Newcastle Transport

Newcastle is a reasonably cycle-friendly and compact city. There are several places to lock a bicycle up in the downtown area and a number of bicycle lanes. Most metro stations also offer secure bicycle storage, and fold-away bicycles are allowed on metros. The most practical use for a bicycle is to explore Jesmond Dene, the Quayside and Ouseburn areas. In addition, Newcastle is a very pedestrian-friendly city due to its compact size. Walking around the city is the best means of exploring the remains of its historic walls as well as some of the city's great Victorian architecture.

By bus

The city's bus system is efficiently coordinated by Nexus. New electric buses known as Quaylink run between Haymarket, Central Station, Quayside and Gateshead. Fares are reasonable and services run every few minutes from early morning until midnight. In addition, buses also operate after midnight on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

Taxis

Taxis are usually available outside Newcastle International Airport, where they wait for arriving passengers. Make sure you use a metered taxi. You can also book a taxi in advance by telephone. A few of the reputed taxi firms which serve Newcastle include: Bankfoot Taxis (tel: +44 191 286 2006), Benwell Taxis (tel: +44 191 273 2222) and Crusader Couriers & Taxis Ltd (tel: +44 191 267 2626).

From the airport

Regular buses follow routes from Eldon Square in downtown Newcastle to the entrance of the airport every 20 minutes from Monday to Saturday, with the first service leaving Eldon Square at 06:20. Sunday bus services begin operating around 07:30 and run every hour, with services increasing to every 20 minutes after 08:20. The last service departs at 23:00.

The city's metro connects the airport directly with 45 other metro stations including Newcastle Central Station, Gateshead and the coast. During peak times, metros to the airport operate every 7 minutes.