travel cards manchester

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Create your smart card account

Create an account and order a Bee Card online. Your card should arrive in 5-7 working days. With your account, you can buy tickets and travelcards to load onto your Bee Card for travel on trams and buses in Greater Manchester. You can link other smart cards to your account, including; igo, Our Pass, Cycle Hub, a TfGM concessionary travel pass, or a get me there card.

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How to get around Manchester: from free buses to a swaggering stroll, some might say it's got it all

Apr 23, 2022 • 8 min read

Manchester’s electric tram system is extensive, covering almost 100 different stops across the city © Alberto Manuel Urosa Toledano / Getty Images

As the birthplace of the UK’s first bus service and the world’s inaugural passenger railway, you can expect Manchester to be fairly easy to get around. 

While driving is generally a big no-no thanks to the city center’s busy or totally pedestrianized streets, walking is always a good option – if the weather stays fair, that is. And if the heavens do open or you want to venture further afield ? Manchester has good public transport to get you from A to B.

Walking around Manchester City Center

One of the best ways to explore Manchester City Center is on foot. Most of the major attractions – from the National Football Museum to the John Rylands Library – are situated here, and the area is actually quite compact. You can easily walk from one end to the other within 30 minutes. 

On sunnier days, consider strolling down Oxford Road to attractions like the Whitworth Art Gallery , Elizabeth Gaskell’s House and Victoria Baths . Some of the top Manchester neighborhoods like Ancoats and the Northern Quarter can also be explored without public transport.

To save money and see the sites, take the bus

There are various types of public transport available in Manchester, most of which fall under the Transport for Greater Manchester umbrella. Buses are probably the cheapest option – and in some cases, they're even free. You’ll find services leading to every nook and cranny of the city and its surrounding suburbs.

Nearly 20 different bus companies operate across the city, which can make buying tickets a little confusing (and not to mention expensive) if you’re using multiple different routes. Plans are in place to bring the bus system back under public control and make it more like London’s, but not until 2023.

Contactless payments keep things simple: just tap the machine with your bank card or smartphone as you board. There’s also the option of buying a System One travelcard. These can be used for unlimited bus travel on any service, starting at £6.40 (US$8.35) for one day or you can extend them to include tram and train travel for £10.40 ($13.60) a day. 

Top tip: Got tickets to a gig that finishes late? Take advantage of the Manchester night buses. These are run by Stagecoach and operate until the early hours, with services journeying as far as Sale, Stockport and Manchester Airport.

Take advantage of the free bus

Despite its unimaginative name, the free bus (formerly known as the Metroshuttle) is a lifesaver for those wanting to get around Manchester without spending heaps on public transport. 

The hop-on, hop-off service has three different routes around the city center, each one beginning and ending at Manchester Piccadilly station. Two of them run during the day (usually starting at around 7am), while route three is an evening service operating between 7pm and 11:30pm. 

Hours are slightly different on weekends, so always double-check the free bus website for up-to-date information. 

To reach all corners of the city, take the tram

Manchester’s electric tram system is extensive, covering almost 100 different stops across the city. It’s run by Metrolink and split into four zones. You’ll likely spend most of your time in zone 1, the city center. Nevertheless, it’s possible you’ll want to head south to Didsbury, west to Salford Quays or north to Heaton Park , all of which sit in zones 2 to 4. 

Note that the trams aren’t free in Manchester, nor can you use an Oyster card for them like on the London underground. However, Metrolink has a similar travelcard option that’s great if you’re planning on multiple journeys in a short span of time. 

Trams across all seven lines leave very regularly, meaning you don't really need to plan ahead. Just turn up at the station, purchase your ticket or tap in with your travelcard using the machines on the platform. 

Top tip: If you’re going to use the tram more than once a day, opt for a travel card, starting at £1.90 ($2.50) for an off-peak zone 1 day pass. You can also get an all-zones seven-day travelcard for £31 ($40). 

Catch the train to the suburbs

Several rail companies operate in and around the city. This makes catching the train a viable – and often cheap – way to get around Manchester or reach other nearby cities. There are three major stations in the city center: Victoria, Piccadilly and Oxford Road. 

Catching the train is one of the fastest ways to access suburbs like Altrincham and East Didsbury. Additionally, you can get to some of Manchester’s best day trip destinations – from Edale in the Peak District to the Viking city of York – by rail. 

Top tip: Some train companies offer advance tickets. This includes TransPennine Express, which operates intercity trains between Manchester, Leeds and York, and Avanti West Coast, whose services run to London, the Lake District and Scotland. Buy tickets up to six weeks in advance for cheaper deals, and consider getting a railcard. 

Cycling can be a safe way to get around

Manchester is very flat and has numerous dedicated cycle paths. It’s typically safe to cycle in Manchester City Center, although you’ll need to be wary of traffic during peak commuting times (typically early morning and late afternoon) and take note of any bus lanes. 

A brand new cycle hire scheme run by Transport For Greater Manchester launched at the start of 2022, although the number of bikes available is currently fairly limited. You will find a few independent bike-hire companies such as Manchester Bikes or Brompton Bike Hire . 

Having a car isn't really worth the hassle

If you’re wondering what the traffic is like in Manchester, the answer is chaotic. The city center is crisscrossed by narrow one-way streets and busy roads with multiple traffic lights that always seem to turn red as soon as you reach them. 

It’s really only worth hiring a car if you’re planning on spending lots of time in the suburbs or other cities and towns. Your accommodation might also sway you, as most hotels in the center won’t offer free parking. Pay and display street parking is limited, while big multi-story car parks are expensive and not always the safest place to leave a car overnight. 

Getting to and from Manchester Airport

With international and domestic flights arriving at all hours of the day, flying to Manchester is a popular option. Manchester Airport sits just 14.5km (9 miles) south of the city center, and there are multiple ways to reach it.

Train services leave Manchester Airport station every 10 minutes or so and can get you to Manchester Piccadilly within 20 minutes. Metrolink trams also run to and from the airport – a good option if you’re staying further out in places like Altrincham or MediaCityUK . 

Then there are taxis and private-hire vehicles, such as Uber or StreetCars. They can usually get you anywhere in the city center for under £20 ($26). For late-night arrivals and departures, Manchester’s night buses are a budget-friendly option. Just don’t be surprised if you’re sitting next to a bunch of rowdy students making their way home after a night out…

Accessible transportation in Manchester

Almost all of Manchester’s public transport is accessible for those with disabilities. The city’s buses, trams and trains can accommodate wheelchair users, thanks to ramps and low floors, plus there are audible announcements and visual videos to alert passengers of upcoming stations and stops. 

Extra assistance is available from some companies too. For example, Arriva bus users can apply for a Journey Assistance Card , which lets you subtly inform bus drivers that you have a hidden disability and may need help. Manchester residents with accessibility issues can also get  TFGM passes  for cheap or free travel. 

When it comes to taxi services, most black cabs take wheelchair users. You can also use TFGM’s Ring and Ride service  to book affordable and accessible mini-buses for journeys within the city. 

Why I love walking around Manchester

Walking is always my prepared mode of transport, particularly in a city as small as Manchester. It’s no more than 7 sq km (4.5 sq miles), and it’s brimming with beautiful unassuming buildings you might miss entirely if you travel by tram or bus.  

Manchester is mostly set out in a grid system, making it tricky to get lost. Don’t be afraid to veer off the major thoroughfares like Deansgate or Portland Street. There are usually plenty of alternative routes, some of which take you through pretty squares like St Anns, or past cool local landmarks, like the Arch of Chinatown on Faulkner Street.  

And if it starts to rain, as it so often does in Manchester, simply hop on the free bus or take shelter in a coffee shop. You could also use the weather as an excuse to duck into one of the city’s lovely libraries such as the Central Library or Cheetham’s Library . 

You might also like:  The best time to visit Manchester for food, festivals and football What are the best free things to do in Manchester? Manchester’s new art trail turns the city into an open air gallery

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The Visit Manchester Pass

Get 20% off ALL passes. Use Code: MCR20

Discover Manchester With The Official Sightseeing Pass For Manchester

Unlock the full potential of your Manchester adventure with the Visit Manchester Pass. This essential digital ticket provides access to the city’s iconic attractions, including Manchester City Football Club, Coronation Street – The Tour, RHS Bridgewater and the National Football Museum. You’ll also get access to exclusive discounts at hotels, restaurants, shops and experiences.

The Visit Manchester Pass is your ticket to making the most of Manchester while keeping your budget in check. Buy your Visit Manchester Pass and experience Manchester like never before.

What is Included?

We’ve created the Visit Manchester Pass to make your visit to our city as convenient, exclusive and cost-effective as possible. Take a look through the huge array of specially curated experiences, discounts and offers to suit all interests.

View All Attractions »

How does it work.

The Visit Manchester Pass is designed to help you make the most of your trip, so you can visit the city’s top attractions and redeem exclusive experiences and offers hassle-free from your mobile phone.

The Visit Manchester Pass is available as a one, two or three day visitor pass for both for adults and children. With your digital Visit Manchester Pass, you can visit all attractions, restaurants and places of interest included in the visitor pass – just by showing it on your mobile phone.

To gain access into attractions, simply show your Visit Manchester Pass on your mobile phone at the ticket counter for them to scan your QR code and provide you with entry, your discount and/or their exclusive experience.

Some of the attractions will allow you to walk in on the day, but some need to be booked in advance. Make sure you check the pass booking app before travelling to see which attractions require pre-booking and for instructions on how to book.

Your Visit Manchester Pass is activated when you first use it and is then valid for consecutive days (not 24-hour periods) for either one, two or three days depending on which pass you have purchased. Ensure that you plan your day accordingly to get the most out of your pass! The Visit Manchester Pass is not a fast track pass and passes can only be used once at each attraction.

How much can you save?

The Visit Manchester Pass offers great value and huge potential savings over standard entry prices. Check out this 2-day example itinerary!

Attractions

Normal Prices

Coronation Street Experience

Normally £33.00

National Football Museum

Normally £14.00

Sightseeing Manchester

Normally £12.00

The Spirit of Manchester Distillery

Normally £25.00

Manchester City Stadium Tour

Normally £28.00

SEA LIFE Manchester

RHS Garden Bridgewater

Normally £19.85

Saving per Person

Choose Your Pass

Save 20% on ALL passes with code MCR20

What's Included?

What Is Included?

How Does It Work?

Terms & Conditions

Privacy Policy

Privacy Overview

Roads and transport Concessionary travel passes

Eligible people who qualify for state pension can apply for a National Concessionary Travel Pass.

The age you qualify for a state pension isn't the same for everyone. You may need to be up to 66 to qualify depending on when you were born. If you're not sure,  check your state pension age .

Concessionary travel passes are issued by Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM).  Please note that Manchester City Council does not issue concessionary passes.

For information on eligibility and how to apply for a concessionary travel pass please contact Transport for Greater Manchester ;

Transport for Greater Manchester Travel Concessions Customer Services PO Box 429 Manchester M60 1HX

0161 244 1050 (line open 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday)

Further information and how to apply is available on the Transport for Greater Manchester website

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Money latest: Gameboys, Sindy dolls, designer shoes, 1950s furniture - the items in your attic that could be worth a small fortune

Gumtree's most popular items include rare stamps, Gameboys and Pokemon cards. Read this and all the latest consumer and personal finance news below, plus leave a comment or submit a consumer dispute or money problem in the box.

Monday 29 April 2024 19:46, UK

• Three of UK's biggest lenders up mortgage rates
• Annual mortgage repayments have increased by up to 70% since 2021
• Higher food prices and shortages warning - as new Brexit checks begin this week
• People on disability benefits could receive vouchers rather than cash

Essential reads

• Gameboys, Sindy dolls, designer shoes, 1950s furniture: The items in your attic that could be worth a small fortune
• Money Problem : 'A company isn't abiding by written warranty for dodgy building work - what can I do?'  
• '£2,000 landed in my account' - The people who say they're manifesting riches
• The world of dark tourism - what is it, is it ethical and where can you go?

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Strikes at Heathrow Airport are taking place over the next few weeks, with the first one already under way.

Staff at the UK's biggest airport are set to walk out during the early bank holiday in May, with their union warning planes could be "delayed, disrupted and grounded".

Click here to find out when all the strikes are, what disruption is expected and which airlines are affected...

The average price paid for comprehensive motor insurance rose 1% in the first quarter of the year, according to industry data indicating an easing in the steep rises seen last year.

The latest tracker issued by the Association of British Insurers (ABI) showed a 1% increase on the previous three months to £635.

That was despite the average claim paid rising 8% to reach a record of £4,800, the body said.

The ABI said the disparity showed that its members were "absorbing" additional costs and not passing them on.

Nevertheless, the average policy was still 33%, or £157, higher between January and March compared to the same period last year.

Read the full story here ...

Getir , the grocery delivery app, has abandoned a European expansion that is set to result in the loss of around 1,500 jobs in the UK.

Sky News had previously revealed that the Turkey-based company, which means "to bring" in Turkish, had  successfully raised money from investors to fund its withdrawals  from the UK, Germany and the Netherlands.

It had already departed other countries including Italy and Spain.

The exits were prompted by growing losses linked to the company's rapid expansion.

Waitrose is launching an exclusive range of products with popular chef Yotam Ottolenghi today. 

The Israeli-British chef is famous for his Middle Eastern and Mediterranean-inspired food, and has worked with the supermarket to release products including a pasta sauce, spice blend and shawarma marinade. 

It is the first time Ottolenghi has partnered with a supermarket in such a way. 

The full range will be available in Waitrose shops, Waitrose.com and Ottolenghi.co.uk from today, while a selection of products will be available from the supermarket on Deliveroo and Uber Eats. 

An introductory 20% off offer is being launched until 18 June. 

The range includes: 

• Ottolenghi Miso Pesto 165g (£4)
• Ottolenghi Kalamata Olive & Harissa Sauce  350g (£4.50)
• Ottolenghi Pomegranate, Rose & Preserved Lemon Harissa 170g (£5)
• Ottolenghi Green Harissa 170g (£5)
• Ottolenghi Aleppo & Other Chillies Blend (£3.95)
• Ottolenghi Sweet & Smokey Blend (£3.95)
• Ottolenghi Citrus & Spice Blend (£3.95)
• Ottolenghi Red Chilli Sauce (£4.50)
• Ottolenghi Shawarma Marinade (£4)

Ottolenghi said he had "always been super eager to get our flavours onto people's dinner plates nationwide, not just in London, without having to cook it from scratch every single time". 

He added: "I hate to admit it but the pasta sauce already features heavily in my home kitchen, when no one is looking."

The cost of bread, biscuits and beer could increase this year due to the impact of the unusually wet autumn and winter on UK harvests.

Research suggests that production of wheat, oats, barley and oilseed rape could drop by four million tonnes (17.5%) compared with 2023.

The wet weather has resulted in lower levels of planting, while flooding and storms over winter caused farmers more losses.

The predictions come just as the rate of price increases on many food items begins to slow as inflation falls.

The Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU) analysed forecasts from the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHBD) and government yield data.

It found a "real risk" of beer, biscuits and bread becoming more expensive if the poor harvest increases costs for producers, according to its lead analyst Tom Lancaster.

Beer prices could be affected because the wet weather is still disrupting the planting of spring crops such as barley, the ECIU said.

And potatoes might also see a price hike in the coming months, with growers warning of a major shortage in the autumn due to persistent wet weather.

By Emily Mee , Money team

When I think about the toys of my childhood - my pink Barbie car, my Gameboy Micro, my collection of Pokemon cards - I can't tell you where they went. 

Maybe they were shipped off to a charity shop at some point... Or perhaps they're in the attic? 

While my hot pink Gameboy Micro is lost to the void of time (or a cardboard box somewhere in my mum's house), other versions of it are selling on eBay for £100 or more. 

And there are Pokemon cards selling for anything from a tenner to hundreds or even thousands of pounds. 

It's possible you also have items at home that are a collector's dream. 

Gumtree says its collectables category is already proving to be a "hotbed of activity" this year, with listings up 22% in 2024 so far. 

Its most popular items include rare stamps, coins, war memorabilia and Pokemon cards. 

Spring is often the most popular time for buying and selling collectibles, with demand spiking in March and April. 

We've enlisted the help of TV presenter and collectables expert Tracy Martin to give an idea of what could make you an easy buck. 

Old toys making a 'retro comeback'

Tracy explains that while trends change, vintage toys tend to stand the test of time. 

"Toys are always going to be popular because they tap into nostalgia, our childhood memories," she says, explaining that adults like to buy the toys they used to have. 

Perhaps you were into cars, and you've got some old diecast vehicles from Matchbox, Corgi or Dinky Toys. 

A quick look on toy auction site Vectis.co.uk shows a Corgi Toys "James Bond" Aston Martin estimated to sell for between £600 to £700 - while others are likely to fetch £50 to £60. 

Sindy dolls are also particularly sought after - particularly those from the 1960s - and Barbie dolls from the 1990s too. 

Pokemon cards have seen a "massive surge", Tracy says, with people paying "thousands and thousands of pounds" for good unopened sets. 

She's even seen examples of people paying £16,000 upwards. 

Another up-and-coming market is games consoles, such as Gameboys, vintage consoles and PlayStations, which are making a "retro comeback".

What else could earn you some cash?

Tracy says there's currently a surge in people wanting to buy "mid century" furniture, which is dated to roughly 1945 to 1965 and typically uses clean lines and has a timeless feel. 

Vintage Danish furniture is sought after, particularly tables and chairs with good designer names such as Wegner, Verner Panton and Arne Jacobsen.

Prices range from the low hundreds into the thousands.

People will also look out for vintage framed prints by artists such as Tretchikoff, J.H. Lynch and Shabner - these can range in price from £50 upwards to a few hundred pounds plus. 

Vintage clothes, handbags and shoes can fetch a good price - but you can also invest in modern pieces. 

Tracy suggests looking out for good classic designs with high-end designer names such as Gucci, Chanel, Dior and Louis Vuitton. 

Modern designers such as Irregular Choice, Vendula and Lulu Guinness are also collected. 

Collaborations with designers and celebrities can do well as they're often limited edition. 

For example, Tracy says the H&M x Paco Rabanne maxi silver sequin dress retailed at £279.99 last year but now sells for in excess of £600. 

When it comes to shoes, "the quirkier the design the better" - so look out for brands such as Irregular Choice and Joe Browns. 

Converse and Dr Martens collaborations also do well, depending on the design and condition, as well as Adidas and Nike limited edition trainers. 

What's the best way to sell?  

Tracy recommends to always research before selling your items, as they might perform better on different platforms and you can also get an idea of how much they sell for. 

For example, Vinted can be a good place to sell clothes and shoes, while other items might be better suited for sale on Gumtree, eBay or Etsy. 

Tracy's favourite way to sell is through auction - especially if there are specialist sales. 

Vectis is one of the biggest and most popular for toy selling. 

Interests in different periods and items can go up and down, but for the time being vintage pieces from the 1980s and 90s are popular. 

How much you'll be able to get from an item often takes into account its rarity, condition, whether it reflects a period in time, and if it's got a good name behind it. 

You never know - you might be sitting on a treasure trove. 

Annual mortgage repayments have increased by up to 70% since 2021, according to new data from Zoopla .

The biggest impact of rising interest rates has been in southern England where house prices are higher.

Across the South West, South East and East of England, the annual mortgage cost for an average home is £5,000 higher than previously. This rises to £7,500 in London.

But the universal uptick in mortgage costs has been less pronounced in other parts of the UK, with the North East seeing a £2,350 increase.

In a bid to tackle inflation, the Bank of England has raised the base rate from 0.1% in December 2021 to a 16-year high of 5.25% now.

The Zoopla research looked at the average home buyer taking out a 70% loan-to-value mortgage.

This week seems to be starting where last week left off - with three major lenders announcing further hikes in mortgage rates.

Amid uncertainty of the timing of interest rate cuts from the Bank of England  this year, swap rates (which dictate how much it costs lenders to lend) have been rising in recent weeks.

Financial markets currently see two rate cuts by the Bank of England this year.

We've reported on a string of rate bumps from the high street over the last 10 days, and this morning NatWest, Santander and Nationwide moved.

In its second hikes announcement in less than a week, NatWest laid out increases across its full range of residential and buy-to-let fixed deals of up to 0.22%.

Santander, meanwhile, announced increases for both fixed and tracker deals across their residential and buy-to-let products - up to 0.25%.

The same hikes are being imposed for a range of Nationwide deals.

All of these will kick in tomorrow.

Amit Patel, adviser at Trinity Finance, told Newspage it was "not a great start to the week". 

"This is not good news for borrowers," he said.

Where will the base rate go this year?

The majority of the bets, according to LSEG data, are on the first cut coming in August (previously this was June) and the second in December.

This would take Bank rate from the current level of 5.25% to 4.75%.

Disabled people could receive vouchers instead of monthly payments under proposed changes to Personal Independence Payment (PIP).

The changes could see people being provided with either one-off grants for specific costs such as home adaptation, or being directed to "alternative means of support" rather than financial support.

Work and Pensions Secretary Mel Stride is set to announce plans today to overhaul the way disability benefits work.

In a Green Paper due to be published alongside Mr Stride's statement to the Commons, ministers will set out plans to reform Personal Independence Payments (PIP), the main disability benefit, through changes to eligibility criteria and assessments.

The plans also include proposals to "move away from a fixed cash benefit system", meaning people with some conditions, such as depression and anxiety, will no longer receive regular payments but rather get improved access to treatment if their condition does not involve extra costs.

Speaking to Sky News earlier, Mr Stride said: "I want us to have a grown-up, sensible conversation about a benefit called PIP that has not been reviewed in over a decade.

"And I want to ask the question, is it fit for purpose given the world that we're in today, in which mental health issues sadly present more of an issue than they did a decade ago."

By James Sillars , business reporter

A fresh high for the FTSE 100 to start the week.

The index of leading shares in London was 0.5% up at 8,179 in early dealing.

The gains were led by miners and financial stocks.

Dragging on the performance were some consumer-facing brands including JD Sports and Flutter Entertainment.

One other development of note to mention is that stubbornly high oil price.

A barrel of Brent crude is currently trading almost 1% down on the day.

But it remains at $88 a barrel.

The market has been pulled by various forces this month, with hopes of a rebound in demand in China among them.

The latest decline is said to reflect peace talks being held between Israel and Hamas.

A demand for smaller homes has driven growth in UK property prices early in 2024, according to research by Halifax.

Data from the bank's house price index suggests annual property price growth hit 1.9% in February this year - a significant rise from -4.1% just three months prior.

That equates to a rise in prices of £5,318 over the past year.

It follows interest rates stabilising, Halifax says, after a sharp rise over the past two years which squeezed mortgage affordability.

A key driver behind rising prices, Halifax says, has been first-time buyers, who made up 53% of all homes bought with a mortgage in 2023 - the highest proportion since 1995.

And it's smaller homes that have recorded the biggest increases in price growth in the early part of this year - with buyers adjusting their expectations to compensate for higher borrowing costs.

Flats and terraced houses made up 57% of all homes purchased by first-time buyers last year.

This varies by region - for example, in London, flats and terraced homes accounted for 90% of all first-time buyer purchases.

Challenges remain

However, Amanda Bryden, head of Halifax mortgages, said "it's important not to gloss over the challenges" facing the UK housing market, given the "impact of higher interest rates on mortgage affordability" and "continued lack of supply of new homes".

"But scratch beneath the surface and there is a more nuanced story, one which shows that demand for different property types in different parts of the country can vary hugely," she added.

"As interest rates have stabilised and buyers adjust to the new economic reality of owning a home, one way to compensate for higher borrowing costs is to target smaller properties.

"This is especially true among first-time buyers, who have proven to be resilient over recent years, and now account for the largest proportion of homes purchased with a mortgage in almost 30 years."

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