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.
ADVERTISEMENT
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.
ADVERTISEMENT
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
ADVERTISEMENT
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.
ADVERTISEMENT
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
Manchester reveals FREE programme of events to mark International Women’s Day 2026
Emily Sergeant
Manchester is set to mark International Women’s Day this weekend with a packed programme of free events.
In case you didn’t know, this Sunday (8 March) is International Women’s Day, with cities worldwide will be marking the important day in a series of different ways – and Manchester is no different.
Just as it chose to last year, the city has once again decided not to host its popular and once-annual ‘Walk For Women’ event, that used to see hundreds parade through the city centre in the name of equality, and instead organise a programme of events that both honour the importance of the event globally and this year’s theme.
Each year, International Women’s Day celebrates the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women, whilst also marking a call-to-action for accelerating gender equality.
Join us on Saturday 7 March at Central Library to celebrate International Women’s Day. 💜
Expect storytelling, performances, creative workshops, women’s history exhibitions, a keynote speech and more.
This year in Manchester, Manchester City Council is encouraging everyone to join for a community celebration co‑designed by local women, offering a space to appreciate women’s contributions, meet new people committed to lifting each other up, learn something new, get creative, and ultimately, find inspiration for the future.
Some of the events organised throughout the day – which will all take place at Manchester Central Library the day before IWD 2026 on Saturday 7 March – include a storytelling activity for women to share their personal stories, a special spoken word piece performed by a member of the IWD Co-design group, choirs and poetry performances, and even fireside ‘chats’ among other things.
There’ll also be a range of different events designed especially for mums and children, like the ‘Mums Matter’ wellbeing workshops, offering time to focus on your emotional wellbeing and mental health, and children’s drop-in sessions.
Manchester Central Library is hosting a wide range of IWD 2026 events this weekend / Credit: The Manc Group
You can also expect a selection of stalls by commissioned services and partner organisations promoting different services, and a period product donation point to tackle period poverty across Greater Manchester.
Everybody is invited to celebrate International Women’s Day in Manchester, not just women, and even children are able to attend some of the events too, as people of all ages are welcome.
Manchester’s International Women’s Day 2026 celebrations are taking place throughout the day on Saturday 7 March, and you can find out more and book here.
Featured Image – Marko Milivojevic (via Pixnio)
Manchester
The Sopranos stars finally visit much-loved Manchester sandwich inspired by the show
Danny Jones
In what feels like an inevitable story in the making for a long time now, members of The Sopranos cast have finally visited the popular Manchester sandwich spot inspired by the show, Bada Bing.
We know were biased, but we believe there’s an argument to be made that the beloved Manc butty shop has perhaps an even more fervent cult following than die-hard viewers of the hit American TV drama.
In case you somehow still don’t know the connection, Bada Bing is named after the strip club where several of the main characters work and spend a lot of their time.
Having returned to Manchester city centre back in 2024 after a successful first stint, they’ve been busier than ever, and that famous local name seems to have spread further than ever, including all the way over to the States, where actors from the original show caught wind and have now made the pilgrimage.
You might wonder why they didn’t name it after the butchers and deli, Satriale’s, or maybe even Artie Bucco’s oft-featured restaurant, Vesuvio. Both seem pretty ideal, right?
But let’s be honest, Bada Bing just has a better ring to it; there’s no denying that.
Either way, when series stars Michael Imperioli and Steve Schirripa came over to Manchester last week for a live edition of their podcast (which has just wrapped a limited UK tour) at the O2 Apollo.
But whilst they were here, they also made sure to visit a lunchtime joint that we’re sure Tony, Paulie, Christoper, Silvio and all of The Sopranos regulars would approve of.
While they didn’t quite perch out on the stoop with an espresso and a cigar, they did pose with co-owner Sam Gormally for a quick photo op outside the door.
Oh, and we don’t even need to confirm whether or not they liked the heroes – we just know they did.
‘Chris’ Moltisanti himself, Imperioli, also hopped on social media to share another key moment from his visit to the region:
Writing on their TikTok post, the Babd Bing boys dubbed it a “full circle moment” and reiterated that they still “can’t believe this just happened.
To be honest, we’ve barely got over it ourselves, and we’re just very big fans of the place.
We simply cannot imagine how surreal that day must have been for the whole team and everyone involved, and we hope we get a fun new special toasting the pair’s appearance sometime soon.