Whether you’re looking for cheap train tickets to Sunderland for you and your family, or you’re heading to the north-east for work, choose Grand Central for all your rail travel needs. With fantastic onboard facilities, wallet-friendly fares and regular train times to Sunderland, you can get where you need to be with ease.
Perhaps you’re visiting Eaglescliffe to catch up with relatives? Or are you heading to Hartlepool to visit the National Museum of the Royal Navy? Wherever you’re going, our connections will help you to explore the north-east even further.
Find out more about travelling with Grand Central below, including what facilities to expect on board, things to do in the north-east and how to book a cheap train ticket to Sunderland.
Grand Central serves the following stations in this region:
Things to do in Sunderland and the North East
Covering Teesside, Wearside and Tyneside, north-east England has a lot to offer. From the striking Angel of the North in Gateshead to the National Museum of the Royal Navy in Hartlepool, there is plenty to discover on your next visit.
Newcastle-upon-Tyne is the largest city in the area, known for its lively nightlife, eye-catching bridges and beloved football team! You could also plan a day out in Sunderland – a popular city for shopping, beachside fun and theatre trips.
If it’s rural adventure you are looking for, then head to the Durham Dales for fantastic bike trails around the moors, meandering rivers to walk alongside and chocolate-box villages, where you can find some great local pubs and picnic areas.
Why not take the first step of your trip by booking your train ticket to Sunderland today? And, for further information on the area and its offerings, be sure to visit seeitdoitsunderland.co.uk and visitnortheastengland.com.
Things to do in Sunderland for free
Our top ten fabulous things you can see and do in Sunderland for free!
Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens
Showcasing local history, art, and a stunning glass atrium filled with over 2,000 plants
National Glass Centre
Discover Sunderland’s glassmaking heritage with stunning exhibitions, live demonstrations, and riverside views.
Explore our routes to Sunderland and the North East
Planning your journey to Sunderland and the North East
How to get the cheapest train ticket to Sunderland
If you want to travel to the north-east without breaking the bank, rest assured there are many great value train tickets to Sunderland and other destinations that you can take advantage of. There are several different types of tickets to choose from – and which offers the best value will depend on when you’re travelling and how flexible you can be with the time you hop onboard.
The three main types of train ticket are Advance, Anytime and Off-Peak. If you’re searching for the cheapest train ticket to Sunderland or other stations in the north-east, it may be worth considering Advance tickets. Often, the best value fares can be found when you book in advance, which makes this a great option if you know exactly the time and date you want to travel. Plus, you can also get an extra 25% student discount today when you book Advance tickets with a valid university email address and student ID card.
If you can travel any time of the day, it may be worth checking out an Off-Peak train ticket to Sunderland. These are typically valid for train times outside the rush hour and are often cheaper than Peak tickets, making this an easy way to save. Or, if you need a little more flexibility, Anytime tickets can be used on any valid train, giving you a little more wiggle room.
You can also bag yourself cheap train tickets to Sunderland and beyond by taking advantage of our offers, such as Multi-buy and Group Travel discounts.
What facilities are on board Grand Central trains?
We want to make your journey as comfortable and enjoyable as possible, which is why we have a range of fantastic facilities on board our trains. Take advantage of the free Wi-Fi available throughout the carriages to catch up with work, listen to music or relax with an online article. Or sit back and relax with refreshments from our on-board menu, which includes hot and cold drinks, sandwiches and snacks.
If you’d like to enjoy superior comfort on your journey, we have First Class and business travel available on our trains. With large reclining seats, lots of leg room and complimentary snacks and drinks, it’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy your trip.
Are there regular train times to Sunderland and the north east?
Absolutely, there are plenty of train times to Sunderland and the north-east to choose from, so we’re sure you’ll find a service that suits your diary. Exactly what time trains arrive and how many services there are throughout the day will depend on which station you’re travelling from.
To find the right train time for you, enter your departure station into the box at the top of the page and fill in the rest of the travel details. Then, hit ‘Search and Buy’ to explore the train times to Sunderland. Don’t forget to download our train timetables to take with you so you can stay on top of all the latest arrivals and departures.
Before you board
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 if my plans change?
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, pleas contact the lost property team here.