Travel & Tourism

Travel advice issued for the Manchester Christmas Markets 2024 as millions descend on city

It's the big one!

Daisy Jackson - 8th November 2024

Travel advice has now been issued ahead of the Manchester Christmas Markets, with millions of visitors expected to attend the attraction over the coming weeks.

The arrival of the wooden huts and festive teepees signals the start of the Christmas season for the city, with the smell of sizzling sausages and mulled wine in the air.

Every year, the Manchester Christmas Markets attract around nine million visitors from around the region, the UK and beyond.

It’s arguably the biggest visitor attraction in the North West and can get busy – and that often trickles over into the roads and public transport.

So Transport for Greater Manchester has now shared a bit of travel advice to help you soak up all those lovely festive vibes without sitting in a traffic jam.

The Bee Network is the most convenient way to get around, with fast, frequent and later services running whether you’re Christmas shopping, at your work party or just enjoying all the city centre has to offer.

There are also discounted tickets for families – a group of one to three children with one or two adults are able to enjoy unlimited off-peak travel on any bus for £9, or make use of the full Metrolink network over an entire weekend (from 6pm on a Friday until last services on a Sunday) for £9.50 (now available on the Bee Network app).

In comparison, four hours parking in the city centre is on average £13.46.

As for car journeys, they’re expected to take on average 20% longer around the city centre in the lead-up to Christmas, especially at the weekends.

Those who do drive are encouraged to use one of the Park and Ride sites across the Metrolink, bus and train network.

TfGM has stressed that you can use Starling Bank bikes to nip around town itself, as well as the many tram and bus stops.

And the V1 and 36 bus services – connecting Manchester with Leigh and Bolton via Salford – now operate 24 hours a day, meaning you don’t have to worry about missing the last bus home.

TfGM’s Chief Network Officer Danny Vaughan, said: “The opening of the Christmas Markets means the start of the festive season for many people, as the countdown to the big day begins and everywhere gets much busier for a few weeks.

“It can be a hectic time of year, but choosing the Bee Network and leaving the car at home is a smart way for people to save time and money, keeping more cash in their pocket for shopping, nights out and festive treats.

“There is a great range of affordable tickets on offer, including for families. So, get on board with us to take the stress out of things by making your journey as reliable, comfortable and affordable as possible.

“Our frequent bus and tram services can avoid you sitting in traffic and stressing over finding somewhere to park, and for short journeys consider cycling, walking or wheeling – it is often the quickest, healthiest and most cost-effective way to make your journeys.”

The Manchester Christmas Markets are open from Friday 8 November until Sunday 22 December.