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Travelling by Public Transport

Travelling from Manchester Airport

Taxi Transfers

If you asked us to arrange transfers for you on arrival, please go to the Street Cars office in the airport terminal. This office will have your reservation and one of their drivers will transport you to your accommodation.
If you are under 18, your driver is usually from a company called SWINTON TRAVEL and the driver will meet you in the Arrivals Hall.
Age 18+ Information video
Age 16/17 Information video
If you did not ask us to arrange an airport transfer but would now like to book a taxi, please ask at the Street Cars desk and they will be happy to help you.

Public Transport

If you are planning to take public transport when you arrive at Manchester airport you need to head to The Station, the main public transport hub at the airport.
Here you can take a train, bus or tram to lots of areas in Manchester.
The Station is less than a ten minute walk from terminals 1, 2 and 3. It is connected to all terminals by the Skylink moving walkways, lifts and escalators.

Manchester Airport

Simple map of Manchester Airport showing Terminals 1, 2, and 3, parking areas, the Station, routes to Manchester city, and key Manchester Public Transport connections.
Map for guidance only.

The Station

Map of Manchester Airport Metrolink stop featuring platforms, lifts, escalators, ticket machines, mobility access, customer service points, bus station, and connections to terminals within the Manchester Public Transport network.
Credit to www.tfgm.com

Travelling by Tram

The tram system in Greater Manchester is called Metrolink. There are 92 tram stops across Manchester. Trams run regularly from the airport to the city centre and other destinations across Manchester.
Find out more about travelling by tram.

Manchester Tram Map

A schematic map of the Manchester Metrolink tram network, part of Manchester Public Transport, showing lines, stations, interchanges, park & ride sites, and fare zones with a color-coded key and legend at the bottom.

Travelling by Bus

A bus runs from Manchester airport to the city centre 24 hours a day. You can also catch buses directly to other areas of the city.
Find out more about travelling by bus.

Travelling by Train

Trains run from Manchester airport to Manchester Piccadilly (city centre) every 10 minutes, 7 days a week. The journey to the city centre takes approximately 20 minutes.
Find out more about travelling by train.

Travelling around Manchester

There are lots of easy ways to travel around Manchester and the surrounding areas. The city has a great public transport network, The Bee Network.
Or why not go for a walk or hire a bike?
A bee with a dashed flight path and the text "By tram" inside a yellow hexagon outline, symbolizing public transport in Manchester.
A bee with a dotted flight path above the text "By bus," inside a yellow hexagonal border, symbolizing Public Transport in Manchester.
A hexagon with a yellow border contains a cartoon bee and the words "By train" in blue text, highlighting public transport in Manchester.
Hexagonal sign with a yellow border, an illustrated bee, a dashed flight path, and the text "Walking & cycling" in blue letters—part of the Public Transport in Manchester network.

Travelling by tram

Lots of students use trams to travel from their homestay or residence to the city centre. The tram system is called the Metrolink. Most services run every 12 minutes so you never have to wait long for a tram to arrive. It is a quick and easy way to travel.
Here is a map of the tram routes:
Map of the Singapore MRT system showing train routes, stations, zones, interchange points, and a key—ideal for comparing with public transport in Manchester and understanding fare calculation.

Travelling by bus

There are free buses which run around the city centre. So wherever you need to get to, hop on a free bus and it won’t cost you a penny!
There are two different bus routes.
A map showing three color-coded free bus routes in Manchester city centre highlights major stops, landmarks, and operating schedules at the bottom—ideal for navigating public transport in Manchester.
There are also lots of buses that run throughout Greater Manchester. You will need to pay for these buses. You can find all the bus routes and timetables online here.
There is even a handy app you can download to see live departures and arrivals   – Download the Bee Network app | Bee Network | Powered by TfGM

Travelling by train

You can reach lots of places in Greater Manchester, and the rest of the UK, by train. There are two train stations in the city centre. Piccadilly and Victoria.
The map below shows both the train network and metrolink.
Map of the Manchester Metrolink tram network illustrating lines, stations, interchanges, and connections—ideal for anyone navigating public transport in Manchester. Includes a legend for symbols and contact details at the bottom right.
You can find ticket and timetable information here.

What tickets will I need for public transport?

You will need to buy tickets or a travel pass before you travel.
Please visit the Travel for Greater Manchester website to find out what ticket you will need and how you can buy your ticket / travel pass.
Staff in school are also happy to help you with buying travel tickets or pass.

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