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Situated 150 km north of Sydney, Newcastle is easily accessible by car, plane, bus and train. It is also easy to explore, thanks to a great range of local public transportation modes and taxis.
Getting to Newcastle is accessible from several locations throughout Australia, particularly if you travel by rental car. The four main highways that link Newcastle to the rest of Australia are the Pacific Highway, F3, New England Highway and the Golden Highway.
Although driving from Sydney to Newcastle will only take about two hours, visitors who intend to drive further away are urged to make rest stops to stretch their legs and avoid driver exhaustion.
For visitors who intend to fly into Newcastle, the airport is serviced by Jetstar and Virgin Australia, who operate regular daily services from Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Ballina, Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne. Conveniently located within half an hour of downtown Newcastle, the airport also delivers direct shuttle transfers, car hire and taxi services.
Newcastle operates regular daily return rail services from Sydney as part of the New South Wales City Rail network. The CountryLink rail service connects Newcastle to Brisbane, New South Wales, Canberra and Melbourne via Broadmeadow. Travel time by rail from Sydney to Newcastle is about two and a half to three hours.
Another suitable and affordable way to travel to Newcastle is via a coach or bus. Several coach companies operate throughout Australia, which regularly connect to Newcastle. Greyhound is one of the most popular and operates from different places between Brisbane and Sydney, stopping in Newcastle.
If you wish to have your own transport while having a holiday in Newcastle, several hire companies offer rental cars from both the airport and within the city centre. This option is perfect if you intend to visit several must-see locations along the way.
Which Car Rental Company Offers One-Way Car Hire From Sydney to Newcastle?
The following car hire companies have depots in Sydney and Newcastle and offer one-way car hire.
- Avis
- Budget
- Europcar
- Hertz
How Long Will it Take to Drive From Sydney to Newcastle?
The fastest route is the M1 highway, which will take you along the eastern coast. The journey will take approximately 2 hours and 16 minutes if you drive straight.
Why Should You Choose a One-Way Car Hire From Sydney to Newcastle?
The driving length and time between the two cities are short and convenient to get to. If you want to have a little escape, then Newcastle is a great option to consider.
A Quick Comparison With Other Forms of Transportation?
We’ve provided a table below that will help you compare the value of each transportation mode.
| Mode of Transportation | Time Duration | Estimated Price |
| Car Hire | 2 to 3 hours | $134+ |
| By Air | 45 minutes | $111+ |
| By Bus | 3 to 4 hours | $15+ |
| By Train | 2.5 to 3 hours | $22.95 |
If your travelling party is four or five people, you will save more money by renting a car, and you will be able to experience more on your trip.
What Can I See Along the Way?
There’s plenty to see and do along the way when you drive from Sydney to Newcastle. Some of the well-known stops are the following:
Port Stephens
Port Stephens is a seaside getaway wrapped by 26 stunning beaches and a splendid bay along the Legendary Pacific Coast route. In addition to world-class surf breaks, tourists can explore this underwater playground by scuba diving with grey nurse sharks, swimming with wild dolphins or snorkelling in gentle bays. There are inventive tours in the nearby Stockton dunes and Barrington Tops National Park, making Port Stephens the perfect place for a weekend away.
Hunter Valley
The Hunter Valley is the home of Australian wines. Known for its superb varieties of Semillon wine and shiraz, it’s renowned worldwide as a gourmet getaway.
There are over 150 cellar doors and a growing number of ingenious restaurants presenting opportunities for indulgence across every pocket of the region. The region’s strong farming history lends itself to incredible paddock-to-plate and biodynamic experiences, adding extra satisfaction to your gourmet delights. Around your sampling, soak up the region’s natural wonders, relax at one of the many-day spas, or sing your heart out with music between the vines.
Can’t wait to start your journey? Book your one-way vehicle hire with Car Hire and Rental today!
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