Manchester’s Metrolink is the United Kingdom’s largest light rail system, serving Greater Manchester with 99 stops across approximately 64 miles (103 km) of track. It is operated by KeolisAmey Metrolink under the oversight of Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM).
🗺️ Network Overview
The Metrolink network comprises eight lines radiating from Manchester city centre to various destinations:
- Altrincham Line: Connects Altrincham to Manchester city centre.
- Ashton-under-Lyne Line: Runs from Ashton-under-Lyne to the city centre.
- Bury Line: Extends from Bury to Manchester.
- East Didsbury Line: Links East Didsbury with the city centre.
- Eccles Line: Serves Eccles via Salford Quays, with a spur to MediaCityUK.
- Manchester Airport Line: Connects the city centre to Manchester Airport.
- Rochdale Line: Runs from Rochdale to the city centre.
- Trafford Park Line: Serves the Trafford Centre area.
These lines utilize a combination of on-street tracks, reserved track sections, and converted former railway lines.
⏰ Operating Hours
Metrolink services typically operate from approximately 6:00 AM to 11:30 PM, Monday through Thursday. On Fridays and Saturdays, services run later into the night, while on Sundays, operations commence around 7:00 AM and conclude by 10:30 PM. The Airport Line offers extended hours, with early morning services departing from Deansgate-Castlefield around 3:00 AM.
⏱️ Tram Frequency
Metrolink trams generally run every 12 minutes on each line during daytime hours. In areas where multiple lines overlap, such as the city centre, trams arrive more frequently, often every 6 minutes or less.
Evening and Late-Night Services:
- Monday to Thursday (8 PM – Midnight): Trams operate every 12 minutes.
- Friday (8 PM – Midnight): Every 12 minutes.
- Friday (Midnight – 1 AM): Every 24 minutes.
- Saturday (8 PM – Midnight): Every 12 minutes.
- Saturday (Midnight – 1 AM): Every 24 minutes.
- Sunday: Trams run between 7 AM and 10:30 PM.
Please note that these frequencies can vary on public holidays.
Peak Times:
During peak hours, some lines may operate with increased frequency, and double trams (two units coupled together) are often used to accommodate higher passenger volumes.
Airport Line:
The Manchester Airport Line offers extended hours, with early morning services departing from Deansgate-Castlefield around 3:00 AM and arriving at the airport before 4:00 AM.
🚋 Rolling Stock
The network utilizes a fleet of 147 Bombardier M5000 trams, each approximately 28.4 meters in length. These trams are powered by overhead electric lines and can reach speeds up to 50 mph (80 km/h).
🚉 Metrolink Lines
The Metrolink network comprises several lines connecting various parts of Greater Manchester:
- Altrincham Line: Connects Altrincham to Manchester city centre.
- Ashton-under-Lyne Line: Runs from Ashton-under-Lyne to the city centre.
- Bury Line: Extends from Bury to Manchester.
- East Didsbury Line: Links East Didsbury with the city centre.
- Eccles Line: Serves Eccles via Salford Quays, with a spur to MediaCityUK.
- Manchester Airport Line: Connects the city centre to Manchester Airport.
- Rochdale Line: Runs from Rochdale to the city centre.
- Trafford Park Line: Serves the Trafford Centre area.
These lines utilize a combination of on-street tracks, reserved track sections, and converted former railway lines.
🎫 Tickets and Fares
Metrolink operates within a zonal fare system. Passengers can purchase tickets via ticket machines at tram stops or use contactless payment methods. The Bee Network, Greater Manchester’s integrated transport system, allows for seamless travel across buses and trams with contactless tap-in and tap-out functionality. This system automatically calculates and caps fares daily and weekly, enhancing affordability and convenience for passengers.
Manchester’s Metrolink tram system operates on a zonal fare structure, with ticket prices determined by the number of zones traversed during a journey. The network is divided into four concentric fare zones, with some stops situated on the borders of two zones. These border stops are indicated on the tram map with the stop name in a white box.
🎫 Fare Structure
Ticket prices vary based on the number of zones traveled through. For example, an adult single ticket covering Zones 1 and 2 costs £4.60, while a single ticket covering all four zones costs £6.40. Off-peak return fares and 7-day passes are also available, with prices increasing as more zones are included.
Children aged 5–16 are eligible for reduced fares, but proof of age is required from age 11. Young people aged 11–16 who live or attend school in Greater Manchester can apply for a TfGM igo pass, which serves as proof of eligibility for child fares.
💳 Contactless Payment and Fare Capping
The Bee Network integrates contactless payment across trams and buses. Passengers can tap in and out using contactless bank cards or smart devices, with fares automatically calculated and capped daily and weekly. This system allows for seamless travel across different modes of transport without the need for separate tickets.
🗺️ Manchester Metrolink Tram Map
📍 Planning Your Journey
For detailed information on routes, schedules, and fares, visit the official Transport for Greater Manchester website: tfgm.com. An interactive network map is also available to assist with journey planning: tfgm.com.
🆕 Recent Developments
In March 2025, the Bee Network expanded its contactless payment system to include buses, further integrating Greater Manchester’s public transport services. This development aims to provide a more seamless and cost-effective travel experience for passengers across the region.