Transportation in Manchester
From its bohemian Northern Quarter to Castlefield and the canal district, Manchester’s revamped city centre is easy to master and explore.Many Manchester attractions are grouped in the centre and a user-friendly tram and train system ensures easy travel to sights further away.In the city centre are the shopping hubs of Deansgate, Market Street, King Street and Exchange Square as well as attractions like Bridgewater Hall. The Northern Quarter around Oldham Street is the city’s creative heart while eastwards is waterfront Castlefield. South of the centre is the university district.
Read more about transport from and to the airport
Metroshuttle
Manchester’s free rapid transit city centre bus service offers three circular routes linking the railway stations with many tram and bus stops. Hop on and off as often as you need whether you’re off to the MEN Arena for a concert or heading towards Chinatown for dinner.
Tram
Metrolink is Manchester’s easy-to-use urban light-rail system connecting the city’s major train stations with many key tourist attractions including Salford Quays and Old Trafford football ground. Buy your ticket from the station platforms before boarding and retain the stub until the final stop.
Bus
Bus routes are extensive with main hubs at Piccadilly Gardens and Shudehill. An increasing number of night bus routes are on offer. A shuttle bus from Stretford Metrolink also services the Trafford Centre, a popular out-of-town shopping mall.
Foot
Manchester’s city centre is relatively compact and walking around the main shopping and tourist district is often just as quick as taking other transport. You might discover something unusual en route. Walk through Piccadilly Gardens, past Castlefield’s canal routes or along pedestrianised Canal Street in the city’s lively Gay Village.
Train
Manchester is served by several key train hubs, the main ones being Manchester Piccadilly and Victoria Stations, connected by Metrolink trams. Oxford Road is the closest station to the university and its museums.
Rent your car
The M60 motorway around Manchester and connecting motorways make the city easily accessible from much of the country. There are several city centre car parks that are serviced by a free shuttle bus, which also stops at the city’s main attractions, train stations and tram stops.
Transportation Tips
MetroMax tickets allow you to ride the Metrolink tram as many times as you like each day while day tickets offer the same deal on buses. Also useful is the System One travelcard which allows for hassle-free transfers between buses, trains and trams. Off-peak tickets, valid after 9.30am, are cheaper. The Wayfarer includes travel beyond the city centre, ideal for day trippers.
