Tyne and Wear Metro trains, routes and tickets
Tyne and Wear Metro connects Newcastle, Gateshead, Sunderland, Newcastle Airport and coastal communities. The light rail network runs above and below ground, with connections to National Rail, buses and the Shields Ferry. For visitors arriving by train, it is a practical way to continue into city neighbourhoods or towards the coast.
Reviewed 6 November 2026.
About the operator
Metro opened in 1980, building on the North East’s long railway history. It became a central part of the region’s public transport and continues under Nexus, with customer journey information now provided through Travel North East.
The fleet has undergone a major renewal. On 21 October 2026, Nexus reported that all 46 new Class 555 trains had been formally handed over for customer service, following the first new train entering passenger service in December 2024.
Routes and principal stations
Airport, Newcastle and Sunderland
The Green line links Airport (Tyne and Wear Metro) with South Hylton (Tyne and Wear Metro), crossing the Tyne and serving Sunderland. It is useful for airport connections and city travel; check the selected train’s destination.
Coast and South Tyneside
The Yellow line connects St James (Tyne and Wear Metro) with South Shields (Tyne and Wear Metro) via the North Tyneside coastal loop. For a coastal visit, choose the particular stop for the beach or town.
Mainline interchange at Newcastle
Central Station (Tyne and Wear Metro) sits below Newcastle’s main railway station. The entrance from the mainline concourse provides step-free access; other entrances involve stairs. Include the platform transfer in an onward train connection.
Planning your journey
Check planned Metro changes as well as the National Rail service bringing you to the area. Weekend work can affect one part of a line and introduce a revised timetable.
The Metro and mainline stations do not always share the same naming. Central Station (Tyne and Wear Metro) provides the interchange at Newcastle railway station. Follow the signs for the appropriate network when changing.
Tickets and journey choices
Metro uses local fares and conditions. Pop Pay As You Go requires tapping in and out at station validators or gates, even when the gates are open; applicable daily capping depends on the journeys made.
Pop products and some integrated tickets also cover other local transport, but their validity varies. Check the full route and product rather than assuming that any bus, ferry or mainline journey is included.
RailSaver can help you find National Rail connections. Local Metro tickets should be checked separately unless your chosen rail product expressly includes the Metro portion.
Accessibility and assistance
The new trains have sliding steps to bridge the platform gap and four wheelchair bays. Use the doors marked for wheelchair boarding and check station access and lift information for the journey.
Nexus asks passengers who require planned assistance or a ramp to make contact at least four hours before travel. Arrange help for the complete journey, including any separate National Rail connection.
Sources and further information
Use the current operator's information to check the latest timetable, disruption and assistance arrangements for your travel date.