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Newcastle Airport
Newcastle is the finest small airport in Britain. It is a cheap metro ride from the town centre. Once you get there there is a branch of Greggs selling cheap tea, coffee and pies to the discerning cheapskate. There is also plenty of space in the terminal out of the charter season. After security things aren't quite so good but there are still plenty of shops to keep you entertained, and there is no 5 mile walk to your gate. All round genius.
Sleeping there
Plenty of people seem to sleep at Newcastle airport. The cafe area to the left of the main checkin desks seems to be the area of choice for this. The benches are pretty uncomfortable, since there are armrests to prevent you from lying down. The metro service from the town centre doesn't run all night, so you might have to get there fairly early, or walk.
Getting there on foot
It is possible to walk from the city centre to Newcastle Airport, although it is around 10 miles (16km), so it really is only an option for people with a lot of time to kill. Following the signs for road traffic will lead you along a busy, fast dual carriageway with no pavement. This is clearly not the safest way to walk, but it is the best you will do without the aid of a map.
Getting there by public transport
The easiest way to get from Newcastle Station and Newcastle city centre to the Airport is by Metro. The Tyne and Wear Metro, run by Nexus, runs to the airport every 12 minutes at peak times, and every 30 minutes off peak. The journey takes around 30 minutes and as at January 2006 cost £2.60 one way. Note, this service does not run at night. For full details, see the Nexus website.
Shops and cafes
Before security.
In addition to the branch of Greggs, which charges the same low prices at the airport as they do at their other outlets, there is a newsagent, canteen and coffee shop. There are also cash machines and currency exchanges. There is no tourist information at the airport itself.