Thirsk
Thirsk
Sunderland
Sunderland
Train Driving

Thirsk to Sunderland

Updated: 29 May 2026

The journey from Thirsk to Sunderland takes you north through North Yorkshire and County Durham. By car, you will use the A19, covering about 50 miles, which takes around 1 hour. By train, you can take a service with a change at Newcastle or Darlington, arriving at Sunderland Station in approximately 1.5 hours. Sunderland is a coastal city with a rich industrial history. The drive is generally more direct.

Total Distance: 85 km driving distance, 75 km straight-line distance.
Fastest Way
Driving is faster than the train.
Cheapest Way
Train tickets booked in advance are competitive.
Compare Thirsk to Sunderland Routes
Train
Connecting
Driving
Direct
Duration 1 hour 30 mins 1 hour
Avg Price 15 GBP - 30 GBP 15 GBP fuel
Operator Northern and LNER N/A
Route Thirsk to Newcastle, then change for Sunderland. A19 north.
Tip Check connection times at Newcastle station carefully. The A19 is a fast road; watch for speed cameras.
Travel Tips
  • Train Booking
    Book via the Northern site.
  • Parking
    Use the central car parks.
  • Walking
    Sunderland is very walkable.
  • Traffic
    Avoid driving in the city centre.
  • Public Transport
    Use the Metro system.
Safety Tips
  • Driving
    Sunderland traffic is busy; be careful.
  • Personal Safety
    Sunderland is generally safe; stay in well-lit areas.
  • Station Safety
    Keep your belongings secure at the station.
  • Emergency
    Dial 999 for emergencies.
People Also Ask
  • Is there a direct train?
    No, usually requires a change at Newcastle.
  • How long is the drive?
    About 1 hour.
  • Is Sunderland worth visiting?
    Yes, for its coastal beauty.
  • Can I take a bus?
    Yes, but it is much slower than the train.
  • Is parking easy?
    Yes, there are many central car parks.
Quick Info
  • From Thirsk, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom
  • To Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, United Kingdom
  • Modes
Best Time to Travel

Year-round, though the coast is lovely in summer.

Things to Do in Sunderland
1
National Glass Centre
Explore the history of glassmaking.
2
Sunderland Museum
Learn about local history.
3
Roker Beach
Enjoy the coastal views.
4
Stadium of Light
Visit the home of Sunderland AFC.
Tags
Thirsk to Sunderland A19 route train to Sunderland North Yorkshire travel Sunderland station Thirsk transport Tyne and Wear travel driving to Sunderland
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