How to Get Around Manchester

Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) manages public transport across Greater Manchester through the Bee Network - an integrated system of buses, trams, and journey planning tools designed to make travel simple, affordable, and stress-free.

The official Bee Network website offers everything you need to plan your journey, check routes, and buy tickets across the region.

Bus Services in Greater Manchester

The Bee Network operates frequent and reliable bus services across Greater Manchester, helping you travel easily between towns, city centres, and local attractions. Bee Network buses are easy to recognise by their distinctive yellow design, matching the Metrolink trams.

• Extensive coverage across the region
• Regular services throughout the day
• Easy connections with tram routes
• Affordable Bus Tickets & Hopper Fares

Travelling by bus is cost-effective with simple ticket options:

• Single ‘hopper’ ticket: £2 for adults, £1 for children - allowing multiple bus journeys within one hour
• Bee Bus tickets: Valid on all bus services across Greater Manchester, including routes that cross the city-region boundary
• Discounted tickets available for families, students, and frequent travellers
• Multi-Modal Travel Tickets

For added flexibility, you can purchase multi tickets that combine bus and tram travel, making it easier to switch between transport modes without buying separate fares.

Metrolink Trams in Greater Manchester

Manchester Metrolink is one of the UK’s most extensive and successful light rail networks, connecting key destinations across Greater Manchester.

• High-frequency services
• Fast connections to shopping, entertainment, and business districts
• Easy access to popular attractions and venues

For unlimited travel, Metrolink Travelcards are ideal for sightseeing or daily commuting.

Ticket Information

Bee Card now available in Apple Wallet

Travelling around Greater Manchester is now even easier, with Bee Network becoming the first place in the UK to offer bus and tram tickets that can be purchased directly through Apple Wallet. Visitors can buy selected Bee Network tickets, add them to a digital Bee Card in Apple Wallet, and simply tap their iPhone or Apple Watch when boarding a bus or using the tram. With Express Mode enabled, passengers can travel without unlocking their device or opening an app, making journeys quicker and more convenient. Available tickets include day, weekend, weekly and family options across bus and tram services, giving visitors a simple way to explore Greater Manchester using the Bee Network. Passengers can also continue to use the Bee Network app for journey planning, live travel information and ticket purchases.

How to Use Metrolink

Before boarding, make sure to:

• Buy a ticket from a stop machine, or
• Tap in and out using contactless payment at tram stops

Manchester’s extensive rail network offers fast, reliable connections across the region, linking the city centre with key Greater Manchester towns including Ashton-under-Lyne, Bolton, Oldham, Rochdale, Stockport and Wigan. Frequent train services make travelling between Manchester and surrounding districts simple and convenient.

The city centre is served by four major railway stations - Manchester Piccadilly, Manchester Victoria, Manchester Oxford Road and Manchester Deansgate - providing seamless connections to local, regional and national destinations.

Looking ahead, Transport for Greater Manchester is expanding the integrated Bee Network, with plans to incorporate eight commuter rail lines by 2028. This transformation will create a fully connected public transport system, combining trains, trams, buses and active travel routes for a smoother, more efficient journey across Greater Manchester.

Free bus services operate across Manchester city centre, offering a convenient and cost-effective way to get around. These buses are completely free of charge and fully wheelchair accessible, making them an inclusive option for all travellers.

The service covers two convenient routes that connect key destinations across the city centre, linking major transport hubs, shopping areas, and business districts.

The free bus service in Manchester city centre provides easy connections between important locations, including:

• Piccadilly Station
• Oxford Road Station
• Deansgate Station
• Salford Central
• Shudehill
• Victoria Station

Manchester is a bike-friendly city with many marked cycle lanes and dedicated routes throughout the city centre and beyond.

Visit the Transport for Greater Manchester cycling website for everything you need to know about cycling in Greater Manchester, from maps and route planning to local events and news. 

You can also hire bikes from various locations across the city, including the Starling Bank Bikes.

Manchester is an easy city to explore on foot, with a compact and accessible city centre that can typically be crossed in around 30 minutes. Its flat terrain and well-connected streets make it one of the most walkable cities in the UK, especially within the central and inner districts.

To help you find your way, City Hosts are positioned throughout the city centre. They provide friendly, face-to-face assistance with directions, public transport information, and details about local events and activities taking place across Manchester.

Download one of our maps to help guide you around the region.