Getting to NewcastleGateshead

It is quick and easy to get to NewcastleGateshead, whether you're travelling by car, train, air or sea. With an international airport, fast and frequent rail connections, an international ferry terminal and a number of major road routes including the A1, the North East is probably closer than you think. Once you arrive, visitors will be surprised at how simple it is to get around Newcastle and Gateshead. Choose from an array of public transport options including an efficient Metro network and wealth of bus services or peruse our handy maps and guides to enjoy NewcastleGateshead on foot.

Travelling to NewcastleGateshead by train is easy thanks to the number of train services which offer regular and direct routes from London, Edinburgh and Leeds, to name a few. Whether you're in town on business or spending a city-break weekend in the North East, experience fantastic views of the Quayside as you roll into Newcastle Central Station to begin your visit.

London North Eastern Railway offers a frequent and direct service linking London Kings Cross to Scotland via Newcastle with regular stops in Doncaster, York, Darlington, Berwick and Edinburgh. You can hop on an LNER train at London Kings Cross and be in the heart of Newcastle city centre in under 3 hours. The brand new Azuma trains from LNER are now in circulation so get ready to travel to Newcastle in style!

Other key train operators which travel to Newcastle and Gateshead include Northern Rail and TransPennine Express, which have regular services connecting Newcastle to the North West, Teesside, Cumbria, Northumberland and stations across Yorkshire.

Journey Times - the approximate journey times of the fastest trains to Newcastle Central Station:

Newcastle Central Station is in the heart of the city making your onward journey quick and simple. The station is within walking distance of many central destinations including Grey’s Monument, the Quayside, St James’ Park and city-centre attractions. Hop off the train and you are well connected to the rest of the region by Metro, QuayLink, bus and taxi. Newcastle’s historic Central Station offers facilities including a travel information centre; cash machines; ticket printing machines; toilets; coffee shops and cafes; shops and a bar to grab a drink before your journey.

Travelling by road to Newcastle and Gateshead is hassle-free thanks to a network of major roads, including the A1 (M) which conveniently links NewcastleGateshead to London, the South, Scotland and major routes across the country. The A69 heads west and connects NewcastleGateshead with historic Carlisle, Hadrian's Wall sites and Hexham as well as the Lake District and, via the M6, to the South, Wales and the West of England. Once you’re here, you can park up in one of the many well-signposted central car parks within the city.

Approximate journey times and distances travelling to NewcastleGateshead by car:

Newcastle and Gateshead are only a coach ride away! Travel to Newcastle and Gateshead from across the length and breadth of the UK by Megabus or National Express.

The Megabus stops in the centre of Newcastle on John Dobson Street, beside Newcastle City Library which is a 2-minute walk to Monument Metro station. The National Express Bus Service stops at Newcastle Coach Station which is a 10-minute walk from Central Station. Both Newcastle coach services provide easy onward travel across Newcastle and Gateshead and the coach stations are located within close proximity to a wide range of city centre accommodation.

Use the Tyne Tunnels to travel beneath the River Tyne and access Newcastle from the east of the city or travel north east to the stunning coastal towns or villages such as Tynemouth, Whitley Bay and Northumberland coastline. Travel northbound or southbound on the A19 through the Tyne Tunnels.

Tyne Tunnel have introduced Open Road Tolling which means there will no longer be a need to stop at a toll plaza. Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) systems will detect your Vehicle Registration Number as you drive through the tunnels.

It costs £1.90 for a car or small van to travel through the Tyne Tunnel and £3.70 for a LGV, van or bus 3m high or more or 3 axles or more.

When you pass through the Tyne Tunnels, you will have until midnight the day after your journey to pay online or by calling: 0191 574 0030. Find out how to pay to use the Tyne Tunnel.

If you will use the Tyne Tunnels regularly - then consider a Pre-Paid Tyne Tunnel Pass and save 10% on every journey through the tunnel.

Newcastle International Airport provides superb links to the rest of the UK, Europe and beyond with direct flights to and from over 80 destinations. When arriving at Newcastle Airport, you will find a number of transport options to take you into Newcastle city centre, Gateshead, the Coast and the surrounding areas of Northumberland.

Newcastle Airport is located less than 8 miles outside of Newcastle city centre and is only a 20-minute drive by car. Airport Metro Station is located just outside the airport itself; hop on regular services to Newcastle city centre which is only a 25-minute metro ride away. Getting to Gateshead from the Airport takes approximately 30 minutes by Metro providing hassle-free onward travel across the region.

Metro trains run every 6-12 minutes, ensuring it is the quickest and most cost-effective way to get to Newcastle and Gateshead and beyond. A single Metro ticket between Airport and Newcastle city centre costs £3.70 or £5.40 for an all-zone day ticket, should you find yourself staying at the Coast or in Jesmond.

Bus services, car hire and taxis are also available at the airport and you can pre-book car parking online before you travel.

The official taxi service for Newcastle International Airport is Arrow Cars and you can book in advance or agree a fixed rate before you travel. There is a a taxi rank at the front of the terminal.

Newcastle International Airport has a secure, long-stay car park with 24-hour coach transfer direct to the Newcastle Airport terminal. The postcode for satnav is NE13 8BZ. Callerton Parking also offers a competitively priced long-stay car park, just 5 minutes from Newcastle International Airport.

Newcastle International Airport has a multi-faith prayer room and quiet space available for people making use of the airport. The area is located inside the terminal near security, and offers a dedicated space for passengers who want to engage in prayer, meditation or find a quiet space. The multi-faith prayer room is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and has comfortable seating, prayer mats, religious texts and other resources.

The International Ferry Terminal at North Shields is the North of England’s main sea link with Northern Europe and the UK's most popular cruise ports. DFDS operates daily crossings to and from Amsterdam. The Ferry Terminal is located only 8 miles (11 km) east of Newcastle city centre.

Shuttle buses operate from the terminal in North Shields to Newcastle Central Station and are scheduled to coincide with the ships' arrival and departure times. Travelling from the North Shields Ferry Terminal to Newcastle City Centre takes around 30 minutes and will cost as little as £3.80 for an adult single fare. The nearest Metro station from the Ferry Terminal is Percy Main which is 15 minutes away.

Once you have arrived in NewcastleGateshead, there are a variety of ways to travel throughout the city centre and out to the suburbs or up to the unspoilt coasts and into the countryside.

You can also check out some of the local hotels and places to stay in our Where to Stay section or start planning your visit by discovering the many options for Things to do in the region. If you're looking for a bite to eat why not explore our Food and Drink section for tips on the best restaurants or pubs in the North East or you can see What's On during your visit so that you don't miss out on the best events in Newcastle and Gateshead. If you're in need of a little travel inspiration, head to Explore for advice and ideas on how you can make the most of your trip.

Pack the most into your visit to NewcastleGateshead and be sure to hit the shops, grab a bite to eat or take advantage of the varied cultural experiences on offer before you head home. User-friendly left luggage storage facilities can be located in Eldon Square bus station and are available in two sizes; a medium locker will take a large carrier bag or two with ease and costs £2 for 2 hours, £3 for 4 hours or £4 for 10 hours. Large items including a rucksack or suitcase can be stored for up to 10 hours and costs between £3 - £5. Once rented, lockers can be accessed as often as required at no additional cost.

Please note there are no left luggage facilities at Newcastle Central Station or the International Passenger Ferry Terminal. Newcastle International Airport provides a left luggage service. For more information visit the Airport website.

Stasher is a book-on-demand luggage store in Newcastle. If you are visiting for the day or need a little longer before catching your train onwards, book your slot and pay online and leave your luggage for as long as you need in a selection of reputable locations including hotels and shops.