How to travel from Sunderland to Belfast, United Kingdom
The distance between Sunderland and Belfast is around 356km (221 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to take the train and then fly which takes around 2h 15m.
10 routes found
We've found 10 different ways to get from Sunderland to Belfast by train, bus, ferry, car and plane. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.
👋 Also check out Belfast → Sunderland if you're planning a return trip.
Fly
Fly from Newcastle (NCL) to Belfast (Aldergrove) (BFS).
- Duration2h 45m
- Flight time55min
- Typical cost£95($110)
3 similiar routes
We’ve grouped similar routes together, click the arrows to see the other options.
Bus and Ferry
Take the bus to Glasgow and then to Cairnryan Stena Terminal then take a ferry to Belfast.
- Duration8h 55m
- Departstwice daily
- Typical cost£34($40)
Multiple operators
Train and Ferry
Take the train to Carlisle then Kilmarnock and then to Stranraer then take a ferry to Belfast.
- Duration7h 55m
- Departstwice daily
- Typical cost£90($105)
Multiple operators
3 similiar routes
We’ve grouped similar routes together, click the arrows to see the other options.
Car and Ferry
Drive to Cairnryan then take a ferry to Belfast.
- Duration5h 45m
- Departsevery 4 hours
- Typical cost£51($60)
Multiple operators
Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Sunderland and Belfast
Popular questions
There are several options for getting from Sunderland to Belfast by train, bus, ferry, car and plane. The cheapest option is to take the bus and then take a ferry which costs around £34 ($40) and will take around 8h 55m. If you need to get there more quickly, you can take the train and then fly and arrive in approximately 2h 15m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately £135 ($160).
The distance between Sunderland and Belfast is around 356km (221 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 294km (183 miles)
It takes around 8hrs to get from Sunderland and Belfast by train, bus and ferry.
The quickest way to get from Sunderland to Belfast is to take the train and then fly which takes around 2h 15m and will set you back approx £135 ($160).
The cheapest way to travel between Sunderland and Belfast is to take the bus and then take a ferry which will typically cost around £34 ($40) for a standard one-way ticket.
Train travel
There is no train service that runs between Sunderland and Belfast. We recommend that you take the train to Darlington then fly from Durham (MME) to Belfast City (BHD). instead which will take 2h 15m.
Bus travel
Sorry, looks like there is no bus service that runs between Sunderland and Belfast. We recommend that you take the train to Darlington then fly from Durham (MME) to Belfast City (BHD). instead which will take 2h 15m.
Flights and Airlines
Yes you can fly from Sunderland and Belfast. Flights depart from Newcastle (NCL) and arrive at Belfast (Aldergrove) (BFS). The flight takes around 55min.
Yes there is a direct flight between Sunderland and Belfast with no stop-overs required. Flights typically take around 55min.
easyJet fly between Sunderland and Belfast. Flights depart from Newcastle (NCL) and and arrive into Belfast (Aldergrove) (BFS). These flights usually take around 55min.
The flight from Sunderland to Belfast typically takes around 55min. Flights depart from Newcastle (NCL) and and arrive into Belfast (Aldergrove) (BFS).
The closest major airport to Belfast is George Best Belfast City Airport (BHD) (BHD) which is approximately 4km (3 miles) from Belfast. Belfast International Airport (BFS) (BFS) and City of Derry Airport (LDY) (LDY) are also nearby and might be a better alternative airport depending on where you are flying from.
Drive yourself
No, its not really possible or feasible to drive from Sunderland to Belfast. We recommend that you take the train to Edinburgh then take the bus to Glasgow Buchanan Bus Station and then to Cairnryan Stena Terminal then take a ferry to Belfast. instead which will take 8hrs.
If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Sunderland to Belfast is to take the train, then take the bus and then take a ferry which takes, on average, 8hrs and will usually cost around £56 ($66).
Compare travel optionsbetween Sunderland and Belfast
| Transport option | Duration | Cost | Frequency | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Fly + 3 similar | 2h 45m | £95($110) | twice a week | 356km (221 miles) |
| Train to Darlington, Fly | 2h 15m | £135($160) | every 20 mins | 378km (235 miles) |
| Train to Edinburgh, Fly | 3h 15m | £95($110) | hourly | 451km (281 miles) |
| Train and Plane | 3h 60m | £95($115) | hourly | 490km (305 miles) |
Bus and Ferry | 8h 55m | £34($40) | twice daily | 480km (298 miles) |
Train and Ferry + 3 similar | 7h 55m | £90($105) | twice daily | 473km (294 miles) |
| Train to Liverpool Lime Street, ferry | 10h 30m | £100($115) | 3 times a week | 544km (338 miles) |
| Train, Bus and Ferry | 8hrs | £56($66) | every 20 mins | 508km (316 miles) |
| Train to Glasgow Central, bus and ferry | 9h 30m | £58($69) | once a week | 510km (317 miles) |
Car and Ferry | 5h 45m | £51($60) | every 4 hours | 365km (227 miles) |
Top Carriersoperating between Sunderland and Belfast
Train operators
Greater Anglia
First ScotRail Service
Caledonian Sleeper
Airlines
Aer Lingus
Loganair
Bus companies
Scottish Citylink
Dodds of Troon
Ferry operators
Stena Line
Isle of Man Steam Packet Company
Airports near Belfast
The following major airports near Belfast offer regular flights to various popular destinations within United Kingdom and internationally.
George Best Belfast City Airport (BHD)
- Distance
- 4km (3 miles) from Belfast
Belfast International Airport (BFS)
- Distance
- 20km (12 miles) from Belfast
City of Derry Airport (LDY)
- Distance
- 93km (58 miles) from Belfast