NewcastleGateshead Toon Tour

See the sights, soak up the culture and enjoy panoramic views aboard the Toon Tour, Newcastle and Gateshead’s open-top sightseeing bus.

Starting from Saturday 23rd May, this hop-on, hop-off bus route is a brilliant way to explore the city, whether you’re visiting for the first time or rediscovering your favourite spots. Operated by Go North East, the Toon Tour loops around the city with 19 stops, offering easy access to key attractions, cultural landmarks, museums, parks and iconic views along the River Tyne.

With tickets valid for 24 hours, you can hop on and off as much as you like to build your perfect NewcastleGateshead day out – or sit back and enjoy the full loop, taking in the sights with audio commentary from local radio stars Steve and Karen (Hits Radio).

What you’ll see on the Toon Tour route

The full Toon Tour route takes around one hour and includes 19 stops across Newcastle and Gateshead. Key highlights include:

• Newcastle’s historic city centre – hop off near Grey’s Monument, Grey Street and Grainger Town for beautiful Georgian architecture and top shopping.
• St James’ Park – tour the home of Newcastle United or visit nearby Chinatown and Leazes Park.
• Discovery Museum – explore science, industry and social heritage in one of the region’s best free museums.
• Great North Museum: Hancock – packed with natural history, Ancient Egypt and more (and free to enter).
• Quayside & Ouseburn – get off at the bustling Quayside to stroll the River Tyne, cross the Millennium Bridge, and explore Newcastle’s creative neighbourhood, Ouseburn.
• Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art – cutting-edge exhibitions, family-friendly activities and epic views from the viewing platform.
• The Glasshouse International Centre for Music – visit the region’s flagship music venue for concerts, cafés and exhibitions.
• Newcastle Castle – a must-see historic fortress with great views (Toon Tour ticket holders get 20% off entry!).
• Newcastle Cathedral & Castle Keep – uncover the city’s medieval past at these impressive landmarks.

You’ll also pass across the famous Tyne Bridge and Swing Bridge, two of the North East’s most photographed structures.

Timetable and ticket information

🚌 Service runs: Daily from Saturday 23rd May
🕙 First bus: 10:00am
🕔 Last full loop: Departs 5:00pm
🔁 Frequency: Every hour, increasing to every 30 minutes during school summer holidays
📍 Starting point: Newcastle Central Station (Stop C, Neville Street)

🎟️ 24-hour ticket prices (from first activation):

• Adult: £10
• Concession (students, over 60s, Blue Light Card holders, Go North East pass holders): £8
• Child (under 16): £6
• Group ticket (any 4 people): £25

Tickets can be bought on the bus (contactless or cash) or in advance via the Go North East app.

🎧 The bus includes free Wi-Fi and a lively audio guide with local stories and city trivia.

Offers for Toon Tour ticket holders

Save on top attractions with your Toon Tour ticket:

• 20% off Newcastle Castle admission
• 20% off Newcastle United stadium tours
• Look out for more seasonal deals across museums, galleries and attractions along the route.

Accessibility and travel tips

• Toon Tour buses are wheelchair accessible.
• You can bring folded buggies and small dogs on board.
• Tickets are valid for 24 hours, so if you start at 2pm, you can still use your ticket until 2pm the following day.
• Real-time bus updates and stop locations are available via the Go North East app.

Hop on board the Toon Tour this summer for a fresh, fun and flexible way to experience Newcastle and Gateshead from the top deck!