Venue – Manchester Central
Manchester Central is located in the heart of Manchester, a dynamic city bursting with character, and proud to be named as an international destination of choice in 2023 by several travel, tourism and cultural publications.
The city has a vibrant social scene and is home to an array of cultural attractions, galleries, and museums to keep you entertained outside of event hours.
There is a wealth of contemporary and traditional restaurants and bars on their doorstep and more than 2,500 hotel bedrooms within a 5-minute walk.
Ease of Access
Manchester Central is designed for maximum accessibility at all their events. Their teams are regularly trained to support visitors’ needs and provide an inclusive welcome for all. Whilst onsite the team will be happy to assist with any needs or requirements and we hope the information below will help you plan your visit to the venue.
If you have any questions, please contact the accessibility team: accessibility@manchestercentral.co.uk. Most of the exhibition space is on the ground floor/street level. Events on the first floor can be accessed via the lifts. The venue has lots of room for wheelchairs and has several self-propelled wheelchairs (not mobility scooters) available for use within the venue.
To enquire, contact the Event Safety Team on +44 (0)161 834 2700 ext. 2211 or email them at firstaid@manchestercentral.co.uk. Bookings should be made in advance as availability cannot be guaranteed otherwise.
How to find us…
The Bee Network
The Bee Network is a new Greater Manchester initiative that aims to make it easier for people to use public transport across the region. Currently in the first phase of the initiative, the Bee Network can help you with planning your journey, buying tickets and passes and live travel alerts.
Trams (Metrolink)
The Bee Network is a new Greater Manchester initiative that aims to make it easier for people to use public transport across the region. Currently in the first phase of the initiative, the Bee Network can help you with planning your journey, buying tickets and passes and live travel alerts.
The nearest tram stop to Manchester Central is St Peter’s Square. From there, it is just a few minutes on foot. Deansgate – Castlefield is also a short walk.
Trams run every few minutes from early morning until late in the evening. You don’t need a timetable, just turn up, buy your ticket and the next tram will be along shortly. Routes and further information can be found on the Bee Network website.
Taxis
Manchester Central work with Manchester’s black cab drivers to make sure they know when they’re going to be busy. They have a dedicated taxi rank at the front of the venue for pick ups and drop offs. Black cab taxis are readily available at Manchester Airport and both Piccadilly and Victoria train stations.
Free Bus
Free Bus services link the city centre’s main rail stations, shopping areas and businesses, all free of charge. Click here for more information on routes.
Getting Here
By rail
It takes a little over two hours to reach Manchester from London and Manchester also has direct connections to most major UK cities. Services arrive at Piccadilly or Victoria stations where passengers can connect with Metrolink trams for easy access to the city centre. Manchester Central is a 20 minute walk from Piccadilly Station or just five minutes by taxi. Alternatively, catch a connecting train to Oxford Road Station – just five minutes from Manchester Central on foot.
Train Hugger
Train Hugger is the UK’s first green train ticketing platform. Every time you makes a booking, they plant a climate resilient tree, here in the UK via a partnership with the Royal Forestry Society. They offer a first-class booking experience on web and mobile as well as split ticketing which ensures the cheapest fares.
By road
Manchester is at the heart of a comprehensive motorway network. Manchester’s M60 orbital motorway provides easy access from north, south, east and west. If using a satellite navigation system – please follow the postcode M2 3GX.
There is an NCP (National Car Park) directly below Manchester Central that is open 24 hours a day all year round.
By air
Manchester Airport is a major international hub just nine miles (14.5km) from the city centre. It serves more than 200 destinations worldwide including direct routes to nine US cities. From the airport, the city is approximately 25 minutes away by taxi or just 20 minutes via the half-hourly express rail service (tickets £3.00-£4.00).