What is transport catering?

Trip to Manchester - Transport & Advice?

• I'm going to Manchester at the end of this month for a few days and just wanted to get some advice on transport and food and things like that. I am going with my friend and will be staying in the Salford Quays area. I was just wondering if anyone could offer advice on transport - how much it'll cost, if there are any cheaper alternatives, ideas for what is around where we are staying in terms of food, etc and just generally any advice. I'll give you a rough idea of our itinerary: On day one, we are catching the train to Oxford Road (from Sheffield). We already have the train tickets booked. We will be needing to get transport from the train station to Trafford Road, where our hotel is situated. Later in the evening we are attending an event at the Manchester O2 Apollo, so we will need transport to there from Trafford Road. (We will most likely get a taxi back because the event will probably finish after 11 - any ideas on how much this will be and any taxi firms to recommend?) Day two, we are planning to go to the Trafford Centre, so we will need transport there and back. Day there we are going to the Trafford Centre again probably to the cinema there. We will need transport from the hotel to the Trafford Centre, then from the centre to Oxford Road Train Station because we have an evening train but an early hotel check out. (Hopefully that makes sense) How much is transport generally? Do you have anything to recommend? (E.G: Would you recommend day/week riders to cut costs down? Are these valid on both Metrolink and buses? Do you know what sort of food-y places are around our hotel?) Obviously we have already done a bit of research but any advice would be much appreciated! Thank you!

• Answer:

  Okay, nearest station to Trafford Road (I assume you're staying at the Etap there?) is Exchange Quay. Easy enough walk, about 5 minutes or so, ask at the hotel for more info. To get from the train to your hotel; It would be better if you got off the train at Piccadilly instead. That's just one stop before Oxford Road. The reason I suggest Piccadilly is because Oxford Road doesn't actually have a direct Metrolink transfer. Piccadilly does. At Piccadilly you'll arrive at platforms 13/14, just follow the signs for Metrolink or ask. At the Met platforms, you'll want either an ECCLES or a MEDIACITYUK tram. Catch this tram and alight at Exchange Quay. Should take about 15 minutes, it's only on the other side of the city centre. This trip will cost you £3.50 per adult. That's for a return journey, because if you're going to the Apollo later in the evening you'll need to be returning to the city centre first. Now, to the Appollo, you can actually get a bus (not sure which one) but you can also walk. You should get better directions from your hotel or something, but from Piccadilly you walk down Downing St. Before long you'll reach a park called Ardwick Green Park. The Apollo is situated on a roundabout right close to there. Okay so Day Two. Once again, catch the tram from Exchange Quay into the city centre. This time you'll need to get off at Piccadilly Gardens. Once here, you can change for the X50 bus service. This'll take you direct to the Trafford Centre and they run very frequently. Journey time is about half an hour. There is a combined Metrolink-Bus ticket but it's really not worth it for your journeys as you won't be travelling all across Greater Manchester as this ticket allows you to. The Lowry and MediaCity are very close to your hotel, which offer there own area of shopping, retail and culture. Manchester City centre, however, wins over the Quays on all that. Both are a very short tram ride from your hotel. Hope I helped. You can ask more questions at [email protected] Hope you have a lovely time.