Trains to Newcastle
A modern metropolis boasting historic monuments and lively nightlife
A perfect mix of modern and historic, get a train to Newcastle and you’ll find excellent shopping, trendy restaurants and amazing nightlife nestled between ancient monuments. Whether you want to visit a museum to learn about the Roman settlers who built Hadrian’s Wall, visit a modern art gallery or go on an epic shopping spree, Newcastle is energetic, cultural, and fun. Truly a city for the twenty-first century, Newcastle has something to offer all ages and tastes.
Popular Routes to Newcastle
Newcastle is adored by locals and visitors alike. It is one of the most popular destinations on our network, and we run direct services to Newcastle station from across the country. Below are some of our most popular, along with the fastest journey times.
FAQs
There is just one main train station in the city:
Newcastle Central Station is located in the heart of the city. Getting off the train, you’re minutes from the hustle and bustle - you will find cafes, restaurants and bars from the moment you leave the station.
Newcastle is serviced by its own airport - Newcastle International. It is super easy to get to from Central station. Simply hop on the Metro for around 40-minutes and you’ll have made it.
Our cheap train ticket page has lots of suggestions on ways you can save money on your train to Newcastle. A few of them are by travelling off-peak, booking in advance and comparing single journeys. Also, investing in a railcard or looking at student deals may help too.
If you have any further questions about the station in Newcastle, check out our station guide.
Shopping in Newcastle
Shopaholics will love exploring the diverse shopping scene in Newcastle. The intu Metrocentre and intu Eldon Square are two of the largest shopping centres in the UK, discover all your favourite brands and a great selection of restaurants and cafés where you can refuel mid shopping spree. Northumberland Street has all your high street favourites and if you’re after a more unique shopping experience, explore the arches of the historic Central Arcade. Independent stores are scattered across the city and sell everything from homeware and antiques, to cool vintage clothing. If it’s boutique designers and exclusive names you’re after, Grainger Town might be worth a visit, with its flagship Vivienne Westwood boutique amongst others.
If you like browsing market stalls, you’ll have lots of opportunity in Newcastle. Grainger Market is a historic covered market which opened back in 1835, selling everything from fresh food to CDs, books, and clothing. Quayside Market is open on Sundays and offers shoppers a wide range of goods and services. Located on the Quayside, it’s the perfect place to have a gander before soaking up the atmosphere in one of the bars and restaurants by the water.
Food & Drink in Newcastle
Whether it’s being wined and dined in the latest contemporary restaurant, calling into a cosy bar, people watching at a pavement café, sipping on a cocktail or dancing the night away; Newcastle has it all.
If you’re after fine dining, the Quayside and Gateshead are home to some of the North East’s most celebrated restaurants like the House of Tides and Pleased to Meet You. Those looking for their favourite chains and family-friendly eateries will do well in The Gate or intu Metrocentre. If you like exotic flavours, check out Newcastle’s thriving street food scene at one of the city’s many markets, which run throughout the week. Look out for favourites like Papa Ganoush for delicious Middle Eastern flatbreads, On the Goa for an authentic Mumbai street food experience, and Pizzette for wood fired pizzas from the back of a converted 1975 Citroen van! Whether you’re looking for vegan, vegetarian, or halal restaurants, you will find an impressive selection in Newcastle, so dietary requirements are not an issue.
Famous for infectious Geordie charm, cheap drinks and a pumping nightlife scene, you can’t go to Newcastle without a night out ‘on the toon’. If a catch up and cocktail is on the cards, you’ll find a number of trendy bars in Jesmond. Or, if a pub is more your scene, head to Gosforth for some of the best in the city, all selling a selection of local ales and hearty pub grub.
Culture in Newcastle
Famous worldwide as one of the best places to party in the UK, Newcastle’s cultural scene can sometimes be overlooked. Its Georgian core, smattering of galleries and incredibly diverse culinary scene mean it really deserves a second glance. The beautiful Theatre Royal is the regional home of the Royal Shakespeare Company and also has a varied program of everything from touring West End musicals to world-class drama. For something a little more light-hearted, The Stand Comedy Club is one of the best in the UK with a hilarious line up, and great food.
Learn about Newcastle’s interesting history at the Discovery Museum or browse modern art at the BALTIC gallery. Newcastle is home to some of the best venues in the country, so music lovers will want to check out what’s going on at Metro Radio Arena, the O2 Academy and Sage Gateshead. If you’re an outdoorsy person, Newcastle has you covered too, as there are many places you can get out and about in the city. There are lots of outdoor areas to explore, like the ultra-modern Alnwick Garden and historic Saltwell Towers. For something a little different, the seaside is just a stone’s throw from the city centre!
History in Newcastle
Newcastle's compelling history dates back to the Ancient Roman Empire when it was known as Pons Aelius. The city's medieval heritage lives on in landmarks like Newcastle Castle, from which the city gets its name, and the medieval Cathedral Church of St. Nicholas. In the Victorian-era Grainger Town, time stands still with stunning sandstone architecture and a quaint indoor market adorned with whimsically painted signs. For those interested in industrial history, the Discovery Museum is a great place to visit to learn about Newcastle's role during the Industrial Revolution.
Catching a train to Newcastle
For a more convenient way to get your tickets, we now offer e-Tickets as well as a paper option – book via our website or CrossCountry trains app. To get the very best out of your train travel, read about our UK Holidays hub.
If you want to explore Newcastle and all it has to offer, you’ll want to stay longer than a day! So, make sure you book a great value hotel in Newcastle before you arrive.

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