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Finding a rental car in Newcastle is easier with Road Genius. Compare prices of vehicles from dozens of brands around the UK with no booking fees. Pick up at Newcastle International Airport (NCL) or the city centre and filter for automatic cars, SUVs and one-way car hire for easy trips to Northumberland's coast, Hadrian's Wall and Durham.
Car Rental Locations & Options
Newcastle offers multiple rental locations, both at Newcastle International Airport (NCL) and in the city centre.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Newcastle Airport | • Immediate availability upon arrival • Multiple providers with wide selection • Extended opening hours • Right on A1 highway for easy departure | • Airport surcharges increase cost • 9 km from city centre • Potential queues at peak arrival times |
| Newcastle City Centre | • No airport premium fees • Convenient for train arrivals • No need to navigate from airport to city | • City traffic can make departure more challenging • Shorter opening hours than airport • May require taxi from station to rental office |
You can find the following major rental companies in Newcastle:
- Avis/Budget, Hertz, Europcar, Enterprise/Alamo/National and Sixt are all located inside the Newcastle Airport terminal.
- Low-cost agencies like Green Motion or Easirent are located off-site from the airport and require a shuttle.
- Enterprise, Sixt and other major brands have offices in the city centre.
Car Rental Prices
Low-cost rental tips
- Compare pickup spots: Newcastle Airport is convenient but often pricier due to surcharges. City centre pickups can be cheaper if you’re already in town.
- Time it right: For June to August, booking 3-6 months ahead usually beats last-minute prices. Off-peak, watch rates and re-check before you travel.
- Pick weekday, mid-afternoon: Weekday afternoon pickups are often smoother and can be cheaper than weekend starts. Avoid Saturday midday at NCL if you can.
- Choose manual and smaller classes: Automatics in the UK cost about 30-50% more. A compact car is cheaper and easier to park around Newcastle.
- Limit add-ons: Keep to one main driver to avoid £5-£12 per day extra. If you have multiple eligible drivers, make a 25+ driver the main to avoid young driver surcharges.
- Factor local costs: Fuel at supermarket stations like Tesco, Asda and Sainsbury’s to save. If using the Tyne Tunnel, budget the toll or compare routes that stay on the A1.
Car hire prices in Newcastle 2025/2026
Parking and Local Driving
Where to Park:
| Type | Location | Cost | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| City Centre | Eldon Square | Varies | Multi-storey in shopping centre, central location |
| City Centre | Grainger Town | Varies | Good for shops and restaurants |
| City Centre | Quayside | Varies | Convenient for riverside attractions |
| Park & Ride | Multiple Metro stations | Varies | Park at suburban stations and take Metro into city |
| Evening Spots | City centre streets | Often free after 6-8pm | Check signs for restrictions |
| Event Space | St. James' Park | Variable rates | Stadium car park available on non-match days |
Local Driving Rules
- Newcastle has a Clean Air Zone, but private cars are currently exempt from charges
- City centre has numerous one-way streets and bus lanes
- Bus lanes are camera-enforced. Avoid driving in them during restricted times
- Tyne Tunnel (A19) has a toll that must be paid online by midnight the following day
- Some Metro stations offer free spots for commuters
Why rent a car in Newcastle
- Northumberland Coast (Bamburgh, Dunstanburgh, Seahouses, Tynemouth, Whitley Bay)
- Hadrian's Wall (forts, museums)
- Durham (cathedral, castle)
- Northumberland National Park (Cheviot Hills, dark sky areas)
- Kielder Water & Forest Park
- Yorkshire Dales (valleys, waterfalls, stone villages)
FAQs
What documents do I need to rent a car in Newcastle?
You'll need a valid driving licence that you've held for at least one year, your passport and a credit card in your name. If your licence isn't in English, you might need an International Driving Permit.
Does Newcastle have congestion charges or emission zones?
Newcastle has a Clean Air Zone, but you don't have to pay the charge for a private car. Drivers of some commercial vehicles might need to pay, depending on the vehicle's emission levels.
What type of car is best for exploring Newcastle and Northumberland?
A compact or intermediate car works well for driving in the city and the countryside. If you plan to explore remote parts of Northumberland or drive in winter, you might want to get a small SUV as it sits higher off the ground.
How do I pay for the Tyne Tunnel?
The Tyne Tunnel is cashless. Cameras will automatically record your car's number plate. You need to pay online using the Tyne Tunnels website or app by midnight the day after you cross.
