Newcastle upon Tyne is easily accessible by various means of transportation. Other major cities in the vicinity include Edinburgh, Manchester, Birmingham, and Leeds. This page provides detailed guidance on how to reach Newcastle by air, train, bus and car.
Tips
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
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.
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.
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. If two of you are travelling on the same train, consider getting the Two Together Railcard to get a discount. 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.
Travelling 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:
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.
Once you are in the city, getting around Newcastle upon Tyne is easy and convenient. The Tyne and Wear public transport system offers a quick and efficient way to travel around Newcastle and the surrounding areas by both bus and train. Much of central Newcastle is pedestrian-friendly, allowing you to explore many attractions on foot, by cycling and through e-scooters.
The Tyne and Wear Metro is a light rail system serving Newcastle upon Tyne and the surrounding areas, including Gateshead and Sunderland (see metro map below). It offers frequent services with both underground and overground stations. Major metro stations in the city centre include Monument, Central Station, Haymarket, and St James. Please check with Google Maps, which stop will be closest to your destination (please note Haymarket is the closest station to the conference venue at Northumbria University). Metro trains run frequently throughout the day, with reduced service during evenings and weekends. Tickets can be purchased by card or cash from ticket machines at metro stations (these will be yellow, ATM looking machines) or online using the Pop Metro app (see also this page for more useful apps).
The bus network in Newcastle is extensive, operated by several companies including Go North East, Stagecoach, and Arriva. It provides comprehensive coverage of the city and surrounding areas, with major hubs at Haymarket Bus Station, Eldon Square Bus Station, and Monument. Buses operate regularly, with varying frequencies depending on the route and time of day. Timetables are available at bus stops and online. Tickets can be purchased from the driver when boarding, at ticket machines, or via mobile apps. Options include single fares, day tickets, and weekly or monthly passes.
Multiple taxi companies and ride-hailing services operate in Newcastle upon Tyne, providing convenient transportation options for travellers (see useful apps for more information). Taxis can be hailed on the street, booked in advance, or found at taxi ranks located throughout the city centre and at transport hubs. Taxi fares are regulated and typically include a base fare plus additional charges based on distance travelled and time of day.
Newcastle also has several designated cycling routes and dedicated bike lanes, making it possible to explore on two wheels. If you have a valid UK driving licence you can also rent e-scooters from various locations across the city. Bike rental shops, repair shops, and cycling facilities are available throughout Newcastle for cyclists’ convenience.
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