Getting to Hadrian's Wall: Buses, Trains & Transport Guide

Getting to Hadrian's Wall is straightforward if you know your options. The route is well-served by public transport at both ends, with a dedicated bus service connecting key points along the Wall during walking season.

This guide covers everything: trains to the start, the famous AD122 bus, parking for day visitors, and getting home from the finish.

Getting to the Start: Newcastle (East End)

Most walkers begin at Wallsend, reaching it via Newcastle. The city has excellent rail connections:

By Train to Newcastle

From London: Direct services from King's Cross, approximately 3 hours. LNER operates most services.
From Edinburgh: Direct services, approximately 1.5 hours.
From Manchester: Direct or with one change, approximately 2.5-3 hours.
From Birmingham: Cross Country services, approximately 3 hours.
From Leeds: Direct services, approximately 1.5 hours.

Booking tip: Advance fares are dramatically cheaper than on-the-day tickets. Book as early as possible via Trainline or directly with operators.

From Newcastle to Wallsend

The Tyne and Wear Metro connects Newcastle Central Station to Wallsend in about 15 minutes. Trains run every few minutes during the day. The official trail start at Segedunum Roman Fort is a short walk from Wallsend Metro station.

Getting to the Start: Carlisle (West End)

If walking west to east, you'll start in Carlisle or nearby Bowness-on-Solway.

By Train to Carlisle

From London: Direct services from Euston via Avanti West Coast, approximately 3.5 hours.
From Glasgow: Direct services, approximately 1 hour.
From Edinburgh: Direct services, approximately 1.5 hours.
From Manchester: Direct services, approximately 2 hours.

From Carlisle to Bowness-on-Solway

The official western end is at Bowness-on-Solway, about 14 miles from Carlisle. Take the 93 bus from Carlisle to Bowness (approximately 45 minutes, limited service). Check Stagecoach for current timetables.

Many walkers choose to start from Carlisle itself, picking up the trail at the castle and walking to Bowness as their first day—this avoids the limited bus service.

The AD122 Bus: Along the Wall

The AD122 Hadrian's Wall bus is an essential service for walkers, running between Hexham and Haltwhistle with stops at key points along the Wall.

Route and Stops

The AD122 connects:

Hexham (railway station and bus interchange)
Acomb
Chollerford (for Chesters Roman Fort)
Housesteads Roman Fort
The Sill National Landscape Discovery Centre (Once Brewed)
Vindolanda
Roman Army Museum
Haltwhistle (railway station)

Operating Season

The AD122 runs from late March/Easter through October, with more frequent service in summer. Outside these dates, the bus doesn't operate—plan alternative transport.

Timetable

Typically 4-5 services per day in each direction during season. First bus around 9-10am, last bus around 5-6pm. Check current schedules on the Hadrian's Wall Country website.

Uses for Walkers

Day visits: Reach specific sections of the Wall from Hexham or Haltwhistle
Site visits: Access Vindolanda or the Roman Army Museum off-trail
Emergency escape: If weather or injury requires cutting short a day's walk
Skipping sections: Though not recommended, the bus allows bypassing parts of the trail

The Tyne Valley Railway

The Newcastle to Carlisle railway (Northern Trains) parallels the Wall, with stations at:

Newcastle Central
Hexham
Haydon Bridge
Bardon Mill (for Vindolanda)
Haltwhistle
Brampton (limited service)
Carlisle

This provides useful backup transport and can be combined with the AD122 for flexible day visits. Check Northern Trains for timetables.

Driving and Parking

Day Visitors

If driving for a day walk, the main car parks are:

Steel Rigg: Pay and display car park at the heart of the most scenic section. Popular—arrive early in summer.
Housesteads: Car park at the fort (English Heritage). Charges apply.
The Sill: Car park at the visitor centre near Once Brewed.
Chesters Roman Fort: Car park at the site.
Birdoswald: Car park at the fort.

Parking is limited at most locations. In peak season, Steel Rigg and Housesteads can fill by mid-morning.

Through-Walkers

If driving to the start of a through-walk, you'll need to retrieve your car afterwards. Options:

Leave car at finish: Take public transport to the start
Leave car at start: Return by train after finishing
Car shuttle services: Some operators offer car collection and delivery

Given good rail connections at both Newcastle and Carlisle, many walkers find it simplest to travel by train rather than deal with car logistics.

Taxis

Local taxi companies serve the Wall area, useful for:

Transfers from accommodation to the trail
Emergency pickup if unable to complete a day
Getting to/from Bowness-on-Solway when buses aren't running

Your B&B or our support team can provide local taxi contacts. Expect to pay £2-3 per mile.

Getting Home from the Finish

From Wallsend (East End)

Simple: Metro to Newcastle Central, then onward train services as needed.

From Bowness-on-Solway (West End)

More challenging. The 93 bus runs to Carlisle, but service is limited (approximately 5 buses per day). From Carlisle, train connections are excellent.

Many walkers arrange accommodation in Carlisle for their final night rather than Bowness, making onward travel straightforward.

Airports

For international visitors:

Newcastle Airport: Metro connection to Newcastle Central (25 minutes)
Manchester Airport: Train to Newcastle (3+ hours) or Carlisle (2+ hours)
Edinburgh Airport: Tram to Edinburgh Waverley, then train to Newcastle (2 hours total) or Carlisle (2 hours total)

Planning Your Transport

Our self-guided packages include detailed transport notes for reaching your start point and returning home. We also provide AD122 and local bus information for your walking days.