Port information & tips for Newcastle
Newcastle upon Tyne is the vibrant gateway to the North East of England and welcomes travelers with a perfect blend of industrial history and modern culture. The city impresses with its lively flair on the banks of the River Tyne, where impressive bridge architecture meets a dynamic art scene. Highlights include the majestic Newcastle Castle, the iconic Tyne Bridge, and the renowned Baltic art center on the picturesque Quayside. Cruise ships dock at the Port of Tyne International Passenger Terminal in North Shields, from where the city center is easily accessible in just about thirty minutes thanks to comfortable shuttle buses or the efficient Metro connection, while also providing the ideal starting point for discovery tours.
The cruise port of Newcastle, officially known as the Port of Tyne International Passenger Terminal in North Shields, is easily accessible thanks to its modern facilities and good connections. It features a single, well-equipped terminal that enables a smooth embarkation process.
Car
The port is excellently connected to the road network and can be reached directly via the A1 and A19 motorways. Travelers from the south follow the A19 through the Tyne Tunnel and then take the A187 towards North Shields, while from the north, the A1 southbound leads to the A19 and from there, the A187 is also followed. Use the postcode NE29 6EE for navigation systems. Secure parking is available directly at the International Passenger Terminal, which often must be booked in advance through the cruise line or tour operator as capacity is limited. Parking costs are approximately 18 to 19.25 GBP per day. After parking, it is a short walk to the terminal, and a shuttle bus is also frequently available.
Train
The nearest and most relevant station is Newcastle Central Station, a major hub with connections from across Great Britain. From there, you can reach the terminal comfortably by taxi in about 30 minutes. Alternatively, the Metro is an option: travel from Central Station to Percy Main or Meadowell station, from where a 15- to 20-minute walk to the terminal or a short bus ride (e.g., route R19 to Royal Quays) is possible. Cruise lines such as DFDS Seaways often provide special shuttle buses from the main station to the terminal, timed to coincide with ferry schedules.
Airplane
Newcastle International Airport (NCL) is the nearest airport and is located only about 14 kilometers (9 miles) from the cruise terminal. Transfer time by taxi or private shuttle is approximately 25 to 35 minutes. From the airport, you can also take the Metro directly to Newcastle Central Station in about 25 minutes, from where you can continue to the terminal as described above. For longer journeys from the DACH region, an overnight stay in one of the numerous airport hotels at NCL (e.g., DoubleTree by Hilton, Premier Inn) is recommended to start your cruise vacation relaxed.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that your travel documents usually provide a fixed time slot for check-in, which is mandatory for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port and keep in mind that the latest embarkation time—depending on the cruise line and destination—is generally scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the voyage: for shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
The cruise port of Newcastle, officially known as the Port of Tyne International Passenger Terminal in North Shields, is easily accessible thanks to its modern facilities and good connections. It features a single, well-equipped terminal that enables a smooth embarkation process.
Car
The port is excellently connected to the road network and can be reached directly via the A1 and A19 motorways. Travelers from the south follow the A19 through the Tyne Tunnel and then take the A187 towards North Shields, while from the north, the A1 southbound leads to the A19 and from there, the A187 is also followed. Use the postcode NE29 6EE for navigation systems. Secure parking is available directly at the International Passenger Terminal, which often must be booked in advance through the cruise line or tour operator as capacity is limited. Parking costs are approximately 18 to 19.25 GBP per day. After parking, it is a short walk to the terminal, and a shuttle bus is also frequently available.
Train
The nearest and most relevant station is Newcastle Central Station, a major hub with connections from across Great Britain. From there, you can reach the terminal comfortably by taxi in about 30 minutes. Alternatively, the Metro is an option: travel from Central Station to Percy Main or Meadowell station, from where a 15- to 20-minute walk to the terminal or a short bus ride (e.g., route R19 to Royal Quays) is possible. Cruise lines such as DFDS Seaways often provide special shuttle buses from the main station to the terminal, timed to coincide with ferry schedules.
Airplane
Newcastle International Airport (NCL) is the nearest airport and is located only about 14 kilometers (9 miles) from the cruise terminal. Transfer time by taxi or private shuttle is approximately 25 to 35 minutes. From the airport, you can also take the Metro directly to Newcastle Central Station in about 25 minutes, from where you can continue to the terminal as described above. For longer journeys from the DACH region, an overnight stay in one of the numerous airport hotels at NCL (e.g., DoubleTree by Hilton, Premier Inn) is recommended to start your cruise vacation relaxed.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that your travel documents usually provide a fixed time slot for check-in, which is mandatory for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port and keep in mind that the latest embarkation time—depending on the cruise line and destination—is generally scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the voyage: for shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
The Port of Tyne in North Shields offers convenient connections to the Newcastle city center, located about 13 kilometers away, as well as the surrounding coast, thanks to a well-organized infrastructure.
Shuttle Buses & Scheduled Services
Shuttle buses are regularly available directly at the terminal to take guests comfortably to Newcastle Central Station in the heart of the city. In addition, public bus services such as route 327 operate, allowing for a relaxed journey of around 30 minutes directly to the central sights.
Taxi
An official taxi rank is located directly in front of the International Passenger Terminal. A ride to the center or the famous Quayside takes about 20 minutes and offers a particularly flexible way to reach individual destinations such as St. James' Park directly.
Tyne & Wear Metro
The region's extensive metro network is accessible via the nearby Percy Main station and connects the port area directly to the city's most important hubs. Thanks to the regular frequency, this is an ideal option for comfortably exploring both the historic center and picturesque coastal towns like Tynemouth at the same time.
To make the most of your stay in Newcastle, we recommend a combination of the lively atmosphere at the riverfront and exploring historical treasures in the direct vicinity of the port.
Quayside & Millennium Bridge
The modern heart of the city on the banks of the Tyne impresses with its award-winning bridge architecture and, thanks to numerous cafes and the view of the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art, offers a perfect backdrop for an urban day of discovery.
Tynemouth Village & Longsands
This charming coastal town is located in the immediate vicinity of the cruise terminal and attracts visitors with its wide sandy beach and the dramatic ruins of Tynemouth Priory, making it the ideal destination for a maritime break by the sea.
Alnwick Castle
The majestic castle is considered one of England's most magnificent noble residences and, thanks to its role as a famous film set, is also a fascinating highlight for a cultural day trip into the region's history.
Tynemouth & King Edward’s Bay
The picturesque coastal town of Tynemouth is easily accessible from the cruise port in North Shields in less than ten minutes by taxi and delights with the sheltered King Edward’s Bay as well as the extensive Longsands Beach. Thanks to the fine, golden sand and the impressive backdrop of Tynemouth Priory, you can enjoy a first-class coastal experience here with an excellent selection of cozy cafes and superb seafood restaurants right by the sea. Ideally, visit the historic monastery ruins in the morning for a wide panoramic view over the North Sea and then let yourself be pampered in one of the charming local spots on Front Street, returning to the ship relaxed and on time in the early afternoon.
Returning to the International Passenger Terminal in North Shields is straightforward thanks to the good infrastructure and can be easily organized. Plan for approximately thirty minutes of travel time for the transfer from the city center to the ship to ensure you reach your check-in at the Port of Tyne relaxed.
Taxi and Private Transfer Services
Taxis can be found in Newcastle city center at central taxi ranks such as Grey Street or directly at the main station, Newcastle Central Station. Additionally, you can conveniently order ride services via apps or have your hotel call a vehicle for you, which will take you directly to the port building without detours thanks to the direct road connection.
Shuttle Bus and Metro
Regular shuttle buses from the cruise lines often depart from Bewick Street opposite Central Station and take you directly to the terminal. Alternatively, use the yellow line of the Metro to Percy Main station, from where you can easily reach the port with a short taxi ride or a twenty-minute walk.
On Foot from the Royal Quays
If you use the day for a shopping trip in the adjacent Royal Quays Outlet Center, you can reach the ship quite easily on foot in a few minutes. The way to the terminal is well-signposted and leads you over level and securely paved paths directly to the entrance of the International Passenger Terminal.
