Travel in Manchester

[Backdrifter]

What's the best way to get from central Manchester (the coach station, Chorlton Street) to Old Trafford stadium?

[mancmo]

The nearest tram station is Old Trafford, 5 min walk from the stadium, straight across chester road, past the town hall and Lancashire Cricket club. The nearest tram station to Chorlton Street is Piccadilly Gardens. The tram you should get on will say 'Altrincham'.

Otherwise, there are loads of buses that go down Chester Road, but the tram is quicker. try this website: www.gmpte.co.uk

[Backdrifter]

That's great, thanks very much - the link looks v useful too.

[Cathyhuns]

Not sure where the coach station is with respect to Piccadilly train station but if you're going to Old Trafford for a football match there are usually special trains from Piccadilly to Old Trafford. The OT station is right next to the football ground, trains run every few minutes but do not seem to appear in any timetables.

[Eve]

Come out of Chortlon St bus station onto Chortlon St the turn left up to the main road (Portland St) then cross over the road and go right past and you'll come to Picadilly Gardens. There's a bus terminus and you will see the tram stop right in front of you. You buy tickets from machines on the platform so some loose change is advised as they are beggars with notes.

The Altricham line will go through Old Trafford, you can also get off at Salford Quays for the football, both are close enough to walk to the grounds and you should be able to just follow the crowds.

The trams do get very packed on match days though (Picadilly Station which is about 5 mins walk from the coach station - you can hop on the orange number 1 free city bus outside the coach station which will take you straight there) is the first stop so you can try and get on there) with all the people trying to get to the grounds so it may be an idea to get up there early as there are plenty of places round Salford Quays etc.. you can grab something to eat.

http://www.thequays.org.uk/wheretoeat/ More options on the menu bar to the left.

There are fast food huts and such around the ground and pubs but be careful where you go.

A taxi wouldn't cost much but the roads and streets will be packed before and after the match so again earlier is best.

I live in Manchester so if you need any more directions or advice let me know, will keep and eye on the thread.

[Backdrifter]

Thanks Cathy & Jenna, useful stuff. It's not actually for a match but the advice is appreciated. Also Jenna you pre-empted me about places to eat. I'm a bit fussy about eating so would probably avoid the fast-foot stalls but I'm sure there must be lots of other good cheap places at either end of the journey. I'll check that link you sent.

Thanks again.

[Eve]

No worries, happy to help.

If you give me an idea as to what kind of thing you fancy eating wise or what kind of place or budget then I should be able to help you out there whether you want to eat near Old Trafford or in Manchester before you go.