Getting to MAN
Feb 1, 2014 | 8:01 am
#1
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Getting to MAN
Hello everyone,
I know we have a few MAN pax (yes, I am also referring to you, MAN PAX) and I was wondering how you all got to MAN from the city?
I don't have a car up here - so far I've taken taxis or, more often, the train from Piccadilly/Oxford Road.
As I'm usually halfway down Oxford Rd, I was wondering if any of you had any experience of the 43 bus? It seems to take between 30 minutes and an hour, which is quite a lot but compared to getting to one of the train stations, then waiting for the train, leaving (often late)...
Thanks for your input!
I know we have a few MAN pax (yes, I am also referring to you, MAN PAX) and I was wondering how you all got to MAN from the city?
I don't have a car up here - so far I've taken taxis or, more often, the train from Piccadilly/Oxford Road.
As I'm usually halfway down Oxford Rd, I was wondering if any of you had any experience of the 43 bus? It seems to take between 30 minutes and an hour, which is quite a lot but compared to getting to one of the train stations, then waiting for the train, leaving (often late)...
Thanks for your input!
Feb 1, 2014 | 8:08 am
#2
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YO MAN PAX
I'd say the best thing to do is try it but leave extra time, I don't tend to use buses much outside of London. Remember roadworks, accidents or general congestion can impact buses more than taxis as buses follow a route, but taxis can change their route depending on the road conditions.
How long does it take you to get to Oxford Road station from where you are?
I'd say the best thing to do is try it but leave extra time, I don't tend to use buses much outside of London. Remember roadworks, accidents or general congestion can impact buses more than taxis as buses follow a route, but taxis can change their route depending on the road conditions.
How long does it take you to get to Oxford Road station from where you are?
Feb 1, 2014 | 8:15 am
#3
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In just under 2 weeks I should be able to leave plenty of time to get there so I may well try the bus - in the worst case I'll have to sit in the lounge :P
It takes 10-15 minutes to get to Oxford Rd station, but the trains aren't that frequent/regular from there.
It takes 10-15 minutes to get to Oxford Rd station, but the trains aren't that frequent/regular from there.
Feb 1, 2014 | 8:16 am
#5
Join Date: Nov 2010
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Train from Piccadilly on the rare times I'm in central Manchester. Normally Taxi from my current house near Bolton, and either taxi or pushbike when I move next week. Perhaps walk to the Marriot and get the shuttle bus from there 
Feb 1, 2014 | 8:32 am
#7
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Yes I have used that service!!!!, for precisely the reason you suggest, it saves tramming or walking in the rain in Manchester, as it goes up through Rusholme, around to Oxford Road and through the city centre, so it's handy for some hotels and the former BBC building. It also goes past the Southern Cemetery, as in The Smiths' Cemetery Gates in The Queen Is Dead album.
It does, however, go through the middle of Wythenshawe, which is, er, interesting, and then Benchill, which is even more interesting. The airport bus station is at the back of the rail station and is more palatial than MME Airport.
The other option is the 44 which goes over the Heald Green side and on through East Didsbury.
It does, however, go through the middle of Wythenshawe, which is, er, interesting, and then Benchill, which is even more interesting. The airport bus station is at the back of the rail station and is more palatial than MME Airport.
The other option is the 44 which goes over the Heald Green side and on through East Didsbury.
Last edited by corporate-wage-slave; Feb 1, 2014 at 8:39 am
Feb 1, 2014 | 8:41 am
#8
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CWS, thanks! I have never seen the 44 bus though - but it seems like it goes down Oxford Rd. Is it one of those once-an-hour small buses operated by some obscure company? 
Any bad experience with the 43? I certainly don't want to risk missing my flight!
Any bad experience with the 43? I certainly don't want to risk missing my flight!
Feb 1, 2014 | 9:06 am
#9
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I've used it a few times, it does get snarled up in traffic around Platts Field sometimes, but we're talking an extra 10 minutes here. After 7pm it can be faster than the train. There are no guarantees in life, the rail service can go up the creek too. So long as you keep a fine eye on the time, you can always in extremis get off the bus and hail one of the very many taxis that run along the same road.
Feb 1, 2014 | 9:10 am
#10
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Thanks, I'll try it on 14 Feb before my MAN-LHR as I have plenty of time (should leave around 10:30am). Another glass of champagne in the lounge can't hurt!
I'll probably use it more often from MAN to the city though.
Thank you everyone for your help!
I'll probably use it more often from MAN to the city though.
Thank you everyone for your help!
Feb 2, 2014 | 2:15 am
#12
Join Date: Jun 2004
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Getting to MAN
I'd take the train if I'm not dropped off by car. While the service may not be as frequent as some countries, it's generally reliable. Just give yourself time to walk from the airport terminus to your terminal
Feb 2, 2014 | 4:20 am
#13
Join Date: Dec 2009
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Until last year I lived just off Oxford Road near Rusholme and have successfully driven, walked, taken the train and the bus to the airport.
From my location it was usually quicker (if not using the car or taxi) to walk into town and get the train rather than the bus.
Is it possible for the OP to get the train from Mauldeth Road?
From my location it was usually quicker (if not using the car or taxi) to walk into town and get the train rather than the bus.
Is it possible for the OP to get the train from Mauldeth Road?
Feb 2, 2014 | 5:27 am
#14
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I'd be leaving from Manchester Business School (West), so Mauldeth Rd is pretty much a no go, might as well take the train from Ox Rd (and change at Piccadilly if faster).
I'll still take the bus on the 14th just to see what it's like - with plenty of time to spare.
By the way, does anyone know of any shortcut between the Station and T3? The lifts seem to take forever!
I'll still take the bus on the 14th just to see what it's like - with plenty of time to spare.
By the way, does anyone know of any shortcut between the Station and T3? The lifts seem to take forever!
Feb 2, 2014 | 5:49 am
#15
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Which lifts? Isn't there an escalator up to the concourse level? Walk across the pedestrian walkway, go down the escalator into T1 check-in, turn left and at the far end you will find a couple of small lifts (not the ones serving the multi-storey car park) down to the ground level outside the building. Turn left as you come out of the lift and follow the footpath to T3.
Last edited by NewbieRunner; Feb 2, 2014 at 9:36 am