Explore Preston to Sunderland by rail

Getting ready for a trip from Preston to Sunderland aboard a local train? Here’s what you need to know — including departure times, fastest routes and ticket prices — about the trip.

Train cost between Preston and Sunderland

Average fares along this route:

  • The cheapest ticket price: £78.70

  • Ticket price when booked 30 days in advance:

  • Ticket price when booked 7 days in advance:

Finding cheap train tickets

Booking in advance is clearly one of the easiest ways to save on tickets. Follow these other tips to find cheap train tickets for travel in Europe:

  • Opt for the basic, “no-frills” class of service (which is still sure to deliver a comfortable ride)

  • Travel with a budget train operator

  • Consider choosing a rail pass if you plan to travel extensively

  • Book off-peak fares (tickets are cheaper midweek and outside peak hours)

  • Select a non-flexible fare

  • Ride slower trains as opposed to the pricier high-speed fares

  • Subscribe to the Rail Europe newsletter to be notified about discounts.

And last but not least, compare ticket prices on Rail Europe. We automatically compile all ticket offers in one easy search so you can choose by price, timing or whatever is driving your journey.

Preston to Sunderland daily train schedule

Whether you’re headed to Sunderland on a Tuesday or a Sunday, with 64 trains per day, you will have multiple options to choose from.

  • 00:37: departure of first train Monday-Friday

  • 23:42: departure of last train Monday-Friday

  • 06:13: departure of first train on weekends

  • 19:41: departure of last train on weekends

  • Every 5 minutes: frequency of train departures

Train duration for trips from Preston to Sunderland

The swiftest journey time on this route is 3 hours and 7 minutes, crossing a total distance of 154 kilometres.

When do tickets between Preston and Sunderland go on sale?

Travellers can book train journeys between Preston and Sunderland 5 months before the travel date. The earlier you book, the better the price. Stay informed about ticket availability by setting up a personalised booking alert with Rail Europe.

Learn even more about travelling from Preston to Sunderland by train

Need more information on travelling through Europe by train? Head to our help articles for details on everything from booking to navigating stations and understanding different ticket types. Then review the travel ideas we’ve compiled in our city guide: Sunderland.

Frequently asked questions

What is the travel distance between Preston and Sunderland by train?

The total journey from Preston to Sunderland is 154 kilometres.

How much does it cost to go from Preston to Sunderland by train?

The cheapest fare for this route is £78.70. When booking 30 days in advance, tickets cost . A ticket bought 7 days before travel typically costs .

When can I start booking my Preston to Sunderland train tickets?

You can purchase tickets for this route 5 months in advance.

How long does the train take from Preston to Sunderland?

The fastest journey takes 3 hours and 7 minutes.