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Your get me there card can now be used to buy travelcards for bus*, Metrolink and combined travel. Best of all you can now buy Metrolink, bus and tram travelcards online.

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Create your smart card account

Create an account and order a Bee Card online. Your card should arrive in 5-7 working days. With your account, you can buy tickets and travelcards to load onto your Bee Card for travel on trams and buses in Greater Manchester. You can link other smart cards to your account, including; igo, Our Pass, Cycle Hub, a TfGM concessionary travel pass, or a get me there card.

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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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Roads and transport Concessionary travel passes

Who can apply.

If you're eligible you can apply for a Concessionary Pass that will allow you to travel on reduced fares - or for free - across Greater Manchester and (in some cases) nationally. Note: Concessionary passes are issued by Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), not Manchester City Council.

To apply you'll need to visit the  Concessionary fares page of the TfGM website , where you'll find full details.

Eligibility is generally for:

• people over 60
• disabled people
• blind or partially sighted people
• deaf people
• young people under 16
• young people over 16

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igo Card: Bus Travel Pass

Child fares on bus and tram for 5 to 16 year olds

• igo cards allow 11-16 year olds to travel using  child tickets  on buses and trams in Greater Manchester.
• Children aged 5 to 10 and live or go to school in Greater Manchester will need an igo card to buy some child bus fares.
• You can use your igo card as proof of age for travelling by tram with a child ticket. You will need proof of age ID from age 11 on Metrolink.

See the website for more information:

igo card | Bee Network

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Last updated: 18/06/2024

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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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Using your pass to access free travel and exclusives

Got your pass? As soon as your pass is live (for new members, that’s 1 September), you can use it to claim Our Pass Exclusives and, of course, to get free bus travel. To use your card to access freebies, discounts and experiences , you first need to activate your Our Pass card by creating a Exclusives account . This is not the same as the account you set up when you applied for your travel card/pass. Have your card number handy (you’ll need the number on the back), and register for Our Pass Exclusives here . Once registered, you’ll be able to log in to the website any time to apply for or take advantage of our member-only exclusives, offers, discounts, free tickets and special events.

To use your card on a bus, all you need to do is touch-in on the smart reader as you get on the bus. You don’t need to touch-out at the end of your journey, and you can use your pass on most local bus services in Greater Manchester.

Which bus and where

Your bus pass works on all buses across Greater Manchester. If you travel outside Greater Manchester, then you’ll need to pay for that part of your journey. Not sure what’s in and what’s out? Check the map  here ; the red line shows the boundary of Greater Manchester.

Using Metrolink

With Our Pass you can also buy half-price off-peak 1-day and weekend Metrolink travelcards. Off-peak travel begins at 9.30am on weekdays, or runs all day at weekends and on bank holidays. Touch-in and touch-out at the start and end of your journey (using the yellow smart readers at tram stops). Find out  how to buy tickets  using Our Pass.

Use Our Pass to get freebies, discounts and access events and experiences

Our Pass gives you more than free bus travel. You'll get access to all sorts of exclusive events and offers, too, once you've activated your Our Pass card and registered for an Our Pass Exclusives account. Find out what's on offer now.

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Manchester Public Transport Explained: Everything you need to know and Travel Tips

Going to Manchester soon and want to know how Manchester public transport works? You’ve come to the right place! Manchester is the third biggest city in the UK and, as everywhere in England, has a very good public transport network.

There are many things to do in Manchester and knowing how to get around is important as it will make your stay way easier! Especially if you are only staying for one day!

In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about Manchester public transport, how to use it and how to save money.

Are you ready? Let’s get started!

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no extra cost for you!

Table of Contents

Types of Public Transport in Manchester, England

Firstly, we will explain what the types of transport in Manchester are. It’s important to note that we do not have an underground system in the city so we usually get around by bus, tram or train.

Tram: Manchester Metrolink

The tram is the main transport in Greater Manchester.

It’s operated by Metrolink. There are 7 lines from Manchester city centre to Termini at Altrincham, Ashton-under-Lyne, Bury, East Didsbury, Eccles, Manchester Airport and Rochdale.

The tram network in Manchester is split into 4 zones and the fare you will pay depends on how many zones you travel through.

The price of tickets is depends on the zones, the time of travel (off peak is cheaper) as well as how many times during the day you take the tram.

But to give you an idea, a single journey ticket cost £1.40 for 1 zone and £3.20 for 4 zones.

To take the tram, you simply need to go to one of the stops. Once you are there, you will find ticket machines as well as contactless machines.

If you go to the machine, you can choose your destination or the number of the zones you want and can buy your ticket.

There are options for single tickets, return, day tickets as well as weekend tickets from Friday evening to Sunday evening.

This is practical if you want to pay by cash or want to get a weekend ticket.

If you only want a single journey, return or day ticket, using the contactless machine is more practical.

You need to tap in before getting on the tram and tap off on your way out.

Don’t forget to tap off otherwise, you will be charged the highest fee.

The machine will automatically work out what is the best fare for you and charge you accordingly.

That way, you don’t have to worry about the zones or types of tickets.

It’s also important to note that there is a daily cap so if you reach it, it won’t charge you beyond that.

There are a lot of buses in Manchester. They cover a lot more ground than the tram does and are a great option for travelling within Greater Manchester.

Most of the buses are operated by Stagecoach and Go North West. There are 100s of bus routes so you should always be able to get to destination with one of them.

If you want to see what the best route is, you can do so on Google Maps.

Once you know, head to the bus stop and wait for the bus.

You can wave at the bus to ask the driver to stop. Once you get in, tell the driver what your destination is and whether you want a day ticket, a return or just a single and the driver will charge you accordingly.

You can pay with your contactless card or cash but try to have the exact amount if you’re paying in cash.

Manchester Piccadilly and Victoria are the main stations in Manchester.

That’s where all the national trains are leaving from. You will be able to get anywhere in Britain including Wales and Scotland from either of these two stations.

But the Manchester railway network is way bigger than that, it includes dozens of local and regional stations that will represent a much quicker alternative to buses or trams depending on where you’re going.

Some of these stations include Oxford Road, Burnage, Didsbury and many more.

How to plan my journey on Manchester public transport?

The best way to plan your journey would be to use the following apps: Google maps and CityMapper.

The entire network of Manchester public transport is updated on Google Maps and CityMapper.

You only need to put your starting point and destination and it will show you the different options.

It will also recommend you the easiest and quickest option. In terms of cost, if your journey includes a train you can check the price on Trainline.

Everything is indicated in real time which makes it very accurate.

You also have the option to indicate the time and date you want to leave or arrive by and the app will calculate everything for you. It’s free and extremely convenient.

Manchester Public Transport: Frequently Asked Questions

Now that you know what options are available in terms of public transport in Manchester, it’s time to answer all the questions you may have.

Are the trams free in Manchester?

No, trams in Manchester are not free. The only exception is if you buy a combined Rail Tram Bus ticket. This can be done at the machine. You will find an option for a combined travel ticket and it will include the train journey as well as trams outside of zone 1.

Do you tap in and out on trams Manchester?

Yes, if you choose to use your bank card and contactless, you need to tap in and out of the trams in Manchester. If you bought a ticket from the machine, you do not need to do that. If a controller comes, you can simply show your ticket. If you used contactless, you will need to give the card to the controller so they can check it with their machine.

Are trams in Manchester dog-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed on trams in Manchester as long as they are well behaved and kept on lead.

How long is the tram from Manchester city centre to airport?

The tram from Market Street to Manchester airport takes 1 hour. It can be a bit longer or shorter depending on which tram stop you board. The line that goes to the airport is the Navy Line. You can also take it from Victoria or Shudehill.

How to get to Manchester Airport by tram?

You can get to Manchester Airport by tram from any stops on the Navy line which includes Victoria, Shudehill and Market Street.

What is the closest tram stop to Manchester Airport?

The closest tram stop to Manchester Airport is Manchester Airport itself. The tram stop is located in the station, on the other side of the train station.

How often is the Manchester Airport tram?

Trams in Manchester run every 12 minutes between 9AM and 5:30PM. If you are travelling outside of these times, the schedule is reduced. You can check the exact times on the Metrolink website.

How do you get to Manchester Airport without a car?

You can get to Manchester Airport with the train from Piccadilly Station or with the Navy tram line from the city centre and South Manchester.

Where can I buy bus tickets in Manchester?

The best place to buy your bus tickets or passes is in the bus itself.

You can simply hop in, ask the driver and pay on the bus.

It is possible to buy them online however it’s way more hassle than it should and it won’t be any cheaper.

Whether you are in Manchester for a visit or to live here , you will find it easier to buy your ticket on the bus.

How do you pay for the bus in Manchester UK?

You can pay directly on the bus with cash, card and phones (Google & Apple Pay). Every bus is equipped with a contactless card reader. Quick and effective!

If you pay in cash it is recommended to have the exact amount or at least as close to it as possible. You can pay for single, return tickets and weekly passes.

Do I need a bus card?

You don’t need a card for any single or return tickets. If you wish to take a weekly or monthly pass, you will need to have a bus card but don’t worry about it, it will be provided by the driver.

There is a £1 fee for the card but you can have it back if you bring your card back. There is no name on the card which means you can also borrow it from someone. Only one pass can be added per card though.

How much do buses cost in Manchester?

The standard fares on Manchester buses are £2 for a single ticket, £5 for a day of unlimited travel and £21 for a weekly pass.

This is the case on all buses in Greater Manchester except the Magic Buses. They cost £4.80 for a day pass and £12 for a weekly pass.

Magic buses provide the same service as any other bus in Manchester. You can recognise them by way they look,  they have a magician on them, and the number, they are all the 100s lines.

They were originally created to help the students travelling around Manchester at a reduced price but anyone can take them for the same fare. Most magic bus lines are in South Manchester near the universities.

Here are a few examples of Magic bus lines: 143 goes West Didsbury to Piccadilly Gardens through Fallowfields and Rusholme. 142 goes from East Didsbury to the city centre through Fallowfields and Rusholme.

Can an Oyster card be used in Manchester?

No, you cannot use an Oyster Card in Manchester. The Oyster Card is only for public transport in London.

There is no equivalent to the Oyster Card in Manchester. You need to buy your tickets separately (for the bus, tram or train) but can get a travel card from any services.

Do Manchester buses take contactless?

Yes, you can pay with contactless on Manchester buses. When you get on the bus, simply tell the driver where you are going and you can tap your card to pay.

Now that you know everything about public transport in Manchester, the only thing left to do is to explore.

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Founder of Manchester Pocket Guide. Pauline has been living in Manchester for 6 years and loves exploring the city. As a travel writer, she always had passion for discovering cities but Manchester is the place she truly fell in love with. From cute food spots to famous landmarks, she knows Manchester like the back of her hand.

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