Travel and Transport
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Getting Around
Hadrian’s Wall Country stretches from Ravenglass in the west to South Shields in the east – taking in over 150 miles of landscapes, communities, and people. The vast expanse of the UNESCO World Heritage site means there are many ways to travel and explore. Whether it’s hopping on and off the public transport network or sauntering the terrain on foot, each journey reveals a unique experience of the Wall.
Not sure where to start? Here’s our guide on how best to navigate the different modes of travel to explore Hadrian’s Wall.
Rail
Hadrian’s Wall has a unique network of national and regional rail links, making it accessible from almost anywhere in the UK on a daily basis (expect 25- 26 December and 1 January) not only that, it means you’re doing your bit for the planet by choosing a more sustainable mode of travel and transport.
The Wall is serviced by two main railway stations, Carlisle in the West and Newcastle in the East, acting as the hubs into the length and breadth of Hadrian’s Wall.
Our Stations
Such is the breadth of Hadrian’s Wall, across the rail network and providers, the Wall encompasses 22 transport hubs along the route and from there, visitors can choose to either walk between attractions or pick up local bus services to travel around.
Tickets can be purchased from individual rail providers in advance, or visitors can book at stations on the day from the electronic ticketing machines. Ticket prices will vary depending on day, time, and departure station. Discounts are available via railcard, as well as the Hadrian’s Wall Country Line Day Ranger ticket – allowing you to hop on and off anytime on stations between Sunderland and Whitehaven.
Information about Ranger and Rover Tickets are available here. International visitors can also purchase a BritRail pass here.
Car
Travel to the heart of Hadrian’s Wall Country in less than three hours from Edinburgh and discover key sites within a ten-minute drive of both Carlise town centre, and Newcastle city centre.
Explore the area by car, taking the major northern truck road the A69, merging with the A1058 to travel to the East or the A596 for the West. This route takes in many of the popular towns and attractions with clearly identifiable brown tourist signs along the way. Visitors can arrive from the North via the A1 or A7 to join the A69, entry from the South is possible from the M6, A68, and A1.
Visitors will find pay-and-display car parking facilities in many of the towns along the wall including Newcastle, Hexham, Brampton, and Carlisle. If you are exploring the central section of the wall, you can purchase a one-day parking pass from The Sill which allows visitors to park in all Northumberland National Pak operated Hadrian’s Wall car parks. When parking in more rural locations, it is advisable to pay for parking with cash, as the signal for popular parking apps may be weaker.
Visitors may experience high volumes of traffic at peak times. Follow route planners for local updates, delays, or closures. Plan your journey using the AA route planner.
Bus
With a strong network of regional and local providers, travelling by bus is one of the most flexible and affordable ways to explore Hadrian’s Wall Country. From dedicated seasonal services to regular routes connecting towns and villages, the bus offers a great way to sit back and take in the diverse landscapes that line the Wall.
You can plan your journey using operator websites or apps, and tickets can be purchased onboard or online. Most services accept contactless payment, and day rider/multi-day passes are available.
Several main operators service the route, with connections across Cumbria, Northumberland, and Tyne and Wear. Whether you’re doing a short hop between Roman forts or setting off on a full-day exploration, there’s a route to suit every pace.
Our Bus Providers
- The AD122 Hadrian’s Wall Country Bus (seasonal service from Easter to end of October)
- Arriva North East
- Go North East
- Stagecoach Cumbria and North Lancashire
- Stagecoach North East
- The Border Rambler Bus
A favourite for walkers and explorers alike, the Go North East AD122 is a seasonal bus that runs along the central corridor of Hadrian’s Wall, stopping at key visitor attractions including Birdoswald, Housesteads, and Chesters Roman Fort. It’s an ideal option for linear walks or to connect remote stretches of the Wall. Exploring the west of the wall? Take a look at The Border Rambler Bus, a volunteer-run rural bus service operating in Carlisle, Brampton, and surrounding villages in Cumbria.
Bike
Hadrian’s Wall Country has long been popular with cyclists looking to take on the Hadrian’s Cycleway or the C2C route as they follow the corridor of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Cyclists pass through rolling hills; explore rural villages, take in coastal landscapes, and experience Roman history along the way. Plan your route with the Hadrian Cycleway Route Planner.
The natural geography of the area makes for a route that includes steeper inclines in the central section and flatter terrain in coastal areas. Cyclists will encounter a mix of on-road and traffic-free sections on well-surfaced off-road paths, waymarked with blue cycle signs. Plan your own route or take part in a guided tour with Hadrian Cycles. An electric bike can be pre-booked through Hadrian Cycles, who can deliver it to Haltwhistle Railway Station so it is available for you as you get off the train.
Towns and attractions along the route have partnered with Intelligen to install E-Bike charging points, opening up the route to more visitors. Charging points can be found at Vindolanda, The Cycle Hub, and Segedunum.
Walk
One of the most rewarding ways to experience Hadrian’s Wall is on foot. Walking allows you to immerse yourself in the region’s rich heritage and breathtaking scenery at your own pace, uncovering hidden corners, ancient milecastles, and stunning views along the way.
The Hadrian’s Wall Path National Trail stretches coast-to-coast from Bowness-on-Solway in the west to Wallsend in the east, crossing through rolling countryside, bustling market towns, and dramatic ridgelines. From half-day hikes to week-long adventures, there are plenty of options tailored to ability and interest. You’ll find well-signposted routes, welcoming places to rest, and ample opportunities to stop at museums, forts, and cafes.
Air
As one of the world’s most historic landmarks, Hadrian’s Wall brings visitors from every corner of the globe – and an easy way of accessing the UNESCO World Heritage site is by air travel. Hadrian’s Wall is served by several international airports with domestic and international flights arriving daily.
Hadrian’s Wall can be accessed from;
- Newcastle Airport (31 miles to the heart of Hadrian’s Wall County)
- Edinburgh Airport (108 miles to the heart of Hadrian’s Wall County)
- Leeds Bradford Airport (124 miles to the heart of Hadrian’s Wall County)
- Manchester Airport (153 miles to the heart of Hadrian’s Wall County)
- London Heathrow (319 miles to the heart of Hadrian’s Wall County)
Ferry
For those who like to take their journey a little more leisurely, Hadrian’s Wall can also be accessed by ferry.
DFDS operates a daily service between Amsterdam and the North East, with Newcastle’s Royal Quays International Ferry Terminal linking to Newcastle’s central station via the DFDS specialist bus service. Travel time is typically 20-30 minutes.
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