If you live in the city, you’re in luck - Newcastle is pretty well connected, with the famous Metro and a range of bus, ferry and train services.
Traveline provides timetable and fare information for all local bus, Metro, train and ferry journeys throughout the North East. You can plan your journey online by visiting their website.
You can also plan journeys and find out more about Newcastle transport at the following websites:
• Information Now – public transport
• Newcastle Gateshead – getting around
• Nexus Metro website for travel across Tyne and Wear
• Go North East bus travel around NewcastleGateshead including Quaylink buses.
• LNER train travel to NewcastleGateshead
• Transpennine Express train travel to NewcastleGateshead
• Stagecoach buses around NewcastleGateshead
• Newcastle International Airport
• DFDS – ferries to Europe
Accessible transport in Newcastle
The Newcastle Gateshead website is a great source of information for all things Geordie – and it has a dedicated accessibility section.
So if you’re looking for accessibility info on taxis, trains, blue badges, shopping, attractions… check out this page.
Buses
Go North East is one of the major bus services in Newcastle. They say “We work hard to ensure that any customer with a disability, be it visual impairment or mobility issues, receives the best possible service.
“All our regular services now provide easy access for all passengers through the provision of kneeling low floor and ramp access buses.”
They even have an ‘Easy Access Guarantee’ which provides the added reassurance that, should a problem occur, a complimentary taxi will be arranged.
And you can get a “Helping Hand” card which holds a brief written instruction for the driver that can be shown upon boarding the bus. This means you can tell the driver you have extra needs or requirements without having to verbally tell them.
Find out more here.
Go North East run a wide range of frequent bus services across the North East, connecting the region’s towns and villages with the cities of Newcastle, Durham and Sunderland.
So, whether you’re wanting to explore the region’s best attractions, to head out for some retail therapy, or just commute between home and work, there’s a bus for you.
You can also save on your travel, with discounted tickets available for young people aged up to and including 25, as well as a whole range of other money saving tickets.
If you’re wanting to check out Newcastle’s nightlife, you can save thanks to Go North East’s £1 evening fare offer – available for any single journey, on any Go North East bus, after 7pm each evening.
Not sure which bus to catch? Use Go North East’s handy journey planner and you’ll be on your way in no time at all.
For more information on accessible transport with Go North East.
The Metro
The Metro runs an “I need a seat” badge scheme which is intended to remove the need to explain why you might need a seat!
You can pick up a badge from the Metro Control Centre reception or Nexus House reception. You don’t need to show evidence of your condition to apply.
Find out more here.
Nexus, the company that runs the Metro, says it is committed to making travel easier, especially for people whose mobility is impaired. All stations are accessible by level access, ramps or lifts. There is a Metro Access Guide which you can download from their website, along with a range of other information:
If you require assistance when travelling on Metro, you can contact Nexus by telephoning 0191 203 3666 (lines open 6.30am to midnight) or email [email protected]. They ask that you contact them at least four hours in advance of travelling. Help Points are located at every station if you need to speak to a member of staff at the station.
Travel to hospital
Newcastle’s hospitals are easy to access via public transport.
The Freeman Hospital is in the north of Newcastle in High Heaton. It can be easily accessed by public transport or car. If you have a sat nav, the postcode is NE7 7DN.
To find a map and all the travel information you need, go to this guide.
The Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI) is in the heart of Newcastle’s city centre. If you have a sat nav, the postcode for the hospital is NE1 4LP.
To find a map and all the travel information you need, go to this page.
Ambulance transport is available for patients who have a medical condition which means they are unable to make their own way to hospital.
If you feel that you need to request ambulance transport, you are advised to speak to your family doctor at least seven days before your hospital appointment. More information about the Patient Transport Service in Newcastle is available here.
Newcastle International Airport
If you’re flying from Newcastle International Airport it’s worth knowing that you can apply for the Hidden Disabilities Passport, which will give you access to the security Fast Track facility.
They also have their own hidden disabilities lanyard, which is available for customers who need a little more time or assistance whilst travelling through the terminal.
The lanyard discreetly lets airport staff know that someone might need additional support getting through the airport.
For more information, and to find out how to apply for the lanyard and passport, go to this page.
