Manchester Metrolink trains, routes and tickets
Manchester Metrolink is Greater Manchester’s tram network and part of the Bee Network. It connects central Manchester with surrounding towns, Manchester Airport, Salford Quays and major leisure destinations. For National Rail travellers it can bridge a cross-city transfer or provide the final part of a journey beyond the railway station.
Reviewed 6 November 2026.
About the operator
Metrolink opened in 1992 and has expanded through several phases. Its role combines suburban rail-style corridors with street-running sections in the city centre, bringing different parts of Greater Manchester onto one tram network.
A revised timetable introduced in September 2026 changed several through services. The published service pattern uses a 15-minute base frequency, with additional peak trams on key corridors. Check the current map and service information instead of relying on an older line pairing.
Routes and principal stations
Manchester city-centre interchanges
Manchester Piccadilly and Manchester Victoria connect directly with Metrolink. Deansgate-Castlefield (Metrolink) serves Deansgate railway station. Allow time to move between train and tram platforms; the mainline guides describe the National Rail connections.
Northern and eastern corridors
The network serves towns across Greater Manchester. For a train connection, use the tram stop beside Rochdale railway station; Rochdale Town Centre (Metrolink) is a separate stop. Ashton-under-Lyne railway station and Ashton-under-Lyne (Metrolink) are a walk apart.
Airport, south Manchester and the Quays
Altrincham and Manchester Airport provide rail and tram interchanges. Eccles (Manchester) railway station is a short walk from Eccles (Metrolink). Other tram destinations include East Didsbury (Metrolink), MediaCityUK (Metrolink) and The Trafford Centre (Metrolink).
Planning your journey
Use the platform destination displays and live travel alerts, especially for events and late journeys. An airport tram and a National Rail airport train follow different routes and have separate ticket arrangements.
RailSaver can help with the National Rail connection into Greater Manchester. Check local Metrolink fare options for the tram leg and whether any combined ticket specifically includes it.
Tickets and journey choices
Metrolink has four fare zones. A zonal ticket must cover every zone travelled through, including intermediate zones, rather than only the zones containing the first and last stops.
For contactless travel, tap in before boarding and tap out at the final stop with the same card or device. Keep using that payment method to receive applicable daily or weekly caps; do not tap again simply when changing trams.
Family, child, concession and longer-period products can have different conditions. Compare the appropriate fare before using an adult contactless payment for everyone in the party.
Accessibility and assistance
Metrolink trams and stops provide wheelchair access, with marked boarding positions and designated spaces. Check lift availability where your chosen stop depends on a lift.
Since 5 October 2026, a mobility-scooter permit is no longer required on Metrolink. Scooters must still satisfy TfGM’s size and safety requirements; consult the current guidance before travelling.
Sources and further information
Use the current operator's information to check the latest timetable, disruption and assistance arrangements for your travel date.
- TfGM: Metrolink history and passenger milestones ↗
- TfGM: Current Metrolink network map ↗
- TfGM: Current tram service frequency ↗
- TfGM: Metrolink fare zones ↗
- TfGM: Contactless travel on bus and tram ↗
- TfGM: Wheelchairs and mobility scooters on Metrolink ↗
- TfGM: Eccles tram stop and walking rail interchange ↗
- TfGM: Rochdale Railway Station tram stop ↗
- TfGM: Altrincham rail and tram interchange ↗
- TfGM: Ashton-under-Lyne interchange and station map ↗
- TfGM: complete current Metrolink stop list ↗