Car rental in Newcastle, UK, opens up all the sights of a vibrant, cultural city. It has an incredible nightlife scene and famously passionate soccer fans. This proud northern English destination is also the gateway to Northumberland, with some of Britain’s finest coastal scenery only a few miles away in your rental car.
Rent a car in Newcastle to kickstart an adventure or British road trip.
Located in the north-east of England on the banks of the River Tyne, Newcastle is an entertaining place to visit, whether you’re renting a car for business or leisure.
We have several car rental pick-up locations in the city, including one at Newcastle Airport, so you can grab your rental car wherever is most convenient for you.
When renting a car in Newcastle, there are no hidden extras and you can pay online or on collection. You can change or cancel your reservation up to two days before collection completely free of charge.
Sitting on the banks of the River Tyne, Newcastle has a rich industrial heritage and a thriving contemporary art scene. The city’s industrial Quayside district today attracts thousands of students and revelers for its trendy eateries and nightlife.
Enjoy the views of the Gateshead Millennium Bridge – an incredible feat of British engineering that opens and closes like an eye – or head to the legendary St James’ Park stadium in your stylish rental car to see Newcastle’s beloved soccer team in action.
One of the main attractions of the quayside district is the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art. This former flour mill is now one of the most prominent art centers in the north, with world-class exhibitions taking place throughout the year.
The Sage Gateshead sits next door. This is a major music venue with huge artists performing there to rapturous crowds. Just outside the city lies Antony Gormley’s massive Angel of the North sculpture – an iconic part of the British landscape.
Newcastle’s Victoria Tunnel was initially built to transport coal during the Industrial Revolution. Today, the tunnel is open to visitors wanting to explore beneath the city and learn about its history. The spooky underground tour includes visual effects to help create an immersive historical experience. Spaces are limited, so it’s advised to get tickets in advance.
Newcastle is mad about soccer, with locals religiously following their team who play in black and white stripes. Newcastle United play at St James’ Park, which is a 50,000-capacity ground located next to Leazes Park and within walking distance of the city center.
There are matches taking place regularly between August and May and stadium tours running throughout the year. It’s one of the best sporting atmospheres to be found anywhere in the world.
Located in the north-east of England, Newcastle is an ideal city as a driving base. Whether you fancy going to the Northumberland Coast to spot puffins, see the majestic Durham Cathedral or visit Hadrian’s Wall with holiday car rental, there are options aplenty.
Famous for its beautiful cathedral, medieval castle and historic university, Durham is a picturesque destination for a day trip. It takes just over half an hour to drive to Durham from downtown Newcastle in your rental car, depending on traffic. The cathedral is free to visit while Durham Castle charges an entrance fee. Of course, you can simply wander its winding, cobbled streets and imagine you’re in Hogwarts.
Berwick-upon-Tweed is a romantic seaside town that attracts artists for its incredible sunsets and light. It takes just over an hour to get there along the A1 in your rental car, traveling north. Berwick is the halfway point if you’re traveling from Newcastle to the Scottish capital Edinburgh, which takes about three hours by hire car. This could be the gateway to your dream Scotland road trip.
Whether you’re passionate about art or love watching soccer, Newcastle is a fantastic, vibrant place to be. Make the most of your trip with Hertz car rental in Newcastle.
Renting a car in Newcastle is an excellent way to get around the city and neighboring area. Visit the massive mall at the Metro Centre or see how Scotland and England were once divided with a day trip to Hadrian’s Wall.
In the UK, the main road types are motorways (the equivalent of highways), two-lane A-roads, and smaller, single-lane B-roads.
Newcastle Airport is just off the A696, so you don’t need to worry about traffic jams if you arrive by plane. The A696 southbound leads you into the city center in just 15 minutes by car rental, while heading northbound takes you to Northumberland National Park.
Parking your holiday rental car in the city is a breeze with 10,000 spaces available in the center alone. There are eight multi-story parking lots and 48 regular parking lots available. Free parking is available for your car rental in the evenings. If you’re staying in a hotel, check in advance to see if they have exclusive parking spaces for guests.
If you’re a first-time visitor to England, you should know they drive on the left-hand side and pass on the right. Speed limits on freeways are restricted to 70mph. On some smaller roads, the speed limit drops further, going as low as 30mph in the center of cities and towns, so pay close attention to road signs.
One other key difference is that there are no free right turns on red lights at junctions in the UK – you have to wait for a green light.
There are numerous superb destinations within an hour’s drive of Newcastle including Berwick upon Tweed, Durham and Sunderland, so you’re ideally situated for day trips in your rental car.