Not only can you find student flats and houses that are a short stroll from campus, but there are also excellent transport links — both within the city and further afield.
Whether you’re an international student moving to Newcastle or you’re a ‘Toon’ local moving to a different neighbourhood, the city centre is a great spot to consider.
With plenty of pedestrian routes, bus services, and the Metro system, getting from A to B is a breeze. Need a little more information on navigating Newcastle city centre? Our guide has all the details you need.
Getting around Newcastle city centre on foot
One of the easiest ways to travel around Newcastle city centre is on foot. Compared with other university towns, Newcastle’s city centre is relatively compact, and you can walk from Newcastle Train Station to the top of Osborne Road in Jesmond in under an hour.
Where else can you get to from the city centre? If you’re moving into student accommodation in Newcastle city centre, here are some approximate guidelines on how long some of the key destinations will take you on foot.
Key Destinations
If you want to relax by the Quayside waterfront, you can easily stroll there from the city centre in around 10 to 15 minutes.
For an afternoon in the sunshine, Exhibition Park is a wonderful place to visit. You can walk from the city centre in around 25 minutes.
Depending on where you are in the city centre, the walk to Newcastle’s main train station will vary. However, it’s generally under 15 minutes.
The ultimate venue for gigs, Utilita Arena Newcastle is a 25 to 30-minute walk from the very centre of Newcastle. From the train station, it’ll take you just 10 minutes.
How to get to university from Newcastle city centre
A big consideration for many students deciding where to rent is the property’s distance from the university.
Newcastle is home to two fantastic unis: Newcastle University and Northumbria University. Both have multiple campuses in Newcastle, so it’s important to factor in which area your course is likely to take you.
Having said that, the principal campus of each institution is very central, with Newcastle University right in the very heart of the Toon. Northumbria’s Ellison Place campus is also very close to Newcastle city centre — the journey is likely to take you around 10-15 minutes on foot.
Other campuses, such as the Northumbria University School of Design, are slightly further out of the city centre but still within easy walking distance.
Those studying at Northumbria’s Coach Lane Campus, however, are best off getting a bus. But don’t worry, there are many regular bus services to get you to and from lectures.
Buses in Newcastle city centre
Hopping on a bus is also a great way to get to different parts of Newcastle. Whether you’re visiting a friend in Gateshead, doing a big shop at Morrisons on Shields Road, heading to the Metro Centre for a spot of retail therapy, you’ll find plenty of bus stops and frequent buses.
The Newcastle Metro system
Newcastle is also home to the Tyne and Wear Metro system, which is another handy way of getting around the local area. This overground and underground rail system uses two lines — Yellow and Green — to connect Newcastle city centre with stops in all of the most popular neighbourhoods.
But that’s not all. You can travel on the Metro to get to a range of places outside of Newcastle, including Whitley Bay, Tynemouth, South Shields and Sunderland. Find out more in our guide to the top ten Metro destinations for students.
The most central Metro stations within Newcastle city centre are:
This key interchange station is right in the heart of the city. From here, you can travel east to Tynemouth and Whitley Bay or west to Gateshead, Sunderland, and South Shields on the Yellow Line. The Green Line can take you north to Newcastle Airport or south to Sunderland and South Hylton.
You can also get the Metro from Central Station, located at the main train station. This Metro stop on the Yellow Line can take you east towards the coast or west towards Sunderland and South Shields.
At the northern end of the city centre, you’ll find Haymarket, which can take you towards Newcastle Airport or south to Sunderland and South Hylton. The most convenient station for both Newcastle and Northumbria University students.
Serving the Yellow Line, St James station is perfect for getting to coastal destinations like Tynemouth and Whitley Bay or heading west to Sunderland and South Shields.
City-centre living in Newcastle
There’s no denying that living in Newcastle city centre offers convenience as well as being a friendly, vibrant neighbourhood. Everything is within easy reach, whether it’s on foot, by bus or via the Metro system.
If finding student accommodation in Newcastle city centre sounds like a good move for you, then take a look at the rental properties we have available at Seekers. Found a student property that you like the look of? Get in touch with our team to book a viewing.
Our Student Hub is also here to offer advice on living and studying in Newcastle and you can always get in touch with our team if you have any questions.
