Coach and Minibus Hire in the United Kingdom

Your Minibus to the Port of Tyne

North-east cruises sail from the Port of Tyne's passenger terminal in North Shields, 8 or 9 miles east of the city. The daily Amsterdam ferry leaves from there too, so make sure your booking says cruise.

Your embarkation window

The port wants each group to turn up within the embarkation window it's been given, and no earlier. On a turnaround day the terminal can handle up to 2,000 passengers, so keeping to your slot helps the check-in desks and the queue behind you.

Your driver can set you down directly outside the main entrance, which beats hauling luggage from the car park. That car park opens only on embarkation and disembarkation days, and it's a few minutes' walk away.

Ford Transit minibus cabin with blue and grey seats
Ford Transit minibus cabin with blue and grey seats

The road in

From the city centre the terminal is reached by the A19 northbound. Newcastle Airport is about 14 miles away, around 30 to 40 minutes. At the airport, a coach needs access booked at least a day ahead to use the terminal front, while minibuses have their own parking area with a 2.9 m height limit, so the operator will choose the meeting point to suit your vehicle.

Picking up from a hotel in the city centre? Most of central Newcastle falls within the Clean Air Zone it shares with Gateshead, which charges minibuses and coaches that don't meet the standard. It's worth checking with the operator that yours complies.

Cruise lines you might be sailing with

  • Ambassador Cruise Line
  • Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

The terminals

  • Also the terminal for the daily ferry to Amsterdam
  • 335 m berth
  • Capacity for 2,000 passengers on a turnaround call, with 9 cruise and 6 ferry check-in desks
  • International Passenger Terminal, Coble Dene, North Shields NE29 6EE

A Northumberland day either side

If you arrive a day early, this corner of England rewards it. From Newcastle, Durham Cathedral is about 35 minutes by road, Beamish about half an hour, and Alnwick Castle about 45 minutes. Hadrian's Wall at Housesteads is roughly an hour away.

Holy Island is lovely but tidal: the causeway can only be crossed at published safe times, so your day is planned around the tide rather than the clock.

Your questions

Can we get the Metro to the terminal?

Percy Main is the closest Metro stop, but from there it's 20 to 30 minutes on foot, or a bus, which is hard going with cruise luggage.

What if our group is too big for one minibus?

A midi coach or a full-size coach keeps a larger party together, and drop-off is still right outside the main entrance.

How long is the drive from Newcastle Airport?

About 14 miles, usually 30 to 40 minutes. Allow more if you're travelling at rush hour.

Cities

Vehicles