[@]Travelling Around Manchester

Public and Private Transport Services

Manchester Metrolink

The Manchester Metrolink tram service network, with its 57miles of track and 92 stations, extends across the city and into its suburbs. Further development work, over the coming years, will see the service expand offering more trams, stations and easier access to Manchester.

Metrolink tram stops are identified by the network sign (see image left) and there are 7 lines each using colours to identify its route.

Manchester Airport - CornbrookDark Blue
Altringham - BuryDark Green
Altringham - PiccadillyYellow
Bury - PiccadillyLight Blue
East Didsbury - RochdalePurple
Eccles - Ashton under LymePink
Media City - PiccadillyBrown

You can get the full details with Trams routes, service updates and timetables by visiting tfgm.com

Buying a Metrolink Ticket

There are several standard tickets available for the tram services, you can buy a single (one-way journey) a return (there and back again) and the Travelcard. There are ticket machines at every station that accept both cash and card payments.

The travelcard offers visitors good value as they offer week and weekend unlimited travel to single travellers or there are family travelcard’s for 2 adults and up to 3 children Travelcards Information

The ‘Get Me There’ Card

The GMT card is ‘a pay as you go’ ticket it means you keep one plastic card instead of multiple tickets and it saves money too. All you need to do is touch your card to the reader at the start and end of your journey.

Presently the ‘Get Me There’ card is still in development, you can find out more information by visiting Get Me There - Information

Metrolink Service Updates

It is worth checking the network service updates, especially if you are travelling at weekends. If a service is suspended for a period then there will be a replacement bus service to cover the route. The updates are available by visiting Metrolink Updates

Manchester Bus Network

Metro Shuttle FREE Buses

The Metro Shuttle service has 2 bus routes all connected to the mainline railway stations, shopping and business districts. You can download the timetable and route map by visiting tfgm.com

Metroshuttle 1

Buses run:
Monday to Friday every 10 minutes, 7.00am - 7.00pm
Monday to Friday every 30 minutes, 7.00am - 11.30pm
Saturday every 15-30 minutes, 7.00am - 8.30am
Saturday every 10 minutes, 8.30am - 7.00am
Saturday every 30 minutes, 7.0am - 11.30pm
Sunday and public holidays every 10 minutes, 10.00am - 6.30pm

Metroshuttle 2

Buses run:
Monday to Friday every 10 minutes, 7.00am - 7.00pm
Monday to Friday every 30 minutes, 7.15pm - 11.15pm
Saturday every 15-30 minutes, 7.00am - 8.30am
Saturday every 10 minutes, 8.30am - 7.00am
Saturday every 30 minutes, 7.15pm - 11.15pm
Sunday and public holidays every 10 minutes, 10.00am - 6.30pm

Main Bus Routes and Services

Bus Route PlannerThe bus services connect the city centre to Manchester's outer regions and other local towns.

Transport for Manchester provide a 'Route Planner' however, if you making a special journey, we recommend, that you check for any Bus Services Changes that may affect your travel plans.

Manchester Taxi Services

Manchester has a vast fleet of taxi’s providing door to door service. There are two types of Taxi providers the ‘Black Cab’ and the ‘Private Hire’ companies.

Black Cab’s can be hailed on the street, if their ‘TAXI’ light is illuminated or they can be found at several Taxi ranks across the city. There are taxi ranks at the railway stations and can often be found near the 5 stars hotels.

Private Hire companies will require you to book the cab in advance. The driver will collect you from your location and take you to your destination in one journey. Your hotel or accommodation provider should be able to recommend a private hire taxi company.

Manchester CarsManchester Cars is such a private hire company, they are based in the city centre and are one the best known taxi providers in the city.

Fares to and from Manchester Airport to the city centre are about £20.00