manchester travel planner

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Metrolink tram in St Peter's Square

How to get around manchester.

Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) is the official public transport body for the city. Its Bee Network website has a wealth of information and a number of journey planning tools to take the stress out of travelling. It includes:

• Bus services across Greater Manchester helping you get out and about.
• The Metrolink network, which is one of the most successful light railway systems in the UK. With frequent services there’s no need to worry about a timetable, just head to your nearest stop and the next tram won’t be far away. Metrolink can transport you to popular venues and attractions across the region and, if you’re planning on sightseeing, Travelcards offer unlimited travel across the network. Please be sure to purchase a ticket from the on-stop ticket machines before boarding or tap in and out at the contactless terminals.
• In addition to the inter-city links, the rail network connects you to the neighbouring towns and districts of Greater Manchester including Ashton-under-Lyne, Bolton, Oldham, Rochdale, Stockport and Wigan.

Within the city centre,  free bus  (formerly Metroshuttle) provides a free ‘hop on, hop off’ service linking all of the main rail stations, shopping districts and business areas. There are  services which operate on circular routes.

Manchester is a bike-friendly city with many marked cycle lanes and dedicated routes throughout the city centre and beyond.

Visit the Transport for Greater Manchester  cycling website  for everything you need to know about cycling in Greater Manchester, from maps and route planning to local events and news. 

You can also hire bikes from various locations across the city.

Manchester is easily explored on foot, with a city centre that you can navigate within 30 minutes.  City Hosts  are dotted around the centre to guide you with directions, public transport information and details on events taking place.

Download  one of our maps  to help guide you around the region.

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The one-time engine room of the Industrial Revolution is now driven by invention, discovery and progress; Manchester is a brilliant place to visit.

Best Time to Visit

Best things to do, leave the planning to a local expert.

Experience the real Manchester. Let a local expert handle the planning for you.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Science and Industry Museum

Manchester's rich industrial legacy is explored in this excellent museum set within the enormous grounds of the old Liverpool St station, the oldest rail…

People's History Museum

The story of Britain's 200-year march to democracy is told in all its pain and pathos at this superb museum, housed in a refurbished Edwardian pumping…

Whitworth Art Gallery

Manchester's second most important art gallery is arguably its most beautiful, following a restoration that saw the doubling of its exhibition space…

Manchester Art Gallery

A superb collection of British art and a hefty number of European masters are the highlights at the city's top art gallery. It's home to the best…

Chetham's Library & School of Music

Founded in 1653 in a building that dates from 1421, Chetham's is the oldest public library in the English-speaking world, a trove of dark shelves lined…

Victoria Baths

Designed to be the grandest baths in Britain when they opened in 1906, this Grade II–listed Edwardian classic retains much of its former grandeur despite…

John Rylands Library

Less a library and more a cathedral to books, Basil Champneys' stunning building is a breathtaking example of Victorian Gothic, no more so than the…

Manchester's most impressive building is the Grade I–listed town hall, completed in 1877 after a design by Alfred Waterhouse. The Great Hall is decorated…

Top picks from our travel experts

The top 12 things to do in manchester.

Bridgewater Hall

The world-renowned Hallé Orchestra has its home at this enormous and impressive concert hall, which hosts up to 250 concerts and events a year. It has a…

Manchester City

In 2018 Manchester City were crowned league champions for the third time since 2012, playing a brand of football that had fans and rivals alike applauding…

MediaCityUK

The BBC's northern home is but one significant element of this vast 81-hectare site. Besides hosting six departments of the national broadcaster (BBC…

Odeon Great Northern

A 16-screen multiplex in a retail centre that was formerly a goods warehouse for the Northern Railway Company.

Imperial War Museum North

Inside Daniel Libeskind's aluminium-clad modern building is a war museum with a difference, exploring the effects of conflict on society rather than…

Band on the Wall

A top-notch venue that hosts everything from rock to world music, with splashes of jazz, blues and folk thrown in.

This indoor arena about 300m north of Victoria Station hosts concerts and sporting events and has a capacity of 21,000. On 22 May 2017 a suicide bomber…

Manchester Museum

If you're into natural history and social science, this extraordinary museum is the place for you. It has galleries devoted to archaeology, archery,…

Two separate venues in one: the Lyric Theatre, with the country's largest stage outside the West End, hosts all kinds of performances including Opera…

Northern Soul Grilled Cheese

Carving out a niche for artery-clogging, gooey grilled-cheese delights in Manchester’s grungy Northern Quarter, Northern Soul is a great spot for a budget…

Deaf Institute

Excellent midsized venue in a former institute for deaf people; also includes a smaller venue in the basement and a cafe on the ground floor. It's where…

Mackie Mayor

This restored former meat market is now home to a superb food hall with a fine selection of 10 individual traders. The pizzas from Honest Crust are divine…

Sam's Chop House

This Victorian classic serves food seemingly borrowed from a Dickens novel. The highlight is the crispy corned beef hash cake starter, which is salt-cured…

Manchester United

Arguably the world's most famous football team, Manchester United ply their incredibly lucrative trade on the perfect pitch at Old Trafford, given the…

National Football Museum

This museum charts the evolution of British football from its earliest days to the multi-billion-pound phenomenon it is today. One of the highlights is…

What are the best free things to do in Manchester?

Central Library

Britain's largest municipal library was built in 1934 to resemble the Roman Pantheon. A major refurbishment has seen the addition of a wonderful Children…

Greater Manchester Police Museum

One of the city's best-kept secrets is this superb museum housed within a former Victorian police station. The original building has been magnificently –…

Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip.

Best Neighborhoods

There's more to Manchester than its impressive city center. Uncover the best neighborhoods for dining, sightseeing and family-friendly days out.

Escape the city for pastures new - the seaside, historic cities, or the countryside - with the best day trips from Manchester.

Money and Costs

Make your next UK city break as affordable as possible with our top tips for visiting Manchester on a budget.

Transportation

Whether walking, cycling or hopping on a bus is your preferred transport mode, there are plenty of ways to get around Manchester.

Free Things to Do

Explore Roman fortifications, stroll city parks, check out street art and more: here are the most exciting free things to do in Manchester.

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Latest stories from Manchester

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Manchester Museum is reopening after a major transformation, demonstrating a deep connection with the cultures that make up the Mancunian population.

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48-Hour Itinerary

Day Trips From Manchester

Top Things to Do

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How to See a Soccer Match

Food to Try

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Nightlife Guide

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Public Transportation

Getting Around Manchester: Guide To Public Transportation

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Like London, Manchester has a vast and reliable public transportation system. Known as Transport for Greater Manchester, or TfGM, the system connects the city's central part with its outskirts via tram, bus, and train. The tram, a light rail system, is called Manchester Metrolink and is the primary public transportation method in Manchester, connecting 99 total stops.

Manchester is actually quite sprawling when you consider the suburbs and surrounding areas. Still, the trams and buses connect most places, which means it's unnecessary to rent a car when visiting the city. Here's what you should know about using public transportation in Manchester.

How To Ride the Manchester Metrolink

Many commuters and visitors in Manchester use the Manchester Metrolink, which extends 65 miles and includes 99 stops. It's the longest and most extensive light rail in the U.K. It can often be quicker than driving, thanks to traffic in the city.

• Fares: Metrolink has four zones, each with its own price structure. Single journeys in Zone 1 start at 1.40 pounds for an adult. If you plan to move around the city a lot during your stay, opt for a single-day travel card or a seven-day travel card, which can save you a lot of money. A single adult ticket traveling from Zone 1 to Zone 4 starts at 3.80 pounds. Certain groups are entitled to a discount, including children, 16-18 year olds and families traveling together.
• How to Pay: Use a contactless credit or debit card or the mobile ticket app to tap in and out of your journey without needing to buy a separate ticket. There are also traditional ticket machines at each tram stop. Those staying longer should opt for a System One Travelcard , which allows the use of the bus, train, and tram around Manchester for one, seven, or 28 days.
• Routes and Hours: During the week and on Saturdays, Metrolink runs from 6 a.m. until midnight, while on Sundays, it runs from 7 a.m. until 11 p.m. The frequency of the trams varies depending on the time of day. There are different lines on Metrolink, all of which connect in central Manchester. Check the transport map for your best route.
• Service Alerts: Manchester Metrolink occasionally has delays or service outages. Stay in touch with its current status on the TfGM website , which has live updates for all routes. The website also lists any upcoming service interruptions.
• Transfers: Transfers between tram lines are easy to do, especially as most of the routes intersect at various points. Ticket prices are determined by zone, so it doesn't cost anything additional to change lines. Those using a contactless card to pay don't need to tap in and out when transferring trams.
• Accessibility: All Metrolink trams and its tram stops are wheelchair accessible. Those using a mobility scooter will need a valid mobility scooter permit to bring a scooter on one of the Metrolink trams. Each tram has a designated area for wheelchairs and scooters and designated seats for those who have trouble standing. More information on Metrolink's accessibility is available on their website .

Riding the TfGM Buses

TfGM also has a range of bus lines that connect greater Manchester in addition to Metrolink. There are over 100 different routes, so chances are there's a bus in the direction you want to go. Many of the routes, including buses to Manchester Airport, also run a limited overnight schedule. Various companies run some of the buses in Manchester, so check online when planning a journey.

• Fares: Tickets for the buses are available as single journey tickets or bus passes, which are the best option if you plan to make multiple trips. Tickets can be purchased on board the bus from the driver with cash, but it's easiest to use a contactless credit card. System One Travelcards can also be used on most buses.
• Service Alerts: Any upcoming planned service changes can be found on the TfGM website .

Free TfGM Buses

Manchester offers three free bus routes in the city center. The routes include stops at Manchester Victoria Station, Manchester Piccadilly Station, the Northern Quarter, Chinatown, and the Medieval Quarter. The buses vary in times, but most run between 6:30 a.m. and 11:30 pm., with limited hours on Sundays and holidays. Check the map and timetable online to plan your trip.

Using the Local Trains

Several train companies operate out of Manchester, connecting the city to England, Wales, and Scotland. Trains are available to all of Manchester's suburbs and Manchester Airport, and many Metrolink tram lines connect with the local trains. To travel to London, hop on a train at Manchester Piccadilly station to London Euston. Use the Trainline website or mobile app to find the best routes and times and to buy tickets.

Taxis and Ride-Sharing Apps

Manchester has numerous taxi services and mini-cab companies, which can be pre-booked online or hailed on the street. Uber also operates in Manchester, which can be used via its mobile app. Uber is often cheaper than a taxi, especially when going to and from the airport.

Manchester is a great city for cycling, and many programs encourage bike use. There are many traffic-free cycle paths, as well as dedicated cycling lanes in busier areas. Look for Cycle Hubs around town to park your bike safely. Those who want to rent a bike while in Manchester can pick from numerous companies, but some of the most popular include Manchester Bike Hire and Brompton Dock .

Renting a Car

While some American travelers coming to the U.K. may not want to rent a car, it's easy to rent one when in Manchester, especially if you plan to leave the city for various day-trips. Car rental shops can be found both in the city center, including Hertz and Sixt, and at Manchester Airport, which has various rental companies to choose from. Be sure to add the GPS to your rental, as some of the roads in England can be confusing, and do a little preparation in terms of what various street signs and road markings mean. It's not recommended to drive around central Manchester, but a car is a good option if your itinerary includes other destinations around Northern England.

Tips for Getting Around Manchester

Manchester has a relatively easy public transportation system, but it can still be confusing, particularly if you're not used to big city public transport.

• Holidays and weekends can mean limited transportation options. Roadworks and improvements to Metrolink often occur on the weekends, so check ahead of time if you need to get somewhere urgent. On Christmas, most public transportation shuts down completely, so opt for a taxi or Uber. Services are also limited on Boxing Day.
• If you are traveling before or after a Manchester United or Manchester City game, the Metrolink and buses may be more crowded than usual. Try to plan your journey around the crowds of fans.
• While Metrolink shuts down at night, many buses continue running, and there are also always taxis and Ubers available. Still, if you don't want to splurge on a taxi and want to stay as safe as possible, check the last tram time online, so you don't miss it.
• When exploring the central part of Manchester, including the Northern Quarter and the museums, consider walking. Manchester isn't particularly rainy, and the temperature is usually moderate, so a good pair of shoes and Google Maps will get you a long way.

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• Manchester Travel Guide

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: July 24, 2023

Our  Manchester Travel Guide  includes recommended places to visit and things to do, accommodation options, tips and more for this popular northern city. Everything you need to plan your visit and essential reading for any visitor to Manchester!

Situated in the North West of England , Manchester is well known, not just for its famous sporting achievements but also for its culture and its rich history. Considered also as one of the birthplaces of the industrial revolution and the centre of the UK textile industry.

Manchester boasts a vibrant and diverse image that attracts visitors worldwide to experience and embrace the city’s extensive history in sciences, politics, music and the arts.

Manchester also features in the 2023 Lonely Planet’s Best of Travel list and National Geographic’s Best of World list of must-see places to visit.

For visitors of all ages, there is an extensive range of restaurants, art galleries, bars, venues and of course the university which attracts students from around the globe.

Manchester is ideally located to explore so much of the North West of England and North Wales as well as the city itself which really does have something for everyone.

When is the best time of year to visit Manchester?

How many days do you need in or around manchester, what is the best way to explore manchester, how to travel from manchester airport to manchester, how to travel to manchester from london, our top 3 picks: best tours in manchester, 🎟 more tours and tickets in manchester, best trips & tours from manchester, attractions and things to do in manchester, accommodation in manchester, enjoy your visit to manchester, plan your visit to manchester – faqs.

From May to September when the weather is generally milder and sunnier, there are many outdoor events and festivals taking place around the city and surrounding areas.

Summertime also brings lighter evenings with daylight until after 9 pm.

Manchester is also a year-round destination, and there is always something to see and do, regardless of the season. Even in winter when the Christmas markets are a popular must-see attraction.

Also, the city has many events and festivals which take place throughout the year.  Some of the most popular events include the Manchester International Festival, Manchester Pride, and the Manchester Food and Drink Festival.

Manchester itself can easily keep you busy for a day or two or longer if you wish to explore the stunning surrounding areas and national parks from a base in or around the city.

Manchester has really good public transport systems that are straightforward to navigate and also are reasonably priced. These include buses, trams, and trains, making it easy to get around the city. 

Manchester International Airport also has good train and bus links into the city.  

There are various walking tours such as this Northern Quarter Street Art Walking Tour , Salford Quays Guided Walking Tour , Food and Drinks Walking Tour or if you prefer there is a Manchester Sightseeing bus tour available.

• By train – Book tickets here
• Private Transfer – Book a private transfer here

The train is the easiest way to get to Manchester from London, taking around 2 hours direct from London Euston on the West Coast Mainline.

The price of tickets are variable depending on day/time of travel and type of ticket purchased and how soon in advance of travel. National railcards options and rail passes are also available. Read our guide to saving money while travelling the UK by rail.

It is around 4 hour’s drive between London and Manchester though this will depend on start and end locations within the very large cities.

Takes approximately 4 hours to drive the 200 miles.

By private transfer

Click here to book your London to Manchester private transfer (Land Rover Discover)

National Express coaches from London Victoria coach station take around 5 hours. The cost is around £11 per person.

Best tours & tickets in Manchester

#1 TOP PICK 🏆

Old Trafford: Manchester United Museum and Stadium Tour ✔️ Walk through the tunnel to the pitch ✔️ Sit in the home team dressing room ✔️ See a variety of memorabilia

The Coronation Street Experience ✔️ 1.5 hour tour ✔️ Tour of Coronation Street, Rosamund Street and Victoria Street ✔️ Learn about the history of the street

Etihad Stadium: The Manchester City Stadium Tour ✔️ Behind the scenes tour ✔️ Visit the home team dressing room ✔️ Experience the interactive exhibition area

• 🛥 Book a Canal & River Cruise
• ⚽️ Book your National Football Museum Admission Ticket
• 🚏 Book your Manchester City Bus Tour
• 🦀 Manchester SeaLife Centre Ticket
• ⛵️ Day trip to the Lake District and Windermere
• ⛰ Day trip to North Wales, Snowdonia and Chester
• 🏔 Day trip to Derbyshire and Peak District

With so much to see and do within the Manchester area, it is difficult to list them all.  Some of the must-sees are:

• LEGOLAND Discovery Centre
• Play Factore – Entertainment Centre
• Football – Take a tour around the home of Manchester City Football Club at the Etihad Stadium or to Old Trafford, the home of Manchester United Football Club.
• Manchester Arena or the Palace Theatre – See a show or a concert.  See also the Manchester Opera House.
• Northern Quarter – A fashionable and popular location with independent shops and bars.
• John Rylands Library – Visit the beautiful neo-Gothic library with a vast collection of books and manuscripts.
• Manchester Art Gallery –  Collection of contemporary art.
• Manchester Cathedral   – An impressive mediaeval church in the heart of the city.
• Heaton Park – Take a leisurely stroll around the beautiful park with lakes, gardens, and a zoo.
• Chinatown – Explore the area with traditional Chinese architecture and restaurants.
• Great Shopping Centre – Visit the Trafford Visitor Centre, the Arndale Shopping Centre or the Jewellery Quarter.
• Castlefields – Railway Viaduct with Roman Fort

There is every kind of accommodation option available in the Greater Manchester area and beyond. These include budget and luxury hotels with family-friendly options and bed & breakfasts. Also on offer are self-catering, camping and eco-friendly accommodation alternatives if you choose.

Some of the most popular places to stay are Deansgate and the Northern Quarter.

• ⭐️⭐️ ibis Manchester Centre 96 Portland Street
• ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Motel One Manchester-Piccadilly
• ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Hampton By Hilton Manchester Northern Quarter
• ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ YOTEL Manchester Deansgate
• ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ The Midland

More special stays –  Accommodation Guide for England

• The 9 Regions of England (An essential guide for itinerary planning)
• 12 Cities in England to visit
• Liverpool Travel Guide
• Chester Travel Guide
• Blackpool Travel Guide
• Best of Britain by rail 2 week itinerary

2-Day Manchester Itinerary

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• Manchester in 2 days
• 1-Day Manchester Itinerary
• 3-Day Manchester Itinerary
• 4-Day Manchester Itinerary
• 5-Day Manchester Itinerary

Table of contents

Day 1: most popular attractions, day 2: north side of town, old trafford.

The Lowry Manchester

Science and industry museum, opera house manchester, alexandra park, where to eat, siam smiles thai restaurant, another hand, barbakan delicatessen ltd.

Track your travel spending and split costs with friends

Plan your trip. Keep your budget organized. Split the cost between tripmates. Wanderlog does it all.

Manchester Arndale

Marks and spencer, manchester cathedral, sinclairs oyster bar, the old wellington, arndale market, national football museum, mackie mayor, banyan bar & kitchen, the allotment vegan eatery, arndale food market, the washhouse.

Don’t forget to pack anything

Stay organized with a to-do list, packing list, shopping list, any kind of list.

Top searches in Manchester

Popular road trips from manchester, what's the weather like in manchester.

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA on what the weather is like in Manchester for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

• Weather in Manchester in January
• Weather in Manchester in February
• Weather in Manchester in March
• Weather in Manchester in April
• Weather in Manchester in May
• Weather in Manchester in June
• Weather in Manchester in July
• Weather in Manchester in August
• Weather in Manchester in September
• Weather in Manchester in October
• Weather in Manchester in November
• Weather in Manchester in December

All road trips from Manchester

• Manchester to London drive
• Manchester to Paris drive
• Manchester to Dublin drive
• Manchester to Edinburgh drive
• Manchester to York drive
• Manchester to Amsterdam drive
• Manchester to Barcelona drive
• Manchester to Rome drive
• Manchester to Birmingham drive
• Manchester to Berlin drive
• Manchester to Prague drive
• Manchester to Glasgow drive
• Manchester to Madrid drive
• Manchester to Brussels drive
• Manchester to Bath drive
• Manchester to Florence drive
• Manchester to Milan drive
• Manchester to Vienna drive
• Manchester to Belfast drive
• Manchester to Budapest drive
• Manchester to Llandudno drive
• Manchester to Cardiff drive
• Manchester to Venice drive
• Manchester to Lisbon drive
• Manchester to Bruges drive
• Manchester to Oxford drive
• Manchester to Scarborough drive
• Manchester to Lincoln drive
• Manchester to Brighton drive

Explore nearby places

• Trafford Park
• Wythenshawe
• West Timperley
• Ashton-under-Lyne

All related maps of Manchester

• Map of Manchester
• Map of Salford
• Map of Trafford Park
• Map of Stretford
• Map of Eccles
• Map of Failsworth
• Map of Prestwich
• Map of Droylsden
• Map of Swinton
• Map of Sale
• Map of Urmston
• Map of Wythenshawe
• Map of Middleton
• Map of Whitefield
• Map of Audenshaw
• Map of Denton
• Map of Worsley
• Map of Cheadle
• Map of Stockport
• Map of Dukinfield
• Map of Chadderton
• Map of Bredbury
• Map of West Timperley
• Map of Radcliffe
• Map of Oldham
• Map of Ashton-under-Lyne
• Map of Walkden
• Map of Hyde
• Map of Altrincham

Manchester throughout the year

• Manchester in January
• Manchester in February
• Manchester in March
• Manchester in April
• Manchester in May
• Manchester in June
• Manchester in July
• Manchester in August
• Manchester in September
• Manchester in October
• Manchester in November
• Manchester in December

Looking for other day-by-day itineraries in Manchester?

Check out our other curated itineraries that are also filled with jam-packed days:

Day itineraries for nearby cities

• 2-Day Stockport Itinerary
• 2-Day Salford Itinerary
• 2-Day Oldham Itinerary
• 2-Day Ashton-under-Lyne Itinerary
• 2-Day Altrincham Itinerary
• 2-Day Sale Itinerary

• Itinerary + map in one view
• Live collaboration
• Auto-import hotels and reservations
• Optimize your route
• Offline access on mobile
• See time and distance between all your places

PERFECT One Day in Manchester Itinerary | A Day in Manchester with Lots of Options!

Categories England , Itinerary , Manchester , U.K

Here is a perfect plan for one day in Manchester with lots of options depending on what YOU want from a day in Manchester!

One of the great things about Manchester is how compact the city is and therefore how easy it is to see a lot with just 1 day in Manchester !

There are so many different areas and things to do in Manchester city centre but much of the city is easy to explore on foot and great transport links make it easy to visit nearby places to the city centre such as The Trafford Centre and the 2 Manchester Football Stadiums !

After living in Manchester for a while, I wanted to give you my recommended perfect 1 day Manchester itinerary taking you from the morning all the way to night time, filled with the best places to visit in Manchester and the best things to do !

One Day in Manchester

Another one of the best things about Manchester is its diversity!

Diversity in people, activities and areas so in this Manchester travel blog and Manchester itinerary,

I’ve given you a few options of ways you can spend your day as you might want to spend the whole day in the city seeing museums, the shops and eating , or, you might want to visit one of the two world-famous football stadiums or the pretty famous Trafford Centre for shopping, and eating!

Find What You're Looking For Easily Here!

🇬🇧MANCHESTER TRAVEL RESOURCES🇬🇧

🏘️Book your accommodation in MCR

Booking.com and Hostelworld will help you to check availability in advance and book!

🚘Get your car rental from MCR Airport

in advance to make your trip more convenient. I always use you can use Rentalcars !

🚆Book your train tickets

to & from Manchester using The Trainline including to and from the airport!

⚽️Get your tickets and guided tours

to Manchesters top attractions with Viator and GetYourGuide !

✈️Flying into Manchester

and haven’t booked flights yet? Book them on Skyscanner now!

My Perfect One Day in Manchester

I’ll give you more Manchester itinerary options below with lots more detail but incase you’re in a rush, here is what my perfect day in Manchester would look like:

• Breakfast / Brunch in a cool cafe in the city like Ezra & Gil
• Walk around the Science & Industry Museum & Manchester Art Gallery
• Visit in St Peter’s Square, Manchester Library, John Ryland’s Library
• Lunch at one of the Food Markets like Mackie Major
• Post-Lunch Coffee in a hipster Northern Quarter cafe like Fig & Sparrow
• Wander around the independent Northern Quarter Shops
• Shopping near the Arndale Shopping Centre – including Selfridges
• Take a look at Manchester Cathedral
• Dinner on Wilmslow Road aka Curry Mile
• Evening Event / See a Show in the City Centre

Getting To Manchester

Manchester is really well connected by air, train and bus.

Flying into Manchester

Manchester Airport is just south of the city and is connected by train and tram to the city centre by a 20-30 minute journey, making landing and getting into the city pretty quick and easy.

Plan your journey from Manchester Airport into the City with Transport for Greater Manchester .

Related post: 10 Things To Do Near Manchester Airport! 10 Minutes from the Airport!

Train into Manchester

Doing a day trip to Manchester from another city in the UK is a great idea. You can even do a day trip to Manchester from London if you book the 2-hour train. Manchester Picadilly is the main train station but there’s also Manchester Victoria.

Check The Train Line for trains to Manchester!

Want to spend a day in Manchester and another day near Manchester? Here are the best day trips from Manchester!

Bus to Manchester

Manchester is served by the National Express and Megabus which are affordable ways to travel to Manchester.

The journeys do take longer so if you are travelling from another city for just a day in Manchester, check how long the bus will be vs the train which will probably be quicker.

Getting Around Manchester

Once in Manchester City Centre, the city is very walkable however to help you get around the city quicker and save your feet, there is a tram and bus system.

The best way to look into the trams and buses around Manchester City Centre is on the Transport for Greater Manchester website.

The following tram stops are all in the city centre and great to start your exploring from:

• St Peters Square
• Piccadilly Gardens
• Piccadilly Station
• Market Street
• Exchange Square

A Day in Manchester

Ok now let’s get into ways to spend a day in Manchester and how to visit Manchester in one day:

One Day Manchester Itinerary

Morning – Breakfast at one of the many nice cafes in the city centre

Manchester is not short of breakfast and brunch options ! The Northern Quarte r is full of independent cafes as is the trendy area of Ancoats , and there are plenty of places near the Library and Town Hall .

On the weekends, you’ll see Mancunians queuing for brunch so if you’re spending your 1 day in Manchester on a weekday, take advantage of the lack of queues.

I personally really like Ezra & Gil , Another Heart to Feed, Foundation Coffee House and Evelyn’s Cafe .

Mid-Morning – A Museum or two

Manchester doesn’t have as many museums as London but there are a few to visit.

Manchester Museum is like a Natural History Museum which is the most popular I’d say followed by the Science Museum.

The Science & Industry Museum is one of the great things to do in Manchester with kids . It’s very interactive for children and educational for adults , especially regarding the cotton industry which is what Manchester grew on so if you are new to the UK or Manchester, this is a great place to learn about Manchester’s past.

If you’re into art, Manchester Art Gallery is a lovely building to visit and well located close to Manchester Library and St Peters Square.

For Harry Potter vibes in Manchester City Centre , pop into John Rylands Library , it’s a beautiful building inside and fee to enter! It’s one of the great Manchester Instagram spots !

In this area is also Chinatown so if you’re craving Bubble Tea in Manchester, you’ll find some here!

MY PERFECT PLAN: You could easily go for Breakfast at Ezra & Gil , head over to the Science Museum and walk back to Manchester Library. You’ll see St Peter’s Square and the beautiful hotel that is The Midland on route and go to Manchester Art Gallery afterwards.

Mid-Morning Alternative Option – Free Walking Tour

Last summer I did a free walking tour with Free Manchester Walking Tours and it was really great!

They meet at 11:00 in Sackville Gardens (rain or shine) so this will give you time to get into the city and over the next 3 hours you’ll walk around a lot of the city and learn too!

I really enjoyed learning about Manchesters History and visiting spots I’d never seen or heard of before and the guides are enthusiastic about Manchester.

You don’t need to book which is great as you can decide on the day and don’t have to commit and then cancel!

Mid-Morning Alternative Option – Manchester United or Manchester City Stadium Tour

If football is the only thing you can think about when you think of Manchester, you have to book onto a stadium tour at Old Trafford or a tour of the Etihad Stadium .

These tours do not run every day as they depend on the matches and other events but on days they do run, they offer time slots from 10:00 and they are a great way to spend one day in Manchester!

I recently did the Manchester United’s Stadium Tour with my stepsons and although we are not big football fans, we really enjoyed it. Here’s my full review!

Check availability and book the Old Trafford Stadium Tour here!

Check availability and book the Etihad Stadium Tour here!

Lunchtime – Find a market for lunch

There are endless places to eat in Manchester and again, one of the reasons I love Manchester so much is the diversity in food !

Be sure to read my post for the best halal food in Manchester if you are looking for a halal lunch!

Manchester City Centre has a few inside food markets which are a great way to see how cool and edgy the city is in places.

Plus, if you are spending a day in Manchester with friends, food markets are a great way for everyone eat different things but you can still sit together.

MY PERFECT PLAN: I recommend having lunch in Mackie Major or Society MCR .

Afternoon – Explore different areas of the city

If there are 2 area’s of Manchester City Centre I recommend you visit, they are the Northern Quarter and Ancoats and this is where I suggest going after lunch.

Both areas are very edgy and hip. The Northern Quarter (often shortened to NQ) is full of independent cafes and shops with a focus on vintage shops .

Afflecks in the Northern Quarter is a bit of an institution . It’s like an inside market over multiple levels with lots of independent stores. The clothing and items are not my type of thing but the place has a good buzz about it so it’s fun to pop inside, and it’s definitely a good place for teenagers to visit in Manchester!

See if you can spot the famous ‘And on the sixth day God made MANchester sign’!

Ancoats is an up and coming trendy neighbourhood . It’s known for it’s food and drink scene but I also love the old red brick buildings in the area which once would have been factory mills. Here are the best things to do in Ancoats .

A afternoon coffee or drink here is definitely a good idea!

Get a look at Manchester with a guide, or book the hop-on hop-off bus if you’d rather not walk around the city yourself!

Afternoon Alternative – Shop in The Trafford Centre

Old Trafford and The Trafford Centre are 2 places most people think about when they think of Manchester.

The Trafford Centre is a great place to go shopping in Manchester , it doesn’t have the BEST shops imo, but it does have some good ones. It has a lot of nice places to eat in the food court , and the interior of The Trafford Centre is certainly something to be witnessed !

You can get to The Trafford Centre by bus or tram from the city centre if you do not have a car and if the weather is not good enough for wandering the city , or you want to see this famous Manchester institution, spending a few hours here is a great addition to your one day in Manchester.

There are lots of activities and attractions within The Trafford Centre and Trafford Park, I’ve detailed many of them here in this list of family attractions in Manchester , think Legoland, Sealife Centre, indoor Skiing & Snowboarding, indoor Skydiving, Rock Climbing and mini Dinosaur golf!

Legoland and Sea Life and located within The Trafford Centre and good activities to keep children happy during their one day in Manchester!

MY PERFECT PLAN : After exploring the city in the morning and having lunch, get the bus or tram to The Trafford Centre for a few hours of shopping. Go to Archies in the food court and get burgers for dinner (another Manchester institution), or head back into the city for dinner.

Evening – Go to the Curry Mile for Dinner

As I’ve mentioned a few times in this guide to a day in Manchester, Manchester is a diverse city which can be seen in it’s food, and one of the best places to eat in Manchester is along Wilmslow Road , also known as the ‘Curry Mile’ .

This is a stretch of road just outside the city centre full of Arab and Asian restaurants varying in budget and what they offer.

If you’re craving some Indian, Pakistani, Turkish food, or you want to try a new cuisine like Afghan, Iranian, Yemeni or Syrian, head here!

Evening Alternative – Have a fancy Dinner in the city

Manchester City Centre is full of really nice restaurants too if you want a fancy dinner during your one day in Manchester.

Some restaurants which offer high quality food , a nice atmosphere and where you can dress up a bit are:

• Australasia
• Rump N Ribs Steakhouse
• Don Giovanni

Late Evening – Check out a band or theatre performance

Manchester has a great evening entertainment scene. Whether you want to head to the bars , see a band or watch a show , there’s always a lot of things to do in Manchester in the evening.

Here’s What’s On in Manchester right now , and what’s on at the Palace Theatre which is the biggest Theatre in Manchester with many world class West End shows!

Best Hotels in Manchester

Ending your day in Manchester, based on my staycations in the city, here are the hotels I love the best in Manchester:

• Wilde Aparthotels – $$ ( Read my review here )
• The Midland – $$$
• Dakota – $$$
• Kimpton Clocktower – $$$
• Native Manchester – $$
• Leonardo Hotel – $$

I hope this has helped you plan your one day in Manchester with a variety of things to do in Manchester in one day and places to visit!

• For more of my Manchester posts see:
• 22 Day Trips from Manchester!
• 25+ FUN Family Days Out IN Manchester
• 23+ Fun Family Days Out NEAR Manchester
• BEST Halal Restaurants in Manchester | ULTIMATE Guide to Halal Food Manchester!
• Review | Manchester United Museum & Stadium Tour! How Good is it?
• Review | Wilde Aparthotels Manchester! Budget Friendly, Central, Stylish!

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Bee Network 4+

Transport for greater manchester.

• #49 in Travel
• 1.8 • 505 Ratings

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Description.

Say yellow to the Bee Network app, brought to you by Transport for Greater Manchester. You can find your nearest stop, get live departure times, track your bus, plan a journey and buy and use tram tickets. Use the Bee Network app to: • Track bus live locations • Find your nearest stops and departure times, save your favourites for quick access • Plan your journey on public transport or by active travel • Buy and display tram, bus and multi modal tickets • View active, purchased and expired tickets • Rate your journey BUS TRACKING View the live locations of buses on a map and track them along the route to your stop. You can also see the locations of subsequent buses and where they are currently are on the route. LIVE TRAVEL UPDATES Get live departure times for bus, tram and train. Find your nearest stop, select it as a ‘favourite’ and stay updated. JOURNEY PLANNING You can plan public transport journeys on buses, trams and trains as well as active travel via cycling, cycle hire and walking. Filter results by travel mode or step-free access. Park and ride options are provided when available. We will let you know the right ticket for your journey and either give you the option to buy it in the app or provide you with pricing information and instructions for other retail channels. BUY, SAVE AND DISPLAY TICKETS FROM THE APP You can buy selected bus and tram tickets on the Bee Network app, including our new Bee AnyBus+Tram tickets and use the app to display or scan your ticket when boarding or for inspection. You can now pay easily with Apple Pay and Google Pay as well as the option to save your payment details, to make it quicker and easier when you’re buying your tickets. RATE YOUR JOURNEY Let us know about your bus and tram journeys in Greater Manchester. We will use your feedback to shape the Bee Network. For further information go to beenetwork.com Please note that you must have a valid ticket to travel on public transport otherwise you are liable for a Penalty Fare. If you are using the app to buy and display tickets for travel, make sure your phone has enough battery to display your ticket for the duration of your journey. Bee Network: Powered by Transport for Greater Manchester. Every journey. Every day.

Version 1.1.2

We’ve made a variety of performance, accessibility, and stability improvements.

Ratings and Reviews

505 Ratings

Stop misleading about live departure times

I can see the potential here but please stop pretending the bus times are live as they are just preplanned timetables and the 511 timetable is 20 minutes out. If your bus is only every hour it might as well not exist if you don't know when it's going to be due. I feel sorry for any tourists using this app when it says "due now" and they have to wait another half an hour in the rain. It's currently an embarrassment to the region. It would really help if the politicians pushing this actually tried using it so they could see the problems and get it sorted instead of preplanned photo ops on a nice sunny day. The Diamond bus app had live bus positions so you could see where your bus was and when to set off. At the moment the app is redundant as TFGM website's bus timetables are more accurate. I really hope live bus info makes it into the app soon so that the public can get behind it and use public transport more easily. I've started getting taxis now because I never know when my bus is due.

Developer Response ,

Thanks for your feedback. Hopefully you'll be pleased to learn that latest version of the app has live tracking for bus services which will allow you to see where buses are as they approach the stop. We hope that this improves your experience.

Lacks a lot of features

The live departure information for buses is completely unreliable and inaccurate. A bus can regularly be shown as being due in a few minutes only for it to never turn up and disappear from the departure list. Meaning that commuters are told they will have to wait 5 mins but in reality be still waiting 30 mins later and still have no clue when their bus will turn up. If the app was honest in the first place about the wait time then alternative travel arrangements could be made or people could wait a bit longer before setting off to the bus stop as opposed to standing on main roads breathing in toxic for a long time. Secondly, journey times are made longer in peak times due to the lack of single bus tickets available for purchase on the app. Resultantly, every person has to take longer going through the contactless/cash payment process and printing unnecessary paper tickets out. Single £2 tickets are the most cost effective way for 95% of commuters rather than £5 day tickets. It would also be advisable to mention these options in your marketing material a lot more prominently rather than deliberately ommitting the £2 singles for some unknown reason.

Needs improvement

Used it today; some feedback. The “live” updates feature is bugged, showed the eta of the bus and not the actual time it was due to arrive. Doesn’t show the live location of buses either, this was made available in the superseded stagecoach app. There’s limited information regarding service updates and no news feed to show it. This information is available on the TfGM website however. There’s also no route planning facility. There’s no cycle path routes either which is part of the bee network but not part of this app. Doesn’t show any provisions or amenities at stations in an easily digestible way. It lacks ease of use, feels very public procurement rather than user first design. Ticketing was useful though, this feature was the only one of remarks. Overall 2/5, useful but needs drastic improvement for a seamless user experience.

Thanks for your feedback. We have a number of features planned to improve the app in coming months and as the Bee Network evolves. This week we have released a new version of the app (v 1.0.6) that includes a link to service status information when you select a tram stop. Journey planning on the app will be added in the coming months. We are also looking at how we can better integrate cycle and walking into the app. Thanks again.

App Privacy

The developer, Transport for Greater Manchester , indicated that the app’s privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. For more information, see the developer’s privacy policy .

Data Linked to You

The following data may be collected and linked to your identity:

• Contact Info
• Identifiers

Data Not Linked to You

The following data may be collected but it is not linked to your identity:

• Diagnostics

Privacy practices may vary based on, for example, the features you use or your age. Learn More

Information

• App Support
• Privacy Policy

Get all of your passes, tickets, cards, and more in one place.

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Travel Plan Toolkit

• What is a Travel Plan?
• Do I need a Travel Plan?
• Why would I need a Travel Plan?
• When would I need a Travel Plan?
• What happens to my Travel Plan?
• Supporting initiatives
• Policy vault
• Best practice
• Useful links
• Example measures
• Jargon-buster
• Introduction
• The Travel Planning process
• Registration and Sign-in

About Travel Plans

Find a travel plan, implement a travel plan, design a travel plan, assess a travel plan.

• Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to the TfGM Travel Plan Toolkit

This toolkit helps developer, consultants, businesses and local authorities in Greater Manchester to create, review and implement effective, sustainable Travel Plans as part of the planning process for an employment site . The toolkit explains what travel plans are, provides a search facility and information on resources, as well as a process for Travel Plan users.

What is an employment site?

This Travel Plan Toolkit is for employment sites such as:

Office developments

This can include:

• business parks
• office blocks
• individual businesses
• office relocations

Retail developments

• retail parks
• supermarkets
• individual shops
• restaurants/food outlets

Education developments

• universities
• training centres

Health/wellbeing developments

• doctors’ surgeries

For businesses, consultants and developers A guided, step-by-step process, providing support and information.

For planning authorities Provides a framework for Local Authority planning officers to assess Travel Plans.

For Travel Plan Coordinators Help with developing and implementing measures identified in the Travel Plan.

New to Travel Plans? Find out more about when they are needed and the benefits they bring.

Find detailed background information and guidance on policy, best practice, example measures, jargon and contacts.

Search the archives for Greater Manchester Travel Plans created using the toolkit.

Train strikes in May 2024: Full list of dates and lines affected

Rail lines are set for disruption in the week following the first May bank holiday as train drivers at 16 rail companies strike on different days.

Thursday 25 April 2024 10:29, UK

Train drivers will stage a fresh wave of strikes and overtime bans in May, causing disruption to the rail network.

The strikes are part of a long-running dispute over pay.

Members of Aslef union at 16 rail companies will walk out on different days from 7 to 9 May.

Additionally, all members will refuse to work any overtime from 6 May to 11 May.

Here is a full list of the services affected by strikes and when.

Rail strike dates

Tuesday 7 May

Strikes will affect c2c, Greater Anglia, GTR Great Northern Thameslink, Southeastern, Southern, Gatwick Express and South Western Railway.

Wednesday 8 May

Strikes will affect Avanti West Coast, Chiltern Railways, CrossCountry, East Midlands Railway, Great Western Railway and West Midlands Trains.

Thursday 9 May

Strikes will affect LNER, Northern Trains and TransPennine Express.

Overtime ban dates

From Monday 6 May to Saturday 11 May union members will not work overtime.

Overtime bans, an action short of a strike, means some services may not be running or may be reduced as drivers refuse to work their rest days.

People are advised to check before they travel, as some areas may have no service.

Keep up with all the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News

How do strikes and overtime bans affect services?

Strikes tend to mean services on lines where members are participating are extremely affected or cancelled entirely, whereas overtime bans often lead to reduced services.

Are there strikes on the Tube too?

There have been regular strikes on London Underground too recently, and while there aren't any planned walkouts for drivers, customer service managers are set to walk out on Friday 26 April in a dispute over terms and conditions.

There will also be an overtime ban for the customer service managers on the following days:

Monday 29 April

Tuesday 30 April

Wednesday 1 May

Tuesday 2 May

Wednesday 3 May

Thursday 4 May

Friday 5 May

The Transport Salaried Staffs' Association (TSSA) says the action by its members is likely to cause Tube stations to close at the last minute, including on the Saturday following the strike (27 April), while TfL has said on its website "some stations may need to close at short notice".

Despite the warning, a TfL spokesperson has said they aren't expecting significant disruption.

This action follows strike action taken by the same workers on 10 April, which the TSSA said had a "real impact" with "many stations shut at short notice".

They say they are "extremely concerned" about TfL's 'Stations Changes' proposals.

"We have made it clear that our union will not accept the continued threats to our members' roles, locations, terms, and conditions to stand unchallenged," a TSSA spokesperson said.

"We will continue to take sustained action until London Underground is prepared to negotiate with us in good faith."

Commenting on the impending strikes, a TfL spokesperson said: "We are disappointed that TSSA is continuing with this strike action following a consultation process.

"While we don't expect this action will cause significant disruption, we urge TSSA to continue to work with us to help find a resolution.

"There are no planned job losses as part of these vital changes which will improve the service we provide to customers at our stations."

How can I stay in the loop?

You can use the National Rail's journey planner to see when trains are running.

Be sure to check it close to when you plan to travel, as it will be updated regularly.

Be the first to get Breaking News

Install the Sky News app for free

Why are the strikes still happening?

Aslef rejected a two-year offer of 4% in 2022 and another 4% this year, saying it is way below inflation, and is linked to changes in terms and conditions.

Aslef said train drivers have not had an increase in salary for five years, since their last pay deals expired in 2019.

The union said after its members voted overwhelmingly in February to continue taking industrial action, it asked the train operating companies to hold talks.

General secretary Mick Whelan said the year-old pay offer of 4% and another 4% was "dead in the water".

Related Topics

• London Underground
• Rail strikes