Manchester Transport Links
Gateway to the North
Manchester Airport is a major International Airport, located around eight miles south of Manchester City Centre. It is the third busiest airport in Britain and one of only two airports in the country with two runways. There are currently 100 airlines flying out to 200 destinations from Manchester airport.
The Rail Networks
Manchester has three accessible train stations, Manchester Piccadilly, Victoria and Oxford Road. Each train station is equipped with a first-class lounge, audio and visual assistance, disabled access, Wi-Fi and numerous refreshment facilities. Liverpool, Blackpool and Chester can be reached within an hour, making excursions and trips convenient for everyone. Each station has frequent departures and the digital timetables within the stations are updated regularly.
Tickets are available from the kiosks, self-service machines and also via the Trainline app, Northern Rail, Transpennine Express and Avanti apps. Valid UK railcards are accepted at each station.
For more information, visit www.tfgm.com/public-transport/train
The Free Bus
The bus routes connect the main rail stations, shopping areas and museums, arriving at each stop every 10 minutes. No ticket is required, just hop on and off as much as you like. The Free Bus stops at some of Manchester’s most iconic areas and landmarks such as Deansgate, Manchester Cathedral, Spinningfields, Manchester Town Hall and The Central Library. Each bus has free Wi-Fi and has disabled access and assistance on board.
For more information, visit www.tfgm.com/public-transport/bus/free-bus
The Metrolink
Manchester Metrolink is an excellent service if you are wanting to travel further out of the city. Manchester’s Metrolink system was developed to encourage easier and faster travel in the city centre and beyond. The Metrolink runs every few minutes so you don’t need a timetable, you can just turn up and travel anytime from early morning until late in the evening.
You can travel by tram with contactless cards and devices, using the smart readers on stops to pay for journeys as you go. You can also purchase your ticket from the machine at the platform before you board. The Metro-link makes many stops including Manchester Airport, which runs every 12 minutes starting from 5.50am until 11.14pm taking a total of 50 minutes.
For more information, visit www.tfgm.com/public-transport/tram
Bus
Commercial bus services run right across Greater Manchester helping you get out and about.
For more information, visit www.tfgm.com/public-transport/bus
Bicycle Hire (requires a smart phone)
Manchester is a bike-friendly city with many marked cycle lanes and dedicated routes throughout the city centre and beyond. The Bike Hire scheme offers convenient and affordable bicycle hire in the Manchester area. Use the Beryl mobile app to locate and unlock your bike, return and park at any Bee Network Cycle Hire station after your ride.
For more information, visit www.beeactive.tfgm.com/cycle-hire/
Exploring On Foot
The entirety of Manchester City Centre can be explored on foot. With Manchester being split into 11 different districts, there is more than enough to discover and get involved with. Bars, restaurants and shops are in reachable distance from Manchester Central. The Arndale, the largest shopping district, is only a 10-minute walk away.
Taxi and Private Hire Services
With 18 taxi companies within Greater Manchester, finding affordable travel has never been easier. Each company is easily accessible by phone and will be with you within half an hour. Adapted taxis are also available, with wheelchair access and inbuilt auditory assistance.
Journey Planner and Other Travel Information
Using Transport for Greater Manchester’s on-line planner, delegates can plan their journey by foot, bus, Metrolink or train and so reduce their costs and waiting times. This service displays the nearest stations for all services, as well as regularly updating departure and arrival times for all major services, keeping delegates informed throughout the day.
For more information, visit www.tfgm.com/plan-a-journey