station serves as a vital link, connecting you to numerous destinations within London and across the UK. Let’s dive into the details of what London Waterloo East has to offer and why it's an ideal choice for your travel plans.

Facilities and Amenities at London Waterloo East

Though London Waterloo East is a bustling hub, it provides essential amenities to ensure a smooth experience for travelers. While it lacks a traditional ticket office, fear not—ticket machines are readily available for both purchase and collection of pre-booked tickets. Accessibility is thoughtfully catered for, with accessible ticket machines and step-free access via lifts from Waterloo Main station. Need assistance? Help points are clearly marked, and staff are on hand to lend a helping hand when needed.

For those traveling with youngsters or seeking some comfort, the station hosts heated waiting rooms and accessible toilets with baby-changing facilities. CCTV surveillance is in place to ensure a secure environment throughout your journey. Hungry or in need of caffeine fix? Grab a snack or a hot drink from the coffee shops and vending machines on site—no worries about missing the news as newspapers are available too!

Onward Travel: Connecting You Further

Transportation links play a crucial role in making your journey seamless. London Waterloo East does not disappoint with its comprehensive connections to other parts of the city. The bus alighting point on Sandell Street ensures easy access to local transit and rail replacement services. If you're planning an onward journey by train, numerous exciting routes can spark your travel imagination.

Popular Routes: Embark on an Adventure

Dreaming of exploring iconic locations within and around London? London Waterloo East provides access to some fantastic destinations. Whether you're commuting or planning a day trip to explore new locales, this station links you to areas such as London Bridge, London Charing Cross, and Hither Green. With easy routes to places like East Croydon or Tonbridge, your adventures are just a train ride away.

Why Choose London Waterloo East?

As a commuter or an explorer, stepping through the doors of London Waterloo East gives you the flexibility and freedom to travel with ease. Whether it’s the convenience of arriving at London Bridge or the cultural allure of reaching London Charing Cross, this station offers it all. Its facilities cater to your needs, including accessibility and necessary travel support.

Embark on Your Journey Today!

Booking your ticket is the first step to countless experiences waiting at your fingertips. With easy access to online ticket collection, friendly staff to assist, and comprehensive travel links, London Waterloo East is not just a station—it's the beginning of your next adventure. Time to pack your bags, hop on board, and embrace the journey!

Everything you need to know about Sunderland Station

Sunderland Train Station: Your Gateway to the North East

Nestled in the heart of North East England, Sunderland Train Station serves as a vital transport hub, providing a plethora of services and conveniences for travelers. Whether you are a local commuter or a visitor exploring the scenic beauty of the North East, Sunderland Station is poised to make your journey a smooth and pleasant experience. The station is a key point of departure for an exciting range of destinations, connecting you to major cities and charming locales.

Facilities at Sunderland Station

The station is well-equipped with a ticket office open from early morning until the evening, providing flexibility for purchasing and collecting tickets. Ticket machines are available around the clock, and the accessible machines make it easy for all travelers to get their tickets effortlessly. A smartcard facility is also on hand for those frequent travelers looking to streamline their journey.

Travelers who may need assistance will find help readily available at Sunderland Station. Staff are on duty to offer aid throughout most of the day and night, with facilities such as an induction loop in place to aid those with hearing impairments. Although there is no CCTV, customer help is accessible via contact numbers for added support.

Accessibility and Amenities

Sunderland Train Station boasts comprehensive accessibility with step-free access to all areas, including lifts to each platform. This makes it a Category A station, suitable for all passengers, particularly those with mobility challenges. With waiting rooms not in service, comfort is still maintained with ample seating available throughout. Although there are no accessible toilets, baby-changing facilities are provided to cater to those traveling with young children.

While you'll find essential facilities like refreshment options, the absence of shops means planning ahead is wise. There are no ATM or currency exchange services, so grabbing cash beforehand would be beneficial. Wi-Fi isn't available at the station, ensuring you stay off the grid while traveling or stay entertained through other offline means.

Travel Connections and Onward Journeys

Making onward journeys from Sunderland Station is seamless with its diverse transport links. The station is conveniently located near a taxi rank, making it easy to hail a cab for quick city escapes. For a more economical option, there are several local bus services to choose from. Additionally, the nearby Tyne and Wear Metro station further expands connectivity across the region.

Destinations Awaiting You

The array of destinations accessible from Sunderland is vast and enticing. Travel directly to bustling hubs like London King's Cross and Manchester Piccadilly link link, or head to the cultural hotspots of Edinburgh link and Leeds link. Have a tranquil trip to the beautiful city of York link, or enjoy a coastal visit to scenic destinations like Hartlepool link and Seaham link.

Conclusion

Sunderland Train Station is more than just a starting point for your travels in the UK; it’s a launching pad to adventure. With comprehensive facilities, accessibility options, and seamless travel links, it creates the perfect balance of convenience and connectivity. Whether you’re heading to a metropolitan marvel or a serene seaside escape, Sunderland offers routes that reflect the diverse essence of the UK. Make sure to organize your ticketing needs in advance to ensure a hassle-free start to your journey!

Looking for more inspiration?

Popular places to travel by train from London Waterloo East