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- Why NewcastleGateshead?
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- Getting around sustainably
Getting around sustainably
Newcastle and Gateshead’s compact centre and range of travel options mean your delegates won’t be wasting time or money getting around, so that leaves more of both for them to enjoy. Our green travel options also mean that delegates can enjoy the city in a responsible way
Walking and cycling
NewcastleGateshead has a compact, 15-minute city centre and is easy to navigate on foot, while taking in the sights on the way. Most conference venues, hotels and attractions are within a short stroll of each other. Even a walk from The Glasshouse on Gateshead Quayside to Great North Museum at the north end of Newcastle city centre will take just 30 minutes.
Likewise, both the city centre and surrounding region are easy to explore by bike. You can hire a bike (and enjoy a coffee and cake) at The Cycle Hub in the Ouseburn before taking in the picturesque cycle routes including Hadrian’s Cycleway along the River Tyne, Hadrian’s Wall UESCO World Heritage Site and cycle paths along the North East coastline. Local cycling information and maps plus guided rides are available from The Cycle Hub.
Metro
The Tyne & Wear Metro is the busiest light rail system in the UK outside of London. There are 60 stations covering the North East of England including Newcastle Central Station where it links to national rail services. Services link central Newcastle and Gateshead with the airport in 23 minutes, and the coast in 30 minutes.
The Metro is the ideal way to get to the main shopping areas around Haymarket and Monument, and the hotels, cafés and restaurants of Jesmond. Metro trains run daily from 5.10am to midnight, every 5 – 10 minutes during the day and every 8 – 15 minutes in the evenings.
A variety of ticket options can be bought from machines at all Metro stations, however all-day travel on the Metro system is included with a Conference Travel Card.
For information, visit a Nexus TravelShop located at Central Station, Haymarket or Gateshead Metro stations, visit nexus.org.uk/metro or call +44 (0)191 20 20 747
Buses
The electric QuayLink buses offer a high-frequency, accessible and easy-to-use service, and are the best way to get around central Newcastle and Gateshead. Routes connect the attractions and sights of Newcastle Quayside and Gateshead Quays with Newcastle Central Station, Haymarket Bus Station and Gateshead Interchange, as well as going north of the city centre to Gosforth and beyond
and south to the wider Gateshead area.
All-day travel on QuayLink buses in the QuayLink Central Zone is included with a Conference Travel Card; however individual tickets can be bought from the driver. Ticket options include a single fare, all-day ticket and a weekly ticket.
For further information, or to begin planning your journey, contact Go North East: +44 (0)191 420 5050 or visit gonortheast.co.uk
A vast and reliable bus network connects Newcastle and Gateshead to the wider North East of England. Delegates can purchase Day Tickets for as little as £6, which are also valid on the Metro and Shields Ferry.
Tours
Newcastle City Guides operate walking tours that are an ideal way to introduce your delegates to the city and explore its history and culture. The knowledgeable volunteers offer daily walks during the summer season. They also run a programme of over 60 heritage walks with various themes, including walks to the top of the iconic Grey’s Monument, and can arrange bespoke private walking tours for your group. For more information on Newcastle City Guides, visit newcastlecityguides.org.uk or contact info@ngi.org.uk
Go North East also operates Toon Tours, hop-on, hop-off open-top city tour bus, throughout the summer months.
E-scooters
Bold, orange Neuron e-scooters can be found throughout Newcastle city centre and are a fun, cost-effective and zero carbon way to explore the city and travel between venues.