Sunderland and the north-east of England offer a perfect blend of coast and countryside, while also benefitting from a vibrant city life. The best part is that you don’t need to spend a fortune to get around – it's nice and easy! We’ve listed the most efficient modes of transport to help you get around the north-east, considering our carbon footprint and how much we spend.
The University encourages staff and students to use sustainable modes of travel. If you commute to either of the campuses by public transport, walking, or cycling, you can earn rewards and win prizes with BetterPoints Sunderland.
Walking
Sunderland City Centre is compact and walkable, with attractions like Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens, Mowbray Park, and the Stadium of Light within easy reach. Our campuses and accommodation are all conveniently within walking distance of each other and the City Centre.
Walking is great for your overall health and research suggests we should aim for 10,000 steps a day, so you can try and reach your goal while getting to your destination. If you want to travel further, you could always walk to your local public transport stop or station, which you can read more about below.
Cycling
Cycling is a healthy, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective way to travel. Sunderland and the north-east have invested in developing an extensive network of cycle paths and routes. The University strongly encourages people to cycle to campus and you can even get your bike serviced for free at one of the Bike with Us events that are scheduled throughout the year.
If you’re not 100% sure whether you want to cycle to campus all the time and just want to try it out, you could always borrow a bike. The Cycle Hub at the Sir Tom Cowie Campus at St Peter’s can loan you a bike, or they may have a reconditioned one that they can donate free of charge.
All Metro stations have cycle storage on site or somewhere close by. If you want to make cycling part of your journey, you can leave your bike securely locked to one of the cycle racks, Streetpods, or in a smart cycle locker, and continue your journey by Metro.
Tyne and Wear Metro
The iconic Tyne and Wear Metro is a rail system that connects key destinations around the north-east, including Sunderland, Newcastle, Gateshead, and the North and South Tyneside coastal areas, which covers popular locations like Tynemouth, Whitley Bay, and Seaburn. Newcastle Airport also has a Metro station, meaning you can travel straight to the University from the airport in under an hour! The Metro is fast, reliable, and covers most of the major attractions in the area.
- Standard fares: Fares start from around £2.80 for a single journey within one zone, with day tickets costing approximately £5.90 for unlimited travel across all zones
- MetroSaver passes: If you use the Metro frequently, investing in a weekly, monthly, or annual MetroSaver pass can save you money
- Pay as you go Pop Card: If you don’t travel on the Metro frequently, you can top up a Pay as You Go Pop Card and use it as and when you need it, as it’s cheaper than buying a daily ticket from the machine
- Pop Blue: If you’re aged 16-21, Pop Blue is the cheapest way to use the Metro. Take advantage of the cheapest rates and travel for £1 on a single journey, or £2.20 all day – a saving of up to £2.65 per journey.
Our nearest stations are St Peters for the Sir Tom Cowie Campus at St Peter’s and University for City Campus. There's also Park Lane in the City Centre, as well as the stop inside Sunderland Station.
Bus
Buses are the most accessible and affordable mode of transport across Sunderland and the north-east. The region is served by multiple bus operators, including Stagecoach, Go North East, and Arriva, offering extensive routes covering urban areas and rural countryside alike.
- Standard fares: Single fares are currently capped at £2.50 (£1 for under 21s). Day tickets are also available, offering unlimited travel within specific zones.
- Flexible tickets: If you only travel to campus a few days a week, look out for the flexible bundles which enable you to purchase day tickets in bulk and use as and when required within a set period. This is often cheaper than paying for a single journey or day ticket from the bus driver or machine.
- Student discounts: Most operators have a student or young person ticket option which provides you with a discount on daily, weekly, monthly, or annual tickets.
The University offers a free bus service for students – the Student Union Campus Bus – or you can use the Go North East Sunderland Connect bus 700/701 free of charge with a valid student ID. Both operate across a range of stops on both campuses and around the city. The SU bus also travels between the campuses and accommodation, which is handy if you need a lift home after a long day of lectures!
Ferry
The Shields Ferry offers a scenic and inexpensive way to travel between North Shields and South Shields, crossing the River Tyne. It’s not only practical but also offers picturesque views of the river and its surroundings.
Fares: A single fare is £2.50 (£1 for 19-21-year-olds) with return tickets and day passes available for a few pounds more. It’s an excellent option for connecting your journey between the north and south of the river.
Train
If you plan on using the train regularly to travel home for the weekend, you may consider investing in a railcard. The 16-25 Railcard, 26-30 Railcard, and Two Together Railcard offer a third off train fares across the UK, including in the north-east. Sunderland Station is one of the many places in Sunderland that's been recently refurbished, so it's worth a trip.
If you don’t have a railcard, fares are often cheaper during off-peak hours, typically after 9:30am and at weekends.
Final Tips
- Plan ahead: Use journey planners like Traveline or Google Maps to compare routes and prices, ensuring you choose the most cost-effective option
- Student discounts: Check which offers and discounts are available with student discount cards such as Totum.
Exploring Sunderland and the north-east sustainably and on a budget is entirely feasible with the wide range of affordable transport options available. Whether you prefer the convenience of public transport, the freedom of cycling, or the scenic routes offered by the ferry, the region is accessible to everyone, no matter your budget.
We have more tips and advice on how you can save money, how to be a sustainable student, and the cost of living in Sunderland.
Published: 21 November 2024