Newcastle Travel Essentials

Our Newcastle Travel Essentials lays out the essential information you need to help planning your trip to one of the most popular destinations in the UK. No matter how frequently you travel, some questions will always need answers: What’s the weather like? How can I get from the airport to my hotel? What currency and type of plug do I need? We have all these answers plus other basic info about the best time to go, getting there, getting around, and a few useful travel tips.

It’s all compiled in this Newcastle Travel Essentials. After reading this short and easy-to-read guide, you will be a little more prepared to start your trip in Newcastle upon Tyne, North East England.

1. When is the best time to travel to Newcastle?

Newcastle has an oceanic climate with average temperatures ranging from 3ºC in winter to 15ºC in summer.

1. Rainfall is evenly distributed throughout the year, with an average of 9–12 rainy days per month.
2. July–August is peak tourist season, with hotel and flight prices rising accordingly. As for the weather, it’s the best time to visit Newcastle, though. Heat waves can be expected.
3. May–June and September–October are great times to visit. The weather is mostly pleasant, you’ll avoid the peak season’s throngs, and flight and hotel prices are more affordable. Keep a jumper just in case, though.

2. Newcastle basics

1. Primary languages: English
2. Plug Types: G
3. Electricity: 220–240 V
4. Currency: Pound sterling (£)
5. International Dialling code: +44 191
6. Emergency telephone number: 999

3. How to get to my hotel in Newcastle?

Newcastle International Airport

Newcastle International Airport sits 6 miles north of Newcastle city centre as the crow flies. One of the busiest airports in Northern England, it features 1 terminal and 1 runway. Newcastle Airport is home to dining and shopping options as well as facilities like banking and currency exchange services. There are several transfer options to reach central Newcastle:

1. A taxi takes around 15-20 minutes. The Airport Taxis counter can be found next to the domestic arrivals hall. There’s also a taxi rank in front of the terminal.
2. You can also use Uber at Newcastle Airport.
3. The Metro can take you to the city centre within 20 minutes. The Metro station is inside the terminal.
4. Various buses can also take you downtown for a few pounds. Bus stops are located opposite the terminal and on Road B6918.
5. Car hire companies’ desks can be found in the terminal.

If you come to Newcastle by train

As implies its name, Newcastle Central Railway Station sits in the city centre, a short stroll from the River Tyne. Opened in 1850, it’s a major transport hub home to a few coffee shops, refreshment facilities, public Wi-Fi and ATMs. From here, you can get anywhere in Newcastle by metro, bus, taxi or hired car.

4. How to get around Newcastle?

Travel tips

Getting around Newcastle on foot is the best way to discover the city centre, which is rather compact. Within 1 square mile, you’ll find most of the city’s landmarks and attractions, such as the Victoria Tunnel, Newcastle Castle and the Quayside. Central Newcastle also hosts lively dining and shopping scenes. For longer journeys, Newcastle upon Tyne has a good choice of public and private transport services.

5. Tyne and Wear Metro

1. The Tyne and Wear Metro company operates metro, bus, train and ferry networks. They offer the most convenient and affordable ways to travel around Newcastle.
2. The price of a single metro ticket varies depending on the length of your journey.
3. Tickets can be purchased on the bus/ferry and in metro stations.
4. You can also apply online to get a prepaid Pop Card, which can be used on all public transport networks in Newcastle.

6. Taxi

1. Many taxi and black cab companies operate in Newcastle. You can directly call companies, such as LA Taxis (0191 287 7777), Blueline Taxis (0191 262 6666), and Walker Taxis (0191 265 2237), just to name a few.
2. Many taxi ranks can be found across the city.
3. Taxis can be hailed on the street unless a taxi rank is nearby.
4. Payment by credit card is usually possible but it’s better to ask the driver before you start the journey.
5. Popular apps such as Uber as well as local taxi apps can be used to hail a taxi in Newcastle.
6. Taxi fares are set by the Newcastle City Council, but private companies can apply other rates.
7. Rates are higher at night and on weekends.

7. Cycling around Newcastle with Mobike

1. Newcastle features a bike-sharing scheme called Mobike.
2. It offers an affordable and healthy way to explore the city on clear days.
3. You need to download the Mobike app, register and place a deposit.
4. Mobike’s pricing is based on the amount of time you use the bike.
5. Docking stations can be found throughout Newcastle and Gateshead.

8. What are the main annual events in Newcastle?

Newcastle Mela

1. What: Discover Pakistani, Bengali, Indian and other South Asian cultures through music, games, stalls and exhibitions. It’s a free festival held for over 20 years.
2. When: August
3. Where: Exhibition Park

Great North Run

1. What: One of the UK’s most popular half marathons. The 13-mile run starts from Exhibition Park in central Newcastle.
2. When: September
3. Where: Newcastle to South Shields

Tyneside Irish Festival

1. What: Performances of some of the best traditional Irish folk bands.
2. When: October
3. Where: Tyneside Irish Centre, 43 Gallowgate, NE1 4SG, UK

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