Manchester City Region has a world class, multimodal, integrated transport infrastructure which provides connectivity across the conurbation and the wider Northwest region, and direct access to the rest of the UK and world.
As the North’s only major international gateway, Manchester is truly internationally connected, providing vital transport links to the rest of the globe via Manchester Airport. The Airport was awarded Best UK Airport 2010 in the Business Travel Awards.
The city region was ranked 8th in Europe for external transport links by Cushman & Wakefield’s European Cities Monitor 2010. Manchester also scored highly for internal transport links, making it into the top 10 cities.
Orbital and linear motorways provide access to all other UK cities by road. Two primary railway stations provide an easy commute in and around the city region and coupled with the pioneering Metrolink service, ensures passengers remain mobile. Buses to all parts of the region operate around the central hub at Piccadilly Gardens while free, city centre shuttle buses promote public transport use.
Being a central node in the UK’s rail network, Manchester city region is perfectly located to allow easy access from all parts of England, Scotland & Wales with 3 trains an hour to London taking just under 2 hours. The motorway and railway linkages underpin the North European trade-axis running from the Mersey to the Humber ports making freight transport very easily accessible.
Uniquely connected for digital communications, Manchester is home to thriving digital and knowledge industries, relying on the second largest digital infrastructure in the UK and the fact that it is the only global internet exchange hub outside of London.