How to Get to Newcastle Upon Tyne. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Airport Overview

Major Airlines and Routes

NCL hosts a range of airlines, presenting both domestic and international connections.

Airline Insights:

Major Carriers: British Airways offers frequent services to London Heathrow for global connections.
Low-Cost Carriers: Ryanair, EasyJet, and Jet2 connect Newcastle to numerous European leisure destinations.
Regional Airlines: Loganair operates routes to other UK cities and islands.

Typical Routes & Connectivity

Direct flights from NCL mainly connect to other UK cities. International travelers from outside Europe typically connect via major hubs.

Route Information:

UK Destinations: Direct flights to London (Heathrow/Gatwick), Bristol, Southampton.
European Destinations: Amsterdam, Dublin, Barcelona, Faro, Alicante, Palma, and more.
Long-Haul Connections: Typically via London Heathrow (LHR), Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS), Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG), or Dublin (DUB).

Seasonal Prices

Flight frequency and prices fluctuate with demand. Higher prices during peak summer (June-August) and holidays. Shoulder seasons offer better value.

Airport Facilities

NCL has duty-free shops, restaurants, currency exchange, car rental, lounges, and free Wi-Fi. Consider Dollar Flight Club for flight deals or Skyscanner for comparisons.

Airport Transfers

Reach the city center efficiently via Tyne and Wear Metro (recommended), local bus, taxi, or ride-sharing services like Uber/Bolt.

Transfer Options from Airport to City/Accommodation

Public Transport

Tyne and Wear Metro: Most convenient. Direct connection from terminal to city center (approx. 25 mins to Central Station). Trains run every 12-15 minutes.
Bus: Local bus services also connect the airport to various parts of Newcastle, though Metro is generally faster for city center.
Fares are reasonable, and contactless payment is accepted on Metro.
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport terminal.

Private Transport & Car Rental

Taxi/Ride-Sharing: Taxis are available outside the terminal. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Bolt also operate. Cost to city center is typically £20-£30.
Car Rental: Companies like Hertz, Avis, Europcar, and Enterprise have desks at the airport. This option suits those planning to explore Northumberland.
Explore options at DiscoverCars.com for car rental needs.
Booking car rental in advance is advisable, specifically during peak season.

Land Transportation

Train Connections

Newcastle Central Station is a major railway hub. Operators like LNER offer direct services to London King's Cross (3 hrs) and Edinburgh (1.5 hrs). CrossCountry and TransPennine Express also serve other major UK cities. Booking in advance usually secures better prices.

Long-Distance Buses

National Express and Megabus offer budget-friendly long-distance coach services from Newcastle Coach Station. Buses are generally cheaper than trains but take significantly longer. Good for budget-conscious travelers or when time is not a limiting factor.

Self-Driving

Accessible via A1 (north-south) and A69 (east-west). Drive on the left. Parking in city center can be expensive. Newcastle operates a Clean Air Zone (CAZ); check vehicle compliance. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended if your license is not in English.

Sea/River Arrivals

Ferry Services & Cruise Ports

Newcastle upon Tyne's historical connection to the sea continues, presenting ferry services and cruise ship calls via the Port of Tyne.

Details:

Port of Tyne: Located in North Shields, east of Newcastle.
Ferry Service: DFDS Seaways operates overnight passenger/vehicle ferry between Port of Tyne and Amsterdam (IJmuiden).
Cruise: Serves as a port of call for cruise lines with itineraries to Norway, Iceland, and the Baltic Sea.

River Transportation & Connections

The River Tyne is mainly used for pleasure cruises and scenic trips, not major transport arrivals into the city.

Information:

Pleasure Cruises: Offer unique views of bridges and Quayside.
Immigration: Standard UK immigration procedures at seaports.
Land Connections: Free shuttle from Port of Tyne International Ferry Terminal to Percy Main Metro Station for onward travel to city center. Taxis are also available.

DFDS Seaways Ferry

Connects Newcastle (Port of Tyne) to Amsterdam (IJmuiden), Netherlands, offering a comfortable overnight journey.

Cruise Ship Calls

Port of Tyne serves as a stop for cruise lines heading to destinations like Norway, Iceland, and the Baltic Sea.

Easy Connections

A free shuttle bus connects the ferry terminal to Percy Main Metro Station for onward travel into Newcastle city center.

Departure Information

Exit Procedures & Timing

No separate exit fees or taxes are paid upon departure from the UK; applicable taxes are included in your ticket.

Recommended Arrival Times:

Airport (NCL): 2 hours before European flights, 3 hours before long-haul (with transfer).
Train Station: 15-30 minutes before departure.
Bus Station: 15-30 minutes before departure.

Departure Facilities

Newcastle International Airport, Central Station, and Coach Station present facilities for departing travelers.

Available Services:

Airport: Duty-free, fashion, souvenir shops, restaurants, cafes, lounges.
Stations: Retail outlets, cafes, waiting areas.
Allow ample time for check-in, security screening, and passport control.

Important Reminders for Departure

Confirm Details

Confirm your flight, train, or ferry departure times and check-in requirements the day before you leave.

Factor in Delays

Account for potential traffic or public transport delays, specifically during rush hour, when planning your journey to the airport or station.

Online Check-in

Utilize online check-in when available to save time at the airport, specifically if you only have carry-on luggage.

How to Get to Newcastle Upon Tyne