Car hire Newcastle upon Tyne

Cheap Car Hire Newcastle upon Tyne

About Car Hire in Newcastle - Find Cheap Deals

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Newcastle has a rich history and culture and is known for its iconic landmarks, beer, and football.

Located in northeast England, Newcastle also has a thriving arts and cultural scene, with numerous galleries, theatres, and music venues. The city also hosts many festivals throughout the year, including the Newcastle Festival of Jazz and Blues and the Newcastle Comedy Festival.

The primary gateway to Newcastle is Newcastle Airport (NCL), the North East's largest airport. It is approximately 7 miles away from the city. Newcastle International Airport served 5.15 million passengers in 2019 and is the 11th busiest airport in the UK. Major airlines operating in and out of Newcastle Airport include British Airways, easyJet, Ryanair, and Emirates.

Once you arrive at Newcastle Airport, pass passport control, collect your luggage, and make your way to the terminal exit. The major car hire agencies have desks adjacent to the domestic baggage reclaim area. Newcastle's most popular car hire agencies are Avis, Europcar, Hertz, and Enterprise. Depending on your requirements, the agencies will have many models available, ranging from compact city cars to MPVs that comfortably seat eight people. In addition, these agencies will have automobiles available in automatic and stick-shift transmissions. However, we recommend booking ahead of time if you have a specific car for hire in mind.

Downtown Car Hire in Newcastle

Newcastle has a well-developed public transportation system that includes buses, trains, a Metro system, and taxis. These transportation networks follow a strict timetable, so if you miss one, you could wait a while for the next. Sometimes, this could make you late for a show or dinner reservation or miss your connection. In this way, public transport can be unreliable and a hassle, especially if you travel with children. Hiring a car is the best and most flexible way to travel around Newcastle.

If you are looking to save money when hiring a car, often renting a vehicle in the city centre rather than at the airport is a cheaper option, as airport car hire agencies usually charge a premium for the convenience. Moreover, parking space is often a problem at airports, not to mention costly too. You may find better car hire options within the city.

Driving in Newcastle

New to driving in England? Don't panic. We are here to help. Here is a list of some of the driving rules to consider before you depart for a road trip in Newcastle:

• Drive on the left side of the road: In England, drivers must drive on the left-hand side of the road. 
• Roundabouts: Roundabouts are common in England, and knowing how to navigate them is crucial. Traffic on roundabouts flows clockwise, and you should give way to traffic approaching from the right.
• Speed limits: The speed limits in England are in miles per hour (mph), and they vary depending on the type of road. Generally, the speed limit on motorways is 70 mph, while the limit on urban roads is typically 30 mph.
• Seatbelts: It's mandatory for both the driver and passengers to wear seatbelts in England.
• Mobile phones: Using a mobile phone while driving is illegal in England unless it's hands-free.
• Drinking and driving: The legal limit for blood alcohol content is lower in England than in some other countries, so it's essential to be aware of this if you plan to drink alcohol and drive.

Car Hire Agencies in Newcastle

Depending on your preferred budget and requirements, you can easily hire your desired car in Newcastle. Most people in Newcastle prefer car brands such as Peugeot, Volkswagen, Skoda, Hyundai, and BMW. The top firms in the region include Avis, Europcar, Hertz, and Enterprise.

Top Road Trips from Newcastle

Newcastle is in a great location to explore the surrounding areas with a road trip. There are many great routes, each offering unique scenery, history, and culture. Here are some of the top road trips to take from Newcastle:

Northumberland Coast: The Northumberland Coast is a stunningly beautiful area of the UK, with miles of rugged coastline, castles, and historic towns. You can take a scenic coastal drive from Newcastle to visit charming seaside villages like Bamburgh, Seahouses, and Alnwick, home to a famous castle and gardens.

Lake District: The Lake District National Park is just over an hour's drive from Newcastle and is a must-visit destination for nature lovers. With breathtaking views of mountains, lakes, and valleys, it's a popular spot for hiking, boating, and outdoor activities.

Scottish Borders: If you're interested in exploring Scotland, the Scottish Borders is just a short drive north of Newcastle. The region is home to historic towns and villages, including Melrose, Jedburgh, and Kelso, and has a rich history and culture.

Yorkshire Dales: The Yorkshire Dales National Park is just over an hour's drive south of Newcastle and is another stunning area of natural beauty. With rolling hills, picturesque villages, and charming market towns, it's an excellent destination for hiking and exploring the outdoors.

Hadrian's Wall: Hadrian's Wall is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-see attraction for history buffs. You can take a road trip from Newcastle to visit the wall and explore the Roman ruins and museums.