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Planning your journey to and from university

This guide will help you understand how you can travel safely and sustainably on public transport or on foot or by bike, including planning your journey and thinking about the best ticket options for you.

You can find dedicated travel advice for your own university.

For the latest travel information and advice visit tfgm.com and follow @BeeNetwork on X (formally Twitter) for live updates, for bus/rail follow the relevant operator and you can call our contact centre on 0161 244 1000 between 7am and 8pm on weekdays and from 8am to 7pm at weekends.

Remember to check on your university’s website for further information about how to get to and around campus.


Using public transport

The Bee Network app is available to download from the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store. You can use it to:

  • Plan any journey using public transport (bus, tram and train) and active travel – (walking, wheeling or cycling). The journey planner will also show Park and Ride options.
  • Get live departure times for local bus, tram and train stops and stations.
  • Buy tram tickets, Bee AnyBus travelcards, and Bee AnyBus + Tram travelcards, using Google and Apple Pay.
  • See travel alerts for tram, bus, train and road.
  • Rate your journey.
  • Get contact information.

Say Yellow to the Bee Network

The first Bee Network bus services started running in Bolton and Wigan, as well as parts of Bury, Salford and Manchester in September 2023.

Bus services in Oldham, Rochdale, and parts of Bury, Salford and north Manchester joined the Bee Network on 24 March 2024.

We’re on target for every bus service in the region to join the Bee Network by January 2025.

Whether you catch the bus, tram, train or walk, cycle or wheel, the Bee Network will be:

  • Easier to get around, with joined up services.
  • Great value, with capped fares and flexible tickets.
  • Simpler to plan, with easy-to-understand passenger information.
  • Accessible, so everyone can use it.
  • More reliable and more sustainable.

There may be some changes to the tickets you can use on Bee Network.


Travelling by bus

You can find out about bus departure times, routes and operators by visiting our bus pages.

New low bus fares have now been extended to September 2024, meaning you’ll pay no more for your journey than: 

  • £2 for an adult single fare
  • £5 to travel all-day by any bus
  • £21 to travel by any bus for seven days.

Learn more about bus tickets in Greater Manchester.


Travelling by tram

For tram departure times, journey planning and travel information – including around disruption on the network – you can visit our tram pages.

Travel and pay as you go with contactless. You don’t need to know how many days you’ll travel when you start the week, as we’ll work out the total fares for your day’s journeys for you, making it even easier to get around on Metrolink. You will be charged no more than the equivalent adult single and 1-day or 7-day travelcard prices, whichever is cheaper!


Travelling by train

For information about train times, routes, tickets and railcards you can visit nationalrail.co.uk


Tickets and passes

Travelling often, or using multiple modes? Our Ticket Finder can help you find your best option.


Walk or bike it

Walking, wheeling and cycling are great options for a cleaner, greener journey – particularly for shorter trips.

Studying in Manchester or Salford? Why not consider Starling Bank Bikes for your trips around campus and to leisure activities? The scheme is currently expanding into new areas and is a great option if you don’t own your own bike! It’s simple to get started - all you need to do is download the Beryl app, find a bike and start riding.

There is lots of wider information available on our active travel website, including support with:

  • Navigating existing and planned cycling and walking routes as part of Greater Manchester’s Bee Network;
  • Accessing cycle training and bike maintenance sessions available for different levels, to help you improve your bike riding and maintenance skills.

Out together, home together

Going on a night-out? Plan your journey

  • Consider your route in advance - Check the last train, tram or bus in good time.
  • Check in with your friends - Make sure you all get home safe and look after one another.
  • Take a taxi you can trust - Use black cabs and those booked through operators.
  • Travelling on Metrolink? - Watch where you step when using tram crossings.

For more information about planning a Good Night Out read GMCA’s Good Night Out Guide.


Travelling safely

We’re working hard to make transport in Greater Manchester safe for everyone.

The GM TravelSafe Partnership are committed to tackling anti-social behaviour, abuse and harassment across the network.

We care if you’ve been affected by these issues, please report it and help us tackle the issue. This can be done using the LiveChat service.

People involved in this behaviour face serious consequences, including pass removal, fines and even prosecution.


Help along the way

There are lots of tools and tips to help you travel safely across Greater Manchester, including travel support aids. Visit our accessibility hub for more information.