Skip to Content
Geographic Coordinate Tools-V1.0More
UkTyneandweartyneandwear metro map

Tyne and Wear Metro Map

The Tyne and Wear Metro is a light rail system serving the metropolitan county of Tyne and Wear in North East England. It connects Newcastle upon Tyne, Gateshead, Sunderland, South Tyneside, North Tyneside, and parts of County Durham. The network consists of 60 stations across 107 km of track, with three lines: Green, Yellow, and Red. Opened in 1980, it was the first modern light rail system in the UK. As of 2023, it carries over 36 million passengers annually. The system operates with a mix of underground, elevated, and surface sections.

Line Details

Operating Information

  • Operating Hours:
    5:30 AM - 11:30 PM (Monday-Saturday), 7:00 AM - 11:30 PM (Sunday)
  • Fare:
    £1.80-£4.50 for single journeys based on zones
  • Payment Methods:
    Pop card, contactless payment cards, mobile payments, paper tickets
  • Official Website:

Tyne and Wear Metro Map: Your Ultimate Guide

The Tyne and Wear Metro map is your compass to navigate one of the UK’s most efficient transit systems. From its iconic routes to hidden tips for commuters, this guide decodes every line, zone, and practical detail to make your journey seamless.

Why the Metro Map Matters

The Tyne and Wear Metro serves over 36 million passengers annually, connecting Newcastle, Sunderland, Gateshead, and beyond. Whether you’re a tourist exploring historic sites or a daily commuter, mastering the metro map saves time and stress. This guide breaks down its structure, updates, and hacks to optimize your rides.

Metro Lines and Routes Decoded

The system features six color-coded lines:

  • Green Line: From South Shields to Newcastle Airport and Tynemouth.
  • Yellow Line: Links Pelaw to South Hylton via Sunderland city center.
  • Blue Line: Runs from Pelaw to St. James (Newcastle city center).
  • Red, Purple, and Orange Lines: Extensions to areas like Blaydon and Cleadon.

Each line connects key hubs like Haymarket (Newcastle’s central station) and Sunderland’s Stadium of Light. The map’s branching routes resemble a spider web, with nodes like Monument Station acting as transfer points.

Zones and Fare Calculations

The metro divides into 13 fare zones, numbered 1–13. Fares depend on your starting/ending zones. For example, a single journey within Zone 1 costs £2.05, while a cross-zone trip (e.g., Zone 1 to Zone 5) costs £4.70. Passengers can use a Metrocard (weekly/monthly passes) or contactless payments.

Tip: Use the Metro’s fare calculator tool to estimate costs before traveling.

History of the Metro Map

Opened in 1980, the Tyne and Wear Metro was the UK’s first light metro system. Its map has evolved with expansions like the South Tyneside Metro (2022) and the Newcastle Airport extension (2008). The original 1980s map’s bold color scheme inspired modern designs, making it instantly recognizable to locals and visitors alike.

How to Download the Metro Map

Access official maps via:

  1. Tyne and Wear Metro website: Download PDFs for desktop or print.
  2. Apps: Use “Traveline North East” or “Metro Journey Planner” for real-time updates.
  3. Physical copies: Pick up maps at stations like Haymarket or South Shields.

Pro Tip: Save the map offline to avoid mobile data charges during commutes.

  • First-time tip: Look for color-coded signs at stations (e.g., green arrows for the Green Line).
  • Late-night services: Sundays see reduced frequencies; check the Metro’s night owl timetable.
  • Accessibility: All stations have step-free access, and the map highlights wheelchair-friendly routes.

Recent Updates to the Map

In 2023, the Metro introduced digital screens at 60 stations displaying live train positions. The map now includes:

  • New stations: Cleadon (2022) and future plans for a North Tyneside extension.
  • Service alerts: Real-time disruptions due to engineering works (e.g., summer 2024 track upgrades).

Apps That Complement the Metro Map

  1. Metro Journey Planner: Route planning with step-by-step directions.
  2. Traveline NE: Combines Metro, bus, and rail timetables.
  3. Google Maps: Integrates Metro routes with walking/biking options.

Fun fact: The Metro was the first UK transit system to introduce mobile ticketing in 2019.

For Tourists and Residentslike A

Tourists can use the Metro to reach landmarks like St. James’ Park (home of Newcastle United) or the Gateshead Millennium Bridge. Locals rely on it for shopping trips to Eldon Square or commutes to Northumbria University.

Anecdote: A colleague once mistook the Yellow Line for the Green Line, ending up in South Hylton instead of Tynemouth! Always double-check your route.

Contact the Metro for Assistance

Reach the Metro team via phone (0191 222 7272) or email for lost items, timetable queries, or map clarifications.

Conclusion

The Tyne and Wear Metro map is more than a diagram—it’s the backbone of northeast England’s transit network. With this guide, decode lines its, zones, and updates to travel like a pro.

Last updated on: