Staff travel

The University is well connected by buses and offers a variety of resources to help you plan your route and save along the way. 

Route planning

Explore the main bus routes on campus and beyond with the Bee Network. Hop on the 147 bus, show your University ID, and enjoy free and convenient travel between Oxford Road campus, North campus, and Piccadilly station.  

We are exploring a trial of free bus travel from Victoria Station to campus, register your interest with es@manchester.ac.uk 

Travel tickets

The Bee Network offers a variety of different ticket options, or if you're a regular bus traveller, why not explore the savings of a Bee Network annual ticket? 

Employees can also join a credit union and apply for a loan to spread the cost. 

For further information on University travel benefits visit StaffNet. 

Cycling is a great, low-cost, and environmentally friendly way to travel to and from campus. The University offers a variety of resources and benefits to support experienced cyclists and gently encourage new riders to get started. 

Cycling facilities 

Use our interactive campus map to find where your nearest cycle shelter is, and discover how to use them. Got caught in the rain? The campus map also signposts our multiple shower and changing facility locations. 

Maintenance and safety 

Safety is key when cycling – always wear a helmet and ensure you're visible to other road users. Need a refresher on cycling around Manchester, staying safe, or fixing your bike? The Bee Network is offering free cycling courses for University staff and students. 

Still can’t fix it? Our University-run Biko Bikes repair workshop can help. Located in the Student Union its open Monday evenings, contact bikobikes.su@manchester.ac.uk for further advice or volunteering opportunities. 

For added security, register your cycle with on campus security, and qualify for a subsidised D Lock.

Feel reassured while cycling. The University provides free legal protection in the event of an accident for staff members, their family, and friends. Find more details (PDF, 76.1KB) and download a copy of your certificate for safekeeping. 

Help to buy cycle schemes and free trials

Looking to upgrade your bike or get started? Take advantage of our hire or buy cycle incentive schemes.

Staff can enjoy a free, 100-minute, bike hire trial bundle with Starling Bank Bikes for a limited time by contacting es@manchester.ac.uk  

Cycling UK is offering a free one-month electric bike loan, apply via their website, or join TfGM’s bike library scheme where you can donate an old bike or borrow one.  

Ready to buy a new bike? The University’s Cycle to Work Scheme can help fund it. We’ve recently increased the limit to £5,000 (subject to affordability) to include non-standard bikes like e-bikes, cargo bikes, and adapted cycles to support inclusive cycling. Find more information.

Cycling communities

To help you stay motivated, pick-up tips, and connect with like-minded riders, we have plenty of ways to get involved. 

Active travel breakfasts

These events will continue in 2025. Chat with fellow riders over a free breakfast while picking up tips, resources, and advice to support your active commute. Check the sustainability events page for details on the next event or contact es@manchester.ac.uk 

UMBUG

Want more regular interaction? As a staff member or postgrad, join UMBUG (The University of Manchester’s Bicycle Users Group) to connect with over 1,000 members and receive the quarterly newsletter. Email: umbug@manchester.ac.uk to sign up.

Love to Ride

Check out Love to Ride, an organisation operating in Manchester. Track your bike miles, win prizes, compete with others, see your carbon savings, set goals, and access support to help you ride more often. 

STAXY

Coming soon – A new app for University staff and students to plan cycle routes to and from campus, connect with others to share commutes, or make new cycling buddies. Register your interest ahead of launch at es@manchester.ac.uk 

Enjoy the fresh air, get active, and travel sustainably. Walking, wheeling or running are great ways to get around. 

Community groups

The MCR strollers is the University’s walking program, offering regular guided walks from campus – a fantastic way to get active, enjoy the outdoors, and meet new people. Contact mcrstrollers@manchester.ac.uk  

For runners, the UMRun group supports those looking to fit exercise into their busy schedules. Check out their Facebook page for more info. The University also offers various running and walking activities to suit all levels of ability. 

Need to freshen up after your commute? Our interactive campus map signposts our multiple shower and changing facility locations. 

Fancy a walk but don’t know where to go? Check out one of the multiple self-guided walks available. Try a tour of our historic campus, take a relaxing stroll along our University tree trail, or choose from one of three fascinating routes around Oxford Road through Manchester's knowledge quarter. 

How do I find out about accessibility?

The University has partnered with AccessAble to provide detailed access guides to help navigate the campus and utilise its facilities including cafes, lecture halls, toilets, and bars from a pan-disability perspective. Each venue is personally visited and assessed by a trained AccessAble surveyor to ensure accuracy and inclusivity. 

Active travel breakfasts

These events will continue in 2025. Chat with fellow walkers, wheelers, or runners over a free breakfast while picking up tips, resources, and advice to support your active commute. Check the sustainability events page for details on the next event or contact es@manchester.ac.uk 

The University campus is just a short walk from three of the city's main train stations: 

Manchester Piccadilly – a 20-minute walk or a brief journey on the free 147 bus. 

Manchester Oxford Road – a 15-minute walk. 

Manchester Victoria – a 40-minute walk. 

The nearest tram stops are located at Deansgate and St Peter’s Square, both just a 20-25-minute walk from campus. Find help with your journey planning by bus and tram on our dedicated Bee Network webpage. 

To save money, consider purchasing tickets in advance or, if you’re a regular traveller, look into a season ticket. Interest-free loans are available to colleagues to assist with the purchase of annual season tickets for Northern Rail and Metrolink trams.

We understand that driving is essential for some colleagues on certain days, but commutes don’t necessarily have to look the same every day. We’ll provide information and resources to help you explore more sustainable options, along with benefits and trial programs to encourage alternatives that reduce congestion and support the environment. 

Staff car parking 

The University provides five car parking facilities on campus for permit holders. 

We will be implementing new car park charges from May 2025, which will be aligned with public bus costs. Any surplus generated will be ring-fenced for sustainability initiatives. Find more information.  

Accessible parking 

Staff and students with a Blue Badge or receiving higher-rate Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Disability Living Allowance (DLA) are eligible for free parking permits. We will do our best to provide spaces as close to workplaces as possible. Find more information.  

Electric vehicles 

Interested in leasing an electric vehicle? We have recently launched a new salary sacrifice scheme to make it more affordable for staff members. For further information on our new partnership with Tusker, see our staff benefits page.  

We have a number of charging bays across campus where you can charge your electric vehicle. Tariffs apply. We will be gradually phasing out discounted parking charges for existing EV drivers over the next three years, with changes taking full effect by 2027/28. 

Car sharing 

Making regular trips to campus and want a travel buddy, or looking to catch a ride? Try our new car-sharing app, STAXY – coming soon. Connect with others to reduce travel costs and your carbon footprint. To register your interest, contact es@manchester.ac.uk 

Take more sustainable steps

Ditch the drive and take advantage of some great staff discounts and benefits and try the tram, train or get active instead.

We are currently offering these limited period trials exclusively to active car parking permit holders, for more details, contact es@manchester.ac.uk.

• Try the tram for free:
  We're offering a free TfGM 28-day all-zones tram ticket as part of a limited trial. The perfect opportunity to experience hassle-free tram travel.
• Try the train for free:
  Enjoy a free monthly rail ticket (Rail only, Manchester county card or train card) valid on Northern Rail or any network.
• Try the bike for free:
  All University staff can take advantage of a free 100-minute bike hire trial with Starling Bank Bikes. This limited-time offer is a great way to give cycling a go.

Get active

Want to try cycling, walking, wheeling or running to work? The University offers great benefits like shower facilities, cycling courses, discounted bike locks, repair workshops, and community groups. Live too far away? Combine active travel with driving or public transport, for example park and ride, for a more sustainable way to get to work.

Staff car parking FAQs

Got a question we haven’t covered or need more information? Check out our FAQ page for all the details on parking.  

As a University community, we share a responsibility to travel sustainably and only when essential. To support this, we’ve compiled key resources to help you make informed, and more sustainable travel decisions. 

Is the trip essential? 

Before travelling, ask yourself if the trip is absolutely necessary. Why are you attending, and could your objectives be achieved without being physically present? Use our Travel Decision Tree to help guide your decision. 

Make the most of video conferencing

Video conferencing is not only better for the environment but also saves time and money. Learn how to optimise your virtual meetings with our handy Video Conferencing or Microsoft Teams tips. 

Unsure of the most sustainable travel option?  

Use our Carbon Emissions Saving Tool to compare routes and travel methods based on their environmental impact.  

Since flying is highly carbon-intensive, rail should be the default for domestic and nearby European destinations. Follow Key Travel’s guidance to booking European rail travel using their online booking tool. 

Worried about the cost of sustainable travel?  

The University’s Sustainable Travel Top Up Fund is here to help. This fund covers any additional costs incurred when choosing more environmentally friendly options, like rail or ferry, over flying. 

Applying is simple: complete this form, charge the sustainable travel cost to your usual budget code, and, once approved, the finance team will reimburse your department for the difference.  

Booking Travel 
Book all rail, ferry and essential flights through Key Travel to help us measure and monitor the University’s carbon footprint. Ensure your plans align with the University's Business Travel Policy (Word Doc, 632KB).

Cycle and claim mileage 

Did you know you can claim mileage when cycling for work-related travel? Cycling is not only great for the environment but also cost-effective and great for your wellbeing. Find more information. 

Travel by bus 

The University encourages staff to choose bus travel over car journeys whenever possible, both within the UK and abroad, to help reduce emissions. Claiming your expenses is easy – simply follow the steps outlined. 

Car share and save

Car share with colleagues for work-related travel and get additional reimbursement for mileage costs. Save money, reduce emissions, and cut congestion. Find more information.