Everything You Need to Know
Transport links, schools, health services, and council information for residents, newcomers and visitors to Sunderland.
Transport & Parking
Sunderland is well connected by Metro, rail, bus and road.
Metro & Rail
- The Tyne and Wear Metro Green line runs from South Hylton through the city centre to Newcastle and the airport, with stations at Sunderland, Park Lane, University, Millfield, Pallion, St Peter's, Stadium of Light and Seaburn.
- Sunderland station is shared by the Metro and National Rail. Northern runs trains on the Durham Coast line to Newcastle (about 20 minutes), Hartlepool and Middlesbrough, and Grand Central runs direct services to London King's Cross.
- Metro trains to Newcastle take about 35 to 40 minutes from Sunderland station.
Buses
- Park Lane Interchange is the main bus station, beside the Park Lane Metro station, with Go North East and Stagecoach services across the city and region.
- Frequent routes link the city centre with Seaburn, Roker, Washington, Houghton-le-Spring, Durham, South Shields and Newcastle.
- Check live times on the Nexus website, bustimes.org or the operators' apps.
Walking & Cycling
- The city centre is compact and walkable, with the Wearmouth Bridge linking it to St Peter's, the Stadium of Light and the north bank.
- The seafront promenade runs from Roker Pier to Seaburn, and National Cycle Route 1 follows the coast.
- The riverside path on the south bank links Keel Square with the Riverside Sunderland development.
Driving & Parking
- The A19 runs north to south along the west of the city, with the A1231 into the centre from the A1(M) and the A690 towards Durham.
- City-centre parking includes multi-storeys at The Bridges, Sunniside and St Mary's; check Sunderland City Council's parking pages for current charges.
- Match days at the Stadium of Light bring road closures and parking restrictions around Monkwearmouth and Roker.
Schools
Sunderland has primary and secondary schools across the city, with admissions run by Together for Children. Use the official tools below to read inspection reports and apply for places.
Primary and secondary schools
Sunderland has a two-tier system of primary (ages 4 to 11) and secondary (11 to 16 or 18) schools, including academies, community schools and faith schools, plus Sunderland College and the University of Sunderland.
Ofsted reports
Read the latest inspection report for any Sunderland school on the Ofsted website, or parent reviews on Ofsted Parent View.
School admissions
Apply for a place through Sunderland City Council's admissions pages, run by Together for Children. The School Admissions Team is on 0191 561 1425.
Health Services
GP surgeries, dentists, pharmacies, and nearby hospitals.
GP Surgery
- Sunderland has GP practices across the city, with extended-access appointments available through your own surgery.
- Find and compare surgeries and register online at nhs.uk.
Dentists & Pharmacies
- Pharmacies are found in the city centre, The Bridges and most suburbs.
- Use the nhs.uk 'find a dentist' and 'find a pharmacy' tools for up-to-date lists.
Urgent & Emergency Care
- Sunderland Royal Hospital on Kayll Road (SR4 7TP) has a 24-hour A&E department.
- The Urgent Treatment Centre is also at Sunderland Royal Hospital, through Entrance 2, for injuries and illnesses that need same-day care but are not life-threatening.
- For non-emergencies call NHS 111 or use 111 online.
Community Health
- Hospital and community services are run by South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust.
- Check nhs.uk for opticians, mental-health support and other services.
Council Services
Useful information for dealing with Sunderland City Council.
Bin Collections
Check your household waste and recycling collection days on the Sunderland City Council website using your postcode.
Report an Issue
Report potholes, fly-tipping, street lighting problems, and other issues through the council's online reporting tools.
Planning Applications
View and comment on local planning applications through Sunderland City Council's planning portal.
Local Councillors
Sunderland City Council has 75 councillors across 25 wards. Find your ward and councillors on the council website, and contact the council at City Hall, Plater Way, SR1 3AA, or on 0191 520 5000.
Libraries
The City Library is at Culture House on Keel Square, with branch libraries across the city including Fulwell, Hendon, Washington and Houghton. Check opening hours on the council website.
Recycling
Kerbside recycling plus the household waste and recycling centres at Beach Street (Deptford) and Campground (Springwell), run by Sunderland City Council, for larger items.