Travel to and around Manchester
Manchester has excellent transport links, and we encourage all attendees to take the opportunity to visit sites in the surrounding area (see Things to see and do). Before making your travel plans, you may wish to check the following:
- When should I arrive? Advice on planning your stay around the Congress schedule
- Visas and other entry requirements: all international visitors should check the requirements carefully.
International arrivals by air
From international airports to Manchester
From Manchester Airport to the city centre (downtown): check this page if you're staying in one of the recommended Congress hotels
From Manchester Airport to the Congress venue, George Kenyon Hall, and Victoria Park halls
UK and Eurostar arrivals by rail
As the site of the world’s first passenger railway terminus, Manchester is unsurprisingly also a hub of the national rail network. There are direct services from London Euston (just over 2 hours), Oxford (2h 45m), Glasgow (3h 15m), Edinburgh (3h 30m), and many other towns and cities. The Eurostar via the Channel Tunnel from Paris and Brussels runs to London St Pancras allows a straightforward onward journey.
From London to Manchester by rail: includes information on Eurostar transfer, and suggestions of sites to visit near the London terminals
About rail travel in the UK: including a tolerably brief introduction to the bewildering ticket pricing system
From Manchester rail stations to the Congress venue and accommodation: including directions to all recommended hotels and halls of residence
Arriving by car
We do not recommend bringing a car to the Congress: the road connections are good, but, as with most large British cities, it is difficult to find convenient and affordable long-term parking. The Congress venue itself does not offer parking; the nearest facility is the Aquatics Centre Car Park, 5 minutes’ walk away. Some hotels provide parking for guests: please contact the hotel directly for further information.
If you have mobility problems and need to park close to the Congress venue, please contact mcc.reg@manchester.ac.uk to discuss your needs.
Getting around Manchester
Manchester buses: including the most convenient services between the Congress venue and city centre
Metrolink, a tram/light-rail network, serving areas including the Salford Quays museum and gallery sites (external link)
Metroshuttle, a shuttle bus service providing daytime travel around Manchester city centre at no charge (external link)