Tyne and Wear Metro — Map, Lines, Route, Hours, Tickets

The Newcastle upon Tyne Metro, also known as the Tyne and Wear Metro, is an efficient rapid transit system located in the North East region of England, within the United Kingdom. Its operation combines elements of metro and light rail systems to provide an efficient service to the city of Newcastle upon Tyne.

The Metro network currently comprises two active lines with a total of 60 stations. It covers a considerable distance of 77.5 kilometres (48.2 miles), making it the second largest metro system in the UK after the London Underground.

The Underground began operating on 11 August 1980, following the conversion of former railway lines to suit the newly constructed underground tunnel structure. It operates from 5:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m., with a basic fare of 1.80 pounds sterling (approximately $US 2.32).

Newcastle Metro serves approximately 104,000 passengers per day. It does not operate 24 hours a day, but runs from 5:52am to 12:21am Monday to Friday, 5:40am to 11:51pm on Saturdays and 6:17am to 11:51pm on Sundays.

Unfortunately, the metro does not have air conditioning, nor does it allow passengers to walk between platforms. There are no driverless trains and the platforms have no screen doors.

Metro map of Newcastle

Map of Newcastle Metro showing different lines. Click on the map to enlarge it or download the Newcastle (Tyne and Wear) Metro map in PDF format.

About Newcastle upon Tyne City

Newcastle upon Tyne is a bustling city in the north-eastern region of England, forming an integral part of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. This city falls within the Tyne and Wear metropolitan area.

This metropolis is proud to be a member of the Eurocities network, established in 1986 to promote links between Europe’s major cities. It covers a total area of 113 square kilometres (43.6 square miles) and is home to a metropolitan population of 1,650,000.

With roots dating back to Roman times and the construction of the Pons Aelius Bridge across the River Tyne, Newcastle presents a striking blend of traditional structures and modern architectural wonders. Notable landmarks include Newcastle St James’ Park football stadium and the campus of Newcastle University, recognised as one of the most impressive in Europe.

With temperatures ranging between 18ºC and 19ºC (64.4ºF and 66.2ºF) in summer and between 4ºC and 5ºC (39.2ºF and 41ºF) in winter, the city typically experiences a rainy climate even during the summer months.

Detailed Information on the Metro

Newcastle Metro’s 77.5 kilometre (48.1 mile) route serves areas including Newcastle upon Tyne, Gateshead, South Tyneside South, North Tyneside North and Sunderland.

The Metro has been in operation since 11 August 1980, when the first section of the Green Line was opened. The system’s fleet consists of 90 “Metrocars”, each with a capacity of 84 seated and 188 standing passengers. The last renovation of these vehicles was carried out in 2015 by the North American company Wabtech Railen.

The metro system is managed by the region’s transport authority, Nexus, under the North East Combined Authority (NECA). It serves around 37.7 million people each year. Here is some quick information about the Underground:

Known as: Metro or Tyne and Wear Metro
Length: 77.5 kilometers (48.1 miles)
Rail width: 1435 mm (4.71 ft)
Number of lines: 2
Number of stations: 60
Maximum speed: 70 km/h (43.5 m/h)
Website: www.nexus.org.uk/metro
Operator: Nexus
Daily ridership: Approximately 101,300
Founded: August 11, 1980

A Look into Its History

The beginnings of Newcastle’s railway network date back to the early decades of the 19th century, with the proliferation of railway lines corresponding to the increasing use of steam for power and transport.

In 1904, the North Eastern Railway (NER) began electrifying the network, marking the advent of an electric railway for the regions north of the River Tyne. However, due to the high cost of maintaining an electric operation and low passenger numbers, the rolling stock was converted to diesel by 1960.

The big change came in the 1970s when the local transport authority launched a project to improve transport conditions. This led to the re-electrification of the tracks and the construction of new subway-like tracks and tunnels. On 11 August 1980, the first phase of this revamped transport system went into operation.

Lines and Stations

The Newcastle upon Tyne Metro consists of two lines with a total of 60 stations. The first line opened in 1980, with the second line opening four years later. These lines together form a 77.5-kilometre (48.2-mile) route that covers much of the city and its surrounding areas.

Green Line

The Green Line, distinguished by its colour, has a total of 31 stations and covers the east-west corridor of the city, forming a diagonally curved line. The line terminates at Newcastle Airport and Sunderland stations.

Yellow Line

The Yellow Line spans the east-west corridor of the city, forming a horizontal line with curved ends. It has 41 stations, 11 of which are shared with the Green Line. The terminus of the line is Saint James and South Shields.

Connections to Other Systems

In addition to the Metro, Newcastle has several Nexus-managed transport systems that complement the Metro service. The Shields Ferry provides an efficient means of crossing the River Tyne and carries around 400,000 passengers a year. The ferry system comprises four boats and the journey to the other side of the canal takes just seven minutes.

In addition, Nexus operates a citywide bus system with 17 bus stops, three of which connect directly to the Metro – Four Lane Ends, Heworth and Regent Centre. This bus network extends into the surrounding areas of the city and carries 30 million passengers a year.

Nexus also operates the suburban rail network linking Newcastle upon Tyne with other major UK cities including Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, Manchester, Sheffield, Birmingham and London.

Airport Connections

Newcastle International Airport, a major air terminal in the United Kingdom, is home to over 20 airlines, ensuring Newcastle is connected to almost every European nation and several other countries. Located in Woolsington, a village on the outskirts of Newcastle upon Tyne, the airport is easily accessible.

The airport is easily reached by the Metro’s Green Line, which has a terminus a short distance south of the airport. This station, which is connected by an enclosed tunnel, has been in operation since 1991 and is recognised as one of the most efficient metro stations in the country. The station is open from 5.37am to 11.39pm and the journey from the airport to the city centre takes just 24 minutes.

Operating Hours and Frequency

To cope with the high number of passengers using the Newcastle upon Tyne metro every day, the system administrator, Nexus, has drawn up a timetable to provide a virtually round-the-clock service. This integrates two other systems operated by the government subsidiary. Here is a detailed overview of the timetable and frequency of each line:

Green Line

The Green Line runs from 5.40am with the first train leaving Airport Station and the last train arriving at Sunderland Station at 12.01am on weekdays and Saturdays. On Sundays and bank holidays the first train departs at 6.20am and the last train arrives at 11.46pm. Trains run regularly every 10 minutes, every seven to eight minutes at peak times and every 15 minutes at weekends and bank holidays.

Yellow Line

The Yellow Line leaves St James’s station at 6.13am, with the last train arriving at Gateshead and Barrow station at 11.39pm. The timetable remains the same on Saturdays, while on Sundays and bank holidays trains run from 7am to 11.40pm. The frequency of trains is similar to the Green Line.

Fares, Tickets, and Cards

Nexus, the operator of Newcastle upon Tyne, has developed a comprehensive fare system to meet the diverse needs of its passengers. Ticket prices vary depending on the type of ticket, the zones travelled and the profile of the driver. Here are the details of the different ticket types and how to buy them:

Single ticket: This ticket can be used on any Nexus-operated vehicle, with the cost varying depending on the zones travelled.
PAYG card: The Pop Pay As You Go (PAYG) card allows passengers to pay for their journeys as they travel.
Metro Day Ticket: This ticket offers unlimited travel on all Nexus modes of transport, with the cost varying according to the zones travelled.
Metro Season Ticket: Ideal for regular commuters, this ticket offers multiple journeys.
Student Metro Ticket: Students can get a 30% discount on this ticket by showing a student card at Nexus ticket offices.

Children under the age of 5 can travel for free, while those aged between 5 and 16 can use the Pop Friendly card, which offers unlimited travel within a zone for £1.10 ($1.42) or a single journey for £0.60 ($0.77).

System Regulations

Rules are essential to maintain public order, ensure courtesy among riders, and protect the facilities and integrity of individuals. Here are some of the key rules established by Nexus:

Eating and drinking are prohibited within system facilities.
Only service animals assisting disabled passengers are allowed on the system.
Firearms or weapons such as knives are strictly prohibited.
Bicycles are not permitted on any carriages or other Nexus-operated transport.
Passengers must use the system in accordance with the type of ticket purchased.
Children under the age of 12 must be supervised while travelling on the system.
All users must obey the instructions of Metro staff.
No shouting or violent behaviour is permitted within the system facilities.
Causing damage to Nexus Metro transportation facilities is strictly prohibited.
Selling goods and begging are not allowed within the system facilities.

Future expansions

Since 2004, Nexus has been considering a series of extensions to the system’s current lines. The aim is to increase passenger numbers, provide a faster service and improve efficiency.

The first of these is the construction of a line between Tyne Dock and East Boldon, linking the two lines currently in operation. This will provide a direct link in the south of the city where there is currently no interchange between the two lines.

Another proposal is to build a line from Leamside to Washington. This has been approved by the regional government. However, Nexus has yet to start construction on this new section.

One of the most compelling projects is a link to the Blyth and Ashington Metro system, which will be completed through Northumberland Park station.

There are also plans to extend the Green and Yellow Lines. The former includes a new section to the north, while the latter will extend to the far west. However, both have been delayed due to the high cost of building new tunnels and track extensions.

Tips

Newcastle upon Tyne Metro is one of the safest metros in Europe. However, passengers should always take care when using the Underground. It is advisable to keep an eye on your belongings at all times and to keep them close to you, especially in front of your body.
The system has a wide range of fare options. It is advisable to consult the metro’s official website to choose the most suitable ticket.
Nexus, the government subsidiary responsible for the city’s transport, operates two additional modes of transport. It is therefore extremely important to find out which routes can help you get around the city. There are areas that are not served by the metro.
The metro operator, Nexus, has a journey planning system that allows you to select stations and see the arrival times of their trains.
This application helps to reduce waiting time on platforms and speeds up the movement of passengers throughout the system.
It is also essential that all passengers familiarise themselves with the system’s rules to avoid being fined by Nexus’ authorised staff.
Finally, although this Underground system is not particularly large or complex, it is always advisable to consult a system map. This will help passengers to familiarise themselves with the distances, which can often be too long for some.

Interesting facts

The Newcastle upon Tyne Metro was the first railway system in the UK to use the metric system for all its characteristics, including speed over distance.
This transport system is characterised by an important exponent of the city’s visual arts. Some of its stations have been transformed into large-scale works of art, representing the city’s culture through the medium of the railway. Most of the works were specially commissioned to represent important artists from different latitudes. Among the most famous are Nayan Kulkarni’s Nocturne and Michael Pinski’s Hadrian’s Wall Map.
This system was originally designed to work with the ferry and bus lines, under a completely unified mechanism with the same standard fare. However, this was not achieved and instead transfer tickets were produced to allow travel from one mode of transport to another.

Sightseeing via the Newcastle upon Tyne Metro

Newcastle upon Tyne is one of the most important cities in the United Kingdom. Over the years it has become a popular tourist destination for the many people who visit the UK. Its Roman and medieval past make it a living part of history, but it has also become a symbol of modernity and sport. The Underground is one of the best ways to get around the city. Below are some of the places you can visit on the Newcastle upon Tyne Metro:

Chinatown: Like most cities in the world, Newcastle upon Tyne’s Chinatown is a major attraction for anyone visiting the city. This is due to its many commercial activities and the cultural vibrancy that surrounds its streets. Most tourists stop along these streets to pick up traditional Asian spices and enjoy new culinary experiences. To reach this destination, one simply needs to get off at St James station on the yellow line of the metro and walk a few metres.

Hatton Gallery: The Hatton Gallery is one of the most important venues for artistic expression in the city. It is the University of Newcastle’s gallery and is located in the University’s Fine Arts Building. This institution was founded in 1925 by the King Edward VII School of Art. The Hatton Gallery has a permanent collection of over 3500 works dating back to the sixteenth century. Exhibits include paintings, photographs and sculptures. Some are very large. To visit, simply get off the Yellow Line at Haymarket Station and walk a few blocks.

Grey’s Monument: This is one of the most visited monuments in the city. This statue was erected in honour of Lord Grey for his approval of the Great Reform Act of 1832. It is 40 metres high and was designed by architects John and Benjamin Green. The historical value of this monument is immense, not only because of its construction, but also because of the lightning strike that destroyed Lord Grey’s head in 1941. To visit the statue, simply get off at Monument station, which is on both the yellow and green lines, and take a short walk through the historic centre of the city.