St James Park tickets

From Newcastle Airport

Newcastle Airport is approximately 7 miles from St James' Park, with several transport options available. The Metro provides the fastest and most convenient connection. Take the Metro from Newcastle Airport station to Monument Metro station (22-minute journey, departing every 10 minutes) or to Haymarket station. From Monument, it's a 5-minute walk to the stadium, or you can change lines and take one stop directly to St James Metro station, which is right opposite the ground.

Bus services also connect the airport to the city centre. The X77 and X78 buses run from Newcastle Airport Ponteland Road to Eldon Square Bus Station every 15-30 minutes, taking approximately 25 minutes. From Eldon Square, it's a 5-minute walk to St James' Park. Taxis and rideshare services are readily available at the airport, taking around 20-30 minutes depending on traffic, and typically costing £20-25. However, expect surge pricing on matchdays, particularly for evening fixtures.

By Metro

The Tyne and Wear Metro system provides excellent access to St James' Park, with two stations within easy walking distance. St James Metro station is directly opposite the stadium entrance, making it the closest option for most visitors. Monument Metro station is approximately 5 minutes' walk from the ground and is served by both the Yellow and Green lines, offering connections to Newcastle Airport, South Shields, the coast, and all major areas of the city.

On matchdays, Metro services run every 2-3 minutes on the busiest routes, with enhanced post-match services to help fans get home quickly. A single fare costs from £1.80, with all-day passes available from £2.90 using Pop Pay As You Go. Children under 11 travel free. The Metro is particularly recommended for evening matches, as it avoids matchday traffic and offers a reliable journey time.

By Bus

Newcastle has two major bus stations serving the city. Haymarket Bus Station serves routes to and from Northumberland and the North, while Eldon Square Bus Station serves County Durham and the South. Both stations are located on Percy Street, approximately 5 minutes' walk from St James' Park. Simply follow the pedestrian signs throughout the city centre, or head toward the visible stadium structure.

Multiple bus routes stop near the stadium, including services 10A, 309, 351, 43, X22, X71, X8, and X82. Bus stops at Newcastle Newgate Street and Newcastle St James are both within 2 minutes' walk of the ground. For journey planning and real-time updates, visit Nexus or Go North East websites.

By Car

St James' Park is easily accessible by car via the A1(M), A184, A167, A69, or A68, depending on your direction of travel. However, due to the stadium's central location, driving on matchdays can be challenging. Roads close to the stadium are closed two hours before kick-off until 45 minutes after full-time, and traffic congestion is significant both before and after matches.

If driving from the A1(M) Northbound, exit at Junction 69 and take the A184 toward central Newcastle. Continue on the A184, then turn left onto Gallowgate. Follow signs for St James' Park, located on Barrack Road (postcode NE1 4ST for sat-navs). Allow extra time for traffic on matchdays, particularly for high-profile fixtures. Many supporters recommend arriving at least 90 minutes before kick-off if driving, to secure parking and navigate traffic restrictions.

Where to Park at St James' Park

There are no unreserved public car parks available on matchdays at St James' Park, and official stadium parking is extremely limited. Newcastle United offers approximately 120 parking spaces in the vicinity of the stadium, but these are primarily allocated to season ticket holders and include designated disabled spaces. Given the stadium's capacity of over 52,000, parking demand far exceeds supply, so pre-booking is essential.

The club strongly recommends using public transport to reach the stadium. However, if driving is necessary, several alternatives exist in the surrounding area. NCP car parks at John Dobson Street and Grainger Street are both approximately 10 minutes' walk from the ground and typically cost around £10 for matchday parking. Both locations offer secure parking and relatively quick exit routes after matches. Pre-booking is recommended as spaces fill quickly on matchdays.

Q-Park Stowell Street is another option, located just 5-10 minutes' walk from the stadium in the heart of Newcastle's Chinatown. This car park is convenient but expensive at £2.60 per hour, with 266 spaces available. Pre-booking is possible through JustPark. For budget-conscious supporters, street parking is available on Stanhope Street (9-minute walk, £8.95 for 12 hours at weekends) and Diana Street (15-minute walk). Newcastle College on Scotswood Road offers approximately 400 spaces for around £4 on matchdays, though it fills quickly. The Royal Victoria Infirmary car park on Queen Victoria Road is also an option and provides a relatively quick getaway after matches.

Newcastle United operates two Park and Ride services on matchdays, both located close to the A1 motorway. The MetroCentre service (NE11 9YG) offers free parking with a shuttle bus directly to St James' Park. The X50 bus costs £2 for adults and £1 for under-19s, taking approximately 20 minutes. The Newcastle Great Park service operates similarly for supporters traveling from the north. Both services are excellent value and avoid city centre traffic entirely. For disabled parking, limited spaces are available and must be booked in advance by contacting Car.Parking@nufc.co.uk with a copy of your Blue Badge.

Arriving Early: What to Do Around St James' Park

Most Newcastle fans arrive 60-90 minutes before kick-off, though this varies depending on the match. For big fixtures, supporters often arrive 2-3 hours early to soak up the atmosphere. The area around St James' Park comes alive on matchdays, with thousands of black-and-white shirted fans filling the streets, pubs, and the new Stack fanzone behind the Gallowgate End.

Stack Newcastle opened in 2024 and has quickly become the premier pre-match destination. Located in the shadow of the Gallowgate Stand, this 3,000-capacity venue features multiple bars, street food vendors, and a vibrant atmosphere with live music and big screens. It opens several hours before kick-off and creates an electric buzz as matchtime approaches. However, Stack is strictly for home supporters only, with no away fans permitted on matchdays.

The stadium's club shop is located in the Gallowgate Stand and is worth visiting for replica kits, souvenirs, and matchday programmes. Opening hours extend on matchdays, typically from 9am until kick-off. For photo opportunities, the exterior of St James' Park provides stunning backdrops, particularly from Barrack Road and St James' Boulevard where the stadium's distinctive asymmetrical stands are most visible. The Gallowgate End entrance, with its sweeping curves and club branding, is the most popular spot for pre-match photos.

Street vendors line St James' Boulevard and Gallowgate on matchdays, selling everything from scarves and flags to burgers and hot dogs. The atmosphere builds steadily from about 90 minutes before kick-off, reaching a crescendo in the final 30 minutes as fans make their way to the turnstiles. If you want to experience authentic Newcastle matchday culture, arrive early and walk through the surrounding streets, where you'll encounter passionate Geordie supporters, singing, and a genuine sense of occasion.

Where to Buy Food & Drink Before the Match

Newcastle's city centre location means supporters are spoiled for choice when it comes to pre-match food and drink. The options range from traditional Geordie pubs serving real ale and hearty meals to modern bars and restaurants offering everything from quick bites to sit-down dining.

Stadium Features & Weather Considerations

St James' Park has partial roof coverage, with the level of protection varying significantly by section. The Milburn Stand (West) and Sir John Hall Stand (North/Leazes) feature large cantilever roofs that provide excellent coverage for most seats, particularly in the middle and upper rows. The lower tiers of both stands are fully covered from rows 10 upward, though the front rows (1-9) can get wet in heavy rain.

The Gallowgate End (South) and East Stand have smaller roofs with less coverage. Upper tier seats in these sections generally stay dry, but lower tier seats, particularly those in the front half, are exposed to the elements. The corner sections where stands meet are the most exposed areas of the stadium. Strong winds can affect these areas particularly, and heavy rain will soak seats in rows 1-20 of the corners.

Newcastle's weather during football season (August to May) can be unpredictable. Autumn months (September to November) typically bring rain and wind, while winter (December to March) can be bitterly cold, with temperatures often dropping below freezing for evening matches. The stadium's open corners create wind tunnels that make temperatures feel colder than they are. Spring matches (April to May) are generally more pleasant, though rain is still common.

For afternoon matches from March to October, the sun position can be an issue for certain sections. Seats in the East Stand face west and can have direct sunlight in supporters' eyes during 3pm Saturday kick-offs, particularly in spring and early autumn. Sunglasses are recommended for these sections if attending afternoon matches. Winter evening matches under floodlights avoid this issue entirely.

Layers are essential for matches from November to March. Many experienced supporters wear thermal underlayers, warm jackets, hats, and gloves. Waterproof outer layers are wise for any time of year given Newcastle's rainfall. Stadium regulations prohibit umbrellas for safety reasons, so waterproof jackets with hoods are your best defence against rain. The stadium does not provide blankets or seat cushions, so consider bringing a small cushion (if allowed) for comfort during longer matches.

Best Time to Enter St James' Park by Seating Section

Gates at St James' Park open 90 minutes before kick-off for all matches. However, the optimal arrival time varies significantly depending on which section you're sitting in. Understanding these differences helps you avoid queues, navigate the stadium comfortably, and settle into your seat before the pre-match build-up begins.

If you're seated in the upper tier of any stand, arrive at least 60 minutes before kick-off. The upper tiers are accessed via spiral staircases and narrow concourses that create bottlenecks as kick-off approaches. The Leazes Stand upper tier (away section) is particularly challenging, with 140 steps and 14 landings to climb. Away supporters should plan for the climb and arrive early, especially if traveling with children or elderly supporters.

Lower tier seats in the Milburn Stand (West) and East Stand can be accessed more easily, making arrival 30-40 minutes before kick-off generally sufficient. These sections have wider concourses and more direct routes to seats. The Gallowgate End lower tier is similar, though it can get busier as it's a popular section for vocal home supporters.

Peak crowding at entrances occurs between 30-15 minutes before kick-off, when the majority of fans arrive. If you want to avoid queues entirely, arrive 60-70 minutes early and you'll walk straight through security checks. Alternatively, arriving in the final 10 minutes before kick-off means most fans are already seated, though you'll miss the pre-match atmosphere and team warm-ups.

Each stand has specific entry gates. The Gallowgate End is accessed via turnstiles on Barrack Road, the Milburn Stand via St James' Boulevard, the Leazes Stand (away section) via turnstiles 89-94, and the East Stand via entrances on Strawberry Place. Check your ticket for your specific gate number and locate it before approaching the turnstiles to avoid confusion. Accessible seating has dedicated entry points with lift access, located at specific gates in each stand.

For major matches (derbies, cup games, European fixtures), add an extra 15-20 minutes to all recommendations. Crowds are larger, security checks may be more thorough, and the atmosphere outside the ground can cause congestion. First-time visitors should always err on the side of arriving earlier rather than later, as navigating an unfamiliar stadium takes additional time.

Understanding St James' Park's Seating Layout

St James' Park has a distinctive asymmetrical design that reflects its gradual expansion over more than a century. The stadium consists of four main stands: the Milburn Stand (West), the Leazes Stand (North), the Gallowgate End (South), and the East Stand. Each has its own character, atmosphere, and viewing experience. With a capacity of 52,264, it ranks as the 9th largest football stadium in England and the largest in the North East.

Best Seats for Different Viewing Experiences

Best Seating for Kids at St James' Park

Designated family sections at St James' Park are located primarily in the East Stand lower tier (sections E1-E10) and portions of the Milburn Stand. These areas are specifically designed for supporters attending with children under 14, offering a family-appropriate atmosphere where language is moderated and behavior is monitored by stewards trained in family support. Alcohol is not sold in these sections, reducing concerns about intoxicated behavior.

Sightlines are crucial when attending with children. Rows 10-20 provide the sweet spot where younger supporters can see over adults in front while not being too far from the pitch. Rows 1-9 can be problematic for children under 1.2 meters tall, as seated adults in front may block their view. Consider bringing a booster cushion (check stadium regulations first) to improve visibility. Avoid upper tier seats with young children due to the steep climbs and potential height anxiety.

Proximity to facilities is important when attending with children. Family sections in the East Stand have toilets located at regular intervals along the concourse, minimizing walking distance when urgent bathroom breaks are needed (and they will be needed). Food concessions offering child-friendly options like hot dogs, pizza, and soft drinks are also nearby. Plan toilet visits before kick-off and at half-time to avoid missing crucial moments.

Junior supporter programmes run on matchdays, with activities and entertainment aimed at younger fans. These often take place in designated family areas and can include appearances by club mascots, skill challenges, and face painting. Check the Newcastle United website before your visit to see what's scheduled for your match. The club shop sells junior sizes of replica kits and offers child-friendly merchandise at a range of price points.

First-time attendance can be overwhelming for children due to crowds, noise, and the sheer scale of the stadium. Arrive early to allow time for exploration, toilet visits, and settling into seats before the rush of kick-off. Explain what to expect (loud chanting, sudden celebrations, occasional strong language even in family sections) and establish a meeting point in case you get separated. Many parents recommend starting with a less intense match (rather than a derby or cup final) to ease children into the experience.

Best Seating for Accessibility at St James' Park

St James' Park provides approximately 170 wheelchair-accessible spaces distributed across all four stands, ensuring options for various viewing preferences. The East Stand offers some of the best elevated views for wheelchair users, particularly in sections E231-E235, which are specifically designed with accessibility in mind. These sections provide excellent sightlines without requiring users to sit in the front rows where views can be obstructed.

Booking accessible seating requires advance notice and must be done through Newcastle United's accessibility team. Contact the club at [email protected] or call 0191 261 1571 well before your intended match date, as spaces are limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. When booking, specify any additional requirements such as companion seating, oxygen equipment access, or wheelchair storage.

Companion seats are provided free of charge next to wheelchair-accessible spaces. This ensures that wheelchair users can attend with a helper or friend without paying for an additional ticket. For supporters with mobility issues who don't use wheelchairs but need accessible seating with minimal walking and easy access, designated easy-access seats are available in lower tier sections with level entry from accessible parking areas.

Accessible parking must be booked in advance alongside your match ticket and requires a valid Blue Badge. Parking costs £15 and spaces are extremely limited, typically allocated to season ticket holders first. Spaces are located as close to accessible entrances as possible, minimizing the distance wheelchair users need to travel. Alternative accessible transport includes the Metro, which provides step-free access at Monument and St James stations, though note that St James station has limited lift capacity and can be congested on matchdays.

Accessible toilets are located at every entry level throughout the stadium, with facilities in close proximity to all wheelchair-accessible seating areas. These toilets feature adequate space for wheelchairs and include grab rails, emergency pull cords, and changing facilities. Lifts are available in all stands to access different levels, though the Leazes Stand has the most comprehensive lift access, including a dedicated lift to Level 7 for the away section.

Audio description services are available for visually impaired supporters, providing live commentary of the match and stadium atmosphere. Headsets can be collected from the main reception before the match. Assistance dogs are permitted throughout the stadium. Sensory rooms are not currently available at St James' Park, though the club has indicated this is under consideration for future improvements.

For supporters requiring assistance on matchday, stewards at accessible entrances are trained to help with navigation, seating, and any issues that arise. Don't hesitate to ask for help if needed. The club's accessibility team can provide detailed information about your specific needs before you attend, including photos of accessible routes and seating positions.

Best Seating to Leave Quickly After the Match

If you need to catch a train immediately after the final whistle, sit in the lower tier of the Milburn Stand or East Stand near the exits closest to Newcastle Central Station. Sections in the Milburn Stand near St James' Boulevard (sections W1-W3) offer the quickest route out and down toward the station. From these sections, you can be at the station concourse within 12-15 minutes of leaving your seat if you exit at the final whistle.

The East Stand also provides relatively quick exits, particularly from lower tier sections nearest to Strawberry Place. These exits lead directly toward the city centre and Metro stations. Avoid upper tier seats in any stand if you need to leave quickly, as the spiral staircases and narrow concourses create significant bottlenecks. The Gallowgate End upper tier is particularly slow to empty due to the concentrated crowd all funneling through limited exit points.

Corner sections create the worst exit experiences because they're serviced by narrow stairways that serve both upper and lower tiers. If you're in a corner section, expect to wait 15-20 minutes just to exit the stand, even before navigating through external crowds. The Leazes Stand (particularly the away section) is similarly slow to empty, with 140 steps to descend and limited exit routes.

Timing is crucial. If you leave at 85-88 minutes (before the final whistle), you'll avoid the main rush but miss the match conclusion and potential last-minute drama. Most supporters who leave early depart at 85 minutes, creating a mini-exodus at that point. If you stay until the final whistle, be prepared to wait 20-25 minutes before crowds thin significantly. An alternative strategy is to wait 15-20 minutes after the final whistle, letting the initial rush clear before making your way out calmly.

For supporters driving, exiting immediately after the final whistle means joining heavy traffic and road closures. Wait 30-45 minutes post-match if possible, as traffic clears dramatically once road restrictions lift 45 minutes after full-time. Use this time to visit the club shop, grab post-match food, or simply relax while the crowds disperse.

Best Seating Sections During Bad Weather

For guaranteed protection from rain, book seats in rows 10 and above in the lower tier of either the Milburn Stand or the Leazes Stand. The large cantilever roofs on these stands provide excellent coverage, keeping you dry even in heavy Newcastle downpours. In the Milburn Stand, sections W3 through W7 offer the best coverage, with rows 12-30 fully protected. The Leazes Stand lower tier provides similar protection, particularly in the center sections.

The upper tiers of all stands generally stay dry, as they're positioned under the roof overhangs. However, wind can drive rain sideways, affecting seats in the upper tier corners where there are gaps between stand sections. If booking upper tier seats for a match with poor weather forecast, choose central sections rather than corners for maximum protection.

The worst sections in rain are the front rows (1-15) of the Gallowgate End and East Stand lower tiers. These areas have minimal or no roof coverage, leaving supporters fully exposed to the elements. The corner sections where stands meet are particularly vulnerable to both rain and wind, creating uncomfortable conditions when weather is poor. If you have tickets in exposed sections, bring waterproof clothing with a hood (umbrellas are prohibited), and dress in layers for warmth.

Wind protection varies across the stadium. The Milburn Stand lower tier offers the best wind protection due to its position and solid structure. The open corners create wind tunnels that can make exposed sections feel significantly colder than the ambient temperature. This is particularly noticeable during winter evening matches when wind chill becomes a major factor.

For more details on weather considerations and what to wear for different conditions, refer to the Stadium Features & Weather Considerations section earlier in this guide. Remember that Newcastle's weather is unpredictable, so even if forecasts look favorable, bring at least a waterproof layer just in case.

Stadium Facilities & Amenities

What to Bring & What Not to Bring

Policies can change, so always verify current regulations on the Newcastle United website before your visit. If in doubt about an item, leave it at home to avoid disappointment at the turnstiles.

Stadium Entry & Bag Checks

Entry to St James' Park involves a standard security process similar to most major stadiums. Upon approaching your designated turnstile, you'll first have your bag searched if you're carrying one. Security staff will ask you to open bags for visual inspection, checking for prohibited items. This process is usually quick, taking 1-2 minutes unless the bag requires more detailed checking.

After bag checks, you'll proceed to ticket scanning. Have your mobile ticket or print-out ready for scanning at the turnstile. The system reads QR codes or barcodes quickly, so ensure your screen brightness is adequate if using a mobile device. Turnstiles are automated and will open once your ticket is validated. In rare cases of technical issues, stewards will intervene to resolve problems.

Some matches may involve additional security measures including metal detector wands or pat-down searches, particularly for high-profile fixtures, derby matches, or games with security concerns. These checks add a few minutes to the entry process but are conducted efficiently by trained security staff. Cooperation speeds up the process for everyone.

Peak entry times occur 30-15 minutes before kick-off when the majority of supporters arrive. Queues at this time can add 10-15 minutes to the entry process. Arriving 45-60 minutes before kick-off typically means walking straight through security with minimal delay. Alternatively, arriving in the final 10 minutes before kick-off means most fans are already inside, though you'll miss warm-ups and pre-match atmosphere.

Mobile tickets work directly from email or the Newcastle United app; there's no need to print physical tickets unless you prefer paper copies. Screenshots generally work but live digital tickets are preferred for best scanning reliability. Once inside the stadium, you cannot re-enter. There is no re-entry policy at St James' Park, so don't leave the ground for forgotten items or any other reason, as you won't be allowed back in.

If you arrive with an oversized bag that exceeds A4 dimensions, it will be refused entry and there is no bag storage facility at the stadium. Plan ahead and bring only appropriately sized bags. For first-time visitors, this entry process can feel daunting, but stewards are available to provide directions and assistance. Don't hesitate to ask for help locating your gate or section.

St James' Park's History & Significance

St James' Park has been the home of Newcastle United since 1892, making it one of English football's most historic venues. However, football had been played at the site since 1880, initially by smaller clubs including Newcastle Rangers and Newcastle West End. When Newcastle East End merged with Newcastle West End in 1892, they took over the lease of St James' Park and became Newcastle United, establishing a continuous presence that has lasted over 130 years.

The stadium's capacity has fluctuated dramatically throughout its history. By 1905, following major redevelopment, St James' Park could accommodate around 60,000 spectators on standing terraces, making it the largest stadium in England at the time. The record attendance of 68,386 was set in 1930 during an FA Cup match between Newcastle and Chelsea, a figure that remains the highest in the ground's history.

The introduction of all-seater stadium regulations following the 1989 Hillsborough disaster required major reconstruction. Between 1998 and 2000, double tiers were added to the Milburn and Sir John Hall (Leazes) stands, creating the distinctive asymmetrical appearance visible today. These renovations brought the capacity to its current 52,264, with the stadium featuring the largest cantilever roof in Europe at the time of construction.

St James' Park has hosted numerous significant matches beyond Newcastle United fixtures. It was used as a venue for the 2012 London Olympics football tournament and the 2015 Rugby World Cup. The stadium has regularly hosted Rugby League's Magic Weekend since 2015, attracting record crowds for the sport. England's men's and women's national football teams have played here, with the most recent England fixture in 2024. The ground will also serve as a host venue for UEFA Euro 2028.

The stadium's central location has been both a blessing and a challenge throughout its history. Expansion has repeatedly been hindered by surrounding buildings, roads, and protected parkland. Proposals to relocate to Leazes Park in the 1990s met fierce local opposition and were ultimately abandoned. The current stadium plans under consideration by the Saudi Arabian-backed ownership involve either expanding St James' Park to 65,000 capacity or building a new 65,000-70,000 seat stadium, potentially at Leazes Park. No final decision has been announced as of late 2024.

Architecturally, St James' Park is significant for its asymmetrical design, a result of piecemeal expansion over decades. The massive Milburn and Leazes stands dwarf the smaller Gallowgate and East stands, creating an unbalanced but characterful appearance. This lopsided design has become part of the stadium's identity and contributes to its distinctive presence on the Newcastle skyline.