Public Transport in Manchester: A Guide

If you’re thinking of moving to the "capital of the North" anytime soon, check out our blog post on living in Manchester vs. living in London. But now, here’s our guide to the public transport system in Manchester.

Getting around Manchester - the best transport options

A choice of bus routes

Manchester is blessed with plenty of public transport options, ensuring you arrive at any destination on time. The bus infrastructure continues to offer residents quick and easy access to get around town. Operated by Transport for Greater Manchester (TFGM), you can enjoy route 192, which takes you through Hazel Grove, Stepping Hill, and Manchester city centre. Route 52 runs from the Trafford Centre to Failsworth, and Route 53 takes in the Salford Shopping Centre and Cheetham Hill. Prices are very affordable: adults pay £2 for a single hopper ticket, and children pay £1.

Additionally, the Bee Network Free Bus service provides free travel around the City Centre. The free bus service offers two routes: Free Bus 1, which covers Piccadilly Railway Station and central streets, and Free Bus 2, which covers Deansgate. Free Bus 2 also starts from Piccadilly, via central streets, including King Street and Victoria Station. All routes are wheelchair accessible. The idea behind the service is to make it easier to hop between major transport hubs and central locations without paying for a short local journey.

Grab the tram

Established in 1992, the Metrolink is the most extensive tram and light rail network in the UK and is again owned by Transport for Greater Manchester (TFGM). Operating with eight lines and 99 stops, it serves many Greater Mancunian boroughs, including Salford, Tameside, Ashton-under-Lyne, Bury, East Didsbury, and Trafford.

Metrolink uses a zonal fare system with four fare zones. Zone 1 covers the city centre, and the other zones cover the suburbs and outer areas. The price you pay for your journey depends on how many zones you pass through, but you can expect to pay £1.40 for a zone 1 pass, £2.80 for zone 2, £3.20 for zone 3, and £4.60 if you pass through all four zones.

Additionally, you can purchase a day pass & travel card options, ranging from £7 for a day pass to £4.90 for an off-peak day ticket for all zones. A weekly tram pass will cost about £30.00.

Take the train

If you need to catch the train for work, the train system offers commuters a wealth of options. The main stations include Manchester Piccadilly, Victoria, Oxford Road, Salford Central, and Deansgate. These stops help connect commuters and suburban passengers to the many towns and suburbs in the city. Other station stops include the Airport, Salford Crescent, Stockport, Bolton, Wigan North Western, Rochdale, Altrincham, and Stalybridge.

Prices range from £4.80 for a single peak-time zone 1 Metrolink covering Zones 1 & 2, and you can expect to pay £6.60 for a single peak-time all zone pass. Off-peak return tickets are slightly more expensive at £5.40 for zone 1 and £7.40 for off-peak all zones return.

Why not cycle instead?

If you enjoy cycling to work as part of your daily exercise, Manchester offers cyclists a plethora of routes to choose from. The city centre route allows cyclists to ride between the city centre and Manchester Airport.

National Cycle Network Routes go through or near Reddish and Harpurhey (NCN 6). Route 55 connects Greater Manchester to Stockport. Route 60 covers the Fallowfield loop. Journey 66 goes towards Leeds. 85 runs through Chester, and 86 follows the River Medlock from the eastern edge of the City Centre.

It's important to note that some routes are traffic-free and off-road, while others are on-road with segregated bike lanes. Surface, lighting, and signage vary along towpaths and canal paths, and may require you to take extra care while riding your bike.

Looking for things to do in Manchester?

Manchester is undoubtedly a fantastic place to both visit and live. Our “exciting things to do in Manchester” post goes into way more detail about the fun in store for you in Manchester, but here’s what you can expect in a nutshell.

Steeped in over 2,000 years of rich heritage, why not explore the area's Cathedral, an outstanding example of 15th-century Gothic architecture? Or you may love diving into the Science and Industry Museum, where you can learn about the city’s industrial past with interactive exhibits and historic machinery.

Manchester is also blessed with two large-scale music venues, namely the Arena and the O2 Apollo, so you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to live music from some of the most prominent artists in the world. Plus, both regularly host some of the best comedians too. And if you’re more into indie music, the pubs and local clubs hide some incredible talent!

How can you live in Manchester without indulging in some retail therapy? From the quirky Arndale centre to the Trafford Centre, the Northern Quarter, King Street, and Springfields. There's something for everyone's tastes, including high street shops and luxury boutiques.

Let's not forget the world-famous football teams from Manchester United to Manchester City, where you're spoiled for choice with live football each week. There are also great theatres, such as The Royal Exchange Theatre and The Opera House, as well as fantastic nightlife, including wine bars and clubs. There’s so many fun things to do in Manchester, you’ll be looking forward to relaxing on the sofa by the time you’re done!

Moved to Manchester yet?

From reliable transport links to rich history, stunning parks, busy shopping options, and exciting nightlife, Manchester really does have everything you need to feel at home. Make your move today, and relocate to an area where ambition meets excitement and every day brings new possibilities. Check out the stunning UNCLE properties available in Manchester today.