Manchester Travel Essentials

• Manchester has a temperate climate, with average temperatures ranging from 1ºC in winter to 20ºC in summer.
• Most rainfall occurs from October to January, yet downpours can happen anytime, even during the driest months of the year.
• The sunniest time of the year is from May to September. 
• Occasional snowfall can happen from November to February.
• Summer, from June to August, is peak tourist season, hotel and flight prices rise accordingly.
• May and September are pleasant times to visit, the weather is pleasing and hotel and flight prices are more affordable than during summer.

• Languages: Primary: English
• Plug type: G
• Electricity: 220-240 V
• Currency: Pound sterling (£)
• International dialling code: +44 161
• Emergency telephone number: 999 or 112

Manchester Airport 

Manchester Airport sits 14 km south of the city centre. It hosts 3 terminals and is one of the busiest airports in the UK. There are several transfer options to reach central Manchester:

• A taxi takes around 30 minutes. Taxi ranks can be found near the exit of each terminal.
• The airport shuttle bus takes around 25 minutes. The buses depart from Manchester Airport Train Station, which is easy to reach from each terminal.
• The 24/7 Skyline bus takes around 50 minutes. The buses depart from Manchester Airport Train Station.
• A train takes around 30 minutes.
• The Metrolink tram takes around 25 minutes. The tram stop can be found in the Manchester Airport Train Station.
• Car rental agencies can be found in the Car Rental Village, which can be reached by bus for free from each terminal.

Manchester Piccadilly Train Station

Besides the Airport Train Station which also serves cities such as Newcastle, Blackpool and Edinburgh, Manchester hosts 4 main train stations: Piccadilly, Victoria, Oxford Road and Deansgate. Manchester Piccadilly is the primary train station. It sits in the Central Business District of Manchester. From here, you can get to your hotel by taxi, bus or Metrolink tram.

Manchester is a rather compact city; its centre is easily walkable – it roughly takes 20 minutes from one side to the other on foot. All public transport in Manchester is managed by the TFGM (Transport for Greater Manchester). The company operates bus, train and tram networks. A choice of single tickets, day and week passes are available to travel around Manchester. 

• A 1-day System One Card permits the use of any bus and tram

• The Manchester bus network covers the entire city; it’s one of the most extensive in the UK.
• Metroshuttle is a free bus service that features 3 routes in the city centre. Buses depart from and return to Piccadilly Train Station.
• The Manchester Magic Bus is known as one of the most affordable bus services in Manchester.

• The Metrolink tram networks links the city centre to neighbouring towns and to the airport via 7 lines.
• Using the tram is considered the most convenient and fastest option to get to downtown Manchester when you stay on the outskirts of the city. 

• Several taxi companies – including iconic black cabs – operate in Manchester.
• Most cabs accept payment of the fare by credit card.
• Gett, Uber, Hailo and StreetCars are just a few of the taxi apps you can use in Manchester.
• Many taxicab stands are at hand all around the city centre.

Mobike is the name of Manchester’s bike-hiring system. You just need to download the Mobike App, pay a deposit, then hire the bicycle at one of the bike parking locations around the city.

Chinese New Year

• What: Manchester celebrates Chinese New Year with a funfair, food stalls and live performances. The climax of the event is the Dragon Parade, which runs between Albert Square and Chinatown.
• When: February
• Where: Chinatown

Parklife Festival

• What: One of the largest independent music festivals in the UK. Past performers have included Liam Gallagher, The Chemical Brothers and Snoop Dogg.
• When: June
• Where: Heaton Park

Manchester Pride

• What: Manchester Pride is a celebration of the city’s LGBTQ+ community. It promotes equality and freedom through various festive events, including parades in the city centre.
• When: August
• Where: Canal Street