A night bus that runs to Newcastle International Airport has been extended through to March 2026 following a successful trial.
The 787 service operates between Newcastle city centre, the west end of the city and the Airport, every day between the hours of 2.50am and 5.20am.
The route was launched earlier this year to support shift workers and holiday makers get to the airport.
And after proving a popular with people in west Newcastle, supporting the city’s nighttime economy, it will now remain in place until the end of March 2026.
The 787, planned by Nexus and operated by Stagecoach, is being funded by the North East Combined Authority using the region’s Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) - funding which is improving bus services, fares and infrastructure across the North East.
The service runs in the early hours of the morning on a route that starts at Newgate Street in the centre of Newcastle before taking in the West Road, Westerhope, Newbiggin Hall, and then Newcastle Airport.
John Souter, Head of Customer Service Operations at Nexus, said: “We’re delighted to say that the 787 night bus will be staying in service through to March of 2026 following a successful trial.
“The route has proven to be useful link between the centre of Newcastle and the western parts of the city, before providing that connection to Newcastle Airport.
“The 787 has provided an entirely new connection to the Airport during the early hours of the morning. It’s become a really useful link for supporting the city’s night time economy, airport workers and people who need to catch early morning flights.
“It’s a great option for people who need to get to the airport during the night, when most other public transport services are not running. It’s proven particularly popular with people living in west Newcastle.
“Funding from the local Bus Service Improvement Plan has made this possible. We have carefully assessed the demand and this has led the route being extended for a further 15 months.”
Cllr Martin Gannon, North East Combined Authority Cabinet Member for transport and Leader of Gateshead Council, said: “I am pleased that our region’s bus funding is extending the 787 route until March 2026. It has been well-used since it launched earlier this year and it’s great to see our funding in action, helping more people travel by bus for all types of journeys.
“The 787 night bus service will continue to help both holiday makers and staff travel in a convenient and sustainable way to the airport during the early hours, as well as supporting workers in the nighttime economy.
“Passengers can also make use of our region’s ticket offers on the service – including the affordable £1 fare for those aged 21 and under, so it’s an affordable way to travel.”
Steve Walker, Managing Director of Stagecoach North East, said: “We are delighted that this service has been extended to operate until March 2026. We know how important a well connected network is across the North East and are pleased to work with the Combined Authority and Nexus to make this happen.”
Alice Andreasen, Chief Sustainability and Communications Officer at Newcastle Airport, said: “We are delighted the 787 bus service has been extended until March 2026.
“It is fantastic news for both our passengers and staff as the service offers a convenient, affordable and sustainable way to travel to and from the Airport during the early hours of the morning.
"Encouraging the use of public transport is a key part of our strategy to become Net Zero by 2035 and this service plays an important role in lowering emissions, whilst also making journeys across the city more accessible.”
Fares on the 787 service are in line with other secured Nexus bus routes.
A short single (which is a journey of less than 2km) costs £1.80; a longer single (a journey of more than 2km) costs £2; a day ticket costs £3.70; a weekly ticket £17; child singles (aged 21 and under) is £1.
Multi-modal products that can be used on all buses and the Tyne and Wear Metro are also sold and accepted on the 787.
The North East Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) was published in 2021 and helped the region to secure one of the largest allocations of funding in the country at £163.5 million.
Major improvements including new and enhanced bus services and affordable fare promotions are now rolling out across the region’s transport network – with more to follow.