Thinking of Moving to Manchester? Here are 6 tips for commuting in the big city
With so many people moving to the city, Manchester’s local council has been working hard to ensure that there are many different commuting options to help you get where you need to go.
Thinking of Moving to Manchester? Here Are 6 Tips For Commuting in the Big City
Manchester is a beautiful and diverse city, full of creative businesses and amazing attractions, which is why it’s no wonder that so many individuals move here every year.
With so many people moving to the city, Manchester’s local council has been working hard to ensure that there are many different commuting options to help you get where you need to go.
If you’re thinking about moving to Manchester in the future, then we’ve got a selection of tips on how you can make your commute simple and straightforward.
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Know Your Route
Before you start looking at commuting options, you should check the most common routes that you’ll need to take when you live in the city. This means exploring where you would work, and roughly where you would live, and then working out how far you’d need to travel. You can then explore the quickest routes and the transport options that you have. It’s not always possible to plan out an exact route before you make your move to the city, but by having a rough idea of where you’re going and the areas that you’ll need to travel through, you’ll have a better chance of optimising your commute and saving yourself time in the future.
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Check Out Public Transport Options
Public transport is prevalent throughout Manchester, and the city boasts everything from regular trains and buses through to Manchester Metrolink, the city’s tram service. When you’re thinking about how to commute around Manchester, you should explore the public transport options you have and try to work out the quickest and most efficient route. You might need to use more than one type of transport or even walk part of the journey in some cases, so learn what you’ll need to do and consider whether it’s the right option for you.
Consider Leasing A Car
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If you’re not a fan of public transport, or you have to travel far to reach your destination, then you might want to drive a car. Buying a vehicle outright is costly and means that you’ll be responsible for maintaining, checking and selling your car. An easier option is to lease a car. With a leased car, you get the flexibility to upgrade your vehicle once your lease is up, without having to go through the work of selling your old car. Companies like Vantage Leasing are based in Manchester and offer a range of car leasing options, so you can find the one that suits your needs with ease.
Find A Carpool
For non-drivers or anyone who wants to reduce their carbon footprint, a carpool could be the ideal solution. By joining with a group of commuters who regularly drive in the same direction to and from work, you can save money, reduce your impact on the environment and make new friends all at the same time. Ask if your new workplace in Manchester has a carpool already organised and see if there is a space available in it for you. If your organisation is small, then you might want to check out community carpools or join with people who live near you and work in the same part of the city.
Learn About The Busiest Times To Travel
As well as distance, it would help if you also considered the time that you travel to your destination. Certain times of day are busier than others, so you might find that you get stuck in traffic or get crammed uncomfortably onto your chosen form of public transport. If possible, you should see if you can travel at less congested times of the day. For example, if you have the option to adjust your working hours and work flexibility, then you might want to start and leave work during times that aren’t as busy so that you can travel in ease and comfort.
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Try Cycling
Cycling is a great way to exercise and reach your destination quickly and efficiently. Bikes are easy to use and maintain, so cycling could be the perfect option for you, particularly if your commute isn’t too long. Taking your bike instead of using a car or public transport is also better for the environment, so you’ll be able to do your bit for the planet if you choose to commute by bike. Manchester is a great city to cycle in, as the council has worked hard over the years to make the roads safe for bicyclists. There are many incredible cycling routes throughout Manchester, so you’ll be able to find one that suits your purpose and gets you to your destination in no time.
Manchester is a safe and accessible city that’s great for a wide variety of commuters. Use these tips to optimise your daily commute and plan your route before you relocate to this amazing and dynamic city.
Manchester
A local Manc content creator is looking to set a world record by running around Old Trafford
Danny Jones
A local content creator, who specialises in running/hiking content (and sandwiches), is looking to raise money and potentially set a world record by jogging around Old Trafford.
Oh, and by jogging, we mean running – for a really, REALLY long time…
If you’ve never come across his channel before, let us introduce you to local influencer and videographer Sam Matthew, a.k.a. ‘Peaks and Pubs‘.
Boasting plenty of fans on both Instagram and TikTok within the world of trail running, the outdoors community and beyond, he’s set to toastreaching a very specific achievement by “turning a milestone into a mission” and doing laps around Old Trafford, the home of Manchester United Football Club.
As explained in the video, he’s now surpassed 74,310 followers, i.e. the same capacity of supporters you can fit inside the Theatre of Dreams itself.
We know, it’s distance running and feats of endurance aren’t everyone’s cup of tea, but they are a great way of raising money and awareness, not to mention possibly getting yourself in the official Guinness Book of World Records.
Explaining the challenge in the caption of the video, Sam writes: “There’s now enough of you lot following this daft account of mine on here to fill a stadium I’ve adored since I was a little boy. And that genuinely means so much to me.
“So why not celebrate the occasion by punishing my legs and raising money for good causes along the way? Donations are, of course, the aim, but I understand that not everybody is in the position to do that, so any engagement on this post is hugely appreciated.
“I mean it from the bottom of my heart that you lot genuinely make this all happen for me, and I couldn’t be more grateful that I get to do silly stuff like this on a random Wednesday [29 October]. Giving off pure ‘your unemployed friend on a Wednesday’ vibes, but I love it!”
Raising money for the club’s in-house Manchester United Foundation, which has already shown its support for the upcoming ultra-marathon distance event, they are also looking to generate crucial funds with the return of another annual charity event too.
The Foundation does some incredible work all year-round, if you’d rather swap running around Old Trafford for sleeping.
Once again, Sam will be kicking off the serious step-count from approximately 9am this Wednesday (28 Oct), he’s estimating it’ll take him around a whopping nine and a half hours, “with plenty of breaks for food and fluids”, thank god.
As the man behind most of the Bada Bing videos, we expect plenty of butties to fuel the running.
Furthermore, although he’s set to take on the distance solo for the morning, he’s invited as many people who fancy getting involved to come and join him for a lap or two from 12 noon onwards; hopefully, he’ll see the Guinness people popping along to see if he registers a world record while he’s at it, too.
We hope there are a few pints at the pub waiting for you at the end, as always, Sam.
Featured Images — Peaks and Pubs (supplied)/The Manc Group
Manchester
A live Shaun the Sheep stage show and circus is coming to Manchester
Danny Jones
Brace yourselves, because one of the best fun-for-all-ages events is coming to Manchester: the official Shaun the Sheep stage and circus show is coming to Factory International.
This isn’t just one to keep the children entertained; we already know plenty of big kids who grew up on Shaun, Shirley, and the rest of the sheep are already thinking about grabbing tickets.
Created by Nick Park, the same man responsible for Wallace and Gromit, this live stage production and incredibly practical circus show of the beloved British cartoon is already critically acclaimed.
Now set to make its full European debut right here in our city, Shaun the Sheep’s Circus Show teams up with leading performance company Circa to bring the TV show to life this winter.
‘It’s gonna be un-BAAA-leivable’.
Conceived not only by the award-winning minds at Aardman Animation, but the experienced performers at Circa, this ‘in the flesh’ (and wool) interpretation of the slapstick CBBC classic will not only delight younger audiences, but bring plenty of energy to keep the adults entertained too.
Promising a “live circus performance, simultaneously blurring the lines between movement, dance, theatre and circus for a visual spectacle packed with wit”, you can expect acrobatics and circus skills.
Stunts will include the likes of tumbling, juggling, aerial hoop, aerial silks, trapeze, Spanish web and Chinese pole, just to name a few.
And, of course, there’ll be plenty of Aardman’s signature heartwarming comedy in W&G, Chicken Run, Arthur Christmas, Flushed Away and more.
Naturally, all the usual suspects will be on show to: Shaun, Bitzer, The Farmer and the rest of the Flock – and yes, in case the trailer didn’t give it away, they are people who are not just dressed up as adorable real-life lambs but bouncing, flipping and flying all over the stage.
Coming to Aviva Studios this festive period, it’ll be taking place in The Hall: one of the venue’s largest and most dynamic rooms, with the state-of-the-art building famously able to alter the size of individual stages and spaces depending on the event.
John McGrath, Artistic Director and Chief Executive of Factory International, said: “We’re thrilled to be working with Circa and Aardman to present the European premiere of this fun-filled show at our home in Aviva Studios.
“Circa presents award-winning circus performances to audiences across the globe, and their collaboration with Aardman Studios creates a unique offering for families, circus fans and everyone who loves Shaun the Sheep“
Running from Tuesday, 11 December 2025 until Sunday, 4 January 2026, they’ve also ensured affordable admission from just £10; you can grab your tickets now.