Is Sunderland a good place to visit?

Yes, it is a coastal city with a great cultural scene.

How long is the train journey?

Approximately 3 hours including transfers.

Are there direct trains?

No, you will need to change in Newcastle.

What is the best route by car?

The A66/A1(M) route is the most direct.

No, there are no direct ferries from Cumbria to Sunderland.

Keswick

Sunderland

Train Driving

Keswick to Sunderland

Updated: 28 May 2026

The journey from Keswick to Sunderland is a trip of approximately 160 kilometers, taking you across the scenic Pennines. By car, you will travel east on the A66, then join the A1(M) north to reach Sunderland. By train, you will travel to Penrith, then take a service to Newcastle before connecting to Sunderland. This journey takes you from the mountainous Lake District to the coastal city of Sunderland in Tyne and Wear.

Total Distance: 160 km driving distance; 130 km straight-line air distance.

Fastest Way

Driving is the fastest, taking approximately 2.25 hours.

Cheapest Way

Driving is generally more cost-effective for groups.

Compare Keswick to Sunderland Routes

	Train Connecting	Driving Direct
Duration	3 hours	2 hours 15 mins
Avg Price	60-120 GBP	40-70 GBP
Operator	Avanti West Coast / LNER	N/A
Route	Bus to Penrith, train to Newcastle, train to Sunderland.	A66 East, A1(M) North to Sunderland.
Tip	The train from Newcastle to Sunderland is very frequent.	The A66 is a scenic but winding road; drive carefully.

Travel Tips

A66 Safety
The A66 can be challenging in bad weather; check conditions before you leave.
Traffic
The A1(M) is a major route; check for accidents before you leave.
Booking
Book train tickets well in advance to avoid high prices.
Parking
Sunderland has several large car parks; check for pre-booking options.
Weather
The coast can be windy; dress in layers.