Tyne and Wear ferries

County advice overview

The Tyne and Wear area has one ferry service between North and South Shields, which is operated by Nexus. 

Ferries are fully accessible to people with disabilities.

Several bus routes are available to connect you with the ferry terminals. Information is available on the Nexus website. https://www.nexus.org.uk

Key tips

Always allow yourself plenty of time to plan your journey. It may be worth considering:

• If you will need help to access the ferry and will you be travelling with mobility equipment. Consider whether it is easier to take equipment with you or hire it at your destination, from an outlet such as ShopMobility.
• Discussing any assistance requirements with the Nexus Accessibility Officer. Contact: 0191 203 3426 or email access@nexus.org.uk
• The slope of the access bridge varies with the tide. If the tide is extremely low, the bridges are steeper than normal, so you may need wheelchair assistance from staff.
• What local transport do you need once you arrive at your destination? Will you need to pre-book an accessible taxi?
• Will you be making this journey more than once a year? If so, it may be worth researching concessionary travel schemes.

Remember that your local Hubs Mobility Advice Service can signpost you to the correct travel operator and mobility organisations.

Operators

Nexus

https://www.nexus.org.uk/ferry

The Shields ferry service operates two ferries – the Pride of the Tyne and the Spirit of the Tyne.

They operate on a regular 30-minute frequency from both sides of the river. The crossing time between North and South Shields is around seven minutes.

Help with cost 

Concessionary Travel Passes can be used on the Shields Ferry.

If you have a Concessionary Travel Pass, you can apply for a Metro Gold Card for a small annual charge. 

You can then travel for free on the Shields Ferry from 9.30am, Monday-Friday, at weekends, public holidays and during July and August.

To travel before 9.30am for a hospital appointment, just show your hospital appointment card or letter with your Concessionary Travel Pass.  (A cost of 60p.)

Tyne and Wear residents who are disabled and attend work or college (for at least 15 hours a week) can apply for an all-day Concessionary Travel Pass. You can then travel for 60p on the Shields Ferry all day, every day.

Full details about how to apply for the appropriate Concessionary Travel Pass, can be found via the links below.

• Concessionary Travel for Tyne & Wear residents aged over 60
• Concessionary Travel for Tyne & Wear residents who are disabled

Special Assistance

Nexus Bridge card

If you have difficulty using public transport in Tyne and Wear, because of age, disability, illness, or a lack of confidence, you can carry a Bridge Card.

Show the card to transport staff and they will recognise that you may need extra journey. 

You can download a Bridge Card on the Nexus website.

Passport Schemes

The Companion Card

If you need a companion to provide you with significant assistance on journeys, you can apply for a Companion Card. 

They can be used on the Shields Ferry as well as Tyne and Wear buses, the Metro and some rail journeys. 

Nexus TaxiCard scheme

If you have mobility difficulties and are using a taxi to connect with your Shields ferry service, or for journeys elsewhere in Tyne and Wear, then the TaxiCard scheme allows travel with approved taxi companies at a discounted price.

Travelling with mobility equipment

The Shields ferries are accessible for all passengers, including wheelchair and mobility scooter users, and people with prams and pushchairs.  

You board the ferry by a two-metre-wide ramp. Staff can help you if you need them to.

If you require more assistance, contact Nexus’ Accessibility Officer:

0191 203 3426 or email access@nexus.org.uk

Routes and timetables

Timetables for the Shields ferries are available on the Nexus website.

Nexus provides a journey planner which can help you find which buses are available to connect with your ferry journey.