The Tyne and Wear Metro provides one of the best airport links in the country, according to a Which? Report by the influential Consumers Association.
With five trains an hour, the quick and convenient Metro service to Newcastle International Airport beat dedicated non-stop services to Heathrow and Gatwick, for value for money and quality, a passenger survey found.
The Which? report rated Metro 85% for customer satisfaction, topped only by the Intercity train link to Birmingham International Airport.
Metro, which is owned and managed by Nexus, was the top-scoring light rail or underground link beating others including Docklands Light Rail and London Underground.
Passengers liked the service, frequency and value of a £3.30 ticket from Newcastle and Sunderland city centres. Passengers can get to the Airport or home again after their holidays in 23 minutes from Newcastle city centre and 52 minutes from Sunderland city centre.
Sharon Kelly, Customer Services Director, from Tyne and Wear Metro, said: “The service to and from the airport is fast, frequent and a hassle-free way of getting your holiday off to a great start – and getting home again afterwards.
“We’re pleased that our service has been recognised in high regard by our customers and look forward to providing a valuable service to thousands of holiday goers this year.”
Dave Laws, Chief Executive of Newcastle International Airport, said: “The Metro service to Newcastle International Airport is highly valued by our passengers and staff. We are delighted that the readers of Which? have recognised the many benefits of the service. It’s great to see the region receiving more praise after Which? readers voted Newcastle International Airport the best large airport in 2013.”