Travel
By Rail
Manchester has direct rail connections to all major UK cities – London is just over two hours away by train. Services come into the city at either Piccadilly or Victoria Station, both of which connect to Manchester’s Metrolink light-rail system, which provides easy access to all parts of the city centre. Take the Metrolink from either Piccadilly or Victoria (in the Altrincham or Eccles direction) and alight at St Peter’s Square, which is within a five-minute walk of Manchester Central. You can also take advantage of the free Metroshuttle bus that travels between the two stations across the city centre.
By Road
Manchester is at the heart of the northwest’s motorway network with easy access from all directions onto the M60, the city’s orbital motorway. Once on the M60, exit at Junction 12 and join the M602, signposted towards the city centre. Follow the A57 straight on from the end of the M602, passing under a railway bridge before taking the left-hand exit to merge onto the A56 Bridgewater Way. Turn right onto Whitworth Street West at Deansgate Station and then turn left onto Albion Street. The entrance to the convention complex car park is through the next set of traffic lights on the left, opposite the Bridgewater Hall. If you are using sat nav, type in “M2 3GX”, which will take you to the convention complex car park.
By Air
Manchester Airport is a major international air traffic hub with frequent scheduled flights to the majority of key UK, European and international destinations. It is 9 miles (14.5km) outside the city centre, taking approximately 25 minutes by taxi, or alternatively there is a direct half-hourly express rail service to the city centre that takes approximately 20 minutes.
Metrolink
The extensive Metrolink tram service covers the city centre and areas of Greater Manchester. Purchase a City Zone ticket on the platform and take a tram heading for Altrincham or Eccles, alighting at St Peter’s Square. The venue is then a five-minute walk away, behind the Midland Hotel. You can also take advantage of the free Metroshuttle bus that travels across the city centre.