A new mobile site has been ceated. Whilst this page will remain you may find Trainspots mobile better suited to a smart phone.
Road directions
As with all large cities it would be better to park out of town and get the train in.
If you get to Manchester Town Hall in Albert Square, you must walk south west along Princess Street to the junction with the very busy Whitworth Street. Once at this junction, turn left onto Whitworth Street, and continue along it until you reach a fork junction in the road with Aytoun Street. Continue passed this junction still on Whitworth Street for about 200 metres, until you reach the junction with London Road. “The Bull's Head” pub should be on your right, and the station directly in front of you. The entrance is near the station taxi rank - you should find it easily.
Parking
There is a car park opposite the entrance to the station, under the railway bridge where platforms 13 and 14 are, however, this is an open area, and your vehicle may be at risk. There is secure parking around the city centre however, including various multi-stories. Signs indicating the capacity of the city centre car parks are places all over the city centre - one is on Fairfield Road, directly opposite the taxi rank for the station.
Public transport
Taxis are around the city centre at all times, day and night. There are frequent bus services to and from the station, from either entrance. The free city centre buses are also available, which can be picked up anywhere in the city centre, and will take you to the station direct.
Amenities
There are lots of eating and drinking facilities in the station itself, including various bars selling alcohol. Public toilets are available inside the station, however as far as I know, you have to pay to use them.
Accommodation
There are lots of hotels in the city centre, however, Bed and Breakfasts are few and far between. The hotels are expensive, but they are the only accommodation in the vicinity of the station, without leaving the city centre. The Midland is a famous hotel, but is expensive.
Light is good at all places in the station, however, at around midday, the sun shines onto the platforms, and can cause big white areas on your pictures. Pictures are generally good in the early morning at around 7am, as the sun is not as high. Trains can be seen coming in and out of the station from all platforms, and Platform 3 at the very far end is best for getting photos of just outside the station. Tripods are not advised as the station is often very busy and they will cause obstruction. Also, do not use flash!
