How to travel from Carlisle to Sunderland, United Kingdom

The distance between Carlisle and Sunderland is around 116km (72 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to drive which takes around 1h 25m.

3 routes found

We've found 3 different ways to get from Carlisle to Sunderland by train and car. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.

👋 Also check out SunderlandCarlisle if you're planning a return trip.

💰 Cheapest
1
train
+

Train to Newcastle

Take the train to Newcastle.

  • Duration1h 40m
  • Departshourly
  • Typical cost
    £29($34)
Operated byNorthern Rail+ 1 others

1 similiar route

We’ve grouped similar routes together, click the arrows to see the other options.

🚀 Fastest
2
car
+

Drive

Drive to Sunderland.

  • Duration1h 25m
  • Distance117km (73 miles)
Get turn-by-turn directions

Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Carlisle and Sunderland

There are several options for getting from Carlisle to Sunderland by train and car. The cheapest option is to take the train which costs around £29 ($34) and will take around 1h 40m. If you need to get there more quickly, you can drive and arrive in approximately 1h 25m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately £20 ($24).

The distance between Carlisle and Sunderland is around 116km (72 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 99km (62 miles)

It takes around 1h 55m to get from Carlisle and Sunderland by train. If you are travelling by car it will take around 1h 25m to drive there.

The quickest way to get from Carlisle to Sunderland is to drive which takes around 1h 25m and will set you back approx £20 ($24).

The cheapest way to travel between Carlisle and Sunderland, if you exclude driving, is to take the train which will typically cost around £29 ($34) for a standard one-way ticket.

Train travel

Yes there is a train service that runs between Carlisle and Sunderland. It typically takes around 1h 55m and departs every 20 mins.

Yes there is a direct train service that runs between Carlisle and Sunderland with no changeovers required. The train runs every 20 mins and takes 1h 55m.

Northern Rail and LNER run train services between Carlisle and Sunderland. Trains depart every 20 mins and will take around 1h 55m, however, this may vary depending on the particular service and whether it runs express or stops all stations.

Bus travel

Sorry, looks like there is no bus service that runs between Carlisle and Sunderland. We recommend that you drive to Sunderland. instead which will take 1h 25m.

Flights and Airlines

It doesn't look like you can fly directly from Carlisle to Sunderland. We recommend that you take the train to Sunderland. instead which will take 1h 55m.

The closest major airport to Sunderland is Newcastle International Airport (NCL) (NCL) which is approximately 26km (16 miles) from Sunderland. Teesside International Airport (MME) (MME) and Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) (LBA) are also nearby and might be a better alternative airport depending on where you are flying from.

Drive yourself

Yes it is possible to drive from Carlisle and Sunderland. The distance is around 117km (73 miles) by road and it will take around 1h 25m in normal traffic conditons.

If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Carlisle to Sunderland is to take the train which takes, on average, 1h 55m and will usually cost around £30 ($35).

How do I get from Carlisle to Sunderland

Compare travel optionsbetween Carlisle and Sunderland

Transport options from Carlisle to Sunderland
Transport optionDurationCostFrequencyDistance
Train to Newcastle + 1 similar
1h 40m
£29($34)
hourly116km (72 miles)
Train1h 55m
£30($35)
every 20 mins116km (72 miles)
Drive
1h 25m
£20($24)
on demand117km (73 miles)

Top Carriersoperating between Carlisle and Sunderland

Train operators

Airports near Sunderland

The following major airports near Sunderland offer regular flights to various popular destinations within United Kingdom and internationally.

NCL
Newcastle International Airport (NCL)
International Airport
Distance
26km (16 miles) from Sunderland
MME
Teesside International Airport (MME)
Domestic Airport
Distance
44km (27 miles) from Sunderland
LBA
Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA)
International Airport
Distance
117km (72 miles) from Sunderland