Manchester to Newcastle upon Tyne from $18: 4 ways by bus, train, flight or car

• Along your route, fuel prices can range from £1.55 to £1.75 per liter, with gas stations available at service areas along the M62 and A1(M); plan your refueling stops accordingly to avoid higher prices in major cities.

• While driving, be mindful of the M62 and A1(M) highways, as they can have traffic congestion during peak hours; consider checking live traffic updates through Google Maps or Waze for potential detours.

• Upon arrival in Newcastle upon Tyne, parking options in the city center range from £8 to £15 per day, and be aware of the city's Clean Air Zone which may have fees for older vehicles; tools like Parkopedia can help you find suitable parking.

• On your journey from Manchester to Newcastle, you can expect onboard catering services provided by Avanti West Coast and LNER. Avanti West Coast offers an 'At-Seat Dining' service in First Class, where you can order meals, snacks, and beverages directly to your seat. LNER provides a complimentary 'First Class' menu featuring a selection of drinks and snacks, as well as a café service in Standard Class. Check their menus beforehand to know your options.

• For seat options, both Avanti West Coast and LNER provide various classes: Avanti West Coast offers Standard, Standard Premium, and First Class, while LNER has Standard, Standard Plus, and First Class. If you're looking for more comfort and additional services, opt for First Class on either operator. Standard Class is generally quite comfortable as well, especially for short to medium journeys like this.

• Upon arrival at Newcastle upon Tyne, be prepared for a busy station. Newcastle Central Station has luggage storage facilities if you wish to explore the city without carrying your bags. Additionally, public restrooms are available, but showers are not typically provided in the station. For the fastest route to the city center, take the Tyne and Wear Metro service from Central Station to Haymarket Station; it's a direct line and takes about 10 minutes. You can also opt for bus numbers Q3 and 1 if you prefer.

• Before your trip, check the latest Megabus UK schedule for your preferred departure time from Manchester Shudehill Interchange to ensure availability, as services operate every four hours: Megabus UK Schedule.

• Be prepared for a scenic drive along the M62, and consider downloading music or podcasts ahead of time to enhance your journey—this route can be quite picturesque, especially as you approach Newcastle.

• Upon arrival at Newcastle City Library, take a moment to plan your next steps; the transport links and local amenities are nearby, including bus stops to access further attractions or the central metro station for travel within the city—check out the local map: Newcastle City Transport Guide.