Police said the 20-year-old victim was hit by a silver Vauxhall Vectra at 04:30 BST as he crossed Anderson Street, in South Shields.
He died at the scene. The accident happened near the junction with Beach Road, police said.
Northumbria Police said a 20-year-old man was later arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.
He remains in police custody.
A man died after being struck in a suspected hit-and-run crash in South Tyneside.