Travel to Manchester

Travel quarantine update (11/06/21):

  1. Travel into the UK is currently subject to quarantine depending on the country from which you travel.
  2. Quarantine rules are frequently revised and up-to-date information can be found on the UK Government website: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/red-amber-and-green-list-rules-for-entering-england

Manchester is a global gateway to north-west England with an airport that has one of the most comprehensive international route networks in the UK. Manchester's central location means the city is able to provide fast and efficient transport to and from all major UK cities via the extensive motorway and rail network.

AIR: MANCHESTER AIRPORT

With over 225 non-stop flight routes, Manchester Airport offers flights to more destinations than any other UK airport. Direct flights arrive from nearly every major European city including Brussels, Paris, Frankfurt and Amsterdam, as well as the Middle East, Far East and North America. Manchester Airport is ranked in the top 25 airports in the world and continues to expand its route network.

The airport is situated just 10 miles (16 km) from Manchester city centre and is connected by direct trains which run every 10 minutes to Piccadilly train station.

  • Airport to city centre by train: 10 miles / 15 minutes / c. £3.50
  • Airport to city centre by taxi: 10 miles / 20-25 minutes / c. £20.00

RAIL: MANCHESTER PICCADILLY

Manchester has excellent connections to the UK’s rail network. There are 60 direct trains a day to London (every 20 minutes), with a journey time of just over two hours. Bookings open 12 weeks before travel with best value fares for individuals if you can book in advance and fix your date and time of travel.

The UK is very well connected to Europe which will be a particular benefit to delegates and exhibiting partners. The Eurostar link serves London’s St Pancras International station with trains arriving many times each day from France and Belgium.

For those looking to travel primarily by rail, delegates from outside of the UK can benefit from the BritRail GB pass. The BritRail GB pass allows for unlimited travel on any of the UK's networks.

ROAD

Travelling to Manchester by road is simple and efficient with half of Britain’s motorway network passing through the region allowing easy access from across the UK. Eurotunnel is the fastest cross-channel operator, with a crossing time of just 35 minutes from Calais to Folkestone. Crossings are frequent, with up to 4 departures an hour at peak times. There are numerous direct ferry connections from many European destinations including France, Belgium, Holland, Sweden, Norway and Spain.

Travel around Manchester

Manchester is a compact city centre and the central location of the conference venue means hotels, shops, restaurants and bars are all in easy walking distance, making it simple for delegates to get to know the city quickly. The main attractions are situated within a 20 minute radius and the city centre also has many pedestrian-only zones, dedicated bike routes and marked cycle lanes.

Manchester also has an excellent public transport network with many inexpensive and simple travel options.

METROSHUTTLE – THE FREE BUS NETWORK

Delegates will benefit from a free city centre bus service known as Metroshuttle, which offers two circular routes covering all of the main areas of the city centre, linking all city centre railway stations, the main NCP car parks, and many bus and Metrolink tram stops. For more information click here.

METROLINK TRAMS

Manchester has an extensive tram network with services running every few minutes and connecting all major railway stations and tourist attractions. Metrolink is the largest urban tram network in the UK and trams now run to 92 stops covering almost 90km of track. For more information visit the Metrolink website here.

BUS

Greater Manchester has an extensive bus network operated by various commercial operators. It offers high levels of connectivity and value for money for passengers with services operating well into the night to most areas within the region. For more detailed information on bus routes click here.