Newcastle United fans will be able to use a new park and ride bus from Newcastle Great Park to St James' Park on matchdays this season. Go North East's X40 service, trialled during last season's home match against Brighton in May, will return for the 2026/27 season starting September 5.
Service Details and Funding
The service will begin when the Magpies face Bournemouth on September 5, missing the opening weekend clash with Liverpool. Newcastle City Council has agreed a £72,000 funding package to run the service for the remainder of the season. The existing X50 Soccerbus from the Metrocentre will continue for two more years with £150,000 in council support.
Daniel Laird, commercial director at Go North East, said: "Following a successful trial service at the end of last season, we're really pleased to announce that the X40 service will start on Saturday, September 5. The Park and Ride service will help reduce city centre congestion on matchdays and offers Newcastle United fans a convenient, affordable way of travelling to the match."
Timetable and Fares
The first bus will leave the Great Park car park two hours before each match, with services at frequent intervals until 15 minutes before kick-off. Returns run from Newgate Street after matches, with the final bus 40 minutes after the final whistle.
Adult tickets cost £1.50 single or £2 return, with £1 single fares for those 21 and under. A full timetable will be published on Go North East's website.
Positive Trial Feedback
The council said the trial received "positive feedback and promising boarding numbers." Councillor Owen Burbidge, cabinet member for public transport, said: "We're delighted to be launching a second Soccerbus park and ride service for the 2026/27 football season in partnership with Go North East, following the success of our trial in May."
He added: "The trial of the Great Park Soccerbus was used by hundreds of supporters with strong positive feedback, so extending the service for the full 26/27 season was an obvious next step, giving fans a choice on match day transport and helping reduce traffic congestion across Newcastle."
