Global Suppliers at Newcastle
Authorized partnerships with global brands stationed at NCL Car Rental Centre.
All-Inclusive NCL Protection
Drive out of Newcastle with absolute confidence. Every booking automatically includes Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), Third-Party Liability, and Theft Protection.
We ensure total transparency: the rate you book covers your essential insurance needs and includes 24/7 UK-wide breakdown assistance as standard.
Car Hire Desk Access
All rental providers at Newcastle International Airport are conveniently located directly opposite domestic arrivals on the ground floor. After picking up your keys, your vehicle will be waiting in the dedicated car park just a very short walk outside the terminal doors.
For terminal maps and live flight information, we recommend checking the official Newcastle Airport website.
What Our Newcastle Customers Say
Verified reviews from travelers who rented directly from Newcastle International Airport.
"Fantastic service at Newcastle International. The car rental desks were right opposite arrivals, and we were on the A1 heading north in minutes."
"Very smooth pick-up process. Used the car to drive up to Bamburgh Castle. Highly recommend an SUV for the Northumberland coast!"
"Best prices I found for an NCL rental. The car was ready and waiting with no hard sell at the desk."
"Returning at 5 AM was a breeze with the drop box, and the early walk to the terminal took just a minute."
"Absolutely no hidden fees. The price I saw online was exactly what I paid at the Newcastle desk."
"The car broke down which was surprising as it was brand new, but I guess nothing is perfect! However, I was very happy with the support. The car change over was very quick and professional. Thank you Sarah for the great customer service."
"Very straightforward access onto the A69 straight out of the airport heading to Carlisle. The premium vehicle selection is top-notch."
"Modern fleet and efficient customer support. Got me out of the airport traffic in record time heading down to Durham."
Essential Driving Guide out of Newcastle
Landing at NCL? Familiarise yourself with these vital rules of the road before exiting the airport in your rental.
Navigating the A696 & A1
Leaving Newcastle Airport places you directly on the A696. This connects you in under 10 minutes to the A1, the main artery running north to Scotland and south to Durham and Yorkshire. To head west to Carlisle and the Lakes, use the A69.
Manual vs. Automatic
Manual transmission (stick shift) is standard in the UK. If you are planning to navigate the famously winding rural roads of Northumberland or the Cheviot Hills, we strongly recommend filtering for an automatic vehicle when you book.
Tyne Tunnel Tolls (Cashless)
If you use the Tyne Tunnel (A19) to cross the river east of Newcastle, please note there are no toll booths. It is a completely cashless system. You must pay your toll online by midnight the day after your journey to avoid a heavy fine sent to your rental agency.
Newcastle Clean Air Zone (CAZ)
Newcastle city centre operates a Clean Air Zone (CAZ). Private cars are currently exempt, but if you happen to be renting a 9-seater minibus or large van, ensure it is Euro 6 compliant. Most of our NCL fleet meets these strict requirements.
Speed Limits & Smart Motorways
The A1 around Newcastle and Gateshead often features roadworks or variable speed limits on overhead gantries. These are strictly enforced by average speed cameras. Remember, all speeds are in Miles Per Hour (mph).
Returning the Car (Fuel)
If you have a 'Full-to-Full' fuel policy, there is a BP petrol station conveniently located right on the airport roundabout (Ponteland Road). Fill up here just seconds before entering the rental return area to avoid refuelling penalty charges.
Rural Northumberland Driving
If you are heading up the coast or into Kielder Forest, be prepared for narrow, single-track lanes. Always pull over into passing places to let oncoming traffic by, and be highly vigilant for loose sheep or deer on the road.
Current UK Fuel Costs
UK fuel in the North East is sold by the litre. Prices are currently averaging around £1.45 upto £1.60 per litre. We advise choosing a 'Full-to-Full' fuel policy to control your own refuelling costs when exploring.
*As this is a volatile and ever-changing item, these prices were last updated on: .
Popular Drives from Newcastle Airport
Because NCL is centrally located in the North East, it serves as the ultimate gateway to historic sites, castles, and rugged coastlines. Here are the top scenic drives our customers take after picking up their rental.
Newcastle City Centre
Distance: 7 miles (15 mins via A696)
Head directly southeast to explore the iconic Tyne Bridge and the vibrant Quayside.
Child-Friendly? Yes! Kids will love the Discovery Museum and the Life Science Centre.
Pro Tip: Park in the Dean Street multi-storey for central access to the Quayside.
Hadrian's Wall
Distance: 35 miles (45 mins via A69)
Drive west into the spectacular Northumberland National Park to walk along the Roman frontier.
Child-Friendly? Great for exploring Housesteads Roman Fort or Vindolanda.
Pro Tip: Use the dedicated visitor car parks along the B6318 (Military Road).
Alnwick Castle & Gardens
Distance: 35 miles (45 mins via A1)
Head north to see the spectacular castle famous as the filming location for Hogwarts in Harry Potter.
Child-Friendly? An absolute must. Kids can even take 'broomstick training' lessons.
Pro Tip: Buy tickets for the Poison Garden within the Alnwick Garden complex—it's fascinating.
Bamburgh Castle & Coast
Distance: 50 miles (1 hr 10 mins via A1)
Continue north along the A1 to see one of Britain's most stunning fortresses perched on the coastal dunes.
Child-Friendly? Perfect for a day on the vast sandy beaches right below the castle walls.
Pro Tip: Stop for incredible local seafood in the nearby village of Seahouses.
Durham City & Cathedral
Distance: 25 miles (35 mins via A1(M))
Drive south to explore the beautiful cobbled streets and the UNESCO World Heritage Cathedral.
Child-Friendly? Enjoy a scenic rowboat ride on the River Wear.
Pro Tip: The city centre is very tight for driving. Use the Belmont Park & Ride just off the A1(M) for a stress-free trip.
Beamish, Living Museum
Distance: 20 miles (30 mins via A1)
Step back in time at this world-famous open-air museum telling the story of North East England.
Child-Friendly? Incredible. Ride vintage trams, visit a 1900s sweet shop, and explore an old coal mine.
Pro Tip: The site is huge, so arrive early. Parking is free and plentiful.
The Angel of the North
Distance: 15 miles (20 mins via A1)
Drive south to Gateshead to see Antony Gormley's iconic 20-metre tall steel sculpture.
Child-Friendly? A quick stop, but kids will be amazed by the sheer scale of the wingspan.
Pro Tip: There is a free parking area right next to the statue just off the A167, perfect for photos.
Kielder Water & Forest Park
Distance: 45 miles (1 hr 15 mins via A696)
Head deep into the Northumberland wilderness to northern Europe's largest man-made lake.
Child-Friendly? Excellent for cycling, osprey spotting, and visiting the Dark Sky Observatory.
Pro Tip: Mobile signal is virtually non-existent here. Download your GPS maps before you leave the airport.