Teesside International Airport, which used to be called Durham Tees Valley Airport, is a small airport between Darlington and Stockton, close to the A1(M) and the A66. Everything is close together: the car park is directly in front of the terminal and check-in is a minute's walk from it. This guide covers what is worth knowing before you fly from Teesside: the way in, the drop-off rules, check-in and security, parking, and the lounge.
Getting there by car
The postcode DL2 1LU takes you to the car park, directly in front of the terminal. The airport is about 15 minutes from Darlington and Stockton, 20 from Middlesbrough, 35 from Hartlepool and Redcar, just over 50 from central Newcastle and 75 from Leeds.
- From the north on the A1(M), leave at junction 59 and take the A167 towards Darlington, then follow the airport signs.
- From the south on the A1(M), leave at junction 57 and join the A66 towards Darlington and Teesside.
- From the A19, join the A66 towards Darlington and follow the airport signs.
- On the A66, leave at the junction signposted Long Newton, Urlay Nook and Airport; on the A67, at the roundabout signposted for the airport.
Drop-off: £2.50, or free with a coffee
- The pick-up and drop-off car park, directly opposite the terminal: £2.50 for up to 10 minutes, £5 for up to an hour, then £7 an hour.
- Free for up to two hours if you spend at least £5 in the landside café or shops and show the receipt to have your ticket validated.
- Paying: cameras record your time in and out. Pay at the machines in arrivals, by card or cash, or by card at the exit barrier.
At £2.50, a quick drop is one of the cheapest in the UK, and the café offer makes collecting someone free if you buy a coffee while you wait. If you are parking rather than being dropped off, none of this applies. Our drop-off charges guide compares Teesside with every other UK airport.
Check-in and security
Teesside recommends arriving no later than two hours before your flight. Check-in desks open two to three hours before departure, depending on the airline, and close about 30 to 40 minutes before, and latecomers may not be accepted. If you have checked in online and only have hand luggage, you can go straight to security.
At security, liquids, gels and creams must be in containers of up to 100ml, but they do not need to go in a plastic bag or come out of your bag for screening, and there is no limit on how many 100ml containers you carry. The airport advises putting non-essential liquids in your hold luggage. Other airports differ, so check the rules for your return flight.
Which parking suits which trip
Before You Fly lists the Teesside parking we sell. When we compared prices for an eight-day trip booked about three months ahead, the airport's Long Stay was around £75, within walking distance of the terminal. With the car park opposite the terminal and check-in a minute's walk inside, there is no shuttle at either end of the trip.
Prices move with the dates, so compare them for your trip. Book the flexible rate if your dates might move. It can be cancelled up to 72 hours before arrival for a full refund; see the cancellation FAQs.
Lounge and hotels
The Ramside Lounge, after security, is open for every departing flight, and you can go in from three hours before your departure. Entry is £45 for adults, £20 for children aged 5 to 12 and £25 for 12 to 18s, and includes a hot and cold buffet, soft drinks, and four alcoholic drinks or a bottle of prosecco per person. There is a smart casual dress code, and groups of more than six are not accepted, so it is not one for stag or hen parties.
For an early flight, there are hotels in Darlington and Stockton. Search Teesside hotels.
Getting there by bus and train
- Bus: the Stagecoach 6 runs hourly between Stockton and Darlington via Yarm, Eaglescliffe and the airport. The Tees Flex on-demand bus also serves the airport, booked through its app.
- Train: the nearest station is Darlington, on the East Coast Main Line, about 12 minutes from the airport by car, with a taxi rank.
Frequently asked questions
How much is drop-off at Teesside Airport?
£2.50 for up to 10 minutes in the pick-up and drop-off car park opposite the terminal, then £5 up to an hour. It is free for up to two hours if you spend £5 in the landside café or shops.
How early should I get to Teesside Airport?
No later than two hours before your flight. Check-in desks close about 30 to 40 minutes before departure.
Do I need a plastic bag for liquids at Teesside?
No. Liquids must still be in containers of 100ml or less, but they do not need a plastic bag and can stay in your bag for screening.
Is Teesside Airport the same as Durham Tees Valley Airport?
Yes. The airport was renamed Teesside International Airport in July 2019, returning to its name from before 2004. The postcode for the car park is DL2 1LU.
Sorted before you fly.
