Great North Run 2023: How to get to the start and finish lines in South Shields and Newcastle by metro and bus

With training almost finished for those running the Great North Run, logistics for the day are now being worked out to ensure participants and their loved ones can enjoy the day at both ends of the route.

How to get to the Great North Run start line

The race starts on the A167 which can be easily reached from Claremont Road. Early risers can use either Jesmond or Haymarket Metro stations to reach the start line, although Haymarket will operate as exit only from 8am until 10:40am while Jesmond will be closed from 10:40am until the early afternoon, as will Manors station.

A huge number of buses head into Newcastle from across the region with two of the best served bus stops being found at Haymarket and Eldon Square. These are between a 15 and 20 minute walk to Exhibition Park where runners tend to gather.

How to get to the Great North Run finish line

The finish line of the half marathon is at the end of a mile of coastline running for participants and, as expected, South Shields can get very busy on race day. The closest Metro station is South Shields which can be up to a 30 minute walk away due to raceday crowds. Nexus, the group which operates the Tyne and Wear Metro has claimed there will be a train from Newcastle to South Shields every seven and a half minutes once the race has begun.

The town’s interchange is home to both the Metro as well as a series of buses which run across the North East and include routes to Sunderland and Newcastle.

There are also shuttle buses which will run on the day between Newcastle and South Shields. These will link Haymarket and Barras Bridge in Newcastle with the finish area and are expected to run throughout the day.

Nexus has also confirmed the Shields Ferry will operate additional crossings until around 6pm on the day, which is Sunday, September 10.

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Parking

Parking is available for free all day on Sundays at any Metro station marked with a ‘P’ on the official map except Heworth, which is priced at £2.50 all day.

Although there is no official event parking in Newcastle, spaces will be available at South Shields from 6:15am on event day. After 8am the Dragon Car Park will be available on a first come first served basis.