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Getting around
Getting around Greater Manchester couldn't be easier! Whether you're going by bus, train, tram or taxi you can find all the information you need right here...
If you've got any comments about the transport details, or any other useful travel tips, please get in touch with us - we'd love to hear from you!
Journey Planning
If you're just using one form of transport to make your journey we recommend one of the specialist websites we've listed below. However, if you are using several forms of public transport, try GMPTE or Traveline.These sites provide a wealth of information including details of bus service maps, Park & Ride, accessible transport and so on.
Local Travel
If you just want to make a local journey and be collected from home without the cost of a taxi, why not try Local Link?
Local Link is a service run by GMPTE which allows passengers living in the areas where the service has been introduced to ring and book a journey, door to door, within the local area. Anyone living in the area can use the service, as there are no age or disability restrictions on users. To find out if your area has this service and details of the cost etc. please view the Door to Door Transport section on the GMPTE website.
Travelling by bus
GMPTE have timetables available for all bus services running in Greater Manchester. These can be downloaded from their website, obtained from local Travelshops or you can request them by phone on 0871 200 2233.
Travelling by tram
Metrolink trams operate throughout Greater Manchester. It is a fast and frequent service, running 7 days a week, 364 days of the year. One door has flat-level access for pushchairs and wheelchairs (make sure you stand on the appropriate part of the platform - look out for the sign on platforms and tramdoors).
Some of the stations have stairs and lifts rather than ramp access. It is worth checking in advance if these are working.
Travelling by metroshuttle bus
The Metroshuttle free city centre buses are a great way to get round Manchester city centre. All of the Metroshuttle buses have low floors and wide doors for easy access. There are three different circular routes that provide links to all of main areas in the city centre, including the railway stations, several NCP car parks and many of the bus and tram stops.
The services are very regular with a bus every 5 minutes on Service 1 (orange), every 10 minutes on Service 2 (green) and every 10 minutes on Service 3 (purple). Services also run in Bolton and Stockport.
Travelling by train
The National Rail Enquiries provides a guide to UK national rail services. Use it to find out train times and fares, plan your journey across Greater Manchester and to book online. National Rail also provide information about family rail tickets.
The Trainline website also offers timetables and on-line ticket booking for train operators in mainland UK.
Travelling by coach
National Express is the UK's largest scheduled coach travel company, with over 1000 different destinations across the UK. They offer coach cards for cheap family travel. There are also special price offers for early bookings, which are worth looking into. Their website includes information on where your nearest coach station is, which routes run wheelchair-accessible coaches and the facility to book tickets online.