Travel
Hotels
The official agency for the event has negotiated discounted
rates for a number of hotels at various prices near to the
venue. Click
here for details and to pre-book rooms
How to get there
Manchester Central is in the heart of Manchester city centre in
the North West of England. Located in the centre of the UK,
the city is served by strong road, rail and air links, making it an
easily accessible location for visitors from all over the
world.
By Rail
Manchester has direct rail connections to all major UK cities -
London is just over two hours away by train. Services come into the
city at either Piccadilly or Victoria station, both of which
connect to Manchester's Metrolink light-rail system which provides
easy access to all parts of the city centre. Take the Metrolink
from either Piccadilly or Victoria (in the Altrincham or Eccles
direction) and alight at St Peter's Square, which is within a
5-minute walk of Manchester Central. You can also take advantage of
the free Metroshuttle bus that travels between the two stations
across the city centre.
For information on train services to Manchester, please use the
following links:
www.virgintrains.co.uk
www.nationalrail.co.uk
Metrolink & Taxis
The extensive Metrolink tram service covers the city centre and
areas of Greater Manchester.
To reach the venue follow signs for Metrolink from either
Piccadilly or Victoria, purchase a City Zone ticket on the platform
and take a tram heading for Altrincham or Eccles alighting at
St Peter's Square. The venue is then a five-minute walk away,
behind the Midland Hotel. You can also take advantage of the free
Metroshuttle bus that travels across the city centre.
For information on routes and timetables, please visit the
Metrolink website:www.metrolink.co.uk
For a more bespoke service, there are a number of reputable taxi
and private hire companies which operate in the city. A selection
is listed below:
- Radio Cars Manchester - 0161 236
8033
- Mantax Taxis Ltd - 0161 230 3333
- Manchester Minibus Taxis - 0161 850
0568
- Manchester Cars - 0161 237 3383
- Manchester Limousine Service - 0161 49 20
307
By Road
Manchester is at the heart of the Northwest's motorway network
with easy access from all directions onto the M60, the city's
orbital motorway. Once on the M60 exit at Junction 12 and join the
M602 signposted towards the city centre. Follow the A57 straight on
from the end of the M602 passing under a railway bridge before
taking the left hand exit to merge onto the A56 Bridgewater Way.
Turn right onto Whitworth Street West at Deansgate station and then
turn left onto Albion Street. The entrance to the Manchester
Central Car Park is through the next set of traffic lights on
the left, opposite The Bridgewater Hall.
If you are using sat nav, type in M2 3GX which will take you to
the car park at Manchester Central.
The following links may be useful in helping to plan your
journey by car:
Parking at Manchester Central
Once you have travelled into the city by car, then the best
place to park is the NCP car park on site at Manchester Central. It
is open 24 hours and the address details for sat nav are: Lower
Mosley Street, Manchester, M2 3GX.
For more information on NCP car parks in Manchester,
visit www.ncp.co.uk or telephone 0845 050
7080.
Park and Ride
Access into Manchester is easier if you use one of the many Park
and Ride schemes. It is the ideal way to plan a quick, easy journey
into the city centre. Parking is free at
local rail stations and Metrolink tram stops in Greater Manchester
so the only cost is the fare. In many instances the cost of your
ticket will be less than your normal parking charges too!
Download Park and Ride map
If you need more information about times and tickets call
Traveline 0871 200 22 33 or use the journey planner at www.gmpte.com.
By Air
Manchester airport is a major international air traffic hub with
frequent scheduled flights to the majority of key UK, European and
international destinations. It is 9 miles (14.5km) outside the city
centre, taking approximately 25 minutes by taxi, or alternatively
there is a direct half-hourly express rail service to the city
centre that takes approximately 20 minutes.
More information on services to Manchester airport can be found
at www.manchesterairport.co.uk.
Accessibility
A number of wheelchairs can be hired for patrons' use while in
the venue. To enquire about bookings and availability, contact the
First Aid department on 0161 834 2700 ext.2211 or email firstaid@manchestercentral.co.uk.
Requests for use should be made in advance where possible as
availability cannot otherwise be ensured. Please note that
Manchester Central wheelchairs should not be removed from the
venue.
