Manchester
🏟️ Address: Manchester Central, WIndmill Street, Manchester, M2 3GX, United Kingdom Directions in Google Maps
As its name suggests, Manchester Central is located right in the heart of Manchester city centre. Whilst it can be accessed by car, travelling by public transport and on foot are far more convenient ways of reaching the venue.
Below you can find general information on travel and parking for Manchester Central. Individual events may have additional/restricted services available, and so we recommend clicking through to the event and viewing the Travel & Parking tab for event-specific information.
Whilst traffic can be busy in central Manchester, it is possible to reach the venue by car. Travellers from outside the city can use the M60 motorway, and those using satellite navigation should use the postcode M2 3GX.
Once at the venue, there is paid car parking located directly underneath the building - follow the NCP signage for Manchester Central Car Park. This car park has over 700 parking spaces, including 18 disabled-accessible bays.
There is a taxi rank at the front of Manchester Central, which can be used for drop-offs and pick-ups.
The following public bus routes can be used to access the venue:
For those travelling from further away, Manchester Coach Station is a 1.4 km (17 min) walk away from Manchester Central.
Located just a 550 m (7 min) walk away, Oxford Road train station is the closest rail station to Manchester Central, whilst Deansgate station is also a similar distance away. Direct services travel to both Oxford Road and Deansgate from Manchester Piccadilly, one of the city's main rail hubs. Blue Line and Purple Line Metrolink services also travel from Piccadilly to Manchester Central, as well as the number 33 bus. Alternatively, Manchester Piccadilly is a 15 minute taxi ride or a 1.9 km (23 min) walk from Manchester Central.
Travelling by tram is also a great way to reach Manchester Central: the nearest stop to the venue is St. Peter's Square, which is a 1.0 km (12 min) walk away, and is served by the Blue, Green, Navy, Pink, and Purple Lines.
As a major English city, Manchester’s accommodation can be quite costly, although there are a number of brilliant budget hotels and hostels for those watching their pennies. Manchester is certainly not short of swanky modern and grand traditional high-end hotels for those more concerned about luxury either.
There is a good selection of on-site catering at Manchester Central, but the exact type of food and drink available may depend on the type of event you are attending, and which space or room(s) it is taking place in. Some of the food and drink available includes pizza, burritos, toasted sandwiches, and alcoholic beverages.
There are toilets located in the Central Foyer, as well as adjacent to most of the separate spaces and rooms. If you're using the large Central Hall, 2 sets of toilets can be found at the far end of the hall (furthest away from the Foyer), as well as adjacent to the Charter Foyer.
Accessibility & parking
The vast majority of Manchester Central's floor-space is level, and can be accessed via the main entrance. All entrances are accessible, and the foyer doors are activated by sensors. The venue's interior signage is highly-contrasting, to help those who have difficulty seeing. There are also pictures and icons on the signs, for quick recognition.
If you park in the venue's on-site NCP car park, there are direct lifts into the venue.
Toilets
Many of Manchester Central's toilet facilities also include disabled toilets; there are toilets located in the Central and Charter Foyers, as well as adjacent to most of the separate spaces and rooms. If you're using the large Central Hall, 2 sets of toilets can be found at the far end of the hall (furthest away from the Foyer).
Assistance dogs
Assistance dogs are allowed inside Manchester Central.
Hearing loops
There are hearing induction loop capabilities in the Exchange Auditorium, Central Foyer, and Charter Foyer spaces.
Other
There is a limited number of wheelchairs available for use inside the venue - they can be booked in advance, which is advised, as they are allocated on a first-come first-served basis. To pre-book a wheelchair for your visit contact Manchester Central First Aid by phone (+44 (0)161-834-2700; extension 2211) or email (firstaid@manchestercentral.co.uk).
Cycling is good way to reach Manchester Central: the venue is in close proximity to many cycle paths and bike lanes, and there are free bike rails in front of the main steps of the venue (for push bikes only).
If you are staying in central Manchester, it is easy to reach Manchester Central on foot. If you are travelling into the city from further away, the venue can be easily reached on foot from many of Manchester's central train stations and tram stops.
Manchester Central has a capacity of approximately 10,900. However, the capacity does differ between events depending on the seating configuration.
WIndmill Street, Manchester, M2 3GX, United Kingdom.
