A range of international airlines service Newcastle Airport (NCL), including KLM, Air France, Lufthansa, Emirates. The city can also be reached quickly and easily from Edinburgh Airport (EDI), serviced by a range of international airlines including direct flights from North America. British Airways also operates regular direct flights from London Heathrow to Newcastle Airport (1-hour journey).  

From Newcastle Airport (NCL) to Newcastle upon Tyne City Centre

• Taking the metro from the airport (local train) 

The most convenient option to reach the city centre from Newcastle Airport is the metro. The station is well signposted and a short walk from the terminal building. Before entering the metro, you will need to purchase a ticket either from the machines (GBP cash or card) or the Pop App. Your ticket type will be ABC (‘All zones’) and remember to keep it handy as you will need it to exit the metro station too. Please note it is often the case that the metro turnstiles are open at the airport, however travelling without a ticket will lead to penalty fares. If you plan to make multiple journeys within the city, consider purchasing a Day Saver ticket, which allows unlimited travel on the metro for one day. You can board any train standing at the Airport metro platforms, as they will all head towards the city centre in a journey of around 25 minutes. The main stations in Newcastle city centre are Haymarket (closest to the conference venue), Monument and Central Station. 

• Taking the bus from the airport 

The bus stop area is located outside the terminal building and there are different bus services towards the city centre. The most common service is the Stagecoach X77 and you can purchase a ticket directly from the bus driver (by GBP cash or card) when boarding. Remember to retain your ticket throughout your journey, as it may be required for inspection by bus staff. If you plan to make multiple journeys within the city, consider purchasing a day ticket or a weekly pass for unlimited travel on buses. The bus journey from Newcastle Airport to the city centre typically takes around 30-40 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. Most buses terminate at Eldon Square Bus Station or Monument, both located in the heart of Newcastle city centre. 

• Taking a taxi from the airport

Online taxis and ride-hailing services like Uber operate in Newcastle and taxis can also be booked directly at the airport, outside the departures area. Most taxis accept cash as well as credit/debit cards. Confirm the payment options before starting your journey.  

Newcastle Central Station (NCL) is a major railway hub serving both regional and national rail services. It offers connections to major cities across the UK, including London, Edinburgh, Manchester, and Birmingham. Train tickets can be purchased online (see also useful apps page for more information), at ticket counters, or from self-service machines at the station. Various ticket types are available, including Advance tickets (purchased in advance for specific trains) and Anytime tickets (flexible travel). Trains operate frequently throughout the day, with services running from early morning until late evening. Please check National Rail for timetables and also for all information about different journeys.

Travelling by train from Europe

You can reach London from Belgium, France and the Netherlands via several connections throught the Eurostar train, which arrives at London St. Pancras station (STP), situated next to London King’s Cross station (KGX) from where you can connect to Newcastle also by train.

Travalling by train from other UK cities

Direct trains depart from London King’s Cross station (KGX) to Newcastle Central station. The journey takes approximately 3 hours, with frequent services throughout the day. Direct trains also run regularly between Edinburgh Waverley station (EDB) and Glasgow Central Station (GLC) with journeys taking typically around 1.5 hour and 2.5 hours, respectively, and offering scenic views along the way. Newcastle Central Station is situated at the heart of the city centre, at walking distance from most accommodation options.

You can also reach Newcastle from major UK cities by bus.

From London, National Express and Megabus offer affordable coach services to Newcastle. The journey duration is around 6 to 7 hours, depending on traffic conditions. The same companies also operate services from Edinburgh (journey duration of 2.5-3 hours) and Glasgow (journey duration of 3-4 hours).

Newcastle is also well connected by road, with major motorways like the A1(M) providing easy access to the city.  

The city is very accessible through use of public transport, but should you need or want to hire a car, some reputable car rental companies in the area include Enterprise, Hertz,  Avis, Europcar, Budget, and Sixt. To secure the best rates and ensure availability, it is recommended to book your rental car in advance through the car rental company’s website or mobile app. International travellers will typically need to provide the following documents when renting a car: 

• Valid driver’s license from their home country (an International Driving Permit may be required depending on the country of origin); 
• Passport or other government-issued identification; 
• Credit card for payment and security deposit (some companies also accept debit cards).

Take a moment to go over the rental terms and conditions, including insurance coverage, fuel policy, mileage restrictions, and any extra fees. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask the rental agent for clarification. Remember to drive on the left side of the road (!) in the UK and obey all local traffic laws. At the end of your rental period, ensure the tank is full to avoid any additional charges by the rental company.