Trains to Newcastle
One of the country's largest cities, Newcastle sits on the banks of the River Tyne, hence its full name. A vibrant northern metropolitan area, Newcastle was once a Roman fort and then from Tudor times a centre for coal exports. The city really started to boom in the 19th century, when it became central to the UK's heavy engineering and shipbuilding industry. Seven bridges cross the river, the most famous being the Tyne Bridge from a design that was based on the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Trains running on the London to Newcastle route will soon be replaced by a new fleet of high-spec Azuma trains, operated by London North East Railway (LNER). For more information on Azuma trains, take a look at our Azuma trains page.
If you're planning a trip to Newcastle but unsure how to get there, check out our guide on the best way to travel from London to Newcastle.
How to find cheap train tickets to Newcastle
There are a number of ways in which you can find cheap train tickets to Newcastle to help you save money and explore the city. Whether you are getting a train to Newcastle for work or leisure, our Journey Planner can help you find the cheapest available tickets on the days you want to travel.
Our top tips for finding cheap train tickets to Newcastle:
- Get a Railcard: Save up to 1/3 for a whole year
- Book tickets to Newcastle in advance: LNER, TransPennine Express and Northern usually release tickets 12 weeks in advance
- Travel Off-Peak: Tickets are usually cheaper during quieter times on weekdays and weekends
- Use GroupSave: If you're travelling in a group of 3-9 people you could save 34%
1. Get a Railcard
The first way you can get your hands on cheaper train tickets to Newcastle is by using a national Railcard. If you travel more than a few times a year, buying an eligible Railcard can allow you to save up to 1/3 off the price of your train tickets*, meaning you can spend more on things to see and do in the city. To see the different types of Railcards, eligibility requirements and to buy a card online, check out our Railcards page. Railcards cater to different age ranges and circumstances so, from the Senior Railcard, to the Disabled Persons Railcard and the newly-introduced 26-30 Railcard (Millennial Railcard), you'll be sure to find your match.
2. Book tickets to Newcastle in advance
Another way to save money on train tickets to Newcastle is by purchasing an Advance ticket. In most cases, the earlier you book Advance tickets, the more you will benefit from cheap fares to Newcastle. Advance tickets typically go on sale 12 weeks in advance, so if you are off to hit the shops or have a night out on the town in mind, simply look out for the “Advance ticket” type when you search for tickets using our Journey Planner, or sign up to our Ticket alert to find out as soon as your tickets go on sale. Make sure you book these tickets as early as possible, because the longer you wait, the more the price can go up.
3. Travel during Off-Peak times
You could also travel to Newcastle during Off-Peak periods when travel is generally cheaper than during Peak times (Monday to Friday rush hours). To find Off-Peak times, you can simply search for tickets using our Journey Planner, and we’ll highlight the cheapest tickets for you (these are usually Off-Peak tickets). Why not also try buying return train tickets instead of two singles.
4. Travelling as a group? Use GroupSave
Heading for a day out in Newcastle with Friends? Catch the train with 3-9 people and you can benefit from a GroupSave discount of up to 34%. Tickets for the group must be bought at the same time, and you can choose to apply GroupSave to your tickets by selecting it in our Railcards dropdown (under ‘add a Railcard’ in our booking widget). Please bear in mind that GroupSave is not applicable for all journeys by the different train companies, and all passengers must sit near to each other on the train for tickets to be valid. To find out more, visit our types of train tickets page and see useful ways to get the best value train fares.
Want even more handy hints on how to save money on train tickets? Check out our cheap train tickets page.
*Conditions and peak travel time exclusions may apply on some Railcard types.
London to Newcastle on the East Coast Main Line
Trains from London to Newcastle are operated by London North Eastern Railway, who run services on the East Coast Main Line (ECML). All services depart from London Kings Cross, calling at several major stations on the ECML – including Doncaster and Edinburgh.
The fastest services take just 2h 53m to reach Newcastle station – the city’s main railway station. You’ll travel on an Azuma train. These are LNER’s high-speed, modern trains capable of speeds of 125 mph on the East Coast Main Line. Free WiFi comes as standard and all seats have access to power sockets.
If you want to travel in comfort from London, consider upgrading to First Class. When booking just a day or two ahead, upgrading to First Class can cost as little as £10 more than Standard Class tickets. You’ll enjoy reclining seats, extra space, morning papers brought to your table and a complimentary menu. LNER are currently offering fewer options on their menu as catering is phased back into the service.
Since 25th October 2021, a brand-new train operator called Lumo has been running between London Kings Cross and Edinburgh via the East Coast Main Line. Learn more about Lumo trains.
Visiting Newcastle
Newcastle has a metro system allowing widespread access to all areas of the city. Visitors can also take a cruise on the river and get a different perspective of both Newcastle and, on the southern side, Gateshead.
The Discovery Museum has in its entrance hall, the Turbinia, one hundred feet long and the first steam turbine-powered ship in the world, built by a local engineer. The Newcastle Story exhibition is a walk through the fascinating history of the city and uses animated characters to bring the tales alive.
The interactive Life Science Centre uses the latest in entertainment technology to explain the scientific secrets of life. Imaginative games and 3D motion-simulator rides both entertain and educate. In winter an enormous open-air ice rink opens to the public from November to February.
Art lovers can browse through the Laing Art Gallery, the premier art collection in the North East. The permanent collection exhibits classics of British art, including work by Burne-Jones, Holman Hunt, Ben Nicholson and Gillian Ayres, as well as international representation from Gauguin and Bomberg.
Sculptor Anthony Gormley's monumental Angel of the North can be seen to the south of the city, and from some trains, and has parks and green around it making an excellent picnic area for families.
Frequently asked questions
What's the main train station in Newcastle?
The main train station in Newcastle is Newcastle station, which is located just south of the city centre.
Which train companies run trains to Newcastle?
There are a number of trains companies in the UK that operate trains to Newcastle, including LNER, CrossCountry and TransPennine Express.
How can I get cheap train tickets to Newcastle?
It’s easy to grab yourself cheap train tickets to Newcastle. We’d recommend using a Railcard, buying your ticket in advance or travelling during Off-Peak hours if you can. Read our cheap train tickets guide to find out more.
Are trains running to Newcastle?
Trains run frequently almost every day to Newcastle, although there may be fewer services during the weekends and bank holidays. Check our live train times for up-to-date information on trains to Newcastle.
Can I use my Railcard to save up to 1/3 on my trip to Newcastle?
Yes, there are several types of Railcards you can use to save up to 1/3 on your trip to Newcastle, these include:
- Two-Together Railcard (Great for couples and friends who always travel together)
- 16-17 Saver (You can save up to 50% with this one)
- 16-25 Railcard (Ideal for students)
- 26-30 Railcard (Also known as the Millennial Railcard)
- Senior Railcard (For those aged 60 and over)
- Friends & Family Railcard (Great for families of up to 4 adults with up to 4 kids)
- Disabled Railcard (If travelling with another adult they can save too)
Having a Railcard means you can use it whenever you want outside of Peak times for a whole year too.