Newcastle sits on the riverbanks of Tyne as one of the country’s largest cities. Although the city really started to grow in the 19th century, it was once a Roman fort and then a centre for coal exports in Tudor times. Due to the Tyne bridge and the six other bridges that cross the river, the city became central to the UK’s heavy engineering and shipbuilding industry. In truth, many of the Industrial Revolution’s valuable inventions were first introduced in the English city. Architectural history aside, the city is famous for being a tourist hotspot with a great nightlife scene for the partygoers, museums and historical features for the academics, and feature trails for people who love to be outdoors.
How to book cheap Train tickets to Newcastle?
Planning a trip to Newcastle soon? You can enjoy massive savings and unlimited comfort by taking a train to Newcastle, all you have to do is get your tickets and prepare for your trip. For travellers on a budget, you can use these methods to book cheap train tickets to Newcastle with ease, they are:
Book in Advance:
Planning a weekend away? Or visiting family? Whatever your reasons for travelling, you can enjoy massive discounts by booking your train tickets to Newcastle in advance. These Advance tickets typically go on sale for up to 12 weeks before the departure date and should be booked as early as possible or the prices may go up. Unlike the regular tickets, advance tickets are limited and non-refundable unless the train is delayed or cancelled. The date and time of the ticket can, however, be changed at a cost. Forgot to book train tickets to Newcastle in advance? Don’t fret as these tickets are sometimes still available 10 minutes in advance before the train departure time. So even if you’re not a big planner and simply like to go with the flow of things, you can still save money while booking tickets, all you have to do is check.
Use Split Train Tickets:
As crazy as it might sound, booking multiple tickets instead of one single ticket sometimes costs way less. With Split Train tickets, you would be booking multiple tickets with the final one being your final destination i.e. if you want to travel from Birmingham New Street to Glasgow Central, you can go from Birmingham to Preston, Preston to Carlisle then Carlisle to Glasgow. While split journeys are longer than single journeys, in most cases of split ticket bookings, you are not required to leave the train. Split ticket booking can either be done manually by taking time out to look at trains connecting to other cities at specific times, or by using specific booking websites. With split train tickets you can be sure to expect up to 26% savings off the single ticket fare and even more when booking in advance.
Travel Off-Peak:
On weekdays, the travelling hours are divided into peak and off-peak hours. If we are going by the standard 9-5 work hours, that would mean that peak hours are 8-9am and 5-6pm going by the times people get to and get off work. Off-peak times will then run in between and after those hours as most people will either already be at work or be at home. Seeing as trains to Newcastle are in higher demand at these peak times, it only makes sense that they cost more and the tickets during off-peak times cost less. Therefore, you can enjoy massive savings by booking during off-peak hours with the bonus of a less crowded train than there usually would be during peak times. When buying off-peak train tickets to Newcastle, please note that they are only valid for the specified date and are only refundable without an admin fee if the trip is cancelled or delayed.
Look for Railcard Discounts:
Railcards are cards you can buy digitally to help you save money on trains to Newcastle for a set period of time.
There are different types of railcards which have been further divided into categories. There are railcards by age which include:
- 16-17 saver railcards, which offer up to 50% discount,
- 16-25 railcards, which offer savings of up to a third of your ticket prices,
- 26-30 railcards which also offers savings of up to a third of the initial ticket price, and
- senior railcards for people aged 60 and over, with discounts of up to third off tickets.
Railcards by group include:
- two together railcards, which help save tickets for you and anyone you are travelling with, and
- the family & friends railcards which either offers a 60% off for up to four children aged 5-15 and up to four adults for a third of the original ticket price.
Other Railcards include:
- disabled persons railcards which allow disabled persons a companion and a third off the travel fare,
- veterans’ railcards which are for persons who have served in His Majesty’s UK Armed Forces or UK Merchant Mariners, and
- network railcards which offer discounts for up to four children or adults to certain destinations in East England.
Compare Ticket Prices:
Comparing ticket prices to figure out which ones are more suited to your budget allows for huge saving opportunities. You can compare simple tickets with return tickets, as return tickets are often cheaper than single tickets. This also helps if you are intending to travel and return on the same day, opting for cheaper return tickets does not just ensure savings on train travel but it also allows for ease of travel. In some cases, however, return tickets are in fact, not cheaper than single tickets, depending on the routes and travel times. This is exactly why travellers should first compare prices to make sure they make the right purchase.
Avoid Booking Fees:
When booking train tickets to Newcastle, you may come across booking fees depending on whatever booking platforms being used. These fees are usually seen when booking tickets using third-party retailers who charge a ‘small’ fee for your convenience amongst other things. Whether you’re booking in advance, using Group Save, Split ticketing, etc., the total cost of your train tickets to Newcastle depends on the website you book the tickets. To avoid booking fees when booking cheap train tickets to Newcastle, opt for e-tickets to avoid paying for postal delivery. You can also try to book train tickets to Newcastle directly with train operators. You also need to consider that using international cards to book train tickets to Newcastle may come with added booking fees. Applying for refunds or making changes on your purchased train tickets to Newcastle also comes with an admin fee cost.
Flexible Dates and Times:
These types of tickets allow for single and return train tickets to Newcastle either on a single day or within a month. These tickets offer you the freedom you need when taking a train to Newcastle. There are different types of flexible tickets in the UK, and you can choose any of your choice when searching for cheap train tickets to Newcastle. These flexible ticket types include, Flexi Season tickets, Off-Peak tickets, Anytime train tickets and carnet train tickets. Flexible Season tickets allow you to take the train to Newcastle on any day within a 28-day period. Flexible tickets cannot, however, be used to book First-Class tickets and are available for refund with an admin fee. You can also choose to buy an Anytime Flexible ticket to avoid time restrictions on trains to Newcastle.
Group Save Discounts:
Enjoy discounts on group train tickets to Newcastle with Group Save. You can save up to 1/3 of the original ticket prices when traveling in a group of 3 to 9 people. Unlike Railcard which have an annual fee, Group Save train tickets to Newcastle is a free way to get travel discounts. Although Group Save tickets are commonly for Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak travel times, you can also use the discounts after 9:30 every weekday (except bank holidays), if Off-Peak tickets are unavailable for purchase. Note that you cannot apply any additional Railcard discounts while using Group Save and it does not apply to First Class tickets. When travelling in a group using the Group Save discounts, please be sure to sit close to the persons in your group as the conductor may need to make sure you are all travelling as a group.
Look for Promotional Codes:
When all else fails, promo codes can always save the day! If you missed out on booking your train ticket to Newcastle early enough or can’t use any other method, this one is your holy grail. You can discover promotional codes from numerous rail services by looking out for websites that curate these into a singular webpage. On these websites, you can find coupons and even deals from different UK railway services. By using these websites, you spend much less time searching aimlessly on the internet and focus your efforts where they can bear fruit. You can find promo codes and coupons that help you save massively on travel costs on the cheaptraintickets.co.uk website. With the cheap train tickets website, you can easily book cheap train tickets to Newcastle with the website’s numerous available promo codes and coupons.
Set Alerts for Price Drops:
Sometimes new promo codes or coupons are introduced on websites for booking cheap train tickets to Newcastle. To always stay informed about ongoing train discounts, you can set alerts to receive early information about these discounts first hand. To receive these alerts you would need to sign up for newsletters of websites that carefully curate dozens and dozens of discounts and other information on how to book cheap train tickets to Newcastle.
Avoid First-Class Unless Discounted:
While traveling First-Class is great and comfortable, when booking cheap tickets to Newcastle, it is advised to steer clear unless it is being sold at a discounted rate. You can enjoy luxury on a budget when you book your train to Newcastle during Off-Peak hours. This may sometimes cost less than a train to Newcastle during Peak hours with a Standard Class ticket. As confusing as it may sound, all you really need to do is compare prices when you book trains to Newcastle. You can also book your train to Newcastle in advance to enjoy discounted First-Class tickets. Also, by combining Off-Peak hours booking and Railcard discounts, you can save an additional 1/3 on tickets and still travel in style.
Popular Train journeys to Newcastle:
The Newcastle Central Station remains one of the busiest stations in the country as it not only offers high-speed train services but also scenic routes to and from major destinations. Book a train ticket to Newcastle and enjoy the beautiful scenery. Here are some popular train journeys to Newcastle:
London Kings Cross to Newcastle:
Asides from off-peak hours, there are usually 2 to 3 trains per hour covering the 245-mile (395 km) distance between London Kings Cross and Newcastle. While the faster trains usually cover the distance in about 2 hours and 36 minutes, the average train travel time is 3 hours and 26 minutes.
York to Newcastle:
The fastest train to Newcastle from York can cover the 73 (117 km) mile distance in as little as 55 minutes even though the average time sums up to an average of 1 hour and 25 minutes. Trains from York Newcastle run very frequently throughout the day, with about 169 trains available every day.
London to Newcastle:
Watch the beautiful scenery go by for approximately 3 hours on the train to Newcastle from London. With around 45 trains moving along this route per day, the journey may sometimes take more or less time depending on the time of travel, date of travel and train choice.
Edinburgh to Newcastle:
76 trains travel from Edinburgh to Newcastle per day with the first train setting out as early as 4:26am and the last train by 22:00. The 92-mile (148km) journey takes an average of 1 hour and 36 minutes to cover depending on the train of choice and travel time.
Leeds to Newcastle:
The fastest direct trains to Newcastle from Leeds can travel the 81-mile (130 km) distance in 80 minutes, with the average time being 1 hour and 42 minutes. You can book your tickets to Newcastle as early as 12 weeks in advance to enjoy discounted ticket benefits.
Manchester to Newcastle:
Depending on the date of departure, there may be up to 43 direct trains to Newcastle from Manchester per day. The journey covers around 106 miles (170km) in approximately 2 hours and 17 minutes on average.
Birmingham to Newcastle:
Even with the 172-mile (277 km) distance, around 27 trains cover the 3 hours and 33 minutes journey every day. Although train schedules vary during the weekends and holidays, the earliest train to Newcastle from Birmingham leaves at 5:03 and the last by 19:30.
Glasgow to Newcastle:
There are usually 3 trains per day moving the 120 miles (194km) distance of Glasgow Central to Newcastle within 2 hours and 49 minutes. The number of trains can, however, vary depending on the departure date.
Popular Train Routes from Newcastle:
Newcastle is notably very connected by train with other cities which results in there being a large number of trains moving directly from Newcastle to other cities. The Newcastle station itself is famously known for being well-equipped, efficient, and comfortable. Here are some of the most popular train routes from Newcastle:
Newcastle to London Kings Cross:
The average train travel distance from Newcastle to London Kings Cross is 3 hours and 27 minutes as the two locations are approximately 245 miles (395 km) apart. With up to 74 trains covering this distance per day, the first train usually leaves by 3:40 and the last train by 21:35.
Newcastle to York:
While the travel time may vary depending on any delay or the specific trains, the average time of travel from Newcastle to York is usually 1 hour and 21 minutes. There are usually about 167 direct trains per day, all covering the popular 73-mile (117 km) route with ease.
Newcastle to London:
With the earliest train departure being 3:40 and the latest being 21:35, there are about 74 trains in total travelling from Newcastle to London every day. If none of these times match your schedule, you can always choose to travel by splitting your journey.
Newcastle to Leeds:
The Newcastle to Leeds route is usually operated by TransPennine Express and CrossCountry. Whichever service you choose, you will get to enjoy comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi, plug sockets and more during the 1 hour and 39 minutes travel time.
Newcastle to Edinburgh:
There are about 109 trains travelling the Newcastle to Edinburgh route per day with the first departing at 5:24 and the last at 23:08. While the journey usually takes 1 hour, 38 minutes on average, faster trains can take 1 hour and 23 minutes.
Newcastle to Manchester:
Depending on your departure time and date, there are usually about 54 direct trains moving from Newcastle to Manchester per day. You can book these train tickets for as low as $20.62 when you book in advance.
Newcastle to Birmingham:
Direct train tickets from Newcastle to Birmingham can cost as low as $34.07 when booking in advance. With around 44 trains travelling this route everyday, the average travel time is about 3 hours 27 minutes but can take just 2 hours 47 minutes on faster trains.
Newcastle to Glasgow:
Trains from Newcastle to Glasgow travel less frequently with 3 departing per day. These trains can cover the distance of 120 miles (194 km) in about 2 hours 38 minutes at the starting cost of $19.97 when booking in advance.
Things to do in Newcastle:
There are a million and one things you can do in Newcastle, from exploring the city’s historical landmarks, experiencing the nightlife and to exploring the famous local restaurants you have heard so much about. One thing is for sure, there’s never a boring moment in Newcastle!
Explore the Iconic Bridges:
If you’re amazed at things you’ve heard about the bridges in Newcastle, then exploring it will only blow your mind further. You can learn about the city’s most famous landmark, the Tyne bridge, walk along the beautifully lit Gateshead Millenium Bridge at night and explore the Newcastle Quayside’s stunning views, restaurants, and bars.
Visit Museums and Art Galleries:
You’re in for a treat when visiting art galleries and museums in Newcastle. At the city’s Discovery Museum, you can enjoy a fun and interactive experience learning about Newcastle’s industrial and maritime history. You can also visit The Laing Art Gallery to view oil paintings, beautiful watercolours, and mind-boggling sculptures. If you’re a fan of contemporary art, you can pay the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art a visit. These places are extremely popular with tourists and help visitors gain some insight about the beautiful city Newcastle is today.
Sports:
As the city is home to the Newcastle FC you can take a tour of their home stadium or if you’re lucky, catch a match depending on when you’re in the city. You can also enjoy horse racing events all year round at the Newcastle Racecourse.
Go Shopping:
Who doesn’t love to go shopping when they’re in a new city? There are countless spots to go shopping at, whether you’re buying for yourself or buying for your loved ones.
Enjoy a night out, the Newcastle way:
Explore the Newcastle nightlife scene alone or with your travel buddies. If you’re stoked for the nightclub scene, you can explore The Bigg Market & Collingwood Street which are famous for their lively clubs and bars. If you’re interested in semi-quiet pubs with astonishing riverside views, you can opt for The Tyne bar or The Free Trade Inn.
Enjoy Scenic outdoor routes:
Take relaxing strolls in parks like Jesmond Dene, St James Park or the Leazes park. You can also opt for a day trip out to Tynemouth beach, Durham, Alnwick Castle & Gardens and many more beautiful outdoor locations.
Newcastle’s Culture, Nightlife and Cuisine:
Newcastle upon Tyne is packed with culture, great cuisine and probably the best nightlife scene in the UK. The city has been featured on countless guides and magazines as one of the best places to if you’re looking to have an unforgettable night out. While there are numerous streets and areas loaded with pubs, bars and nightclubs, that isn’t all the city has to offer. You can opt for comedy shows, a trip to the Tyneside cinema, and even a romantic night walk along Quayside to enjoy the beautifully lit Gateshead Millenium Bridge.
Delve into the Newcastle culture in form of museums, galleries, live performances, music concerts and festivals, and much more. The city’s Live Theatre is well known for its original plays and drama performances. Numerous festivals are organized all year round with a large number dedicated to music and sports. In the summer, there are a lot of street performances and fairs, each starting after the other. In the winter, weeks before the New Years, traditional fairs open in the main city squares to sell sweets, popular toys, and souvenirs. The city also has arts and crafts workshops to enable visitors to get acquainted with the native population.
From coffee shops and bakeries to bar restaurants and fine dining restaurants, Newcastle does it best. British food gets the worst rep but, Newcastle cuisine is unparalleled when it comes to it’s culinary prowess. A top tier must-try Newcastle delicacy is the Stottie Cake which is the British equivalent of bagels, only better. You can also try out the staple chips and gravy just for the Newcastle experience.
What are you waiting for? Start planning your trip to Newcastle now, a whole new world awaits you!
