Newcastle City Guide - Getting Around

NewcastleGateshead's excellent Metro (website: www.nexus.org.uk) network is the easiest way to get around with stops at most places of interest. It operates two lines which connect the airport with both Newcastle and Gateshead city centres as well as destinations further afield such as Whitley Bay, South Shields and Sunderland. An extensive bus network (which includes the ultra-quiet QuaySide electric buses) provides services for destinations not covered by the Metro.

Single, return and zoned day saver tickets are available for both the Metro and the buses and there are also Network Traveltickets that allow unlimited travel on the bus, Metro, the Sunderland to Blaydon rail line and the Shields Ferry. Daily, weekly or yearly passes are available and there are often special fare promotions at weekends.

The last Metro service finishes around 2300, but some night bus services are available on the busier routes. Traveline North East (tel: 0870 608 2608; website: www.traveline.org.uk) provides comprehensive timetable and fare information for all local bus, Metro, train and ferry journeys throughout the North East.

There are numerous taxi ranks throughout the city and, particularly at night, there seems to be a constant flow of taxis ferrying passengers around town so there is never too long a wait. However, the weekends do get very busy, so for those who want to avoid queuing, it is worth pre-booking a taxi at peak times. Try Central Taxis (tel: (0191) 271 6363), Noda Taxis (tel: (0191) 232 6854) or Mayfair Cars (tel: (0191) 287 8787).

There are plenty of car hire companies operating in NewcastleGateshead. Avis (tel: (0191) 214 0116 or 0870 608 6350; website: www.avis.co.uk), Europcar (tel: (0191) 261 0833 or 286 5070; website: www.europcar.co.uk) and Hertz (tel: (0191) 286 6748 or 0870 850 265; website: www.hertz.co.uk) all have offices either at the airport, in the city or both.

There are several cycle paths in and around NewcastleGateshead and hiring a bike is a great way to see the sights - particularly those that are a little further out of town. Various companies offer bicycle hire. Try Tyne Bridge Bike Hire (tel: (0191) 277 2441; website: www.tynebridgebikehire.co.uk) located in the Newcastle Guildhall Visitor Information Centre on Quayside close to the distinctive green Tyne Bridge.