Getting to and from Newcastle

Newcastle is located in the north east of England, approximately 8 miles from the coast on the north bank of the River Tyne. The city is known for its bridges across to Gateshead as it was the lowest crossing point of the Tyne. The city is significantly above the river with a steep climb from the quayside. The university is located at the northern end of the city centre.

Newcastle has a major train station, coach station, airport, docks located nearby and is situated just off the A1 linking London with Edinburgh.

As a result it is quite easy to get to Newcastle and for students to get home again, no matter where you are coming from

Visit Days

If you are coming to the university for a visit day, post application open day or to drop a student off at their accommodation, you are advised to read the documents that the university provides for where to park and go once you get to the university to avoid any confusion.

Trains

The railway station is located on the East Coast Mainline running between London and Scotland. Trains run from Newcastle to London every 30-60 minutes depending on time of day. The journey takes approximately 3 - 3.5 hours to London Kings Cross with trains operated by National Express East Coast.

There are also services to York, Leeds, Manchester, Sheffield, Derby, Birmingham, Reading, Bristol and Plymouth meaning most of Britain is served direct or is just one change from Newcastle.

From the north trains serve Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen and Inverness.

Local trains serve the Metrocentre, Sunderland, Hexham, Middlesborough and Carlisle.

To get to the campus you can either walk from the station taking around 10 minutes or take the metro to Haymarket, which is a few pounds and just two stops. The station is located at the southern end of the city centre. If you are walking to the university have a look at this page here

Students at Newcastle University rarely use the train to commute into university, although many students will find the 16-25 (Young Persons) Railcard very useful for when they travel around or back home.

Useful Links

National Express East Coast (London - Newcastle - Scotland)
Northern Rail (Local Trains)
Transpennine Express (Manchester - Yorkshire - Newcastle)
Cross Country Trains (South West - Midlands - Yorkshire - Newcastle - Scotland)
National Rail Enquiries
northernrailways.co.uk

Metro

Newcastle is famed for its public transport system known as the metro. Operating to the east, north and south of the city, the metro provides a rapid way of getting to places. It operates underground in the city centre but quickly reaches the open when it passes out of the city.

The University is located next to Haymarket train station. It is two stops away from Central Station and the journey takes less than five minutes.

Students from Jesmond, Gosforth and other areas served by the Metro can purchase a metro student ticket from here. Despite what several publications state, the Metrocentre is NOT served by the Metro although there is a regular bus service and train service to it from the centre of Newcastle.

Useful Links

Metro Website

Bus

Several bus operators run around Newcastle. Stagecoach, Arriva and Go North East offer various tickets.

Stagecoach is the most prevalent as it serves most of the students areas (Fenham and Heaton) with a regular bus service. They are the main providers of buses to St Mary's College and Henderson Hall. Their popular Unirider allows travel on their buses across the north east and is good value at £209. Tickets can be purchased from M & M newsagents on Northumberland Street or online.

Other students, especially local students may find the Arriva Student Ticket and the Go North East Student Ticket useful.

Useful Links

Stagecoach Unirider Website
Stagecoach Website
Arriva Website
Go North East Website

Road

Newcastle is located on the main A1 road from London - Edinburgh. There can be quite a bit of congestion on the A1, especially near the city centre. Drivers coming from the west and Stranraer (for Ireland) should use the A69.

It is not reccommended students bring their car to university due to the lack of parking spaces in the city centre and most of the first year accommodations charge for car parking. The city can also become quite congested and the public transport system from student areas to the university is very good.

Coach

Newcastle has a National Express Coach Station located by the Life Centre. Regular coaches run from here to various destinations around the country.

Megabus picks up from Neville Street outside the train station. They operate several buses per day to London, Yorkshire and Scotland.

Useful Links

National Express Website
Megabus Website

Airport

Only 40 minutes from the centre by Metro, the airport serves a number of destinations through various operators including the budget airlines. They operate to several UK airports offering students a quick and easy way to get back home.

The website for the airport is here.

Ship

A DFDS port to the east of the city provides direct ferry services to Europe including the Netherlands and the Norweigan Fjords. To book tickets for the ferry, click here.

Taxi

There are a number of taxi firms and Hackney Carriages operating around Newcastle

NODA operate a taxi office. Once you have walked out of the station entrance, you will be in a covered taxi rank. They're office is to your left.

Number 0191 222 1888
Website noda-taxis.co.uk

Blueline is another taxi firm that students use

Number 0191 262 6666
Website bluelinetaxis.com

Hackney Carriages operate throughout Newcastle. Ensure it is a taxi that you are getting into. All of them must display a roof mounted taxi sign. They will have an identification number displayed on rear mounted plate (red) and decals on each front door and in a prominent place in the interior If you have doubts, do not get into the taxi.

All content is copyright Peter Dixon unless stated otherwise. Terms and conditions apply to users of this website.