Great North Run 2026
2 months ago
Travel guide
With road closures as well as limited parking in South Shields, public transport is the best way to get to or from the Great North Run for both participants and spectators. In addition to our regular services operating across the North East, dedicated R1 shuttle buses will be running frequently throughout the day between Newcastle and South Shields in both directions to help you get around as quickly and easily as possible.
NEW for 2026, tap-on single tickets will be enabled on the R1 to make your journey even easier!
Diversions will be in place on local bus services due to road closures in the South Shields area - please check our service updates page.
Getting to the race start (Newcastle):
- The race start is a 20-minute walk from Haymarket and Eldon Square Bus Stations in Newcastle city centre. From here, and the many on-street bus stops in the area, connections can be made from across the North East.
- Special express R1 shuttle bus services will run from the finish line at Bents Park to Newcastle (St Mary's Place) regularly starting from 06:15. View the R1 timetable.
- Buses will be extremely busy and will be affected by increased levels of traffic congestion, so please leave plenty of time to get to the race start.
Plan your journey using our app or online journey planner.
Getting back from the race start (Newcastle) to race finish (South Shields):
If you are a spectator, the special express R1 shuttle bus service will run from Newcastle (St Mary's Place) to the finish line at Bents Park regularly from 07:00 until 16:00.
Getting home from the race finish (South Shields)
- Special express R1 shuttle bus services will run from the finish line at Bents Park to Newcastle (St Mary's Place and Central Station). Buses will run regularly until around 18:00.
- Diversions will be in place on other local bus services due to road closures in the South Shields area - please check our service updates page for more updates nearer the time.
- Buses will be very busy due to the number of people travelling, so please expect some slight delays on the way home.
Plan your journey using our app or online journey planner.
Tickets
Great North Run Day Rover
Great North Run Rover Tickets can be used on:
- Metro
- Any bus service in Tyne and Wear, Durham and Northumberland
- The Shields Ferry
- Northern trains between Newcastle and Sunderland
| Ticket | Price | Buy from |
|---|---|---|
| Great North Run Day Rover ticket | £6.50 | Metro station ticket machines, Go North East app and Pop app |
| Under 22's Great North Run Day Rover ticket | £3.00 | Metro station ticket machines, Go North East app and Pop app |
One-way single tickets
| Ticket | Price | Valid For | Buy from |
|---|---|---|---|
| GNR single ticket | £4.50 | R1 shuttle buses between Newcastle (start line) and South Shields (finish line) in either direction. | Tap-on when boarding |
| Mayor's Fares | £2.50 (max) | All other Go North East buses, excluding the R1 shuttle bus. | Go North East app and on-bus. |