Saturday 3 June is expected to be the busiest day of the year so far for transport in Manchester and beyond, as it will be the day of a planned rail strike. On Saturday (3 June), both Manchester City and Manchester United fans will be heading for London to attend the FA Cup final.

In addition, between Wednesday 31 May and Sunday 4 June, there are major events taking place across Manchester as our city welcomes global stars such as Coldplay, Arctic Monkeys and Elton John to play at some of our largest venues.

We've prepared a summary of the key events and advice but for further details, please click to open the section that applies below.

Key events

  • Coldplay at the Etihad - 31 May and 1, 3 and 4 June.
  • Arctic Monkeys at Emirates Old Trafford - 2 and 3 June.
  • Elton John at the AO Arena - 31 May, 2 and 3 June.
  • Rail strikes on 31 May and 3 June.
  • Other events around Greater Manchester, including events at Edgeley Park, Stockport on 2 and 3 June and the We Invented the Weekend festival at Salford Quays.

Key messages

Whether you plan on attending any of the events or just need to get around the city, be in the know for how to get from A to B.

  • With rail strikes and many major events on the same day, Saturday 3 June will be the busiest day this year so far on the Greater Manchester transport network. However you travel, there is likely to be congestion, but travelling by Metrolink if you can will reduce the disruption to your journey.
  • Expect a significant amount of additional time to be added to journeys if you are travelling by car. Congestion in the city centre towards the Arena and ticket holders taking a similar route to the Etihad will compound congestion on the Inner Ring Road.
  • We strongly advise you not to drive into the city centre. If you have no other option but to drive, we suggest parking at a car park on the side of the city you're travelling in from, or using a Metrolink Park and Ride site. Trying to cross the city by car will add time to your journey and to the city centre congestion.
  • Do you usually commute into the city centre on a Wednesday, Thursday or Friday? Consider whether you can travel before 3pm or work from home to avoid busy roads, buses and trams.
  • East Didsbury and Radcliffe Park and Ride sites are expected to be full by the early morning on Saturday. Alternate parking is available at Whitefield and Sale Water Park Park and Ride sites.

We're here to help. If you have any queries or want to share any of your favourite moments from the weekend, we will be available on Twitter from early doors until late in the evening. Follow us on Twitter @OfficialTfGM or @MCRMetrolink. For more ways to contact TfGM, visit our contact us webpage.

The RMT and ASLEF unions have announced a series of industrial action on the railways, with strikes set to affect train journeys on a number of dates, including Wednesday 31 May, Friday 2 June and Saturday 3 June.

If you are travelling into and out of Manchester city centre from local, regional or national destinations, our travel advice is:

  • Consider whether you can make your journey on another day when there isn't a strike planned.
  • Check the status of your full journey with your operator - both in advance and right before you travel. The National Rail Enquiries website is continually updated with the latest impacts of the strikes.
  • Get creative - instead of getting in the car and driving directly to your venue when there is likely to be severe congestion in the city centre and limited car parking spaces, can you use one of our 24 park and ride sites? Sale Water Park, East Didsbury, Ashton Moss and Ashton West are close to the M60. Once you are parked at a park and ride, simply hop on a Metrolink service to your destination.

More information from TfGM about the strikes can be found on our dedicated webpage.

One of the world's biggest bands - Coldplay - bring their 'Music of the Spheres' tour to the Etihad on 31 May, 1, 3 and 4 June.

The tour has been celebrated for its sustainability initiatives. This includes encouraging fans to make 'greener' transport choices. More information can be found on Coldplay's dedicated website.

Our travel advice for this event is as follows:

  • We strongly recommend the use of public transport for the events, as journey times and congestion are likely to be significantly higher than usual - especially on Saturday 3 June, when there are multiple events and rail strikes on the same day.

Walking

  • The Etihad Stadium is a 25-minute walk from the heart of Manchester.
  • From Piccadilly Station, a step-free walking route (also marked on maps as 'Citylink') is clearly signposted through Manchester’s Ancoats and New Islington areas.
  • For more information, you can visit our dedicated Etihad webpage, where you can find a downloadable map of the walking route.

Metrolink

  • There will be a 6-minute service between the Etihad Campus and the city centre until approximately 1am on Wednesday 31 May, Thursday 1 June, Saturday 3 June and Sunday 4 June.
  • To allow for extra capacity on tram services towards the Etihad before the concerts begin, you will be able to board an Altrincham line service towards the Etihad.
  • The last tram to the city centre from the Etihad Stadium will depart at 1.11am on Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday. The last tram will depart at 12.31am on the Sunday.
  • The last tram to Ashton from the Etihad Stadium will depart at 12.11am on Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday. The last tram will depart at 11.35pm on the Sunday.
  • Unsure about ticketing or travelling to the venue? Check our information on getting to the Etihad, or speak to the Metrolink staff that will be present at city centre stops to help you on your way.
  • Using a Park and Ride site is a good way to use the tram and avoid road congestion near the ground. You can find the latest departures by typing the name of your stop into our live updates search. Please note that on Saturday, East Didsbury and Radcliffe Park and Ride sites are expected to be full by early morning. Alternate parking is available at Whitefield and Sale Water Park Park and Ride sites.

Bus

  • There are a number of commercial buses that stop in and around the Etihad, including the 216, which stops along Ashton New Road and provides a connection between the Etihad and the city centre and Stalybridge.
  • For the full list of bus services around the Etihad, take a look at the bus section of our dedicated webpage for the venue.
  • Bus services will be operating to their advertised timetable. For timetable details, you can search your bus service number on our website, or check with your operator when planning your journey.
  • For more information about fares on buses in Greater Manchester, visit our Get On Board webpage.

Driving

  • Congestion on the roads close to the Etihad Campus will start to build from around two hours before the event as ticket holders begin to arrive.
  • Getting to the gig: Our data following the first night of the tour shows that those travelling along the Mancunian Way towards the Etihad before the concert can expect to add an extra 20 minutes to their journey. On London Road, Aytoun Street, Auburn Street and roads through the city centre towards the Etihad, you can expect journeys to take approximately 15 minutes longer.
  • After the gig: If you need to travel via Ashton New Road or Alan Turing Way from approximately 10.30pm, expect to add 20 minutes to your journey. Road closures in place on Ashton New Road will be re-opened at approximately 11.45pm.
  • If you have to drive to the event, we are advising ticket holders to use a car park on the side of the city that your route after the concert is on.

Train

  • Rail strikes will take place on all concert dates. Extremely limited services will operate, if any at all, and you should find an alternative means of travel to the venue.
  • Manchester Piccadilly rail station will be closed on Wednesday 31 May, Friday 2 and Saturday 3 June.

Sheffield megastars - Arctic Monkeys - return to the stage at Emirates Old Trafford for two nights on Friday 2 and Saturday 3 June.

Our travel advice for this event is as follows:

  • We strongly recommend the use of public transport for the events, as journey times and congestion are likely to be significantly higher than usual - especially on Saturday 3 June, when there are multiple events and rail strikes on the same day.

Metrolink

  • Old Trafford stop is located next to Emirates Old Trafford. This stop will be busy both before and after the concerts.
  • Because Old Trafford stop will be busy, after the concert, you can also use Trafford Bar for both southbound journeys on the East Didsbury or Airport lines and journeys back to the city centre.
  • Alternatively, you may find it quicker to get to the city centre by walking 10 minutes to Wharfside and boarding a city centre bound tram there.
  • The last tram from Old Trafford to the city centre will depart at 1.08am and towards Altrincham at 12.29am.
  • The last tram from Trafford Bar to East Didsbury will depart at 11.46pm and to the Airport at 11.31pm.
  • Unsure about ticketing or travelling to the venue? Check our information on getting to Emirates Old Trafford, or speak to Metrolink staff will be present at city centre stops to help you on your way.

Driving

  • With Friday's concert coinciding with peak commuting hours and Saturday's concert on the busiest day this year on the transport network, congestion is likely on both days.
  • Based on data from previous events, our advice is:
  • When travelling from 3pm (before the concert): If travelling on the Mancunian Way or Bridgewater Way towards Emirates Old Trafford, plan an extra 20 minutes into any journeys by road.
  • When travelling after 9.30pm (after the concert): If travelling along Chester Road (heading towards junction 7 of M60), please plan for your journey to take up to 40 minutes longer. If your route includes Wharfside Way/Village Way/Parkway (heading towards the M60), journeys may take up to 30 minutes longer by road.
  • Using a Park and Ride site is a good way to use the tram and avoid road congestion near the ground. You can find the latest departures by typing the name of your stop into our live updates search. Please note that on Saturday, East Didsbury and Radcliffe Park and Ride sites are expected to be full by early morning. Alternate parking is available at Whitefield and Sale Water Park Park and Ride sites.

Train

  • On both Friday 2 and Saturday 3 June, there are planned rail strikes which will impact local and national journeys to the event. Extremely limited services will operate, if any at all, and you should find an alternative means of travel to the venue.
  • Manchester Piccadilly rail station will be closed on both Friday 2 and Saturday 3 June from 7pm until 7am of the following morning.

For further information on bus connections, cycling and walking, please visit Emirates Old Trafford's dedicated travel advice webpage.

Icon of the music world, Elton John, brings his 'Farewell Yellow Brick Road' tour to the AO Arena for three nights.

Our travel advice for these events is as follows:

  • We strongly recommend the use of public transport for the events, as journey times and congestion are likely to be significantly higher than usual - especially on Saturday 3 June, when there are multiple events and rail strikes on the same day.

Metrolink and Train

  • The arena is adjacent to Victoria tram stop/railway station with both offering excellent transport connections to areas across the North West.
  • Rail strikes will take place on all concert dates. Extremely limited services will operate, if any at all, and you should find an alternative means of travel to the venue.
  • Manchester Piccadilly rail station will be closed on Wednesday 31 May, Friday 2 and Saturday 3 June.
  • Look out for our special Elton John-themed stop at Victoria and say 'Farewell Yellow Brick Road' with us!

Driving

  • During peak commuting hours and on Saturday afternoon, there will be significant congestion on Trinity Way and the Inner Ring Road. Please plan your journey in advance and allow for extra travel time.
  • If you have no alternative but to drive to the event, use a Park and Ride site completing your journey into the city by tram, or use a car park on the side of the city that your route after the concert is on.
  • Using a Park and Ride site is a good way to use the tram and avoid road congestion near the arena. You can find the latest departures by typing the name of your stop into our live updates search. Please note that on Saturday, East Didsbury and Radcliffe Park and Ride sites are expected to be full by early morning. Alternate parking is available at Whitefield and Sale Water Park Park and Ride sites.

For further information on bus connections, cycling and walking, please visit the AO Arena's dedicated travel advice webpage.

Manchester City will play Manchester United in the FA Cup Final at Wembley on Saturday 3 June at 3pm.

However, there is significant strike action planned across the rail sector on the day of the final, as well as the day before (2 and 3 June).

All supporters travelling to this year’s FA Cup Final are advised to consider alternative travel arrangements.

Our travel advice for those hoping to attend the event:

  • No rail services are expected to operate and should find alternative means of travel. Visit our dedicated webpage for more information the strikes.
  • The FA will be operating additional coach services, to and from Wembley Stadium on Saturday 3 June, in collaboration with both clubs. For more information, take a look at the section below.
  • Both Radcliffe and East Didsbury Park and Ride sites will be used as coach pick up and drop off points for FA Cup Final coaches travelling to London. This means that these sites are expected to be extremely busy and you may not find a space on Saturday 3 June.
  • Prepare for severe congestion on the roads around Wembley, as those who would usually take the train will have no choice than to travel by road.
  • Any fans who had already bought a rail ticket to travel to the FA Cup Final can use their ticket to travel at any time on Friday 2 June, or up to and including Tuesday 6 June. If you choose not to travel by rail on the alternative dates, you are entitled to a full, fee-free refund. For more information and refund claim details, you can visit the Avanti West Coast website.

Coaches

The FA will provide 60 coaches for both Manchester clubs to help supporters get to the FA Cup Final fixture on Saturday 3 June at Wembley Stadium and return to Manchester, once the game has finished.

Manchester City supporters

  • Bus services will will pick-up and drop-off between 6.30am and 7am from Aytoun Street, Manchester, M1 3GL, opposite the Doubletree Hilton Hotel.
  • Return tickets cost £60 per adult and £55 per child (under 15 years old). A £1 fee booking fee will also apply.
  • Spectators arriving to the coach pick-up point by car are advised to use City Centre car parks and walk to the coach collection location. Spaces will only be available to supporters with a valid matchday ticket bought via their club.

Manchester City supporters can book their place on a coach to Wembley on the National Express website.

Manchester United supporters

  • Bus services will will pick-up and drop-off between 7am and 7.30am from AJ Bell Stadium, 1 Stadium Way, Eccles, Manchester, M30 7EY.
  • Return tickets cost £60 per adult and £55 per child (under 15 years old). A £1 fee booking fee will also apply.
  • Car parking will be available from 6am at the AJ Bell Stadium. Spaces will only be available to supporters with a valid matchday ticket bought via their club.

Manchester United supporters can book their place on a coach to Wembley on the National Express website.

Not only are there a large number of major events on around the city during this time, but there are also events in other areas of Greater Manchester to consider when planning journeys into, around and out of the city region.

Stockport County Football Club, Edgeley Park, Stockport

  • Blowout Bingo - Friday 2 June from 5pm - a night of excitement, where traditional bingo meets live music and immersive entertainment. For more information, please visit the Stockport County website.
  • An Evening of ABBA - Saturday 3 June from 6pm - See Edgeley Park transformed into the ultimate ABBA disco experience. More information about this event is available on the club website.

We Invented the Weekend, Media City and Salford Quays

Visit this unique festival of free time on Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 June. You can see talks, take part in workshops and experience performances from some of the UK's finest talent in the expressive arts. More information and the full programme is available on the We Invented the Weekend website.