Newcastle International Airport is the main gateway to the city for those arriving from overseas and is a busy facility that sees annual passenger figures in excess of three million and maintains connections with most major EU cities and some transatlantic destinations also. The airport is located just 11 kilometres northeast of the city centre.

A single terminal handles both international and domestic flights and though the building is old, its facilities are modern and comprehensive. Besides essentials such as ATMs and currency exchange desks, passengers will find a plethora of shopping and dining outlets as well as a lost property office, baby-changing facilities, children’s playroom, prayer room and a left-luggage centre.

To get to the city from the airport, passengers can make use of public bus services that operate every 20 minutes at peak periods and connect the terminal with Eldon Square in Newcastle centre. There is also a Metro light rail service that provides frequent and speedy connections with both Newcastle and Gateshead. Taxis, meanwhile, can be hired from a stand situated outside the terminal building. Fares are metered and surcharges are added for night service.

Newcastle is easily reached by road, with the A1 and A69 roads providing the principal points of entry to the city. The UK’s train network provides connections to the city from across the nation with regular services from major cities such as London, Manchester and Birmingham. Long distance bus services provided by National Express make connections possible from most parts of the country.

The city’s efficient public transportation system makes getting around a fairly stress-free affair with bus services coordinated by Nexus providing the chief travel option. The Quaylink services operated by Stagecoach provide easy passage between the centres of Newcastle and Gateshead, while regular services provided by the same operator and other companies, run to Newcastle’s suburban areas.

Taxis are widely available and can usually be found outside the city’s most popular hotels as well as at bus and train stations and the airport. Black cabs only operate from stands and may also be hailed in the street, while private hire cars need to be booked by telephone.