Manchester Marathon 2026: Location, nearest station & cheap train tickets

The nearest train or tram stop for the Manchester Marathon 2026 depends on where you're travelling from. For those arriving from within Greater Manchester or nearby areas, the Trafford Bar Metrolink stop offers the most direct and convenient access to the marathon's start area.

However, if you're travelling from further afield, Manchester Piccadilly Station is the main national rail hub, with regular tram connections to Trafford Bar and the wider marathon route.

Trafford Bar Metrolink Stop

Situated just a short walk from Emirates Old Trafford, the Trafford Bar Metrolink stop offers step-free access to all platforms and real-time customer information screens to help passengers plan their journey.

Although there are no lifts or accessible toilets on-site, ramps are available, and seating is provided for waiting passengers. The station is equipped with a public address system, ensuring clear travel announcements throughout the day.

Also, Trafford Bar provides ticket machines, help points, pay phones, and CCTV for added security. While toilets and baby-changing facilities are not available, cash machines are located nearby.

Manchester Piccadilly Station

For those arriving from outside Greater Manchester, Manchester Piccadilly is the city's principal railway station and the best option for long-distance travel. Managed by Network Rail, it provides excellent national and regional connections.

From here, runners and spectators can transfer easily to the Metrolink tram system, with trams running frequently towards Trafford Bar and Old Trafford. The tram journey takes around 15 minutes, or you can opt for a 20–25 minute walk to the start area.

Facilities at Manchester Piccadilly Station

Manchester Piccadilly is a fully accessible, category A station, offering step-free access to all platforms via lifts and ramps. It provides comprehensive facilities, including accessible and Changing Places toilets, baby-changing areas, seating, first-class and standard lounges, and public Wi-Fi.

Staff assistance is available daily, and the ticket office operates from early morning until late evening. The station also has 903 parking spaces, 35 accessible bays, and secure bicycle storage. Refreshments, shops, and ATMs are located throughout the concourse, ensuring convenience for travellers arriving on marathon weekend.

Reaching the Manchester Marathon 2026 is straightforward if you plan your train journey. Most long-distance runners and supporters will arrive at Manchester Piccadilly, and then connect to the Metrolink tram or walk to the start at Emirates Old Trafford.

Step 1: Get to Manchester Piccadilly

Manchester Piccadilly is the primary arrival point for visitors from across the UK. Below are the main rail connections, including details such as operators, prices, journey times, and frequency.

London to Manchester

If you're starting your journey in London, you can reach Manchester efficiently via train. Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, and Northern all operate services, with tickets from £18.00. Most trains are direct, taking an average of 2 hours and 11 minutes, with the fastest reaching Manchester in just 2 hours and 6 minutes. 

Birmingham to Manchester

Heading from Birmingham, services to Manchester are quick and convenient, operated by Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, and Northern. Ticket prices start from £15.50, with the first train at 01:35 and the last at 23:22. Direct trains make the trip in as little as 1 hour 28 minutes, with an average journey time of 1 hour 29 minutes. 

Leeds to Manchester

For those travelling from Leeds, multiple daily services make getting to Manchester effortless. Northern and TransPennine Express cover the 37-mile journey, with tickets starting from just £1.90. The average train time is 1 hour and 3 minutes, while the fastest services complete the trip in 48 minutes. With 326 trains per day, there is almost always a convenient departure for every schedule.

Liverpool to Manchester

Liverpool is just a short hop away from Manchester, with fares from £1.35. The first train leaves at 00:18 and the last at 23:36. On average, the journey takes 48 minutes, while the fastest services reach Manchester in just 31 minutes.

Glasgow to Manchester

Travelling from Glasgow involves covering approximately 184 miles, with Avanti West Coast, Northern, and TransPennine Express providing regular services. Tickets start at £16.00, and the first train departs at 04:28, with the last leaving at 20:06. The journey averages 3 hours 18 minutes, and the fastest direct services take just 3 hours 11 minutes. 

Edinburgh to Manchester

Edinburgh is slightly further afield, but the route to Manchester remains manageable. Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, and Northern run services across 176 miles, with tickets from £9.55. The first departure is at 06:12, and the last at 23:45. Average journey time is 3 hours 49 minutes, while the fastest trains complete the journey in 3 hours 9 minutes. With 35 trains per day, you can choose a service that suits your preferred arrival time.

Step 2: From Manchester Piccadilly to the start line

Once you arrive at Manchester Piccadilly, follow the clearly marked signs to the Metrolink tram platforms within the station. This modern tram system offers a convenient and reliable way to reach Trafford Bar, the nearest stop to the 2026 Manchester Marathon start line at Emirates Old Trafford.

The journey from Piccadilly to Trafford Bar typically takes around 15 minutes, offering a smooth and stress-free transfer compared to road travel.

After arriving at Trafford Bar, it's just a short walk to the start area, providing runners and supporters alike with a comfortable and efficient connection from the mainline station directly to the marathon festivities.

The adidas Manchester Marathon is the UK's second-largest marathon and one of Europe's biggest, drawing tens of thousands of runners and supporters to the vibrant streets of Greater Manchester.

The race starts near Old Trafford Cricket Ground and Manchester United FC stadium, finishing near the University of Manchester campus, following one of the UK's flattest and fastest courses with only 55 metres of elevation gain.

For train travellers, planning is essential. Manchester Piccadilly and Trafford Bar will be extremely busy, so we recommend arriving early. Trams and local transport will be operating to shuttle spectators and runners to key locations.

Road closures along the route mean driving is limited, making trains and Metrolink trams the most reliable and stress-free way to reach the event.

You can view the full course and plan your visit on the official marathon map here.

Best viewing spots

Spectators have plenty of excellent locations along the route to enjoy the marathon atmosphere.

Deansgate: Best for high energy and city-centre atmosphere

Deansgate is one of the most popular spots for spectators at the Manchester Marathon.  The atmosphere is electric, with dedicated cheer zones such as the PUMA zone providing music and entertainment to motivate participants. Local cafes and pubs, including Federal Cafe Bar and La Vie Cafe, offer spectators a comfortable spot to watch while enjoying refreshments.

The area is well-served by the Metrolink, making it easy to access, even during road closures. It is surrounded by iconic Manchester architecture, including Beetham Tower and the Midland Hotel, offering a scenic backdrop for the day.

Sale Town Centre:  Best for seeing the runners twice

Sale Town Centre provides spectators with a unique opportunity to see runners twice. 

Local spots such as Stanley Square, Canteena Bar + Grill, and Grapefruit Coffee offer amenities for refreshments and comfort. Worthington Park offers a more relaxed vantage point for those who prefer a quieter experience while still following the race.

Sale is highly accessible via the Sale Metrolink station, allowing spectators to move between viewing points or return to the city centre after cheering. 

Altrincham:  Best for encouraging runners at the halfway point

Altrincham marks the marathon's southernmost point and the psychological halfway stage for runners. Spectators here can have a significant impact on the morale of runners as they turn back north. 

The town centre offers excellent viewing along Stamford New Road, with cafes nearby for refreshments. Altrincham Market serves as a food hub, while The Flyover offers an elevated view of the runners. The town is easily accessible via Altrincham Interchange, and after cheering, spectators can return efficiently to the city centre to catch the finish line at the University of Manchester campus.

When planning your journey for the adidas Manchester Marathon 2026, securing affordable train tickets is crucial, especially on the big event day. Below are some straightforward strategies to help you save on rail travel.

Book in advance

Purchasing your ticket early is one of the best ways to reduce costs. Many operators release "Advance" tickets up to 12 weeks before the travel date, and these fares are significantly cheaper than last-minute purchases. Since the marathon draws large numbers of travellers, booking ahead ensures both a better price and availability.

Use Railcards

If you're eligible, a Railcard can slash fares by about a third. Options include the 16‑25 Railcard, Two Together Railcard, and others, making them a smart investment even for a one‑off trip. Ensure you apply the Railcard during booking and carry it with you when travelling.

Consider off‑peak travel and staying overnight

Travelling outside of peak hours or arriving the night before the race can yield lower fares and reduce stress on race morning. Staying locally also gives you time to rest and enjoy the city.

Popular hotels close to the finish line near the University of Manchester campus include Hotel Indigo Manchester and Motel One Manchester-Piccadilly. Booking these hotels via Trip.com often provides competitive rates, flexible cancellation options, and package deals for weekend stays.

Race day in Manchester can be hectic, with tens of thousands of runners and spectators converging on the city. Planning for transport is essential to ensure you arrive relaxed and on time.

Make use of the Metrolink

The Metrolink tram network is by far the most effective way to travel to and from the marathon. With many roads closed and limited parking near the course, the trams provide a fast, reliable, and stress-free option.

Purchasing an all-day Metrolink travel pass allows for unlimited travel across the network, making it easy to move between viewing points or return to your accommodation without worrying about tickets.

Be updated

It's a good idea to check for travel updates in advance. The Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) website and Trip.com provide live service information, alerts for any temporary stop closures, and advice for navigating the city on race day. Staying informed can help you adjust your journey if delays occur or your usual route is affected.

Prepare for road closures

Expect extensive road closures across Trafford, Manchester city centre, and neighbouring boroughs. Driving near the course on race day is strongly discouraged, and access is generally restricted to emergency vehicles and those authorised by the event. If you must drive, plan your route well in advance and allow extra time, but public transport remains the most reliable option.

Buy tickets in advance

Train and tram tickets sell out quickly around major events, such as the Manchester Marathon. Booking your tickets in advance not only guarantees your seat but often results in cheaper fares. For Metrolink, consider loading your travel card in advance to avoid queuing on race day.

Use contactless payment

Wherever possible, use a contactless card or device when paying for trams, trains, or on-the-go refreshments. This speeds up journeys, reduces queuing, and is safer than handling cash during a busy event. Most Metrolink trams and stations now accept contactless payments, making it the most convenient option.