The Newcastle Metro forms the backbone of the transport network and is operated by Nexus. The network is called the ‘Tyne and Wear Metro’ because the lines extend well beyond the city limits.

There are two lines in the city – the green and the yellow. These also run to neighbouring towns such as Sunderland, Whitley Bay and Tynemouth, as well as to Newcastle NCL Airport.

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You can find the clear and user-friendly official website atnexus.org.uk/metro.

Map and Newcastle Metro routes

The Tyne and Wear Metro network comprises a total of 78 km of track and 2 lines. However, the Yellow Line winds its way around the city, forming a circular route that covers a vast area of the city; in effect, it consists of two distinct routes.

In the city centre, both lines – the yellow and the green – run along the same route.

The metro is reliable, frequent and fast.

You can find the official metro map on the website:nexus.org.uk/metro-map.

Metro lines are colour-coded.

• Yellow– the longest route, which effectively forms a loop but then continues further south.
  • It serves the city centre and the main railway station, and you can use this route to travel to more distant tourist attractions on the coast: Whitley Bay, Long Sands Beach, Tynemouth Castle, St Mary’s Lighthouse, Segedunum Fort, Arbeia Fort and Ocean Beach Pleasure Park.
• Green– this route runs from north to south and is the quickest link to the airport or the city of Sunderland

Metro tickets

We provide a more detailed breakdown of the fare system for buses and trains in theTransport section.

How much does the metro cost?

The metro system has three zones, which determine the prices of single metro tickets.

If you’re buying day tickets for wider areas, the number of zones doesn’t matter.

Tickets for the metro only

These tickets can only be used on the metro and are not valid on buses or trains.

Single-journey tickets

• 3,20 gbp – fare for 1 zone
• 4,30 gbp – fare for 2 zones
• 5,10 gbp – fare for 3 zones

You can buy slightly cheaper tickets via the POP mobile app, although this is only available for UK mobile phones.

Day tickets

• 4,80 gbp – fare for 1 zone
• 6,10 gbp – fare for 2 zones
• 7 gbp – fare for 3 zones

Day tickets are valid only on the calendar day in question.

Where can I buy tickets?

Foreign visitors are currently unable to use the mobile app, and direct payment by contactless card is also not available.

However, there are ticket machines selling paper tickets at every underground station, where you can pay by card or in cash.

How do you use the tickets?

You enter all metro stations through turnstiles.

Insert your paper ticket into the turnstile and it will be returned to you through another slot.

You do not need to use your ticket when exiting the station. The turnstile opens automatically as soon as it detects movement.

Is the Newcastle Metro open 24/7?

None of the metro lines run non-stop.

Every day, the metro starts running at around 5:00 (departures from terminal stations) and finishes at around 23:30. On Sundays, the metro does not start running until around 6:25.

On weekdays, trains run at 12-minute intervals during the day. Early in the morning, late in the evening and at weekends, the interval can be up to 20 minutes.

Detailed timetables and a journey planner can be found on the website:nexus.org.uk/metro.

What are the stations and trains like?

Most metro stations date from the 1970s and, apart from those in the city centre, are above ground. Each station is equipped with a ticket machine and a staffed ticket office.

There are generally no toilets at metro stations, and there are usually no shops in the station concourses either.

Most of the metro trains are very old, but the fleet is gradually being replaced with modern and very spacious trains.