Getting Here 

Arriving by Plane

Manchester has a major international airport, serving 175 destinations worldwide. Direct flights to Manchester are available from many European, United States and Far East destinations. There are also numerous daily flights from other major European airports, including Amsterdam, Paris and London’s Heathrow and Gatwick.

The airport lies 10 miles south of the city, and has direct links to the centre via train, bus, and taxi services.

Reaching the city from the airport by train

During the day, there are six trains an hour from the airport into the city centre and up to four throughout the night. Trains run to Manchester Piccadilly station and take approximately 15 - 20 minutes, from where you can easily take a taxi to the Midland Hotel. Many of the trains also continue onto Oxford Road and Deansgate stations, which are just a short walk away from your destination.

You can buy rail tickets at self-service ticket machines or the ticket office. One-way fares should be approximately £3.00.

Useful contacts
www.gmpte.com
www.firstnorthwestern.co.uk
www.nationalrail.co.uk

Reaching the city from the airport by bus

The Stagecoach 43 bus service operates every 10 minutes between the airport and the city centre, and takes just under an hour.

Useful contacts

www.gmpte.com

Reaching the city from the airport by taxi

Manchester City Licensed taxis are available from ranks outside all airport terminals. This is the easiest and most direct way to get to the hotel, but also the most expensive. Fares are priced on the taxi meter, and your journey should cost approximately £12-15.

There are usually plenty of taxis available outside the airport terminals; they can also be booked in advance using www.manchesterairporttaxis.com

Arriving by Train

There are two main train stations in Manchester: Piccadilly and Victoria. The largest of these, Piccadilly Station offers direct services to many other UK cities, including London, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Birmingham and Cardiff. Victoria Station mainly serves destinations North and East of Manchester, including York and Leeds. The train stations are a 10-15 minute walk or a short taxi journey from the conference centre.

Arriving by Car

Manchester is also easily accessible by car. The city centre is encircled by the M60 motorway network, which is easily reached via the M6 from the north and south, and the M62 from both the east and west. Here are some suggestions for your route into the city centre:

Arriving from the north:

Leave the M6 southbound at junction 30, joining the M61 and following signs for Manchester. Continue along this route and at the end of the M61, join the M60. Follow signs for the M60 south and west, towards the Trafford Centre and the Airport. At junction 12, join the M602, which leads you onto the A57, and directly into the city centre.

Arriving from the south:

Follow the M6 northbound, leaving at junction 19, where you should follow signs for the M56. Continue along this route, which becomes the A5103. The city centre is clearly signposted – simply follow the directions towards the G-MEX centre.

Arriving from the east:

Follow the M62 westbound, until reaching the M60 at junction 18. Leave the motorway at junction 19, and follow the clearly signposted route into the city centre.

Arriving from the west:

Leave the M62 at junction 12, joining the M602. This leads you directly onto the A57, and straight into the centre of the city.

Estimated drive times:

Car hire

If you are an international traveller, and fancy taking the opportunity to explore independently whilst you are in the country, there are numerous companies offering reasonable rates for car hire. Many of these offer Manchester airport as the pick-up and drop-off point. It is advisable to book these services in advance. Here are just a few of the websites you could try:

www.carrentals.co.uk

www.carhireexpress.co.uk

www.avis.co.uk

Parking at the hotel

The Midland Hotel does not have its own car park, but offers a concession rate for residents and delegates at the adjacent G-MEX centre. The car park is clearly signposted, and you will find the entrance on Lower Moseley Street.