If you’re a commuter student and don’t live in uni accommodation, the chances are you’re going to need to know how to get around Manchester. It’s more than likely that you’ll be using the bus and with the Bee Network coming into place, there’s a few things you need to know.
Plus, check out student content creator Jacob’s TikTok on Manchester travel below.
What do I do if I need to take the bus?
Common areas for students to live in are in South Manchester, like Rusholme, Fallowfield and Withington.
Any of the stagecoach buses that have a ‘4’ in them will take you to the uni; the 143 is the most popular bus route in Europe because it is the cheapest bus ticket you can buy at £1.80 a single, all other buses are capped at £2 for a single journey, regardless of where you’re going.
From 24 September, you’ll start to see the bright yellow Bee Network buses on the roads bringing you
- More buses running more often on many Bee Network routes.
- 50 new zero-emission electric buses on Bee Network routes.
- Earlier and later buses to link up with first and last trams and trains.
If you don’t live nearby to any of these bus routes, you can find a route that will take you to campus here.
What if I need to take the tram?
If you need to take the tram, tap in with a contactless card when you start your journey and don’t forget to tap out at the end, the journey prices vary but are capped at £4.90 if you travel off-peak. Eventually, the trams will be integrated into the Bee Network so you can tap in and out across buses and trams, like in London.
Many of the city centre tram stops are no more than a 10 to 15 minute walk from the main campus, including Piccadilly, Piccadilly Gardens, Market Street, Deansgate-Castlefield and St Peter’s Square. For more information about routes and times, see the TfGM University of Manchester guide.
What if I need to take the train?
If you’re getting into Manchester via train, the closest station to campus is Manchester Oxford Road but even Manchester Piccadilly is roughly half a mile away. If you get into Manchester Piccadilly and don’t fancy the walk, you can get the 147 bus just outside the station directly to the uni.
What if I want to cycle?
Manchester has lots of keen cyclists and there are cycle paths from Didsbury, along Oxford Road and to the uni. If you are nervous about cycling along busy roads, go with a friend at a quieter time to practice the route before cycling in for lectured. For route maps, bike shops and cycling schemes click here.