Travel information: getting to Manchester

Manchester by air

Manchester Airport

0871 271 0711, www.manchesterairport.co.uk.
Manchester Airport is about 10 miles south of Manchester, junction 5 off M56.
The airport’s three terminals are all accessible by train, bus and coach. All transport runs into one interchange, which is open 24 hours a day, with links to the terminals via Skylink walkways.

From the airport

Airport trains

Up to nine direct trains an hour run to the airport from Piccadilly, taking about 20 minutes and costing £4.10 at peak times and £3.50 off-peak. Direct trains also run hourly from Stockport, at £4.60/£3.50 for peak/off-peak. Tickets must be purchased before you board. Visit www.nationalrail.co.uk or call 08457 484950 for departure times.

Airport buses

Buses leave the City Centre every 30 minutes, 24 hours a day. Stagecoach operates the 43 service to the airport (around an hour), while the 199 is the fastest service from Stockport (around 20 minutes). To check timetables, visit www.gmpte.com. A shuttle bus also runs between the airport and the Premier Inn, Holiday Inn and Marriott hotels (City Centre), three times an hour – check www.manchesterairport.co.uk for times.

Airport parking

All three terminals have ample car parking. The cheapest option is the Shuttle carpark, 15 minutes from the airport and accessible by a free bus. Discounted prices on the web start from £2.99 per day (for eight days plus). Visit www.manchesterairport.co.uk. Long Stay carparks, Premier carparks and Terminal carparks charge more accordingly.

Manchester by rail

Manchester Piccadilly is the main rail station in the City Centre and most trains stop here. Victoria, Oxford Road and Deansgate stations also serve the centre. Smaller stations link the Greater Manchester suburbs with the centre. For timetables and ticket prices call National Rail Enquiries on 08457 484950, or visit www.nationalrail.co.uk. Metrolink trams (see Travel information: getting around Manchester) connect with trains at Piccadilly, Victoria and Deansgate stations.

Manchester by coach

National Express

Manchester Central (formerly Chorlton Street Coach Station), Chorlton Street, M1 3JF (08717 818181, www.nationalexpress.com).
Services to destinations around the UK.