The best areas to view the QE2 Welcome Event include various locations around the mouth of the Tyne and Mill Dam in South Shields. Parking is limited, so please try to come by public transport. The nearest Metro stations are South Shields, Tynemouth and North Shields. See below for further public transport information.

View a PDF map showing recommended viewing areas and parking

Welcome celebrations start at the mouth of the Tyne just as the QE2's arrival is imminent at 4.30pm on Sunday 16 September.

As she sails up the river and docks at Tyne Commission Quay, you will be able to enjoy a fantastic daytime pyrotechnic display accompanied by a beautifully hyponotic musical performance.

The performance will last until approx. 6pm when the QE2 will dock at Tyne Commission Quay and she will remain there until 6pm on Monday 17 September.

Please note there is no public access aboard the QE2. Daytime fireworks can be noisy; we would recommend anyone taking pets to view the event from the mouth of the Tyne where it will be less noisy.

Puplic Transport Information - Getting to the QE2 Event
For all public transport enquiries call Traveline on 0871 200 22 33 or go to www.nexus.org.uk

By Metro:
There will be extra Metro trains in and out of South Shields, North Shields and Tynemouth stations in the hours before and after the arrival of the QE2. Six trains an hour run to Tynemouth and North Shields stations from 3-4pm and 6-7pm  Sunday. Three trains an hour throughout the rest of Sunday. The river bank is a 5-10 minute walk from the stations.

Note: The rebuilding of Haymarket station means there are no Metro services between Jesmond and Monument on Sunday. Passengers travelling from the Airport line are advised to change at South Gosforth and go via Whitley Bay to Tynemouth or North Shields. A replacement bus service 900 will operate every few minutes between Jesmond and Monument stations

By Bus in North Tyneside:
Buses 1 and 2 run every 30 minutes to North Shields and Tynemouth from Newcastle, Wallsend and Whitley Bay.

Bus 10 runs hourly from Cramlington, Annitsford, Seghill and Seaton Delaval to North Shields.

Bus 306 runs every 30 minutes toTynemouth from Newcastle via Sandyford, High Farm, Silverlink and Billy Mill.

Bus 356 runs hourly from West Moor, Killingworth, West Allotment and New York to North Shields and Tynemouth.

By Bus in South Tyneside:
Frequent bus services from all over South Tyneside run to Kepple Street in South Shields Town Centre, next to the Metro station.

From Sunderland E1, E2 and E6 buses run every few minutes from Park Lane through Seaburn and Fulwell.

From Hetton and Houghton bus 35 runs every 15 minutes via Sunderland Park Lane.

From Durham and Chester-le-Street bus 50 runs every hour (leaves Durham bus station on the hour).