Getting Around: Make Dakota Your Base For Exploring Newcastle

Newcastle's public transport network is comprehensive, well-connected, and simple to navigate - whether you're hopping on the Tyne and Wear Metro, jumping aboard a QuayCity or VOLTRA bus, or simply lacing up your walking shoes and exploring on foot. Here's everything you need to know.

Getting Around: Public Transport from Dakota Newcastle

Dakota Newcastle is perfectly positioned for public transport. Frequent bus services depart from stops just a short walk away, and two key Metro stations are within easy reach on foot. Whether you're visiting for business or pleasure, the city is yours to explore.

Bus Services

Several bus routes serve the Quayside area, with stops just minutes from the hotel.

The main services to be aware of are:

•    QuayCity Q3 – Runs between Newcastle city centre, the Quayside, Ouseburn, and areas to the east including St Peter's Basin and Wallsend, as well as northward via Jesmond and Gosforth. This is the only direct bus link between the Quayside and the north of the city.
•    VOLTRA 53/54 – These circular electric bus services replaced the former Q1 and Q2 routes and serve the Quayside, linking it with Gateshead, Baltic Square, Saltwell Park, and Newcastle city centre. The VOLTRA 54 serves Baltic Square on Newcastle Market Street West (Stop Y), approximately a 6-minute walk from the hotel.

The nearest bus stops are just 5–10 minutes on foot from the hotel. City Road–Breamish Street (served by the QuayCity Q3) is around a 5-minute walk, and Baltic Square on Newcastle Market Street West (Stop Y), served by the VOLTRA 54, is approximately 6 minutes away. For up-to-date timetables and live departures, visit the Go North East journey planner.

Tyne and Wear Metro

Newcastle's Tyne and Wear Metro is one of the UK's most efficient light rail networks, linking the city centre with the airport, the coast, and destinations across Tyne and Wear. The two closest Metro stations to Dakota Newcastle are:

•    Monument Metro Station – approximately a 10-minute walk from the hotel. Served by both the Green and Yellow lines, giving access to the full Metro network.

•    Central Station Metro Station – approximately a 15-minute walk, with connections across the network.

Both stations are served by the Green Line (Newcastle Airport to South Hylton) and Yellow Line (St James to South Shields), giving you direct access to key destinations including Newcastle Airport, the coast at Whitley Bay and Tynemouth, and major city centre hubs. For routes, timetables, and journey planning, visit the official Tyne and Wear Metro website.

Newcastle Central Station

One of the North's great Victorian railway stations, Newcastle Central is the city's main rail hub, offering direct services to London King's Cross, Edinburgh, Manchester, Leeds, and beyond. It's approximately a 20-minute walk from the hotel, accessible by Metro from Monument Station, or a 10-minute drive. From Central Station, the entire country is within your reach.

Newcastle Airport

Newcastle International Airport is just a 15-minute drive from the hotel, making Dakota Newcastle an ideal base before or after a flight. To travel by public transport:

•    Take the QuayCity Q3 bus from City Road–Gibson Street (approximately a 5-minute walk from the hotel) to Haymarket Metro Station.
•    From Haymarket, board the Green Line Metro directly to Newcastle Airport — services run every 12–15 minutes with a journey time of around 25 minutes.

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If you need any help arranging onward travel, our friendly Reception Team will be happy to assist.

Places of Interest: Exploring Newcastle from the Quayside


Staying on the Quayside means you're already in one of Newcastle's most vibrant and scenic neighbourhoods. From world-class galleries to iconic landmarks, legendary football to independent markets - here's our guide to some the best spots to visit in Newcastle, and how to get there from Dakota.

The Tyne Bridge

One of the most recognised symbols of Newcastle, the Tyne Bridge, opened in 1928 - is one of the greatest engineering achievements of its era. As a guest staying on the Quayside, you'll enjoy some of the finest views of this magnificent structure right from your doorstep. A walk along the riverfront is simply unmissable.

•    Walking: The Tyne Bridge is just a short stroll from the hotel - simply head along the Quayside and it's right in front of you.

Gateshead Millennium Bridge

Also known as the 'Blinking Eye Bridge', the Gateshead Millennium Bridge is a striking monument and the world's first tilting bridge for pedestrians and cyclists, opened to the public in September 2001. It tilts to a 40-degree angle to allow vessels to pass beneath, with the whole rotation taking around 4 minutes. It's a sight to behold, particularly when illuminated at night, and the tilt itself is a scheduled spectacle on certain days throughout the summer season.

•    Walking: The Millennium Bridge is just minutes from the hotel along the Quayside — an easy and scenic stroll.

BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art

Housed in a converted flour mill on the Gateshead bank of the River Tyne, BALTIC is one of the largest and most celebrated contemporary art galleries in the world outside of London. Entry is free, and the gallery hosts a constantly rotating programme of world-class and local exhibitions. 

•    Walking: Cross the Gateshead Millennium Bridge from the Quayside - BALTIC is directly in front of you. A leisurely 5-minute stroll.
•    Bus: The VOLTRA 54 connects the Quayside to Baltic Square, right alongside BALTIC.

The Glasshouse International Centre for Music

Situated just next to BALTIC on the Gateshead Quays, The Glasshouse (formerly Sage Gateshead) is one of the UK's premier music venues. Its dramatic glass-and-steel architecture is a landmark in its own right. Step inside on any day of the week to discover live performances in its sweeping concourse, or book ahead for one of the many concerts and events on its packed programme, ranging from classical and jazz to folk and world music.

•    Walking: Cross the Millennium Bridge and follow the Gateshead riverfront — The Glasshouse is just a few minutes beyond BALTIC.
•    Bus: The VOLTRA 54 from Baltic Square stops nearby.

Newcastle Castle

The medieval fortress that gave the city its name, Newcastle Castle is a must-visit for history lovers. Explore the Keep's mysterious chambers and passageways, make your way to the rooftop for extraordinary panoramic views across the Quayside and beyond.

•    Walking: Approximately 10–12 minutes from the hotel, heading up the Quayside and into the historic city centre.
•    Bus: The QuayCity Q3 from City Road–Breamish Street (5-minute walk from the hotel) runs towards the city centre, and the Q1 QuayLink bus also serves the bottom of the Side, the medieval street that leads up to the castle.

Grainger Market & Grey Street

No visit to Newcastle is complete without exploring Grainger Town - the city's stunning Georgian heart. The Grainger Market, is a remarkable covered market filled with independent traders, street food stalls, butchers, vintage boutiques, and everything in between. 

•    Walking: Approximately 15–20 minutes from the hotel through the city centre.
•    Bus: The QuayCity Q3 from City Road–Breamish Street (5-minute walk) runs to the city centre, with Grainger Market a short walk from Monument.
•    Metro: Monument Metro Station (10-minute walk from the hotel) puts you right in the heart of Grainger Town.

St James' Park - Newcastle United

Home to the Toon, St James' Park dominates the Newcastle skyline and is one of the most atmospheric football stadiums in the country, with a capacity of over 52,000. Whether you're here on a matchday to soak up the electric atmosphere or want to explore the stadium on a tour, it's a pilgrimage every football fan should make.

•    Walking: Approximately 20–25 minutes from the hotel, heading up through the city centre.
•    Bus: Take the QuayCity Q3 from City Road–Breamish Street to Haymarket Bus Station, then a 5-minute walk to the stadium.
•    Metro: From Monument Metro Station (10-minute walk from the hotel), take the Yellow Line one stop west to St James Metro Station, which sits directly beneath the ground. Alternatively, Monument is just a 5-minute walk from the stadium.

Ouseburn Valley

Newcastle's creative heartland, the Ouseburn Valley sits just east of the Quayside and is a thriving community of independent bars, arts spaces, live music venues, and studios. Expect cobbled streets, canal-side walks, and a fiercely independent spirit. It's the perfect afternoon or evening destination for guests looking to discover Newcastle beyond the well-trodden tourist trail.

•    Walking: Ouseburn is approximately 15–20 minutes on foot from the hotel, following the riverside east along the Quayside.
•    Bus: The QuayCity Q3 passes through Ouseburn on its route east from the Quayside - one of the most convenient routes to the area.

Angel of the North

One of the most iconic sculptures in Britain, Antony Gormley's Angel of the North stands 20 metres tall with a wingspan of 54 metres and has welcomed visitors to the North East since its completion in 1998. Located around 5 miles south of the city centre on the outskirts of Gateshead near the A1, it's a free, open-air landmark that's unmissable for first-time and returning visitors alike.

•    Bus: The Go North East number 21 'The Angel' bus departs from Newcastle Eldon Square Bus Station (accessible via the QuayCity Q3 from the Quayside) approximately every 8 minutes, stopping on Durham Road close to the Angel. The journey takes around 20 minutes from Newcastle. Note: the blog previously referred to Eldon Square Bus Station as 'Eldon Square' — passengers should board from here, not Haymarket.
•    By car: Approximately 15–20 minutes from the hotel, traffic dependent, via the A1 southbound.

Your Quayside Base, Your Gateway to Newcastle

Whether you're strolling to the Tyne Bridge at sunrise, heading to a concert at The Glasshouse, catching a match at St James' Park, or venturing out to the Angel of the North - Newcastle's transport network makes it effortless and convenient from Dakota Newcastle.

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For personalised journey planning and real-time updates, we recommend the Go North East journey planner and the official Tyne and Wear Metro website.

If you would like local recommendations or assistance in planning your perfect visit to the city our Concierge and Reception Team is on hand to help.