Venue, Travel & Accessibility

The venue has great transport links as well as being walking distance from a large number of hotels, restaurants, shops and bars. The full address is Manchester Central, Petersfield, Manchester, M2 3GX, UK.

Accessibility

Manchester Central is designed for maximum accessibility at all their events. Most of their exhibition space is on the ground floor/street level and can be easily accessed via the main entrance. Their entrances are fully accessible and our foyer entrances are sensor-activated. Events on the first floor can be accessed via stairs or lifts.

Their signage uses pictorial symbols and there are contrasting graphics on the wall-to-floor glazing. They e welcome assistance dogs and have Induction Loop facilities in Exchange Auditorium and Central and Charter Foyers.

They have lots of room for wheelchairs and have some self-propelled wheelchairs available for use within the venue.

Outside the Venue

As Manchester Central is located so close to the city centre, there are a wide range of restaurants and nightlife nearby. More information on places to go in Manchester can be found on the Visit Manchester website.

Security

Please be aware that security measures are in place at Manchester Central. On arrival at the venue you will see bag security checks and additional security personnel on site. This is a measure recommended by the venue but is not indicative of any perceived security concerns.

Staying in Manchester

Accommodation is not included with registration for mmc2025 incorporating EMAG 2025 but there are a huge number of hotels located just a short walk away from Manchester Central.

You can take advantage of the exclusive rates offered to conference delegates and exhibitors by booking online through Reservation Highway. 

Travel

Located in the centre of the UK - Manchester is served by strong road, rail and air links which makes it easily accessible to visitors from all over the world.

Air 

Manchester has its own airport and is well-served by public transport.

Manchester Airport boasts three terminals, allowing it to welcome international flights from over 190 destinations. The airport has excellent transport links to the centre of Manchester and other major towns and cities of the North West of England. Trains leave every 15 minutes from the airport directly to Manchester Piccadilly, taking approximately 35 minutes, and taxis leaving from the airport's taxi rank will take approximately 20 minutes to arrive at Manchester Central (costing £20-£25).

Rail

Manchester Central is close to the centre of the city and within a walk of the main railway stations. You may be surprised at how quickly you can be there, making a day visit comfortable.

The table below shows average travel times if leaving at around 08.00 on a weekday.

Road

Manchester is at the heart of a comprehensive motorway network. Manchester's M60 orbital motorway provides easy access from north, south, east and west.

Directions:

M6 (from south – Stoke-on-Trent, Birmingham) - leave the M6 at junction 19, just after Knutsford Services. Follow the A556 towards Altrincham and pick up the M56 towards Manchester Airport. Follow the motorway onto the A5103 (Princess Parkway), then follow signs for Manchester Central, Petersfield.

M6 (from north – Preston, Blackpool, Carlisle) - leave the M6 at junction 21a for the M62 towards Manchester. At junction 12, join the M602 and continue to the end of the motorway (Regent Road Roundabout, Salford). Follow signs to the city centre along Regent Road, and then to Manchester Central, Petersfield.

M62 (from west – Liverpool) - at M62 junction 12, join the M602 and continue to the end of the motorway (Regent Road Roundabout, Salford). Follow signs to the city centre along Regent Road, and then to Manchester Central, Petersfield.

M62 (from east – Leeds, Yorkshire) - at M62 junction 18, join the M60 west-bound. Take junction 17 onto the A56 (Bury New Road) and follow signs to the city centre, and then to Manchester Central, Petersfield.

M56 (from west – North Wales, Chester, Ellesmere Port) - follow the M56 past Manchester Airport. Continue onto the A5103 (Princess Parkway), then follow signs for Manchester Central, Petersfield.

Parking

Manchester Central's on-site NCP car park is open 24 hours and the most convenient option. If using a sat nav - please follow the postcode M2 3GX. Please do not leave valuables in your car if using this car park.

Information on planning a journey by car, with up to date travel information on the day, can be found with The AA and the Highways Agency.

Getting around Manchester

Manchester's extensive multi-modal public transport network makes it easy to travel in and around Greater Manchester.

Travel for Greater Manchester is a website designed specifically for travelling in the Manchester area. Their handy route planner allows you to search the best public transport route to take from anywhere in Greater Manchester to Manchester Central. You can also visit a Travelshop at main bus stations throughout Greater Manchester, including Manchester Piccadilly Gardens and Shudehill Interchange.

Metroshuttle and Metrolink

Metroshuttle buses are free and link the city centre's main rail stations, shopping areas and businesses. View the Metroshuttle routes.

Metrolink is a convenient tram network serving Manchester city centre and further afield. Metrolink runs every few minutes from early morning until late in the evening. You don’t need a timetable, just turn up, buy your ticket and the next Metrolink will be along shortly.

Metrolink operates through both Piccadilly and Victoria stations. Manchester Central's nearest Metrolink stop is St Peter’s Square. From there, we're just a few minutes on foot, right behind the Midland Hotel. View the Metrolink routes.

Taxis

Manchester Central works with Manchester’s black cab drivers to make sure they know when the venue is going to be busy. There is a dedicated taxi rank at the front of the venue for pick ups and drop offs. Black cab taxis are readily available at Manchester Airport and both Piccadilly and Victoria train stations.