MANCHESTER

• Bike

Where can I buy a bike?

You can find excellent deals on brand new or second-hand bikes online on Gumtree. With Gumtree, you can pay only on collection and in cash. So do not feel the need to advance any money to any seller even if they demand this.

There are also local shops that sell second-hand bikes at decent prices such as Bicycle Garage and Manchester Cycling Academy.

Where can I hire a bike?

Brompton Bike Hire – Click Here

Beryl Bikes – Click Here

Starling Bank Bikes – Click Here

• Bus

Manchester has an extensive bus system run by two operators: the Bee Network () and Stagecoach. As a student, you can access the Metroshuttles which are free buses that link the city centre to rail stations and shopping areas. Check out their timetable here.

For a timetable of the wider bus network, you can plan your journey here.

Once you know your timetable and what operators serve your route, get yourself a student discounted ticket with either Stagecoach  or Bee Buses.

• Taxi

Uber – Click Here

Bolt – Click Here

Lynx Taxis: Click Here

Mantax: Click Here

• Train

Can I get Student Discounts on Rail Travel?

Access to the wider UK is served by an extensive rail network linked to three train stations in the city: Manchester Piccadilly, Manchester Victoria and Manchester Oxford Road. Piccadilly is the main one and the biggest of the three. You will find a smaller one in Deansgate but that tends to serve more local services or as stops to Piccadilly on some routes. Which station you use depends on your destination and carrier and will be informed of this when purchasing your ticket. We highly recommend you apply for the 16-25 Railcard which saves you 1/3^rd off the price of any rail ticket. If you are older than 25, do not worry. You can apply as a mature student. It costs only £30 for the whole year and is renewable if you are staying beyond a year. You can apply here.

Where can I buy train tickets?

Once you have got your Railcard, we recommend you use the Trainline ticketing platform to buy your ticket. You can download the app here and not only get tickets but also check timetables and updates.

• Tram

The tram service in Manchester (Metrolink) is also an extensive option for travel. It is made up of four zones and you can get a ticket that covers all four or only the zone(s) you will be travelling to. You can plan your journey and get tickets here

REMEMBER!!! Before checking-out, make sure you include your Railcard in order for your 1/3^rd discount to be applied. Also remember to carry your Railcard with you (whether physical or digital) as it will be checked on the train by the train conductor.